Perhaps the stars aligned, but fate had other plans... Ace and Calla face the ultimate test as they navigate through the harsh realities of his arrest. The stakes are higher than ever before. With their future crumbling and their past lurking in the shadows, they must confront the demons that threaten to consume them. Will they overcome the darkness or be engulfed by their past? Find out in the highly anticipated third and final instalment of the I Need You trilogy.
I’d like to begin by thanking the author for giving me a chance of being an arc reader.
When I first began this series on Wattpad three or four years ago, I was able to see the comments from people who had figured out the plot twist of the first book's ending and the second book's sibling reveal. The characters and the way they fell in love, broke each other's hearts, and then mend them, captured my heart. The same was true of this work. My thoughts was twisted, my heart was shattered, repaired, and relieved, and I sobbed, laughed, and fell back in love with the series and its characters. The conclusion shows a "perfect" but flawed resolution; nothing ever goes exactly as we expect. When we were told one thing the night of the accident and afterwards learned something completely different, I had the impression that I was there with the characters and felt what they felt as I have been reading about them for the past years.
I'm glad Calla stopped tiptoeing around Ace and started saying what was on her mind; her wondering if the love was real and whether it was motivated by guilt, and it felt to me like "yes, the deep questions were answered, but I wish I saw more of Ace's growth in opening up to Calla. His development felt unfinished in a way, but the time jumps also made me feel like they were resolved somehow in between them.
THE PLOT TWISTS??? HELLO??? I SOBBED, I CRIED, I SCREAMED!!! They made me rethink everything I read over the years about this series. THE 9 TESTS!!! THE JUMP FROM CHAPTER 34-35-36??? IT WAS A ROLLERCOASTER
I adore how Ace's difficulties with abandonment and doubts about his deservingness of love were exposed. The two main characters did a fantastic job of reassuring one another of their value and how much they cared for one another. My heart was somewhat at ease when Ace said, "She chose me," knowing that he was comforted and loved knowing that Calla had repeatedly chosen him.
I think we all had the same favorite quote in the first book: “Maybe we’ll meet again in another life. When the stars align”
Then the second book: “I made the stars align for us, love.”
Now the third and final quote: “You don’t wait for the stars to align. You push with every ounce of your soul. You make them align. Make the universe see that this is where you belong. That this is your life, and you won’t settle for anything less.”
Although I'm sorry to see this series come to an end, I'm glad it wasn't stretched out and that it did so in the most absolutely imperfect way possible. Anyone looking for a romance series should start with this one, and I'll keep reading it as long as it's my favorite. This feels like the end of an era for me, and I will be revisiting this series whenever I have the chance since it is a comfort read. The publication of this series made me into the book addict I am today, and I will forever be grateful.
Id like to add that the name “Astra” IS BEAUTIFUL
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
calla and ace’s conclusion 😭🤍. this book made me scream, cry, and smile so dang hard. calla and ace have been through it all. the worst and the best. i love them so so much, im so sad it’s over 🥺🤍.
I didn't expect to wake up and find the ARC of this book in my email, but I've never felt happier and more grateful to be chosen for this opportunity, so thank you Genicious and the team for this.
This book was the perfect ending to such a painful yet beautiful story, Ace and Calla's story. The stars have finally aligned for them, after the many ups and downs they went through. This book did not disappoint at all, and it was worth the wait that I went through to read it. It was just as good and intriguing as the other two books.
Ace and Calla's relationship is so special to me, and I'll forever value it and love them. The way this book presented how they're made for each other, in this lifetime in every lifetime, and how they were ready to do everything to be with each other, and make sure that the other person is happy. Including, the chemistry between them has been intense since day 1, keeps on increasing within every chapter, and I loved every bit of it. After all the pain they went through, that plot twist was one that I didn't expect, but made me the happiest, and the ending was one that they deserved. I know Ellie is just looking over them, smiling so brightly like the sunshine girl she is. My baby.
I related to this book more than I thought I would, bits here and there. But I do know how it feels to lose someone to a battle of cancer, so that was painful to go through. I felt their pain on a whole different level. I'll forever love Genicious' writing, it pulls you in and keeps you on your toes or on the clouds. I'm looking forward to reading more books in the future by Genicious, been one of my favorite authors since forever. Once again, feeling lucky and blessed that I was able to get this opportunity.
