Scan barcode
ihavetosay's reviews
49 reviews
We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
Overall, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. The parallels were cool and as this review shows, I received a lot out of this story. Generational trauma and fear of acceptance (with sexuality, with race, with physical presentation, with peers, with family, literally with anything) is real. The messages in this book were beautiful, especially the ones delivered by Avery’s dad.
Overall, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. The parallels were cool and as this review shows, I received a lot out of this story. Generational trauma and fear of acceptance (with sexuality, with race, with physical presentation, with peers, with family, literally with anything) is real. The messages in this book were beautiful, especially the ones delivered by Avery’s dad.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Misery gets summoned by her father who is the leader of her species. She isn’t excited about meeting with him, but she goes, only to learn he wants her, a Vampyre, to marry the Were’s Alpha to improve specie relations. Surprisingly, she says yes after learning his name.
What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
Bride is a slow start. I wouldn’t consider it a slow burn and though the romance in it doesn’t disappoint, we don’t see much of Lowe until deeper into the story.
I liked the world building and I like mysteries so I kept reading even though Lowe was missing and I wanted more of him. For me, there is a specific scene (on the roof) that peaked my interest and from there I stayed invested. Maybe since the romance starts romancing there, not in a spicy way though this book does have spice. This scene isn’t until about halfway through the book though.
There’s one aspect that becomes obvious, even before Misery pieces it together. I didn’t expect the twists towards the end at all. I liked the communication between Lowe and Misery about the mysteries being solved.
This is another case where I felt like the third act break up didn’t make sense. I wish we could’ve gotten Lowe’s thought process behind why that happened. From a writer’s perspective, it was needed to drive the plot the way it went.
We do get snippets of Lowe’s thoughts at the beginning of the chapter and a chapter at the end. I don’t know for sure if the book would benefit from a dual perspective, but I did want more of Lowe.
SYNOPSIS
Misery gets summoned by her father who is the leader of her species. She isn’t excited about meeting with him, but she goes, only to learn he wants her, a Vampyre, to marry the Were’s Alpha to improve specie relations. Surprisingly, she says yes after learning his name.
What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
Bride is a slow start. I wouldn’t consider it a slow burn and though the romance in it doesn’t disappoint, we don’t see much of Lowe until deeper into the story.
I liked the world building and I like mysteries so I kept reading even though Lowe was missing and I wanted more of him. For me, there is a specific scene (on the roof) that peaked my interest and from there I stayed invested. Maybe since the romance starts romancing there, not in a spicy way though this book does have spice. This scene isn’t until about halfway through the book though.
There’s one aspect that becomes obvious, even before Misery pieces it together. I didn’t expect the twists towards the end at all. I liked the communication between Lowe and Misery about the mysteries being solved.
This is another case where I felt like the third act break up didn’t make sense. I wish we could’ve gotten Lowe’s thought process behind why that happened. From a writer’s perspective, it was needed to drive the plot the way it went.
We do get snippets of Lowe’s thoughts at the beginning of the chapter and a chapter at the end. I don’t know for sure if the book would benefit from a dual perspective, but I did want more of Lowe.
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
This book was hard to read at times, but the story was moving and I was rooting for them so bad. Their love for each other and the family they created was clear. They each took accountability and made some individual changes that make me believe they can work a second time.
It’s a must read, but also check your triggers. It broke my heart, but there were also moments that made me laugh and smile and moments that touched me.
Overall, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. There are hidden gems in this book and it’s worth all the praise it’s gotten. I’m excited for the adaptation and they better not fuck it up.
This book was hard to read at times, but the story was moving and I was rooting for them so bad. Their love for each other and the family they created was clear. They each took accountability and made some individual changes that make me believe they can work a second time.
It’s a must read, but also check your triggers. It broke my heart, but there were also moments that made me laugh and smile and moments that touched me.
Overall, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. There are hidden gems in this book and it’s worth all the praise it’s gotten. I’m excited for the adaptation and they better not fuck it up.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
RECAP AND REVIEW
I have mixed feelings about this one. The writing style wasn’t for me but I was interested to see where the story would go, though it does follow a basic romantasy storyline.
The world building in this leans on misogyny and purity culture, like some romantasies do.
