What do you think?
Rate this book
Love Me, Love Me Not
When Hailey Brown is removed from her home and put into foster care, all she wants is a safe, comfortable place where she can finish school and move on with her life. It’s not easy adjusting to a new school and a new life, but Mr. and Mrs. Campbell and their teenage son, Brad, welcome Hailey with open arms.
As Hailey begins to adjust to her new life, she and Brad grow closer. For the first time, Hailey feels like she might have a real shot at a future. Soon, however, Hailey realizes her relationship with Brad has crossed the line from friendship into something more. But being with Brad would mean giving up the perfect life that Hailey has waited so long to have.
Can Hailey and Brad resist the feelings that are developing between them—or will they risk it all to be together?
As Hailey begins to adjust to her new life, she and Brad grow closer. For the first time, Hailey feels like she might have a real shot at a future. Soon, however, Hailey realizes her relationship with Brad has crossed the line from friendship into something more. But being with Brad would mean giving up the perfect life that Hailey has waited so long to have.
Can Hailey and Brad resist the feelings that are developing between them—or will they risk it all to be together?
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2016
59 people are currently reading
1903 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Koz
4 books221 followersSM Koz was born in Michigan, but moved to North Carolina for college and never left.
She enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, photography, reading, spending time with foster kids who call her house home, and learning new things. When she’s not creating online training for pharmaceutical companies (her day job) or writing, Koz can be found at the local community college taking courses on various topics ranging from digital art to HTML to desktop publishing. Next in line are auto mechanics and cake decorating.
Being trained as a veterinarian, it’s not surprising that Koz and her husband were recently told they have a mini-zoo with their two dogs, fish, cockatiels, and foster cats. In the past, they have also had parakeets and a snake. Other than the fish, all the animals were acquired through rescue organizations, something Koz wholeheartedly supports.
SM Koz has written six novels. Although her stories differ by genre, ranging from contemporary realism to sci-fi to fanfiction, two things they all have in common are a young or new adult focus and romance. If you'd like to read more by SM Koz, check her out on Amazon.
She enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, photography, reading, spending time with foster kids who call her house home, and learning new things. When she’s not creating online training for pharmaceutical companies (her day job) or writing, Koz can be found at the local community college taking courses on various topics ranging from digital art to HTML to desktop publishing. Next in line are auto mechanics and cake decorating.
Being trained as a veterinarian, it’s not surprising that Koz and her husband were recently told they have a mini-zoo with their two dogs, fish, cockatiels, and foster cats. In the past, they have also had parakeets and a snake. Other than the fish, all the animals were acquired through rescue organizations, something Koz wholeheartedly supports.
SM Koz has written six novels. Although her stories differ by genre, ranging from contemporary realism to sci-fi to fanfiction, two things they all have in common are a young or new adult focus and romance. If you'd like to read more by SM Koz, check her out on Amazon.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
July 2, 2016
What I enjoyed most about Love Me, Love Me Not is that it didn't rely on typical tropes as a main source of conflict. For example, misunderstandings and miscommunications rarely happened. Even when there was one, it was cleared up rather quickly. It wasn't prolonged and it didn't create unnecessary drama. Hailey, the main female character, had low self esteem. This wasn't used to cause problems between her and her love interest like I see over and over again in similar novels where self doubt is used to cause conflict. I will stop there because the other things are spoilers. Basically, it was refreshing to see the protagonists not react in predictable ways. There was also no love triangle. The ending was satisfactory while leaving some things to ponder to make you want to read the next book. I know I will be reading the next installment in this series when it comes out.
May 28, 2016
4.5 Stars
Hailey is in her senior year of high school. She has been in the foster system for a few years and has been moved from home to home. Her mother is a deadbeat who didn't even care enough to feed her while she was growing up. The only consistency she has in life is Chase. Who also is bad news and the reason she keeps getting kicked out of foster homes.
Brad is your typical rich high school boy, star quarter back and gorgeous. He doesn't date, but instead spends his time working out and getting good grades.
After getting kicked out of her current foster home, Hailey is shipped to a new town and new school. She seems to have hit the foster kid lottery when she gets places with Brad and his family. They treat Hailey like she is really part of the family and welcome her with open arms. I really enjoyed the closeness of Brad and his parents. They joked around together and were big on spending family time together. Brad's parents are his biggest supports and go to all his games. Brad and Hailey discover they have feelings for each other that are not brotherly or sisterly.
I enjoyed all most everything about this book. At times I was a little disappointed with how Brad acted with the surprise worked into the story line, he seemed very immature at times, but then I had to remember he was only 18. The only other thing in the story line that bothered me was that the major event a the end of the book seemed to go unanswered. I wanted to know more details, the consequences and would they get things back? However at the end of the book I did see that these things would be answered in the next book, so that made me happy.
Hailey is in her senior year of high school. She has been in the foster system for a few years and has been moved from home to home. Her mother is a deadbeat who didn't even care enough to feed her while she was growing up. The only consistency she has in life is Chase. Who also is bad news and the reason she keeps getting kicked out of foster homes.
Brad is your typical rich high school boy, star quarter back and gorgeous. He doesn't date, but instead spends his time working out and getting good grades.
After getting kicked out of her current foster home, Hailey is shipped to a new town and new school. She seems to have hit the foster kid lottery when she gets places with Brad and his family. They treat Hailey like she is really part of the family and welcome her with open arms. I really enjoyed the closeness of Brad and his parents. They joked around together and were big on spending family time together. Brad's parents are his biggest supports and go to all his games. Brad and Hailey discover they have feelings for each other that are not brotherly or sisterly.
I enjoyed all most everything about this book. At times I was a little disappointed with how Brad acted with the surprise worked into the story line, he seemed very immature at times, but then I had to remember he was only 18. The only other thing in the story line that bothered me was that the major event a the end of the book seemed to go unanswered. I wanted to know more details, the consequences and would they get things back? However at the end of the book I did see that these things would be answered in the next book, so that made me happy.