I don't want to say more to avoid spoilers, and to keep you all on your toes, just the way I felt, but one of of my favorite quotes was; The sky lights up for us. “A shooting star,” I murmur. “Make a wish.” Because that’s what you do, right? “Fuck the stars. I have everything I need and more right in front of me.”
I'm sad that this universe is ending, but it was so good while it lasted. Till the stars align in a different universe.
i normally don't struggle to write reviews; however, this time i'm at a loss for words. i haven't got a single clue on where to begin - in a good way don't worry ;)
(spoiler-free review)
although this review is for the 3rd book, i have to say i have loved all 3 equally. but i do have to say this one's made me cry x3. so here's a warning: don't read this series if you don't want to get your heart broken (over and over and over 🥲)
HOWEVER
i really recommend you read it
yes, you will go through (a lot) of emotional pain, but it's worth every second
calla & ace's story is one that will stay with me forever, specially due to the way it is written — written in the stars (sorry i couldn’t resist the pun hehe)
i'm not going to talk about the stuff that happens in this book as that would contain spoilers for all 3 books so i'm going to focus more on how it made me feel :)
atp i think we're all aware of the fact genicious is one of my favourite authors, and this isn't just because of her stories but because of her writing. it's simply marvellous. you'd expect to find this in a poetry book from the 1600s, however you can enjoy your smutty contemporary romance and not miss out on the heart-stopping similes and metaphors
now let's focus a bit more on the 3rd book. the one this is a review for haha
i'm going to start by copy pasting the text i sent my best friend when i was reaching *that part*, and tbh i think sums up perfectly how i felt about the entire book:
"nah this is stressing me out sm i can't take this anymore. crying, laughing, sobbing, grinning, bawling and giggling. please make it stop i cannot take this anymore 😭”
i believe this was the perfect conclusion to the trilogy. it hurt like h*ll ngl, but as bittersweet as it was, i enjoyed it all. this book includes a lot of really tough situations and raw emotions, but they're all ones we experience irl. everything the characters go through is something we'll relate to at some point or another in our lives, and they've taught me a lot over the 3 books
thank you sm genicious for giving me the opportunity to read the conclusion to my fav series and trusting me to write a review <3
ETA: I can't with this series so imma pretend I never read it lolz
I'll admit I was a bit judgemental when I started reading this book, going off about how I could never be with a man who'd killed my mom - albeit unintentionally. That was my stand for more than half of the book. But it changed at around the 70ish% mark (I think) during the plot twist. Overall, this was a good read and I'm glad that I pushed through and finished this. With that being said, I don't think I'll be reading Nik's book (the author has said that he'll be getting his own story, if I'm not wrong) because I personally don't like the whole "I've-slept-with-my-sister-in-law" thing. But that's just me eh I guess. Also, I'd be lying if I said that Ace's behavior didn't piss me off/frustrate me. His inability to even try to communicate/his need to constantly shut bothered me a lot for some reason idk.
Was surprised to see the ARC in my emails since I didn't get an email that I was getting one. But, thank you Genicious for the ARC. Very excited to conclude this trilogy :)
IM CRYING! Had the absolute privilege of being an arc reader for this conclusion of this amazing trilogy and let me tell you I was at the edge of my seat the whole freaking time! So many rollercoaster of emotions but Ace and Calla perhaps the stars did align for you guys one last time but it wasn’t without hardships to get to their happy ending. It was not without challenges that’s for sure but dang their story is beautiful and I loved it!! Thank you again Genicious for allowing me to get an arc for this! I’ll miss Ace and Calla and their world!
I was in shock when I got the ARC of this book so thank you Genicious🩷 I’m so glad I finally know the finale of Ace and Calla’s story and it is everything I hoped for! I have waited so long with questions from the second book and now I am crying. Gen did it once again! Every time someone asks me for a romance book recommendation, I always say this series because I have been invested since INYTHM came out! That book got me into reading and I haven’t stopped since!