I didn’t feel one way or another about Poppy, though her gift, that only a select few knew about, was cool. We read a lot of her inner monologue, since it’s told in her first perspective, and in some of it I was like, please, you’re supposed to be smart!!! But love and lust is blinding so I get it.
Hawke is intriguing, but the way he talked to her sometimes was off putting to me. At the same time, I think he genuinely does care about her and has an internal war with himself.
They definitely had attraction and sexual chemistry at the very least. Their banter was amusing.
I’m sure on some level, you’ll be able to guess what happens, because the author leaves clues throughout the book. I feel like some of it isn’t explored and now I know it’s because there are like five other books available right now.
What is interesting to me is the way they speak about religion and how it’s been used as a tool for control. Makes you think.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this a three out of five stars. I could see why people would rate this higher or lower. For me, I liked it enough to keep going with the series but I have questions.
RECAP AND REVIEW
I have mixed feelings about this one. The writing style wasn’t for me but I was interested to see where the story would go, though it does follow a basic romantasy storyline.
The world building in this leans on misogyny and purity culture, like some romantasies do.
I didn’t feel one way or another about Poppy, though her gift, that only a select few knew about, was cool. We read a lot of her inner monologue, since it’s told in her first perspective, and in some of it I was like, please, you’re supposed to be smart!!! But love and lust is blinding so I get it.
Hawke is intriguing, but the way he talked to her sometimes was off putting to me. At the same time, I think he genuinely does care about her and has an internal war with himself.
They definitely had attraction and sexual chemistry at the very least. Their banter was amusing.
I’m sure on some level, you’ll be able to guess what happens, because the author leaves clues throughout the book. I feel like some of it isn’t explored and now I know it’s because there are like five other books available right now.
What is interesting to me is the way they speak about religion and how it’s been used as a tool for control. Makes you think.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this a three out of five stars. I could see why people would rate this higher or lower. For me, I liked it enough to keep going with the series but I have questions.
Colliding With Fate by A.E. Valdez
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
RECAP AND REVIEW
This book is a part of a part of A.E. Valdez’s universe with Marisa and Harlow, and out of the three, this one has been my favorite.
This romance book is longer than four hundred pages, but it didn’t feel drawn out to me.
There’s two main plots happening during this story: Kyrell and Quinn’s relationship and Kyrell’s relationship with his dad. Quinn’s individual story is a subplot that is pushed more to the back burner, however it becomes weaved into Kyrell’s story. This book told in both of their perspectives.
I love Kyrell’s relatively straightforward nature. It’s clear that he cares about the people he is close to and wants the people in his life to be good, but he can be avoidant. To be honest, Quinn put up with a lot of his shit and as much as I love Kyrell, at times he wasn’t shit.
Kyrell has deep trauma that he has to work through and I appreciate the therapy rep. His story was sad and even though A.E. Valdez tells us what’s going to happen, I was still heartbroken when it happened. I really felt for Kyrell.
One of my favorite scenes is when Harlow and Ace come into town and they meet up with Quinn for a double date (not with Kyrell). I was dying reading about their dinner. Kyrell tried to act unbothered and really said “Fuck it.”
I loved how this story ended. It was raw and realistic and I think they’re perfect together.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this a 5 out of 5 stars. I experienced all the emotions reading this. A lot happens and it all works together. There’s nothing I didn’t like.
This book is a part of a part of A.E. Valdez’s universe with Marisa and Harlow, and out of the three, this one has been my favorite.
This romance book is longer than four hundred pages, but it didn’t feel drawn out to me.
There’s two main plots happening during this story: Kyrell and Quinn’s relationship and Kyrell’s relationship with his dad. Quinn’s individual story is a subplot that is pushed more to the back burner, however it becomes weaved into Kyrell’s story. This book told in both of their perspectives.
I love Kyrell’s relatively straightforward nature. It’s clear that he cares about the people he is close to and wants the people in his life to be good, but he can be avoidant. To be honest, Quinn put up with a lot of his shit and as much as I love Kyrell, at times he wasn’t shit.
Kyrell has deep trauma that he has to work through and I appreciate the therapy rep. His story was sad and even though A.E. Valdez tells us what’s going to happen, I was still heartbroken when it happened. I really felt for Kyrell.
One of my favorite scenes is when Harlow and Ace come into town and they meet up with Quinn for a double date (not with Kyrell). I was dying reading about their dinner. Kyrell tried to act unbothered and really said “Fuck it.”