May 29, 2018
I really enjoyed this book because it reminded me when I was a foster child and how unfair you are usually treated. I could feel Hailey pain. Hailey never really had a chance at life with a drug addicted mom who is a prostitute. Every time her case worker Sherry finds her a new foster home her old boyfriend who is bad news and will not leave her alone gets her kicked out. He has her brainwashed into thinking that he is the only person in the world who really loves her, when all he wants is to use her for sex and try and get money from her foster parents. After he climbs thru her window at her new foster home and insist on sex her new foster mom catches them in the act and immediately calls Sherry the case worker to pick her up. Sherry finds Hailey a new home in a pretty rich neighborhood, with a really nice family and school. She begins to settle in nicely, but after a while her and her foster brother start having feelings for each other. She warned him this would create problems and she didn't want to lose this home. She really likes her foster parents and the school. There is a lot of drama that goes down, but it all works itself out at the end. Please read this book. You will really enjoy it.
July 2, 2018
A past she must leave behind. A forbidden romance. An indefinite future. I didn't know it, when I picked it up, but it was exactly what I was looking for at the time, and I just plowed right through this book.
• Pro: Hailey was a character I found myself frustrated with, but also cheering for. She was in a tough situation, being removed from her home, bouncing from placement to placement, and a whole lot of other dysfunction. She made some decisions I wanted to throttle her for, but she also began to gain some confidence in herself and took control, and that was when I liked her best.
• Pro: The Campbells were a picture perfect family, but they sometimes made mistakes. I was glad Koz gave them some flaws, because it made them more real for me.
• Pro: We got to spend a little time with Hailey's social worker in the beginning of the book, and I absolutely adored her. I sort of wish she had more time on page.
• Pro: Best bestie alert! Brittany was so fabulous and Hailey was extremely lucky that fate brought her into her world. Loved her!
• Pro: The romance was of the forbidden type, which I don't really have an opinion on, but I will tell you that I could not get enough of Brad and Hailey together. They had a great rapport, chemistry, and a super solid friendship, which only made their romance that much better.
• Pro: Getting some peeks into the foster care system was interesting. It was encouraging to see the good parts of it, because all you ever hear about, usually, are the bad parts.
• Pro: This story had some drama, and I would say it leans a little towards the soapy-side, but it was never too much. I won't lie, I loved some of those OTT elements.
• Pro: Can we talk about the world's most perfect epilogue, because that's what Koz gave me. I could not erase the smile from my face after reading the it, and it made me yearn for a continuation of this story.
Overall: A fabulous forbidden romance, which delivered an array of feels, and left me, ultimately, in a very happy place. I will definitely read more from S.M. Koz.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
• Pro: Hailey was a character I found myself frustrated with, but also cheering for. She was in a tough situation, being removed from her home, bouncing from placement to placement, and a whole lot of other dysfunction. She made some decisions I wanted to throttle her for, but she also began to gain some confidence in herself and took control, and that was when I liked her best.
• Pro: The Campbells were a picture perfect family, but they sometimes made mistakes. I was glad Koz gave them some flaws, because it made them more real for me.
• Pro: We got to spend a little time with Hailey's social worker in the beginning of the book, and I absolutely adored her. I sort of wish she had more time on page.
• Pro: Best bestie alert! Brittany was so fabulous and Hailey was extremely lucky that fate brought her into her world. Loved her!
• Pro: The romance was of the forbidden type, which I don't really have an opinion on, but I will tell you that I could not get enough of Brad and Hailey together. They had a great rapport, chemistry, and a super solid friendship, which only made their romance that much better.
• Pro: Getting some peeks into the foster care system was interesting. It was encouraging to see the good parts of it, because all you ever hear about, usually, are the bad parts.
• Pro: This story had some drama, and I would say it leans a little towards the soapy-side, but it was never too much. I won't lie, I loved some of those OTT elements.
• Pro: Can we talk about the world's most perfect epilogue, because that's what Koz gave me. I could not erase the smile from my face after reading the it, and it made me yearn for a continuation of this story.
Overall: A fabulous forbidden romance, which delivered an array of feels, and left me, ultimately, in a very happy place. I will definitely read more from S.M. Koz.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
April 30, 2016
I found this book by chance on ibooks, it was free, and the blurb sounded good. And i am so glad i decided to browse that day, cause this book had me hooked from beginning to end.
Hailey has had a pretty rough up bringing, no thanks to her mother. She has been moved around several times, and the last one a few months before her 18th Birthday.
There she meets Brad...and things start to look up for her....but of course there has to be some drama (which i will not go into to, but thoroughly enjoyed.
First book i have read by S.M Koz and i can't wait for book two.
Below is the link to the free book on amazon
http://amzn.to/1SAxpxw
Hailey has had a pretty rough up bringing, no thanks to her mother. She has been moved around several times, and the last one a few months before her 18th Birthday.
There she meets Brad...and things start to look up for her....but of course there has to be some drama (which i will not go into to, but thoroughly enjoyed.
First book i have read by S.M Koz and i can't wait for book two.
Below is the link to the free book on amazon
http://amzn.to/1SAxpxw
December 16, 2016
2.5 Stars
The characters were juvenile and unrealistic. The writing wasn't bad, and the plot overall was good, but the way everything happened, and people's reactions etc, were just not realistic. Plus there was WAY too much drama that wasn't necessary.
The characters were juvenile and unrealistic. The writing wasn't bad, and the plot overall was good, but the way everything happened, and people's reactions etc, were just not realistic. Plus there was WAY too much drama that wasn't necessary.
February 20, 2018
Unputdownable! Started this one earlier today and could not stop reading! Only break I had was to cook and eat. I loved it! Huge 5 stars!!!!!
March 8, 2020
If you like sappy, "broken girl meets perfect boy" romances--this is for you. I enjoyed it for what it is, but there wasn't anything new or exciting that really makes this any more than a 3-star read for me.