With all the things Ace and Calla had been through. The way they tried to be there for each other no matter what and worked it out. I saw a lot of character development which I loved.
Once again, there was another plot twist that I did not expect but I knew somehow Ace was not guilty. I felt like I was in the book with everything that was going on! I was so invested with everything that was thrown at me in the last 100 pages. That man will do anything to make Calla’s dreams come true. He really out here making my standards off the charts💀 Also, can we talk about how unique and beautiful the name Astra is✨
This series is definitely worth a read and I wish more people come to find Genicious’s work as amazing as I do! I can’t wait to read more of her work in the future!
favorite quotes:
“They say to find someone who brings out the best in you, but I didn’t know what that meant until him.”
“I can’t fucking imagine a life without you. As soon as we crossed paths, I knew I’d never be able to look at another person the way I look at you. No one could come close to making me feel even a fraction of what I feel for you.” nah cause this is all i want😭
“You don't wait for the stars to align. You push with every ounce of your soul. You make them align. Make the universe see that this is where you belong. That this is your life, and you won't settle for anything less."
“Fuck the stars. I have everything I need and more right in front of me.” this ending was everything!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I had the delight of receiving the ARC in my inbox! The story was the most poignant, beautiful and fitting end for Calla and Ace's story. I went through every single emotion possible whilst reading it. There were many moments of heartbreak and sorrow mixed in with moments of beauty when everything felt okay. It was well worth the wait after the first two were released, all those months of pondering Ace's fate after the second book ended with a bittersweet sense of closure. The way that each character in the trilogy was given a clear ending and future set for them provided warmth for me. The way that the difficult moments of Ace and Calla's relationship were not hidden away amongst the other dramas of their lives and were acknowledged with graceful sensitivity really increased my fascination with the storyline. Genicious, thank you for giving us this breathtaking series which drew us in with every word. Thank you for making our stars align.
I read the first two books of this series about a year ago and I remember being so hype about this release so I immediately had to grab
But I am not sure if its because I read this so long ago that there is a slight disconnect or I have just advanced as a reader since then. This one just seemed a bit slow for me. I was not enticed the entire time and a lot of the plot was predictable and anticlimactic.
I was so hot for MMC reading the first few books but found myself annoyed with him this book. AGAIN, lemme emphasize it is probably just my disconnect. I still believe his thoughts and feelings were very well written. Also, the spice was great.
I blame the disconnect because I don't remember a lot of the different character traits, especially with the side characters. I think the book would have been a lot more fulfilling had I read the three in a row.
i am so delighted and grateful that i had the privilege to receive an arc for this book, as i was very interested to see how Genicious was going to wrap up this series.
for as a book as a whole, i liked it; for a book as the finale to a series, i didn’t like it as much. this book continues with ace and calla’s relationship as they face hurdles and bumps along the way, and it’s a very solid read. the reason why this book isn’t a 5-star to me is because i feel as though there were too many loose ends or things that came up during the book and were not resolved in the end. ace and calla went to couple’s therapy to strengthen their relationship, which i thought was great, but they only went once; it didn’t go that well, plus they didn’t even do what the therapist told them to. i do think that in ace and calla’s relationship, there has been a lot of miscommunicating/no communication on certain topics. instead of actually communicating, they just have sex to avoid the topic. like their therapist said (during the one therapy session they had), they need to learn how to actively communicate and understand each other. communication is key, but understanding what the other is trying to communicate is even more important.
nonetheless, i still very much enjoyed this book and finished it within a day [which can speak volumes], and i am so happy to see how ace and calla's relationship has grown and flowered through the series and following their journey, but i am also so sad to see this series come to a close <3
thank you thank you so much Genicious for the e-arc; i hope you're happy and proud of this series, and i'm excited to see what you have in store next
Where do I start? I don’t even know. This book has brought me some closure I never knew I needed. I’ve been following genicious work since she first started writing the first book in the series. I need you to hate me. It’s been three years. Three years since she made me fall in love with the beautiful girl that is Calla Maven (now blackwell🤭) is. And her relationship with the tough but kindhearted guy Ace is. The ups and downs. The love and the heartbreak. I didn’t think it could get any better after the second book in the series “I need you to love me”. But genicious once again proved me wrong. In the newest addition to the I need you series, we see Ace and calla go trough love, heartbreak and pain, handling impossible life events together. Together being the key word. They were finally a team (more or less hehe).The character development is unbelievable. Genicious writing drawing me in, page for page, word for word. I cried, laughed and giggled while kicking my feet like a highschooler. She gave them the ending they deserved, making I need You To Save me, my favourite book in the series, and maybe even the best book I’ve ever read. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone up for a wild ride.