I loved how this story ended. It was raw and realistic and I think they’re perfect together.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this a 5 out of 5 stars. I experienced all the emotions reading this. A lot happens and it all works together. There’s nothing I didn’t like.
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Reviewed at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Alexa goes to a hotel to visit her sister and gets stuck in the elevator with an attractive man. She learns his name is Drew and he talks about how he is dreading having to go to his ex’s wedding with his best friend. Spur of the moment, he asks her if she would be his plus one. She says yes.
What could happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This is the first book in a standalone romance series told in first person. I’ve read the sixth book, and I loved it, so now I’m going back.
This book is a fluffy interracial romance. It scratches the surface of what it is like to be black in white spaces. Drew is oblivious at times. Alexa fights through her discomfort. She repeatedly thinks about how she compares to Drew’s friends and wonders if he is attracted to her.
Drew and Alexa perspectives are woven in nicely together in each chapter.
Alexa and Drew get along. Maybe there’s instalove, but there’s a certain je ne sais quoi in their relationship that strings them together in their undefined long distance situation. They grew comfortable quickly and made it work with their schedules.
I liked the subplot of Alexa working towards a rehabilitation arts program. Drew didn’t understand but becomes supportive. I wish this was dived into more, because I don’t think their disagreement about it was ever talked through.
I loved Carlos, Drew’s friend. Drew was kinda rude to him at times, to me, but it could be said that Carlos liked to poke Drew’s buttons to push him outside of his comfort zone. Carlos would call him out and he was understanding of Drew and his temperament.
The third act break up was the result of miscommunication. Insecurities are fed into and assumptions are made that lead to their separation. I will admit it was frustrating but I do think third act breakups make sense most of the time.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I liked the writing style and how the story made me feel. Parts of it poked at me, but the book is meant to be light and as a lighthearted story, what I didn’t like didn’t take away from my experience.
SYNOPSIS
Alexa goes to a hotel to visit her sister and gets stuck in the elevator with an attractive man. She learns his name is Drew and he talks about how he is dreading having to go to his ex’s wedding with his best friend. Spur of the moment, he asks her if she would be his plus one. She says yes.
What could happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This is the first book in a standalone romance series told in first person. I’ve read the sixth book, and I loved it, so now I’m going back.
This book is a fluffy interracial romance. It scratches the surface of what it is like to be black in white spaces. Drew is oblivious at times. Alexa fights through her discomfort. She repeatedly thinks about how she compares to Drew’s friends and wonders if he is attracted to her.
Drew and Alexa perspectives are woven in nicely together in each chapter.
Alexa and Drew get along. Maybe there’s instalove, but there’s a certain je ne sais quoi in their relationship that strings them together in their undefined long distance situation. They grew comfortable quickly and made it work with their schedules.
I liked the subplot of Alexa working towards a rehabilitation arts program. Drew didn’t understand but becomes supportive. I wish this was dived into more, because I don’t think their disagreement about it was ever talked through.
I loved Carlos, Drew’s friend. Drew was kinda rude to him at times, to me, but it could be said that Carlos liked to poke Drew’s buttons to push him outside of his comfort zone. Carlos would call him out and he was understanding of Drew and his temperament.
The third act break up was the result of miscommunication. Insecurities are fed into and assumptions are made that lead to their separation. I will admit it was frustrating but I do think third act breakups make sense most of the time.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I liked the writing style and how the story made me feel. Parts of it poked at me, but the book is meant to be light and as a lighthearted story, what I didn’t like didn’t take away from my experience.
Love Redesigned by Lauren Asher
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Full post at ihavetosay.blog
Julian is a hard worker. He stepped up and grew his father’s company, going from working directly on projects to taking the lead administratively. He gets along well with his mother and cousin, Rafael, but is cold and lonely, craving intimacy.
Dahlia is passionate about interior design and has found success, releasing a line and starring in a reality fixer upper show with her now ex fiancé. After the break up, she lost her tv deals, left San Francisco, and is working through her depression and internal self doubt, all while coping with the idea of possibly not having children.
The romance between the two read like a crush you’re kind of mean to. They’re competitive and have a lot of back and forth, sprinkled with some cute moments.