Hailey has a horrible home life, lands in a perfect foster home with the perfect parents and perfect teenage boy--enter love, drama, things from Hailey's past mucking things up, jealous mean girl, etc. I think teens will adore the story and oh-so-perfect Brad, but there a few sex scenes and drug references, so take care when recommending to younger readers.
Hailey has a horrible home life, lands in a perfect foster home with the perfect parents and perfect teenage boy--enter love, drama, things from Hailey's past mucking things up, jealous mean girl, etc. I think teens will adore the story and oh-so-perfect Brad, but there a few sex scenes and drug references, so take care when recommending to younger readers.
June 22, 2018
Hailey is sent to a new foster home and has to finish her senior year in a new high school and make new friends. Her new family seems perfect, and her foster brother Brad is hot. But her boyfriend is starting to show his true colors, and they’re not pretty. Will he ruin everything for her? Or will she ruin everything all by herself with the inappropriate feelings she has for Brad?
The story is told in the first person present tense from Hailey’s point-of-view. We get to experience all of the highs and lows of Hailey’s life. We root for her but cringe at some of the decisions she makes. Even though I love Brad, how can any seventeen-year-old be so perfect? The supporting characters are great, too, with Michelle playing the part of the typical mean girl.
A light romance with some serious issues thrown into the mix.
Warnings: coarse language, child abuse, drug references, sex scenes (not graphic).
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (22 June): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
The story is told in the first person present tense from Hailey’s point-of-view. We get to experience all of the highs and lows of Hailey’s life. We root for her but cringe at some of the decisions she makes. Even though I love Brad, how can any seventeen-year-old be so perfect? The supporting characters are great, too, with Michelle playing the part of the typical mean girl.
A light romance with some serious issues thrown into the mix.
Warnings: coarse language, child abuse, drug references, sex scenes (not graphic).
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (22 June): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
June 18, 2018
Hailey has had a hard life, bouncing around from her mother who doesn't want her to many foster homes that keep kicking her out from the things her boyfriend Chase makes her do. When she is given a last chance with a new family and a new high school for her senior year, she is terrified she will screw this up too. But it seems like the Campbell's are different from any family she has been around before, they really want her, and Hailey wants them. Not to mention her new "brother" Brad is just about perfect. But Hailey's past has a way of showing up at the worst of times, which may just ruin her future.
So far, 2018 has delivered some great, compelling YA contemporary books that I have been lucky enough to read, and Love Me, Love Me Not was right up there with my favorites. The cover first caught my eye because it is pretty and then I read the synopsis and knew I would need to read this. In case you don't know this about me, I do enjoy some inappropriate relationships in my romances and a foster sibling scandalous relationship was not one I had read yet but most certainly wanted to.
Oh my geez, the feels! This was an intense, emotional read that dealt with a lot of hard, mature issues such as abuse in all it's ugly forms, prostitution and pimps, manipulation, hurtful relationships, family dysfunction, control, and the danger of bad choices. I knew going into the book that this would be a more serious YA contemporary read, but I had no idea the emotional conflict I would experience right along with Hailey. Hailey walked a very fine line, waiting for her old life to ruin her new life, waiting for Brad and the Campbells to not want her, waiting for her life to go nowhere- the stress of it all was overwhelming! I was so caught up in her struggles and mindset, tension building between her and Brad as well as the fact I knew something terrible was coming, kept me on the edge of my seat, plotting every wrong thing that could happen. Hailey was such a sweet, kind person, so not made for the world she was born into where she was used and abused but felt like she deserved it. I could not put myself into her shoes per se because her personality was so different from me but I did like watching her learn to have confidence in her self and trust others.
I don't want to be too spoilery, but the ending was filled with such hope and happiness, a complete 180 from where the book started. I thought this was a standalone but based on things I was reading online (ah, the joys of the book community and gossip!) I guess there will be another book coming. I am a little stressed with how that book will play out because I want this to end happy (hey, Hailey needs a little HEA), but I will read whatever S.M. will come up with next and keep my fingers crossed for the best.
I received an early copy of this title to review. Review on https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
So far, 2018 has delivered some great, compelling YA contemporary books that I have been lucky enough to read, and Love Me, Love Me Not was right up there with my favorites. The cover first caught my eye because it is pretty and then I read the synopsis and knew I would need to read this. In case you don't know this about me, I do enjoy some inappropriate relationships in my romances and a foster sibling scandalous relationship was not one I had read yet but most certainly wanted to.
Oh my geez, the feels! This was an intense, emotional read that dealt with a lot of hard, mature issues such as abuse in all it's ugly forms, prostitution and pimps, manipulation, hurtful relationships, family dysfunction, control, and the danger of bad choices. I knew going into the book that this would be a more serious YA contemporary read, but I had no idea the emotional conflict I would experience right along with Hailey. Hailey walked a very fine line, waiting for her old life to ruin her new life, waiting for Brad and the Campbells to not want her, waiting for her life to go nowhere- the stress of it all was overwhelming! I was so caught up in her struggles and mindset, tension building between her and Brad as well as the fact I knew something terrible was coming, kept me on the edge of my seat, plotting every wrong thing that could happen. Hailey was such a sweet, kind person, so not made for the world she was born into where she was used and abused but felt like she deserved it. I could not put myself into her shoes per se because her personality was so different from me but I did like watching her learn to have confidence in her self and trust others.
I don't want to be too spoilery, but the ending was filled with such hope and happiness, a complete 180 from where the book started. I thought this was a standalone but based on things I was reading online (ah, the joys of the book community and gossip!) I guess there will be another book coming. I am a little stressed with how that book will play out because I want this to end happy (hey, Hailey needs a little HEA), but I will read whatever S.M. will come up with next and keep my fingers crossed for the best.
