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ihavetosay's reviews
80 reviews
Here for a Good Time by Pyae Moe Thet War
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
This is a romance book told from Poe’s perspective.
Poe is talkative, emotional, witty and always making jokes. She wonders if she’ll be a one hit wonder. Zwe is Poe’s beta reader and he helps his parents run their bookstore. He tends to be logical and methodical.
The story follows Poe and Zwe trying to make it safely off the island, while working through their issues, both with each other and within themselves.
I really loved the first half to three quarters of this book, but certain plot points at the end were a little nonsensical for me to enjoy. I can’t explain without major spoilers. I do appreciate the conversations around gentrification the story brought though.
Overall, I give this a 4 out of 5 stars. I really love the beginning of the book, and to me, it made up for parts in the end that I didn’t like. The book ends in happily ever after, so I get why some things happen as they do.
Full review: Blog
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This is a romance book told from Poe’s perspective.
Poe is talkative, emotional, witty and always making jokes. She wonders if she’ll be a one hit wonder. Zwe is Poe’s beta reader and he helps his parents run their bookstore. He tends to be logical and methodical.
The story follows Poe and Zwe trying to make it safely off the island, while working through their issues, both with each other and within themselves.
I really loved the first half to three quarters of this book, but certain plot points at the end were a little nonsensical for me to enjoy. I can’t explain without major spoilers. I do appreciate the conversations around gentrification the story brought though.
Overall, I give this a 4 out of 5 stars. I really love the beginning of the book, and to me, it made up for parts in the end that I didn’t like. The book ends in happily ever after, so I get why some things happen as they do.
Full review: Blog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
Lore Olympus: Volume Two by Rachel Smythe
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
Volume 2 picks up a few days after volume 1.
There’s a lot of mini storylines going on in this one.
if you enjoy the first one, this one is similar. I liked it a little less, but it does measure up.
It left on another cliffhanger and I will be reading it to know what happens next.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this a 3.5 out of 5 stars. It’s been a while since I finished it, so I can’t remember everything, but I still enjoyed the modern approach and found myself laughing. I’m invested at this point and want to know what’ll happen next.
Volume 2 picks up a few days after volume 1.
There’s a lot of mini storylines going on in this one.
if you enjoy the first one, this one is similar. I liked it a little less, but it does measure up.
It left on another cliffhanger and I will be reading it to know what happens next.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this a 3.5 out of 5 stars. It’s been a while since I finished it, so I can’t remember everything, but I still enjoyed the modern approach and found myself laughing. I’m invested at this point and want to know what’ll happen next.
Sinner's Isle by Angela Montoya
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
The book is slow paced to me and the romance between the two is a slower burn. They had good banter, but they only have a few moments alone together.
There’s a lot of moving parts and a few important characters to remember. Santi is my favorite with his humor and gender bending.
Majestics are sold for their special powers, different in strength and ability for each girl, in the name of the church.
The story lends itself to social and political commentary, showing how woman are groomed, used, and abused. How a scorned person can become pessimistic. How some lean into systems for survival or bc it’s all they know. How some suffer silently, and others scheme a way out. It shows how you can be manipulated into muting your own power. How dictators can manipulate your peers to spy on you for “the greater good.”
The messages are told overtly.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this a 3.5 out of 5 stars. The world building was immersive to me and I enjoyed the themes being shown. It read a little slow, but I like how everything was tied up in the end. I came into this book thinking it was romance heavy and that wasn’t my experience, so I think that’s part of my reaction.
The book is slow paced to me and the romance between the two is a slower burn. They had good banter, but they only have a few moments alone together.
There’s a lot of moving parts and a few important characters to remember. Santi is my favorite with his humor and gender bending.
Majestics are sold for their special powers, different in strength and ability for each girl, in the name of the church.
The story lends itself to social and political commentary, showing how woman are groomed, used, and abused. How a scorned person can become pessimistic. How some lean into systems for survival or bc it’s all they know. How some suffer silently, and others scheme a way out. It shows how you can be manipulated into muting your own power. How dictators can manipulate your peers to spy on you for “the greater good.”
The messages are told overtly.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this a 3.5 out of 5 stars. The world building was immersive to me and I enjoyed the themes being shown. It read a little slow, but I like how everything was tied up in the end. I came into this book thinking it was romance heavy and that wasn’t my experience, so I think that’s part of my reaction.
Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Full post at ihavetosay.blog
This is a graphic novel where we see a friend’s groups different and brief perspectives in their day to day.
The illustrations and color themes were eye catching and there was something about seeing their hair care practices highlighted in their day to day that made me love it.
I also enjoyed the stories within it.
Overall, I give this a 5 out of 5 stars. I loved seeing them navigate their lives, friendships, romantic situations, careers, and hair and I want more!
This is a graphic novel where we see a friend’s groups different and brief perspectives in their day to day.
The illustrations and color themes were eye catching and there was something about seeing their hair care practices highlighted in their day to day that made me love it.
I also enjoyed the stories within it.
Overall, I give this a 5 out of 5 stars. I loved seeing them navigate their lives, friendships, romantic situations, careers, and hair and I want more!
Almost Always by Anna P.
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Full post at ihavetosay.blog
Thank you to the author, @annawriteshere for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Out now! Available through Kindle Unlimited.
This is the 6th book in an interconnected romance series in a small town. This story is told from the third person from both Rafferty and Daisy’s perspective.
Daisy now is divorced, running her own business inspired by her childhood, and in therapy. She deals with crippling migraines, is working through her eating disorder, and has PCOD.
Rafferty now is a single father who runs the landscaping company his father started, is a part time firefighter, and is also in therapy. Rafferty is advised to not spread himself too thin and to make friends and build a community for his son as they adjust to moving to a small town.
After reconnecting, Daisy and Rafferty realize they other never forgot about each other, and have done little things individually to memorialize the other, like keep hats, get tattoos, and even open a flower shop (last one is my opinion). Their unwavering love for each other after all this time gave lovey-dovey.
Rafferty’s meddling nine year old son comes out of his shell and flourishes as the story goes on and it was cute. His relationship with Daisy was sweet too. Rafferty is also a great dad, who is there for his son and embraces his quirks.
Tropes included are:
🌼 Single Dad
🌼 Divorcees
🌼 Interracial Romance (South Indian x White (Italian))
🌼 Slow Burn
🌼 Florist x Firefighter/Landscaper
🌼 Childhood friends to strangers to lovers
🌼 Dual timeline
🌼 It’s always been you
OVERALL
Overall, I give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars. I had a great time reading them finally confess their love and become a family. I want to go back and read the others now.
Thank you to the author, @annawriteshere for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Out now! Available through Kindle Unlimited.
This is the 6th book in an interconnected romance series in a small town. This story is told from the third person from both Rafferty and Daisy’s perspective.
Daisy now is divorced, running her own business inspired by her childhood, and in therapy. She deals with crippling migraines, is working through her eating disorder, and has PCOD.
Rafferty now is a single father who runs the landscaping company his father started, is a part time firefighter, and is also in therapy. Rafferty is advised to not spread himself too thin and to make friends and build a community for his son as they adjust to moving to a small town.
After reconnecting, Daisy and Rafferty realize they other never forgot about each other, and have done little things individually to memorialize the other, like keep hats, get tattoos, and even open a flower shop (last one is my opinion). Their unwavering love for each other after all this time gave lovey-dovey.
Rafferty’s meddling nine year old son comes out of his shell and flourishes as the story goes on and it was cute. His relationship with Daisy was sweet too. Rafferty is also a great dad, who is there for his son and embraces his quirks.
Tropes included are:
🌼 Single Dad
🌼 Divorcees
🌼 Interracial Romance (South Indian x White (Italian))
🌼 Slow Burn
🌼 Florist x Firefighter/Landscaper
🌼 Childhood friends to strangers to lovers
🌼 Dual timeline
🌼 It’s always been you
OVERALL
Overall, I give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars. I had a great time reading them finally confess their love and become a family. I want to go back and read the others now.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Sunshine with You by Layna James
Full post at ihavetosay.blog
Thank you to the author @laynajameswrites and @lunaliterary.management for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Out now and available through Kindle Unlimited!
This is the second book in a standalone interconnected romance series. It’s told from the third person from both Ashlie and Hunter’s perspective.
Ashlie has anxiety and a habit of being with inconsiderate men. Hunter is a playboy who learns his estranged mother is coming for the holidays.