The decision around not having kids is a little complicated. I don’t know exactly what the DNA test showed, but I didn’t interpret that she’s infertile. She personally made the choice not to have kids because of a gene the doctors found from the testing.
Individually, I wasn’t super drawn to either characters, but I do think they work together. Julian was very thoughtful. Dahlia found her power.
Overall, I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. There’s a lot of similarities between this book and the Dreamland Billionaires series. I thought this one was too long, but overall, I liked it and am looking forward to reading about Rafa.
Julian is a hard worker. He stepped up and grew his father’s company, going from working directly on projects to taking the lead administratively. He gets along well with his mother and cousin, Rafael, but is cold and lonely, craving intimacy.
Dahlia is passionate about interior design and has found success, releasing a line and starring in a reality fixer upper show with her now ex fiancé. After the break up, she lost her tv deals, left San Francisco, and is working through her depression and internal self doubt, all while coping with the idea of possibly not having children.
The romance between the two read like a crush you’re kind of mean to. They’re competitive and have a lot of back and forth, sprinkled with some cute moments.
The decision around not having kids is a little complicated. I don’t know exactly what the DNA test showed, but I didn’t interpret that she’s infertile. She personally made the choice not to have kids because of a gene the doctors found from the testing.
Individually, I wasn’t super drawn to either characters, but I do think they work together. Julian was very thoughtful. Dahlia found her power.
Overall, I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. There’s a lot of similarities between this book and the Dreamland Billionaires series. I thought this one was too long, but overall, I liked it and am looking forward to reading about Rafa.
Herc by Phoenicia Rogerson
adventurous
dark
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
This book is a mythological, historical fiction retelling of Hercules. There’s some romance, but it isn’t the main focus. Familial love is also showcased. Kinda.
I loved the first few chapters of this book, but what pulled me in eventually got stale. This concept of showing someone’s life through others is really cool and makes for an interesting story because their accounts of what happens have some biases.
We never really know why Hercules does what he does, if he is really cursed, or what he is really thinking. We only see his actions through other people’s eyes, though the facts of what happens remains.
The story gets repetitive because Hercules doesn’t change. There is a glossary in the back that touches on each person mentioned.
It is interesting to read from the eyes of those who love him and can forgive, or at least get passed, the heinous acts he commits. Actually, most people look past what they know he’s done, because he has also saved and touched lives by being a hero. People looked up to him, which is kinda scary.
It is sad that almost everyone’s life he is in, he ends up destroying one way or another. The gods would punish him for his actions and essentially make him a slave, instead of a king throwing him in jail or killing him, letting him get off easy.
This was a different Hercules than I am used to. (My base is the Disney version). The lighthearted tone of each character offsets the darkness of the story. I really enjoy the concept of showing how multifaceted people are. People can be one way to you and another way to someone else.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. The first half of the story and when he meets his last wife were my favorite parts of the story.
If you’re into mythology, I would try it out for yourself and see what you think.
This book is a mythological, historical fiction retelling of Hercules. There’s some romance, but it isn’t the main focus. Familial love is also showcased. Kinda.
I loved the first few chapters of this book, but what pulled me in eventually got stale. This concept of showing someone’s life through others is really cool and makes for an interesting story because their accounts of what happens have some biases.
We never really know why Hercules does what he does, if he is really cursed, or what he is really thinking. We only see his actions through other people’s eyes, though the facts of what happens remains.
The story gets repetitive because Hercules doesn’t change. There is a glossary in the back that touches on each person mentioned.
It is interesting to read from the eyes of those who love him and can forgive, or at least get passed, the heinous acts he commits. Actually, most people look past what they know he’s done, because he has also saved and touched lives by being a hero. People looked up to him, which is kinda scary.
It is sad that almost everyone’s life he is in, he ends up destroying one way or another. The gods would punish him for his actions and essentially make him a slave, instead of a king throwing him in jail or killing him, letting him get off easy.
This was a different Hercules than I am used to. (My base is the Disney version). The lighthearted tone of each character offsets the darkness of the story. I really enjoy the concept of showing how multifaceted people are. People can be one way to you and another way to someone else.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. The first half of the story and when he meets his last wife were my favorite parts of the story.
If you’re into mythology, I would try it out for yourself and see what you think.