I received an early copy of this title to review. Review on https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
July 3, 2018
A Painfully Beautiful and Wonderfully Emotional Ride
Love Me, Love Me Not by S.M. Koz is a painfully beautiful and incredibly emotional ride that had me in tears a few times. It wasn’t an easy read, but it was inspiring, hopeful, and touching.
This book had so many achingly intense FEELS. There were a few light, sweet, and fun moments, but for the most part this story was very emotional, and heartbreaking. Drugs, child neglect, sex, abuse, unhealthy relationships, and prostitution are never easy issues to read about. I was clenching my heart ready for the tears as I felt Hailey’s emotions every step of the way. Her constant fear of failing and of her past messing up with her happiness, the growing attraction to her foster brother, her insecurities about not being good enough, and the possibility that her life would lead nowhere – all of these consumed me and had me on edge the entire time. And even though I kind of had an idea that something devastating would happen and what it was, I honestly was not prepared for how everything played out. There were tears and anger and sadness, but the ending was also filled with so much love. It was touching and just absolutely wonderful.
Hailey was such an easy character to like and I really admired her for always trying to do her best in every situation. She may be passive and incredibly insecure, but she was also strong, kind, determined, and had such a good heart. I truly cannot imagine myself living her life and not turning into this horrible, angry, and resentful person. She’s been through so much pain, sadness, neglect, and abuse, but rather than give-up, she wanted to make her life better. She may be broken in so many ways, but she’s a fighter and a survivor. I really enjoyed getting to know Hailey and watching her become more trusting and confident as she slowly realized that there are good people who’d support her and a life and future filled with kindness, family, friendship and love.
I really liked Brad. He’s caring, protective, sweet, and funny too. However, I was frustrated and quite disappointed with some of his choices. He was reckless at times and did what he wanted without thinking about the consequences. I kind of wanted to slap him cause he was acting immature… But, I had to remember that he’s still a teenager so I could totally understand why he acted the way he did sometimes. Other than that, I thought he was absolutely charming and if I were in Hailey’s shoes, I probably would fall for him too.
The foster sibling romance definitely made me think about the show, The Fosters, and Callie and Brandon. Even the names are quite similar to each other — Hailey/Callie and Brad/Brandon — and that’s what made me really curious about this book. Personally, I’m not a big fan of this trope, but I do find it very intriguing. I also enjoy reading about complicated relationships and any romance that’s “forbidden.” So even though there weren’t a lot of swoons happening, a few cute and flirty moments did make me smile. I also think that Hailey and Brandon were super adorable together and I was really happy with how their relationship turned out in the end.
Overall, I thought this was a wonderfully written story. It’s terribly heartbreaking, incredibly moving, sometimes funny and sweet, and absolutely real in every way. The writing, the story, the characters, the relationships and all the emotions affected me. I really did enjoy going on this emotional journey so if you’re in the mood for a book with that and a lot of heart, then I highly recommend you add this to your TBR.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for participating in a blog tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Love Me, Love Me Not by S.M. Koz is a painfully beautiful and incredibly emotional ride that had me in tears a few times. It wasn’t an easy read, but it was inspiring, hopeful, and touching.
This book had so many achingly intense FEELS. There were a few light, sweet, and fun moments, but for the most part this story was very emotional, and heartbreaking. Drugs, child neglect, sex, abuse, unhealthy relationships, and prostitution are never easy issues to read about. I was clenching my heart ready for the tears as I felt Hailey’s emotions every step of the way. Her constant fear of failing and of her past messing up with her happiness, the growing attraction to her foster brother, her insecurities about not being good enough, and the possibility that her life would lead nowhere – all of these consumed me and had me on edge the entire time. And even though I kind of had an idea that something devastating would happen and what it was, I honestly was not prepared for how everything played out. There were tears and anger and sadness, but the ending was also filled with so much love. It was touching and just absolutely wonderful.
Hailey was such an easy character to like and I really admired her for always trying to do her best in every situation. She may be passive and incredibly insecure, but she was also strong, kind, determined, and had such a good heart. I truly cannot imagine myself living her life and not turning into this horrible, angry, and resentful person. She’s been through so much pain, sadness, neglect, and abuse, but rather than give-up, she wanted to make her life better. She may be broken in so many ways, but she’s a fighter and a survivor. I really enjoyed getting to know Hailey and watching her become more trusting and confident as she slowly realized that there are good people who’d support her and a life and future filled with kindness, family, friendship and love.
I really liked Brad. He’s caring, protective, sweet, and funny too. However, I was frustrated and quite disappointed with some of his choices. He was reckless at times and did what he wanted without thinking about the consequences. I kind of wanted to slap him cause he was acting immature… But, I had to remember that he’s still a teenager so I could totally understand why he acted the way he did sometimes. Other than that, I thought he was absolutely charming and if I were in Hailey’s shoes, I probably would fall for him too.
The foster sibling romance definitely made me think about the show, The Fosters, and Callie and Brandon. Even the names are quite similar to each other — Hailey/Callie and Brad/Brandon — and that’s what made me really curious about this book. Personally, I’m not a big fan of this trope, but I do find it very intriguing. I also enjoy reading about complicated relationships and any romance that’s “forbidden.” So even though there weren’t a lot of swoons happening, a few cute and flirty moments did make me smile. I also think that Hailey and Brandon were super adorable together and I was really happy with how their relationship turned out in the end.
Overall, I thought this was a wonderfully written story. It’s terribly heartbreaking, incredibly moving, sometimes funny and sweet, and absolutely real in every way. The writing, the story, the characters, the relationships and all the emotions affected me. I really did enjoy going on this emotional journey so if you’re in the mood for a book with that and a lot of heart, then I highly recommend you add this to your TBR.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for participating in a blog tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 24, 2018
3.5/5 Stars
Hailey’s story is one that immediately caught my interest because she is in the foster care system, which is something that is rarely explored in young adult fiction. It is apparent that the author knew what she is talking about when it comes to foster care because she has foster children herself. The struggles Hailey deals with are definitely very similar in some ways to your average teen characters, but there are a few main differences that set her issues apart. Chase’s character is clearly meant to tie Hailey back to her old life, and he was easy to love to hate and become frustrated at. Her mother was also an interesting character that briefly appeared, but she also symbolized Hailey's connection to her old life.
