The Love You Give Me: Prequel to The Names You Call Me

by Kelly Violet

Rae
I learned early in life never to hope for much. Then a boy crashed into my world and wouldn’t take no for an answer. Wouldn’t just leave me be. Now, it was the end of my senior year and things were as good as could be. Especially when it came to me and my best friend, Xander. He was still right there by my side. Only he wasn’t an annoying steamroller anymore. He was the very best thing.


But that was too good to be true. Always had been.


Everyone disappoints me eventually, right?


I always thought it was funny how people let you down right when you needed them most.


Xander
I was on top of the world. High school was coming to an end and there I was with my best friend, Rae, along for the ride. My dream girl. She had no clue how I felt, but I was ready for that to change. To tell her exactly how I wanted things to be between us. If my nerves didn’t kill me first. But I would take my shot no matter what.


She deserves everything.


Until she crushed me. One moment was all it took. One image I couldn’t get out of my head. Then it was over. We were over.

Genres: Romance

83 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2019

About the author

Kelly Violet is a born-and-raised New Yorker, living in a California world. A voracious romance reader, she published her first novel, Touch Me Softly, in December 2017. You can expect her stories to be angsty and gut-wrenching, fun and flirty, or just downright naughty. Music and dancing are her go-to outlets. If there’s a party and dance floor (optional), rest assured that she will be one of the first people to bust a move.

Kelly loves to hear from readers. Connect with her on her various social media sites.

Facebook Fan page: www.facebook.com/AuthorKellyViolet/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/KViolet_Author
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kellyvioletauthor/
Newsletter: www.kellyviolet.com
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/kellyvioletauthor/

Reviews

[penny ✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️. this book reminded me of the very first time when you fall for a guy and it doesn’t go the way you dreamed it to be. super realistic and left me yearning for more.💔

[Everything Bookish Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick bite that leaves you craving more.

The story moves quickly but the characters are easy to fall for. The chemistry is beautifully orchestrated and left me begging for more. Can’t wait to read what happens next.

[ZLB · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Love You Give Me: Prequel to The Names You Call Me by Kelly Violet introduces us to Rae and Xander, two high school students who come from vastly different socioeconomic backgrounds. Rae, a Black scholarship student living in a trailer park, struggles to fit into their private school’s social scene. Xander, on the other hand, is the school’s golden boy, a star wrestler from a wealthy family who has been Rae’s self-appointed defender since freshman year.

From the beginning, Xander’s protective nature toward Rae is emphasized repeatedly. While it underscores his loyalty and the bond they share, this aspect of the story becomes somewhat repetitive, overshadowing other potential sources of conflict—namely, the implied bullying Rae experiences at school and her challenging home environment. Although these issues are mentioned, the book offers only surface-level glimpses, making it difficult to fully empathize with Rae’s plight.

The plot hinges on a pivotal incident that fractures Rae and Xander’s four-year friendship. However, the impact of this event does not feel as significant as it is portrayed. It may be that, as an adult reader, I found the drama less compelling, or perhaps the build-up simply did not match the ensuing fallout. Nonetheless, the fallout prompts a dramatic shift in Rae’s and Xander’s relationship, fueling the final stretch of the story.

Despite its shortcomings, The Love You Give Me has the makings of a solid Teen/YA novel. With more depth in exploring Rae’s struggles, the emotional weight of the incident could have been more convincing. A bit of polishing and developmental feedback would likely help the story stand out in its genre.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you are young, emotions can be so over the top and things can seem so ...crucial. Rae and Gavin are likeable characters with something good brewing between them, if left to their own but that is not the way things work in high school. Good start to this story. I am looking forward to the next story in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read written by Kelly Violet; she has done a great job at writing a good short story; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tammy Bulcao · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart breakingly romantic!

This was a great beginning to what I’m hoping will be a beautiful love story. There’s heartbreak and friendship along with bullying and mean girls. Life’s lessons at its finest.
This was a good story but does not have an HEA because it’s continued. So far so good. I recommend this book.

Sisters Spotlight 💜

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good teen and young adult romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chicken · Rating 2 out of 5]

While it might be a teen novel, it seemed to be a bit exaggerated and overwhelming. I didn’t like the characters much and it was too slow for me.

I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was an interesting beginning. The characters were good together but some of the scenes were predictable and cliche. I liked most of the story.

I requested a copy of this story so I could provide an honest review.