Thank you Ace and Calla. I will miss you so much.
Thank you genicious. Can’t wait to see what you do next❤️
“We’re like two binary stars—bound to each other, appearing as a single point from a distance. But together? Together we’re a cosmic phenomenon. Destined in one another’s existence.”
what a way to end this trilogy. since I read I need you to hate me, calla & Ace had completely stolen my heart. this trilogy was so addicting. I actually did a reread for I need you to hate me + I need you to love me before starting this one & yes they are still five stars. Ace and Calla will forever hold a piece of my heart & I don’t think I’ll ever get over these books.
I’d like to thank the author for sending me this arc. I’m forever grateful. <3
this one starts off where I need you to love me ends. there was so much ace & calla had to go through to finally be happy. this one felt like I was on a rollercoaster ride that never ended.
Ace struggles a lot with the guilt of what happened in the past. he has a hard time letting it go & top it off with something traumatic that happened in his family. I swear my man couldn’t catch a break. Ace deserves so much happiness. the way his love for calla is was everything. and the mouth on this man OMG 😏
Calla is one of the strongest fmc’s ever. The patience and love she has for Ace is amazing. She’s literally the calm in his storm. & she definitely was fighting for her man.
Now there is a plot twist that I wasn’t expecting at ALL! The way my jaw dropped.
This book literally had me in tears. There were just so many emotions here. It’s one I’ll never get over. If you haven’t read this series, don’t sleep on it!
🎧 songs to listen to while reading this :
- timeless (taylors version) | Taylor Swift - say something | a great big world ft Christina Aguilera - Iris | the goo goo dolls
This series captured my heart right from the beginning and will continue to hold a piece of my heart for many years to come.
This book truly had one of the most heart-wrenching, bittersweet endings I have ever read and for me made it the perfect ending for Calla and Ace. These two characters are beautifully written - individually flawed but stronger together - I really valued being able to relate so deeply with them through their struggles; it made me connect with this book even more making it even harder to finish in the best way because I didn’t want their story to end.
Genicious is one of the most talented authors I have ever come across; from the plot twist to the individual journeys of Calla and Ace who’s stories always intertwine to the truly moving plot line of grief and loss.
Ace and Calla are the perfect example of the kind of love you fight for no matter what and do whatever you can to be together and because of them I hold onto the firm belief that true love exists somewhere out there.
I’m so proud to say I have been a fan of this series since 2021 when “I Need You to Hate Me” was released and this book truly was a perfect way to bring Calla and Ace’s story to a close. This book was well and truly worth the wait and I’m so grateful to have been selected as ARC for the final book in the series.
I’ve been waiting 2 years for this book and I’m so glad I finally got to finish up the series. The only thing that makes absolutely no sense to me is that the whole negative premise of the series is because of a ‘murder’, yet what does Ace go and do at the end of the book, not even thinking of the consequences…👁️👄👁️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
my heart 🤍🤍 i’ve been reading this series since october 2020 (og iconic wattpad days) 14 year old me would be so happy to see how it ended. ace and calla, you will always have my heart. 🥰🥲
….
The sky lights up for us. “A shooting star,” I murmur. “Make a wish.” Because that’s what you do right?
“Fuck the stars. I have everything I need and more right in front of me.”
I never thought I would get the ARC for this book but when I saw I did, I kid you not I started crying.
This book was a perfect ending for Ace and Calla. This book really showed how when life keeps throwing curve balls at you and your relationship you need to push through them if you really love someone. And Ace and Calla have had many curveballs.