LOVE ME, LOVE ME NOT was exceptional for multiple reasons but most of all because of the characters. The Campbells were precisely what Hailey needed, and they were incredibly good-natured even if they made some significant mistakes. Brad was, of course, the perfect love interest, but he also was just an incredible friend to Hailey. Even the side characters warrant a book of their own. Brittany was exactly the kind of no-nonsense friend Hailey needed, and Adam and Abbie were also there whenever she needed them. Even with such compelling characters, the plot also contributed to making me keep reading. While there was a layer of predictability, it did not diminish from the draw of the story. I found myself finishing the entire novel in just a few hours, and only a well-written book can do that. The story itself was the ideal length and did not feel too long or too short at all, and no part of the story drags along.
It is essential to read about characters in situations different from your own, and this novel does that for anyone who has never been in foster care. I recommend LOVE ME, LOVE ME NOT to readers of romance who can enjoy a side of drama. Anyone looking for quite simply an entertaining story will probably enjoy this book.
Hailey’s story is one that immediately caught my interest because she is in the foster care system, which is something that is rarely explored in young adult fiction. It is apparent that the author knew what she is talking about when it comes to foster care because she has foster children herself. The struggles Hailey deals with are definitely very similar in some ways to your average teen characters, but there are a few main differences that set her issues apart. Chase’s character is clearly meant to tie Hailey back to her old life, and he was easy to love to hate and become frustrated at. Her mother was also an interesting character that briefly appeared, but she also symbolized Hailey's connection to her old life.
LOVE ME, LOVE ME NOT was exceptional for multiple reasons but most of all because of the characters. The Campbells were precisely what Hailey needed, and they were incredibly good-natured even if they made some significant mistakes. Brad was, of course, the perfect love interest, but he also was just an incredible friend to Hailey. Even the side characters warrant a book of their own. Brittany was exactly the kind of no-nonsense friend Hailey needed, and Adam and Abbie were also there whenever she needed them. Even with such compelling characters, the plot also contributed to making me keep reading. While there was a layer of predictability, it did not diminish from the draw of the story. I found myself finishing the entire novel in just a few hours, and only a well-written book can do that. The story itself was the ideal length and did not feel too long or too short at all, and no part of the story drags along.
It is essential to read about characters in situations different from your own, and this novel does that for anyone who has never been in foster care. I recommend LOVE ME, LOVE ME NOT to readers of romance who can enjoy a side of drama. Anyone looking for quite simply an entertaining story will probably enjoy this book.
January 22, 2019
Ok, this one ended up being pretty darn cute! I would say my rating is more like a 3.7-3.9, but definitely worth rounding up to a 4.
What I loved: I loved, loved, lovedddd Brad and Hailey’s chemistry. Every time they were together I couldn’t help but smile at the page. I also liked how open all the characters were with each other. I think it helped the book feel like it wasn’t all about Brad and Hailey’s relationship, but also about her personal growth. I liked how Chase was a problem throughout, but that Hailey cut ties early on, so it never felt so much like a love triangle and more about Hailey just cutting ties with her past in order to move forward.
What I didn’t connect with: I wasn’t a big fan with the opening chapter. I get that it’s supposed to show how Chase likes to ruin her placements for her, but I just think that it could have either been longer so we could understand more where Hailey’s head is at to understand why she would let him ruin her placement so easily. Also, the ending felt rushed. I can totally buy into the whole Michelle helped Chase brake in thing, if maybe the reader got to witness the big fallout with her and Brad or maybe if there was more said between Hailey and Michelle besides just Michelle glaring at her a lot. It just seemed like a jump that she went from hating Hailey because she wanted to be with Brad to helping Chase brake into the house and stealing things just so she could pin it on Hailey🤷🏻♀️.
What I loved: I loved, loved, lovedddd Brad and Hailey’s chemistry. Every time they were together I couldn’t help but smile at the page. I also liked how open all the characters were with each other. I think it helped the book feel like it wasn’t all about Brad and Hailey’s relationship, but also about her personal growth. I liked how Chase was a problem throughout, but that Hailey cut ties early on, so it never felt so much like a love triangle and more about Hailey just cutting ties with her past in order to move forward.
What I didn’t connect with: I wasn’t a big fan with the opening chapter. I get that it’s supposed to show how Chase likes to ruin her placements for her, but I just think that it could have either been longer so we could understand more where Hailey’s head is at to understand why she would let him ruin her placement so easily. Also, the ending felt rushed. I can totally buy into the whole Michelle helped Chase brake in thing, if maybe the reader got to witness the big fallout with her and Brad or maybe if there was more said between Hailey and Michelle besides just Michelle glaring at her a lot. It just seemed like a jump that she went from hating Hailey because she wanted to be with Brad to helping Chase brake into the house and stealing things just so she could pin it on Hailey🤷🏻♀️.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2018
Let me start off by saying I gave this book a 4.75/5 stars.
The author did an amazing job at writing the faults about being a teenager. She never shied away from what its like to be a teenager in high school or the foster system. I cannot say I know what its like to be a foster child but I feel like the author did a good job at helping me to understand what its like. Hailey's character made some good choices and some bad choices along the way but she grew as a person through out the novel and I enjoyed watching her grow to be more confident about herself and her future. I know that the plot can make people a little cautious when thinking about picking this one up but I highly recommend you jump off that fence you're on and try it out. This was one of my top 5 reads on 2018 and I highly recommend you check it out for yourself, you won't be disappointed. This is the perfect summer time read!