Early on, we learn that one of them is aware of their own feelings. We see them both reminisce and act on their mutual attraction absentmindedly. I loved the pacing of their relationship and watching it grow and develop as they recognize what’s been there.
This is a love triangle and I have no notes on how it was used in this story. I loved it.
I enjoyed the side characters too. All the advice they gave was relevant and full of wisdom. I want to go back to the first one so I can stay in this universe a little longer. I hope Willa gets her own book.
There’s a third act breakup, but I think it makes sense for the story. At times Ashlie was doing the most, but in the end she recognizes it, which leveled out my annoyance and made me feel the story came full circle. Both characters displayed different levels of growth in the end. They’re loved by each other as they continue to work through their issues.
Tropes include
🍯 Friends to Lovers
🍯 Mutual Pining
🍯 Best Friend’s Brother
🍯 Love Triangle
🍯 Just for tonight/ fuck it / it’s always been you
🍯 Reformed Player
🍯 Anxiety Rep
🍯 Dating Bet
OVERALL
Overall, I give this a 5 out of 5 stars. There’s so many moments in the book where I was cheesing and laughing. At the same time, the inside jokes and teasing are balanced with real deep-seated issues and real advice. It’s definitely a favorite!
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-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 post at ihavetosay.blog
Thank you to the author @laynajameswrites and @lunaliterary.management for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Out now and available through Kindle Unlimited!
This is the second book in a standalone interconnected romance series. It’s told from the third person from both Ashlie and Hunter’s perspective.
Ashlie has anxiety and a habit of being with inconsiderate men. Hunter is a playboy who learns his estranged mother is coming for the holidays.
Early on, we learn that one of them is aware of their own feelings. We see them both reminisce and act on their mutual attraction absentmindedly. I loved the pacing of their relationship and watching it grow and develop as they recognize what’s been there.
This is a love triangle and I have no notes on how it was used in this story. I loved it.
I enjoyed the side characters too. All the advice they gave was relevant and full of wisdom. I want to go back to the first one so I can stay in this universe a little longer. I hope Willa gets her own book.
There’s a third act breakup, but I think it makes sense for the story. At times Ashlie was doing the most, but in the end she recognizes it, which leveled out my annoyance and made me feel the story came full circle. Both characters displayed different levels of growth in the end. They’re loved by each other as they continue to work through their issues.
Tropes include
🍯 Friends to Lovers
🍯 Mutual Pining
🍯 Best Friend’s Brother
🍯 Love Triangle
🍯 Just for tonight/ fuck it / it’s always been you
🍯 Reformed Player
🍯 Anxiety Rep
🍯 Dating Bet
OVERALL
Overall, I give this a 5 out of 5 stars. There’s so many moments in the book where I was cheesing and laughing. At the same time, the inside jokes and teasing are balanced with real deep-seated issues and real advice. It’s definitely a favorite!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
I Accidentally Summoned a Demon Boyfriend by Jessica Cage
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
Rayna and her inner and vocal dialogue were funny and she made me laugh at times. Other times I thought she was being ridiculous and stubborn. There’s mentions of a friend group she is a part of, but we only really see her friendship with Keri. Even though I know the story isn’t about them, I wish we got a little bit more of the friendship. Rayna was so forgiving and patient with Keri and I didn’t get why. Keri showed up for her in the end, but overall, I don’t think Keri treated her well at all.
Metice was considerate of Rayna majority of the time and there are parts of their time together I really enjoyed, even though, to me, there is instalove tied into the fated aspect of it.
Metice keeps some things from her though, and that reveal was underwhelming to me. After I read it, I was like, “you could’ve just said that.”
The book reads as a quest in some ways, and I enjoyed that aspect of it. I don’t know how I feel about the villain. She felt scorned and entitled and was extra because of that.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars off of vibes. There are parts of it I didn’t like as much, but what I did like made it worth it for me. If you’re looking for a little breaking of the fourth wall and a very unserious FMC in a Black paranormal/monster romance, I’d check it out.
Rayna and her inner and vocal dialogue were funny and she made me laugh at times. Other times I thought she was being ridiculous and stubborn. There’s mentions of a friend group she is a part of, but we only really see her friendship with Keri. Even though I know the story isn’t about them, I wish we got a little bit more of the friendship. Rayna was so forgiving and patient with Keri and I didn’t get why. Keri showed up for her in the end, but overall, I don’t think Keri treated her well at all.