I started reading this series on Wattpad and fell in love immediately. It was actually how I fell in love with reading as well. Ace and Callas story was heartbreaking and passionate. I couldn’t have imagined a better ending to a couple like them and they deserved it after all they’ve been through.
Thank you Genicious for the opportunity to read this book before it came out. It has been one of my favorite series since I first read it.
“fuck the stars. I have everything I need and more right in front of me.” 💜✨
a special thank you to the author for letting me be one of your arc readers 🫶
I can’t believe this series is finally over 🥹 Ace and Calla have been through so much throughout the years and seeing them grow together in every way is heartwarming. This book does a good job of closing the series in a way that you see them mature, deal with struggles a lot of couples go through, the emotional toll it takes on you when you push down your emotions. Everything was just amazing.
• fav quotes •
“I’m in this. Every molecule of me belongs to him. To do with as he pleases. Does that terrify me? Completely. Do I trust him? With all my heart.”
“You don’t wait for the stars to align. You push with every ounce of your soul. You make them align. Make the universe see that this is where you belong.”
“I still can’t believe it. She chose me. And for that, I’m the luckiest man in the world.”
“you don’t wait for the stars to align. you push with every ounce of your soul. you make them align. make the universe see that this is where you belong.”
loved this and hated it at the same time. loved their love story, hated that this world has ended and I’d never get the feeling of reading it for the first time, this trilogy will always be one to reread over and over. ace and calla have never had it easy from the beginning but they eventually got their happy ending, it sure hell didn’t come easy with all the emotional roller coaster, trauma, loss, etc. that they’ve had to endure. this has been one for the book’s beautiful but heartbreaking with each book. my babies have grown over the years and matured so well don’t mind me crying.
genicious has a done a fine job at making these books fast paced but the writing absorbs you, you feel the characters pain and happiness through the books. its truly heartbreaking cause all you want is for them to catch a break and finally be happy. it’s an emotional experience but be along for the journey, it’s worth it. I can’t say it enough read this trilogy! and anything else from this author!
I need you to hate me (first book) I found it on tiktok by the author and I ordered it so fast and read it within a day. second book I need you to love me ordered it as soon as i could, didn’t read it for a while too scared for the heartbreak I knew was coming, can’t wait to order the final one and see all my babies together. this is one of the first books (inythm) that got me into reading and it was a privilege to be able to get the arc for this last book in this trilogy, I mean it from the bottom of my heart thank you so much genicious for giving me the opportunity to be apart of the arc team for this book.🤍
PLOT: Ugh I can't even tell you guys how much the plot is just fantastic and toe-curling. It is filled with suspense. One that makes you not want to drop the book. I literally read half of the book in one sitting from how good it was! The plot kept rising throughout the novel! I mean...the plot had other stuff too hehe
CLIFFHANGERS: Genisious has my heart with the cliffhangers. Because most certainly there were plenty, but one of them made me stop reading and I just cried a river of tears for what happened, for being left in a place of 'I am terrified of what happens next but let me cry first and continue reading.'
SPICE: The spice was spicey, I have been with this series from the very beginning! The spice is definitely mindblowing and defo makes you crave that Ace is right there in front of you.
DETAILS: The details were just SPOT ON. The details brought this book to life in a way where you would have to hold your breath, holding it in worry what will be coming next?
EMOTIONS: I shed tears for books, almost always, but this one did it on many occasions throughout the book. The beginning, the middle, the ending, the in between. And most certainly the emotions felt towards the novel and during a certain scene were definitely mindblowing!
I usually don't give my infinity stamp in more than one place, but for this book, it was stamped in three places! That is how flipping awesome this novel was! For those of you who don't know, this is book 3 of 3. This is the "I need you" series and it is the most heart-clenching piece of work you will ever read! SO much growth and much happens. Definitely recommend this series for anyone looking for suspense, romance, non-toxic love, redemption...list goes on! BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU, YOU WILL LOVE THIS SERIES!