The author did an amazing job at writing the faults about being a teenager. She never shied away from what its like to be a teenager in high school or the foster system. I cannot say I know what its like to be a foster child but I feel like the author did a good job at helping me to understand what its like. Hailey's character made some good choices and some bad choices along the way but she grew as a person through out the novel and I enjoyed watching her grow to be more confident about herself and her future. I know that the plot can make people a little cautious when thinking about picking this one up but I highly recommend you jump off that fence you're on and try it out. This was one of my top 5 reads on 2018 and I highly recommend you check it out for yourself, you won't be disappointed. This is the perfect summer time read!
March 28, 2019
Bogen sprang lidt for meget i tiden til, at jeg kom dybt nok ind på personerne og bogens historie. Jeg havde ellers sådan håbet på at elske den, da starten virkede meget lovende. Det var dog alligevel en ret sød og humorfyldt historie.
November 6, 2019
Such a cute read! I absolutely loved Brad and my heart ached for all that Hailey went through. The romance was super slow burn, and grew from a friendship, which I loved. The ending was a little angsty and got a little dramatic at times, but overall this was super cute.
July 22, 2018
Foster home,emotional,drama and love and very mess up story.
Well-written book ,but a very complicated story.
Can wait to read second book.
Well-written book ,but a very complicated story.
Can wait to read second book.
September 30, 2016
Read this on Swoon Reads while it's still in manuscript/editing form. All around it was really good and really well written. I loved the dual POV.
June 21, 2018
o after reading this book, I learned this was a debut book. Well, what a way to introduce yourself!
This is the story of Hailey, living in foster homes due to her abusive, drug and alcohol abuser mother. We open the book with a scene with her and her boyfriend Chase, getting a bit jiggy with it, and her getting kicked out of her 3rd foster care in 3 days. All because of Chase.
Then Sherry (her DSS worker) finds her a new home, but it's a new school which sends Hailey into panic mode as she is going to be away from her crutch, also a drug user, Chase. She is moved to a beautiful house, with the Campbells, Gil and Gigi and their smoking hot, lead quarterback son Brad. The story follows Hailey, and her journey to a better life, acceptance and the belief that she can do something. She gains friends and a new family and a life she never expects to be able to live, and I loved all her friends, apart from the obvious one that no one will like.
Along the way, typically Chase tries to cause problems, but something else happens, something neither Hailey or Brad saw coming and it could bring her new life crashing down. When the inevitable big bad happens, I hated it, blame the foster kid I would, is the attitude. It showed how naive and quick to judge people are, but it also showed us the remorse and the guilt of her new family who let her down. Don't worry happy endings do happen (NO SPOILER THOUGH).
The subject matters tackled in this book were quite hard especially for a 17-year-old to experience, but the author did herself justice, in the way all the characters were written and responded to their situations. It is not your typical YA story, of boy meets girls, boy and girl fall in love, there is a drama, and then end of. It is so much more, Hailey and her growth and development.
I loved seeing Hailey grow into the woman she became, from the skinny girl, no prospect apart from working in Wallmart to get buy, to someone who has ambition, a bit of meat on her and acceptance. It truly is a beautiful story, some teenage drama (as expected) but it did not drag on and on, it was cleared it up rather quickly which was a fresh of breath air. Not going to lie, I cried in this book too (God is there something wrong with me at the moment!) and devoured it in one sitting.
I also learned there will be another book, so I am excited for that and to pick up with old friends. (Happy dance!)
Come and say hi! www.zooloobookblog.co.uk
This is the story of Hailey, living in foster homes due to her abusive, drug and alcohol abuser mother. We open the book with a scene with her and her boyfriend Chase, getting a bit jiggy with it, and her getting kicked out of her 3rd foster care in 3 days. All because of Chase.
Then Sherry (her DSS worker) finds her a new home, but it's a new school which sends Hailey into panic mode as she is going to be away from her crutch, also a drug user, Chase. She is moved to a beautiful house, with the Campbells, Gil and Gigi and their smoking hot, lead quarterback son Brad. The story follows Hailey, and her journey to a better life, acceptance and the belief that she can do something. She gains friends and a new family and a life she never expects to be able to live, and I loved all her friends, apart from the obvious one that no one will like.
Along the way, typically Chase tries to cause problems, but something else happens, something neither Hailey or Brad saw coming and it could bring her new life crashing down. When the inevitable big bad happens, I hated it, blame the foster kid I would, is the attitude. It showed how naive and quick to judge people are, but it also showed us the remorse and the guilt of her new family who let her down. Don't worry happy endings do happen (NO SPOILER THOUGH).
The subject matters tackled in this book were quite hard especially for a 17-year-old to experience, but the author did herself justice, in the way all the characters were written and responded to their situations. It is not your typical YA story, of boy meets girls, boy and girl fall in love, there is a drama, and then end of. It is so much more, Hailey and her growth and development.
I loved seeing Hailey grow into the woman she became, from the skinny girl, no prospect apart from working in Wallmart to get buy, to someone who has ambition, a bit of meat on her and acceptance. It truly is a beautiful story, some teenage drama (as expected) but it did not drag on and on, it was cleared it up rather quickly which was a fresh of breath air. Not going to lie, I cried in this book too (God is there something wrong with me at the moment!) and devoured it in one sitting.
I also learned there will be another book, so I am excited for that and to pick up with old friends. (Happy dance!)
Come and say hi! www.zooloobookblog.co.uk
April 30, 2016
Hailey Brown Brad Campbell
I was excited about this book because the rating was so high. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy it as much as I expected. It's not that it was a bad book. I did enjoy parts of it. Hailey and Brad's relationship started way too fast for me. There was little time between when they met and when they were working toward a relationship. But later in the story after they were in a relationship it was cute. They worked well together.
What I really liked was the conflict of Hailey being a foster kid and afraid she would be sent back. I don't want to give away too much of what happens but it was a good read. The piece that I did not like is the added drama of . That part was just way too much. And that is one of the main reasons that I will not be continuing with this series. This book ends up in a good place anyways so I don't feel like it is a big deal.