Wings of Ebony by J. Elle
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
4/5 ⭐️
Full review at seen at ihavetosay.blog
This book got me out of a reading slump. I have some unanswered questions about the plot, but they don’t take away from how the story made me feel. At the end of the day, I appreciate the story the author was telling. Also, I haven’t read the second book yet, so maybe my questions are answered there.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I read it in two or three days, which is quickly for me since I’m a mood reader and I’m usually reading multiple books at once. If you like strong female black leads and characters that’ll fight for their families, this book is for you. I’ll definitely read the second!
Full review at seen at ihavetosay.blog
This book got me out of a reading slump. I have some unanswered questions about the plot, but they don’t take away from how the story made me feel. At the end of the day, I appreciate the story the author was telling. Also, I haven’t read the second book yet, so maybe my questions are answered there.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I read it in two or three days, which is quickly for me since I’m a mood reader and I’m usually reading multiple books at once. If you like strong female black leads and characters that’ll fight for their families, this book is for you. I’ll definitely read the second!
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5/5 ⭐️
The Serpent & The Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Oraya was adopted by the Nightborn vampire king, Vincent. Together they prepare her for the Kejari, a tournament hosted by the goddess Nyaxia, where the last one standing becomes powerful is granted a wish.
Oraya is tired of being a human in a world run by vampires and enters the tournament, finding herself allying with two rival vampires.
What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This story is told in the first person perspective by Oraya and only from her. It’s the first in a series.
I felt like Oraya’s sarcasm and ruthlessness was authentic. Her characteristics made sense with her experiences. I liked her, though her internalized self hatred was troublesome.
In this world, vampires run the world, committing crimes against humans. Oraya witnesses the dynamics between vampires and humans in the human slums near the castle she lives in. She internalizes the weakness of humans.
Vincent wants her to be safe and remain alive and become a vampire by winning the tournament. This is why he trains her in fighting and with magic and why he’s always told her to never keep her guard down or let anyone close.
The romance between Raihn and Oraya was a slow burn that had the right amount of build up for the story. They were enemies to allies to maybe even friends, helping each other stay alive in the trials of the tournament and bantering in between. They gradually learn each other, strengths and weaknesses, and their walls come down to the lay a foundation of trust.
This book doesn’t have the smut that other romantasies do, but the two instances aren’t disappointing.
The twists shook me, even though I saw some of it coming. I can’t believe what happens and is revealed and I can’t stop thinking about what will happen next. Hopefully, I’ll have my hands on the next book soon.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. This book is a mix of the best of ACOTAR, and The Blood Trials, my favorite book of last year. I’m impatiently waiting on hold at the library. I highly recommend it, even if you don’t typically read romantasies. It destroyed me.
The Serpent & The Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Oraya was adopted by the Nightborn vampire king, Vincent. Together they prepare her for the Kejari, a tournament hosted by the goddess Nyaxia, where the last one standing becomes powerful is granted a wish.
Oraya is tired of being a human in a world run by vampires and enters the tournament, finding herself allying with two rival vampires.
What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This story is told in the first person perspective by Oraya and only from her. It’s the first in a series.
I felt like Oraya’s sarcasm and ruthlessness was authentic. Her characteristics made sense with her experiences. I liked her, though her internalized self hatred was troublesome.
In this world, vampires run the world, committing crimes against humans. Oraya witnesses the dynamics between vampires and humans in the human slums near the castle she lives in. She internalizes the weakness of humans.
Vincent wants her to be safe and remain alive and become a vampire by winning the tournament. This is why he trains her in fighting and with magic and why he’s always told her to never keep her guard down or let anyone close.
The romance between Raihn and Oraya was a slow burn that had the right amount of build up for the story. They were enemies to allies to maybe even friends, helping each other stay alive in the trials of the tournament and bantering in between. They gradually learn each other, strengths and weaknesses, and their walls come down to the lay a foundation of trust.
This book doesn’t have the smut that other romantasies do, but the two instances aren’t disappointing.
The twists shook me, even though I saw some of it coming. I can’t believe what happens and is revealed and I can’t stop thinking about what will happen next. Hopefully, I’ll have my hands on the next book soon.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. This book is a mix of the best of ACOTAR, and The Blood Trials, my favorite book of last year. I’m impatiently waiting on hold at the library. I highly recommend it, even if you don’t typically read romantasies. It destroyed me.