The end of Ace and Calla’s story has arrived and my god was it a whirlwind. It was jam packed full of drama, love, heartbreak and frustration. The thing I love about Ace and Calla is despite how crazy and out there their story is they are a real couple. By that, I mean that their problems within their relationship and their hardships with communication are real and mimic lots of regular relationships in real life. I begun reading these books when they were written day by day, week by week on Wattpad and the ending was very different to the ending created in the books. I am so happy I got the privilege to get selected for ARC for this story because it’s just such a special series for me. This last book was the perfect full circle moment to complete Ace and Calla’s story.
Side note: I’m also dyinggggg for Nik’s story he deserves the world !!!
I was so surprised to see the arc email but also so beyond happy.
Ace and calla have always had such a special place in my heart. I started this series on Wattpad reading I need you to hate me and was absolutely obsessed since then. I bought I need you to hate me when it first came out on Amazon and fell in love all over again. I’m not a person that can reread a book or series but I’ve lost count on how many times I’ve read these books.
I thought it couldn’t get better from I need you to hate me but then I need you to love me came out. And that was a whole rollercoaster of emotions but of course in a good way. Now to I need you to save me
Every single book in this series has made me cry. every single one. I don’t want to say to much about it because I don’t want to spoil anything for this book but just let me say it did not disappoint. The way the author writes is so phenomenal and just breathtaking honestly. I’ve been captivated by the writing in all of the books, I need you series and sins for cigarettes so much that I have all of them on my bookshelf and as soon as I need you to save me comes out it will be right there with them. Ace and calla have their problems but they always work through it and I love love love watching them do that. They aren’t portrayed as a perfect couple, they seem real. Their love for each other always wins and they always chose each other even when things get hard. This ending fit so well for them. From the very beginning “maybe when the stars align” to the middle “ I made the stars align for us love” to the end ” the stars are on our side” the I need you series had my heart and soul.
I need you to save me had such a beautiful end. Everything Ace and calla went through together and separate, all the tears and laughs all came together for an amazing ending and I loved every second of it
I began following Calla and Ace's journey from the very beginning when this series began on Wattpad. I instantly fell in love with their relationship and journey. I still remember waiting anxiously for each chapter to get released during the second book. I need you to love me was the one book that I'd drop whatever I was doing to read because I adored their story so much and was always anxious to see what would happen with each turning page.
Reading this final book of their journey was definitely bittersweet because I didn't want it to end. Calla and Ace made me fall in love with reading. The thought of their journey coming to an end was heart-wrenching. This couple was literally my first book couple and I loved watching them grow over these last few years.
This final book itself was truly one hell of a journey. It begins right after the cliffhanger that we are left off with in the second book. This book tests Calla and Ace's relationship even more than the last two. The things they go through as a couple are unimaginable. I enjoyed ever second of this book and could not put it down once I started. The attention to detail that the author has is very remarkable. I will say though, there were some parts where there were gaps in between certain scenes where I wish we could've seen more of what happened. This book really pulled at my heartstrings and had me screaming into my pillow at certain parts. However, the ending was so beautiful. I could not stop smiling.
It has really been such a pleasure reading Calla and Ace's story these last few years. Their journey from college till now has been incredible. We have seen Calla and Ace grow into beautiful people. There has been so much character development since the first book. Thank you Genicious for bringing these characters to life. They will always be my favorite book couple and of course, my first. I can't wait to see what couple comes in your next book.
Perfect perfect perfect. Been obsessed with Ace & Calla since the moment I met then in ‘I need you to hate me’. Their love story is amazing - even after never catching a break from things trying to break them apart, they come on top stronger than ever. Sad to see the series come to an end but so glad I was introduced to these books - they’ll definitely always & forever be a fave <3
I absolutely adored this final book in the trilogy. as a long time reader and fan of ace&calla, this third book wrapped up the I need you trilogy SO well. I honestly could not have thought of a better ending to ace & calla’s story (except one — but we can’t have a story without grief, loss, and emotions, right? … at least for ace&calla)
I don’t even have the words to express my gratitude and love for them. These two are truly the definition of two worlds colliding, and this book? my god, the twists and turns that bring us to the end of the journey are gut wrenching and emotional as heck, and I cried like a baby.
but I loved every moment. nothing is what you expect it to be, but everything turns out to be better. I’m so sad to say goodbye.
**I had the opportunity to beta read this book. all opinions are my own.