Metice was considerate of Rayna majority of the time and there are parts of their time together I really enjoyed, even though, to me, there is instalove tied into the fated aspect of it.
Metice keeps some things from her though, and that reveal was underwhelming to me. After I read it, I was like, “you could’ve just said that.”
The book reads as a quest in some ways, and I enjoyed that aspect of it. I don’t know how I feel about the villain. She felt scorned and entitled and was extra because of that.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars off of vibes. There are parts of it I didn’t like as much, but what I did like made it worth it for me. If you’re looking for a little breaking of the fourth wall and a very unserious FMC in a Black paranormal/monster romance, I’d check it out.
Talk To Me Nicely by BriAnn Danae
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
As seen at ihavetosay.blog
Mini Non-Review
SYNOPSIS
Genai is a sex worker, operating on the phone and occasionally through video. Unexpectedly, she runs into her favorite client in person.
What could happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This is the first book in an interconnected erotic romance series. It’s short (66 pages) and spicy, getting right to the point.
The leads are Genai and Kahlan. The focus is words of affirmations. I’ll let you use your imagination on how that shows up.
I truly don’t have much to say about this, besides the fact it’s 🥵, as expected, and am only posting to put this on your radar if it’s not already.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars. It’s fast paced, but the end caught me by surprise, because what do you mean girlfriend? I know they did all that, but like, not even one date before becoming serious? 😂 It just took me out of it.
Maybe that’s the Sagittarius in me talking.
Mini Non-Review
SYNOPSIS
Genai is a sex worker, operating on the phone and occasionally through video. Unexpectedly, she runs into her favorite client in person.
What could happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This is the first book in an interconnected erotic romance series. It’s short (66 pages) and spicy, getting right to the point.
The leads are Genai and Kahlan. The focus is words of affirmations. I’ll let you use your imagination on how that shows up.
I truly don’t have much to say about this, besides the fact it’s 🥵, as expected, and am only posting to put this on your radar if it’s not already.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars. It’s fast paced, but the end caught me by surprise, because what do you mean girlfriend? I know they did all that, but like, not even one date before becoming serious? 😂 It just took me out of it.
Maybe that’s the Sagittarius in me talking.
When I Think of You by Myah Ariel
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
I think this book is first about the movie and Kaliya’s journey and second about the romance. Danny is in a relationship so the romance aspect between the two leads is a slow burn.
We get flashbacks of their time together. I felt the chemistry and the love between them. Once they act on it, it becomes a “will they, won’t they.”
At times, I felt like Danny didn’t do enough and even with good intentions, on more than one occasion he wasn’t able to follow through. The reveal of what tore them apart being miscommunication wasn’t satisfying for *me*.
They were young then though, so I do get their hesitancy to speak up, even if I didn’t like it.
I liked the author’s writing style. I thought Danny’s backstory about his parents and the movie were interesting. I found Kaliya’s journey with her career and being overlooked though she was very qualified genuine. Even though I think it dragged on, there are parts in the end that made the story worth it for me.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this a 4 out of 5 stars.
I think if I went into this book thinking of it less as a romance, I would’ve had a different reaction and given it five stars. I just didn’t find it super romantic, even though they had chemistry.
I think this book is first about the movie and Kaliya’s journey and second about the romance. Danny is in a relationship so the romance aspect between the two leads is a slow burn.
We get flashbacks of their time together. I felt the chemistry and the love between them. Once they act on it, it becomes a “will they, won’t they.”
At times, I felt like Danny didn’t do enough and even with good intentions, on more than one occasion he wasn’t able to follow through. The reveal of what tore them apart being miscommunication wasn’t satisfying for *me*.
They were young then though, so I do get their hesitancy to speak up, even if I didn’t like it.
I liked the author’s writing style. I thought Danny’s backstory about his parents and the movie were interesting. I found Kaliya’s journey with her career and being overlooked though she was very qualified genuine. Even though I think it dragged on, there are parts in the end that made the story worth it for me.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this a 4 out of 5 stars.
I think if I went into this book thinking of it less as a romance, I would’ve had a different reaction and given it five stars. I just didn’t find it super romantic, even though they had chemistry.