I was excited about this book because the rating was so high. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy it as much as I expected. It's not that it was a bad book. I did enjoy parts of it. Hailey and Brad's relationship started way too fast for me. There was little time between when they met and when they were working toward a relationship. But later in the story after they were in a relationship it was cute. They worked well together.
What I really liked was the conflict of Hailey being a foster kid and afraid she would be sent back. I don't want to give away too much of what happens but it was a good read. The piece that I did not like is the added drama of . That part was just way too much. And that is one of the main reasons that I will not be continuing with this series. This book ends up in a good place anyways so I don't feel like it is a big deal.
June 27, 2018
Things I loved about this book:
-Hailey. She is put in some tough situations and comes out stronger. I loved watching her come into her own person and find confidence in herself
-The slow burn, forbidden romance. Always my cup of tea. Hailey and Brad start out as friends and it gradually evolves to more and it feels organic
- The friendships. Though there is a "mean girl" the majority of the cast of characters is kind and loving to Hailey, which I appreciated
-The writing. It was smooth, easy to read, and made it difficult to put down. Which was how I ended up finishing it in one day!
All in all, Love Me, Love Me Not checked off all the boxes for me when it comes to great YA contemporary romances.
-Hailey. She is put in some tough situations and comes out stronger. I loved watching her come into her own person and find confidence in herself
-The slow burn, forbidden romance. Always my cup of tea. Hailey and Brad start out as friends and it gradually evolves to more and it feels organic
- The friendships. Though there is a "mean girl" the majority of the cast of characters is kind and loving to Hailey, which I appreciated
-The writing. It was smooth, easy to read, and made it difficult to put down. Which was how I ended up finishing it in one day!
All in all, Love Me, Love Me Not checked off all the boxes for me when it comes to great YA contemporary romances.
June 14, 2016
This was my first time ever reading anything by S.M. Koz, and I am glad that I was chosen by Destiny Hawkins of Hawkview Book Review Services for the opportunity to experience S.M. Koz in her novel Love Me, Love Me Not. It took me all of two days to read it, and I was invested from the first page. There is suspense, romance, teenage angst and baby drama. Add to that a couple of psycho’s and of course, the rags to riches plot and you have a fun read. You get to see the story from both views of the character which I love. I am a huge fan now and can't wait for to see what happens in the series.
April 7, 2016
I just finished and oh my gosh!!!! Holy Crap! I'm left wanting so much more. I can't wait to see where they go next!!!! I couldn't put this down. This was truly a great book and a great plot. I love the banter between the characters. All the relationships seem genuine, real and not forced.
Your heart aches for Hailey. The author does a great job making you feel genuinely invested in the relationships and you find yourself eager to see what happens next.
I really look forward to what happens next. I have a book hangover that won't be satisfied till I read about them again!
Your heart aches for Hailey. The author does a great job making you feel genuinely invested in the relationships and you find yourself eager to see what happens next.
I really look forward to what happens next. I have a book hangover that won't be satisfied till I read about them again!
November 14, 2016
I didn't feel like reading the 3 other books I am reading (and I was too lazy to go get them) and since the fanfic I am hooked on hasn't updated since this morning (usually it's like two chapters a day) I figured I would go on swoonreads and see what's up. It wasn't bad. Pretty predictable but it was good. A quick read and it was interesting. I thought that Brad was too hard to believe, I mean he sounded a bit toooooo perfect (but it's nice to dream). But it was cute.
3.5/5
3.5/5
December 5, 2018
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would! Yes, I do wish Hailey hadn't started out the book by having sex on page 2 (that will make it difficult to recommend to younger teens!). However, I enjoyed seeing Hailey grow as a person, and I loved the personalities and kind hearts of the friends she met and made along the way. Overall, I think this book contains a great message of growth, doing away with self-doubts, and strength. I found it difficult to put down!
April 6, 2016
3.75***
Written well and had loveable characters. I almost stopped reading from chapter 20 as I didn't like the direction and what was happening to Brad. Continued in hopes for something to maybe change. Still a few more twists onwards and finishing with more to come.
Not sure when the next book is out and if I'll read.
Written well and had loveable characters. I almost stopped reading from chapter 20 as I didn't like the direction and what was happening to Brad. Continued in hopes for something to maybe change. Still a few more twists onwards and finishing with more to come.
Not sure when the next book is out and if I'll read.
May 23, 2017
I loved this book. I thought the plot of the story was so unique and that the descriptions of everything were perfect. I looked up Monet and he was an actual painter so obviously a lot of research went in to make this book. I have reread it so many times and will continue to reread it. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.
April 20, 2016
Very sweet
Adorable first love and a very nasty bitch. What more do you want . Maybe a Monet and football. Oh finding your for forever family
Adorable first love and a very nasty bitch. What more do you want . Maybe a Monet and football. Oh finding your for forever family
October 14, 2018
This unfortunately went the way I was afraid it would go. It was squirm inducing bad. Full review to come.
July 26, 2018
When Hailey Brown is removed from her home and put into foster care, all she wants is a safe, comfortable place where she can finish school and move on with her life. It’s not easy adjusting to a new school and a new life, but Mr. and Mrs. Campbell and their teenage son, Brad, welcome Hailey with open arms.
As Hailey begins to adjust to her new life, she and Brad grow closer. For the first time, Hailey feels like she might have a real shot at a future. Soon, however, Hailey realizes her relationship with Brad has crossed the line from friendship into something more. But being with Brad would mean giving up the perfect life that Hailey has waited so long to have.
Can Hailey and Brad resist the feelings that are developing between them—or will they risk it all to be together?
Such heartfelt story.
I wanted to read LOVE ME, LOVE ME NOT even before it came out. I remember reading the summary when it was selected on Swoon Reads and it sounded very interesting and there was part of me that wished that it was out already, so I can read it. This book was worth the wait, a story that should be read by everyone. It was an emotional a book, at least to me it felt like it was while I was reading it. I know that if I didn’t have to go back to work, I would finished it earlier than I had. I wanted to finish it, I needed to finish it, due to work I had limit myself to how much I could read at night. LOVE ME, LOVE ME NOT was the type of novel that didn’t have a good stopping point, usually one more chapter, turned to five, six more. S.M KOZ kept you on the edge of your seat, had you craving for more from beginning of story until then, and even there you wanted more. I did. I even wanted to go back and re -read it again despite fact that I just finished it. I wanted to know what’s to come with characters after, especially Hailey and Brad.
Brad and Hailey, it wasn’t hard to determine that there was something between the two of them from the start, an attraction. I feel like that it was one of the reasons that two of them got close so fast. I wondered how long it would take them to confess the feelings. I’m not surprised that Brad was the first one to confess him. Hailey was trying so hard to ignore it, and even deny it when her friends asked her if she liked him. I understand why she tried to deny it. He was her foster brother, and she didn’t want get kicked out of another placement. I know that they wouldn’t actually kick her out but I also know that they wouldn’t be that happy about it either. I thought that it was cute. How Brad tried to convince her how they should give it a try, and he even gave her time to think about it. It’s clear how much he cares about her. I was rooting for them, and I was waiting for her to see that Brad and her belong together. Hailey needed someone like him, especially with everything that she had to go through. The way her mom treated her, the way Chase treated her. Brad and Campbell’s was one positive thing in her life and just what she needed.
Chase and Michelle, the two people I couldn’t stand in this book. It was imposible to like them, even if you tried to. I hated how Michelle treated Hailey, and what she did. Chase was worse, he only wanted her for one thing it seemed liked, and always got her kicked out of foster placement. That’s called abuse. Not just that, but didn’t even seem to trust her. He wanted to be in control seemed like, which included where she was placed. Despite that, I never imagined that he do what he did at the end. I had a feeling that there was something dangerous about him, even Hailey seemed afraid of him at time. Even I didn’t seem that coming. He got what was coming for him. At least now, Hailey will finally be safe. It is horrible that she had go through that in the first place. Michelle, I never imagined her helping him, but at same time I didn’t think she realized how dangerous he was, until she saw Campbell’s house after break in. I just hope that she got the help that she needs.
Not only the story, the characters were amazing, but did you guys see the cover? Gorgeous. Even if you don’t know what story is about, the cover and the title itself will capture your attention enough to pick it up. I fell in love with LOVE ME, LOVE ME NOT and I finished it few hours ago, and yet I still can’t get out of my mind. S.M KOZ has an amazing talent and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
As Hailey begins to adjust to her new life, she and Brad grow closer. For the first time, Hailey feels like she might have a real shot at a future. Soon, however, Hailey realizes her relationship with Brad has crossed the line from friendship into something more. But being with Brad would mean giving up the perfect life that Hailey has waited so long to have.
Can Hailey and Brad resist the feelings that are developing between them—or will they risk it all to be together?
Such heartfelt story.
I wanted to read LOVE ME, LOVE ME NOT even before it came out. I remember reading the summary when it was selected on Swoon Reads and it sounded very interesting and there was part of me that wished that it was out already, so I can read it. This book was worth the wait, a story that should be read by everyone. It was an emotional a book, at least to me it felt like it was while I was reading it. I know that if I didn’t have to go back to work, I would finished it earlier than I had. I wanted to finish it, I needed to finish it, due to work I had limit myself to how much I could read at night. LOVE ME, LOVE ME NOT was the type of novel that didn’t have a good stopping point, usually one more chapter, turned to five, six more. S.M KOZ kept you on the edge of your seat, had you craving for more from beginning of story until then, and even there you wanted more. I did. I even wanted to go back and re -read it again despite fact that I just finished it. I wanted to know what’s to come with characters after, especially Hailey and Brad.
Brad and Hailey, it wasn’t hard to determine that there was something between the two of them from the start, an attraction. I feel like that it was one of the reasons that two of them got close so fast. I wondered how long it would take them to confess the feelings. I’m not surprised that Brad was the first one to confess him. Hailey was trying so hard to ignore it, and even deny it when her friends asked her if she liked him. I understand why she tried to deny it. He was her foster brother, and she didn’t want get kicked out of another placement. I know that they wouldn’t actually kick her out but I also know that they wouldn’t be that happy about it either. I thought that it was cute. How Brad tried to convince her how they should give it a try, and he even gave her time to think about it. It’s clear how much he cares about her. I was rooting for them, and I was waiting for her to see that Brad and her belong together. Hailey needed someone like him, especially with everything that she had to go through. The way her mom treated her, the way Chase treated her. Brad and Campbell’s was one positive thing in her life and just what she needed.
Chase and Michelle, the two people I couldn’t stand in this book. It was imposible to like them, even if you tried to. I hated how Michelle treated Hailey, and what she did. Chase was worse, he only wanted her for one thing it seemed liked, and always got her kicked out of foster placement. That’s called abuse. Not just that, but didn’t even seem to trust her. He wanted to be in control seemed like, which included where she was placed. Despite that, I never imagined that he do what he did at the end. I had a feeling that there was something dangerous about him, even Hailey seemed afraid of him at time. Even I didn’t seem that coming. He got what was coming for him. At least now, Hailey will finally be safe. It is horrible that she had go through that in the first place. Michelle, I never imagined her helping him, but at same time I didn’t think she realized how dangerous he was, until she saw Campbell’s house after break in. I just hope that she got the help that she needs.
Not only the story, the characters were amazing, but did you guys see the cover? Gorgeous. Even if you don’t know what story is about, the cover and the title itself will capture your attention enough to pick it up. I fell in love with LOVE ME, LOVE ME NOT and I finished it few hours ago, and yet I still can’t get out of my mind. S.M KOZ has an amazing talent and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews