What do you think?
Rate this book
If I Can't Have You
Content Warning:
Sexual scenes, adult language, violence (on screen), murder (on screen), kidnapping, death due to cancer (not MCs), and aspects of a toxic relationship.
Dual POV (Athena & Caden)
Athena: I've always believed in fairytales, so when Parker Bryant became my knight in shining armor, I was over the moon in love. Until the relationship took a turn for the worse, and he became a man I didn't recognize. He would tell me how to dress, how to wear my hair... I wasn't living my life anymore, and I've had enough.
Parker: I wanted her to be the perfect woman for me. Is that so hard to ask?
Caden: Athena's flame has been fading over the past three years, and Parker was the one to blow it to complete darkness. It's my fault she is unhappy, seeing as I set them up. I need to make things right. I need to bring that light back into her life, and I'll do whatever it takes to make her happy again.
Sebastian: I'm just along for the ride.
Sexual scenes, adult language, violence (on screen), murder (on screen), kidnapping, death due to cancer (not MCs), and aspects of a toxic relationship.
Dual POV (Athena & Caden)
Athena: I've always believed in fairytales, so when Parker Bryant became my knight in shining armor, I was over the moon in love. Until the relationship took a turn for the worse, and he became a man I didn't recognize. He would tell me how to dress, how to wear my hair... I wasn't living my life anymore, and I've had enough.
Parker: I wanted her to be the perfect woman for me. Is that so hard to ask?
Caden: Athena's flame has been fading over the past three years, and Parker was the one to blow it to complete darkness. It's my fault she is unhappy, seeing as I set them up. I need to make things right. I need to bring that light back into her life, and I'll do whatever it takes to make her happy again.
Sebastian: I'm just along for the ride.
- GenresDark Romance
458 pages, Paperback
Published August 18, 2023
28 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 10, 2023
This was sooo good. The romance was there but so was the intrigue, suspense due to the whole stalkerish vibe going on and super entertaining. I'm not sure who recommended the book but thank you! Recommend!
September 4, 2023
MY BESTIE WROTE A BOOK, I REPEAT MY BESTIE WROTE A BOOK.
I am beyond proud of her because this story from start to finish had me absolutely HOOKED. If I could describe this book in 3 words I would say “an emotional rollercoaster”. I laughed/swooned/discretely cried, but the best part for me was the twists and turns of this book, just when I thought we were at the twist another spanner was thrown in the works and my jaw was constantly on the floor.
This book follows Athena & Caden. We begin the book where Parker sets Athena up with his best friend Parker… even though Caden wanted her for himself👀. Fast forward years later Athena and Parker are still together but their relationship is far from perfect it is actually quite toxic and Parker is very controlling. Athena does grow her backbone and realise she deserves better than this and breaks up with Parker.
If I’m being honest, Caden was definitely kicking his feet in the air like a little girl when she finally dumped him and he definitely felt it was his time to shine now😂. Caden and Athena agreed to become friends with benefits until they’ve ticked every item off her bucket list off.
That may be all good and well but Athena starts to receive messages from a Stalker who is very persistent in what they want (and that is Athena of course).. and when I tell you when all of this came to light (you know like ghostface reveal) I was screaming right into my book!
This book absolutely DELIVERED on the spice.. it was lucky I was reading this on holiday and had a swimming pool at my disposal to cool off🌶️
I have been reading Hannahs stories since her Wattpad days and I am so incredibly proud that you have published your first book! I am so excited to read more in the future.
I am beyond proud of her because this story from start to finish had me absolutely HOOKED. If I could describe this book in 3 words I would say “an emotional rollercoaster”. I laughed/swooned/discretely cried, but the best part for me was the twists and turns of this book, just when I thought we were at the twist another spanner was thrown in the works and my jaw was constantly on the floor.
This book follows Athena & Caden. We begin the book where Parker sets Athena up with his best friend Parker… even though Caden wanted her for himself👀. Fast forward years later Athena and Parker are still together but their relationship is far from perfect it is actually quite toxic and Parker is very controlling. Athena does grow her backbone and realise she deserves better than this and breaks up with Parker.
If I’m being honest, Caden was definitely kicking his feet in the air like a little girl when she finally dumped him and he definitely felt it was his time to shine now😂. Caden and Athena agreed to become friends with benefits until they’ve ticked every item off her bucket list off.
That may be all good and well but Athena starts to receive messages from a Stalker who is very persistent in what they want (and that is Athena of course).. and when I tell you when all of this came to light (you know like ghostface reveal) I was screaming right into my book!
This book absolutely DELIVERED on the spice.. it was lucky I was reading this on holiday and had a swimming pool at my disposal to cool off🌶️
I have been reading Hannahs stories since her Wattpad days and I am so incredibly proud that you have published your first book! I am so excited to read more in the future.
November 23, 2023
Man it’s been a little bit since I read a book that I just had to share, but 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑛𝑒 is so good. I read the blurb and was intrigued but then I saw all the positive reviews and had to check it out. This book is brilliant. @hannahjoauthor is a genius. Not only does this book have a suspenseful story line, it has a 𝐌𝐀𝐉𝐎𝐑 plot twist and hella spice 😮💨 I did not want to put it down. This is a new to me author but her writing is captivating and the story flows incredibly. Won’t be my last by her!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
#books #bookstagram #bookworm #booktok #thrillerromance #stalker #alphammc #changedfmc #booksof2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
#books #bookstagram #bookworm #booktok #thrillerromance #stalker #alphammc #changedfmc #booksof2023
October 13, 2023
A book I didn't know I needed
I'm not sure how I stumbled across this book but I'm so happy I did. I really enjoyed all of the twists and turns. It took me less than a day to read as I was so drawn into the story.
I'm not sure how I stumbled across this book but I'm so happy I did. I really enjoyed all of the twists and turns. It took me less than a day to read as I was so drawn into the story.
November 28, 2023
Holy WOW!
This book had it all: romance, SPICE, suspense, shock, plot twists. Just WOW!
I loved this book! I didn’t think I would at the beginning because there is the element of cheating, but I didn’t like Parker at all. Not that it is justified, but ya know.
Caden, whoa. The way Athena (Thena Baby 😰) is described. Just wow.
This is a must read recommendation from me!!
5/5 stars
4/5 spice!
This book had it all: romance, SPICE, suspense, shock, plot twists. Just WOW!
I loved this book! I didn’t think I would at the beginning because there is the element of cheating, but I didn’t like Parker at all. Not that it is justified, but ya know.
Caden, whoa. The way Athena (Thena Baby 😰) is described. Just wow.
This is a must read recommendation from me!!
5/5 stars
4/5 spice!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2023
This is a must read!
Wow! This book held my attention from the very beginning and was very hard to put down 😄 ! I loved everything about it. A little bit of mystery, Suspense , self discovery and of course spice! And Caden..woah .. Can he please be real? 😂 Definitely recommend!
Wow! This book held my attention from the very beginning and was very hard to put down 😄 ! I loved everything about it. A little bit of mystery, Suspense , self discovery and of course spice! And Caden..woah .. Can he please be real? 😂 Definitely recommend!
October 3, 2024
Holy. Freaking. Cow. If you’re looking for spicy, found feminine strength, a broody MMC where he falls first, stalker vibes, plot twist and a little bit of Halloween; THIS IS YOUR BOOK.
Athena June is in a toxic relationship with a guy she met at a bar 3 years ago. What she doesn’t know is that the wingman that introduced her to her BF, had wished it was him who took her home that night. Secretly, she wishes he had too. So when her relationship steadily grows toxic and controlling, the wingman feels guilty for setting them up and wants to do anything that makes her feel happy.
After a moment in an abandoned house, a run in with a scary homeless man, and a stolen kiss; things for Athena start to spiral. She finds her voice and her worth. Breaking up with her delusional and narcissistic BF was the best thing that she ever did, and the fact that she has created a bucket list of things to do with a certain player wingman.
As they mark things off the list, Athena’s ex bf wants her back. Bad. But at a haunted house, an encounter with a man in a goat mask starts changing everything, especially when he got her number and starts stalking her. Who knew being wanted could be so deadly?
Athena June is in a toxic relationship with a guy she met at a bar 3 years ago. What she doesn’t know is that the wingman that introduced her to her BF, had wished it was him who took her home that night. Secretly, she wishes he had too. So when her relationship steadily grows toxic and controlling, the wingman feels guilty for setting them up and wants to do anything that makes her feel happy.
After a moment in an abandoned house, a run in with a scary homeless man, and a stolen kiss; things for Athena start to spiral. She finds her voice and her worth. Breaking up with her delusional and narcissistic BF was the best thing that she ever did, and the fact that she has created a bucket list of things to do with a certain player wingman.
As they mark things off the list, Athena’s ex bf wants her back. Bad. But at a haunted house, an encounter with a man in a goat mask starts changing everything, especially when he got her number and starts stalking her. Who knew being wanted could be so deadly?
July 10, 2024
Hannah Jo is one of my favorite authors. After reading her wicked plan and it becoming a top 3 books of mine, I had to read her other book. I thought it was a romcom and was expecting that, but at the end, wow, wasn't expecting that! There was a huge twist no one will see coming cause there are no hints at it or breadcrumbs kinda thinking back after it makes sense, but lord. So beginning I was annoyed at Athena the fmc for staying with Parker foe 3 years after he kept treating her like property and not a person she infuriated me. Then finally leaving him for a fwb situation with caden, the hot best friend of ex bf Parker, wow, that stuff was amazing and hot, and I love those two. The middle was dragging some I felt, then the third act breakup, which i loathe happened, but it needed to for a reason, then the ending happened, and I was sucked back in. The spice I'd give a 3.5/4. Good read overall if you're wanting a good romcom/suspense at the end story.
June 4, 2025
5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
Ex Boyfriends Best Friend
Friends to Lovers
Dual POV
Stalker
Bucket List
Suspense
Leaving Toxic / Abusive relationship
HEA
I cannot express how much I loved this book!
I relate to Athena in so many ways, I felt so much of her pain, and understood so many of the choices she made.
Athena meets Caden on a night out, and is instantly attracted to him. Only, Caden is playing wing man for his best friend, Parker. After years of questionable at best behavior from Parker, Athena breaks up with Parker. On a mission to not let the breakup destroy her, and re discover herself, she starts to tick things off of her bucket list with the help of Caden. As Athena gains her strength back, she also gains a stalker who is determined to get her.
There are twist and turns throughout this book, some I expected, and others that made me drop my phone as gasp!
This book really has it all, great character development, a plot with spice, banter, suspense, and a happily ever after.
3/5 🌶️
Ex Boyfriends Best Friend
Friends to Lovers
Dual POV
Stalker
Bucket List
Suspense
Leaving Toxic / Abusive relationship
HEA
I cannot express how much I loved this book!
I relate to Athena in so many ways, I felt so much of her pain, and understood so many of the choices she made.
Athena meets Caden on a night out, and is instantly attracted to him. Only, Caden is playing wing man for his best friend, Parker. After years of questionable at best behavior from Parker, Athena breaks up with Parker. On a mission to not let the breakup destroy her, and re discover herself, she starts to tick things off of her bucket list with the help of Caden. As Athena gains her strength back, she also gains a stalker who is determined to get her.
There are twist and turns throughout this book, some I expected, and others that made me drop my phone as gasp!
This book really has it all, great character development, a plot with spice, banter, suspense, and a happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2024
With the anticipated release of Hannah Jo’s upcoming book, I decided to go into the vault and read her first book!
this book has some twist and suspense building. Telling the story of athena’s “rise from the ashes” finding herself after a toxic relationship is all thanks to Caden (the ex’s bff).
Caden helps Athena learn to live again, all while dodging a stalker that came out of nowhere, or is it someone she knows?
trying to live life, while also trying to figure out who’s trying to stop her from enjoying it, this book takes you on your own journey along Athena and Caden.
My only CON for the book (but not too negative) is that I wished the BIG REVEAL would have been a little slower, especially as things unraveled 😊
this book has some twist and suspense building. Telling the story of athena’s “rise from the ashes” finding herself after a toxic relationship is all thanks to Caden (the ex’s bff).
Caden helps Athena learn to live again, all while dodging a stalker that came out of nowhere, or is it someone she knows?
trying to live life, while also trying to figure out who’s trying to stop her from enjoying it, this book takes you on your own journey along Athena and Caden.
My only CON for the book (but not too negative) is that I wished the BIG REVEAL would have been a little slower, especially as things unraveled 😊
February 13, 2024
Thriller suspense romance
New author to me but this story really sucks you in. It’s like a thriller suspense romance. I loved Athena story and the last few chapters had me 🥹😭😭. Really didn’t see the twist with the stalker. Caden was the best even as he was figuring out his sh**. This book would easily be a five but it definitely needed another review before publishing. Even with the many issues he doesn’t take away from how good the story is or the characters.
New author to me but this story really sucks you in. It’s like a thriller suspense romance. I loved Athena story and the last few chapters had me 🥹😭😭. Really didn’t see the twist with the stalker. Caden was the best even as he was figuring out his sh**. This book would easily be a five but it definitely needed another review before publishing. Even with the many issues he doesn’t take away from how good the story is or the characters.
March 8, 2024
Unexpected ending
I had no clue where this story would go. I have been in a situation similar to Athena with a controlling relationship. It is so hard to get out of, but I love seeing her becoming strong and fighting for her life back.
Caden being with her every step of the way tugs at my heart and I love seeing his POV.
I had no clue where this story would go. I have been in a situation similar to Athena with a controlling relationship. It is so hard to get out of, but I love seeing her becoming strong and fighting for her life back.
Caden being with her every step of the way tugs at my heart and I love seeing his POV.
April 21, 2024
I read this in less than a day.... completely hooked me!!! I loved all of the suspense... kept me guessing all the way! Loved it... 5 stars 🌟
The only criticism I have is that it needs another round of editing as there were a few missing or extra words etc... but the story was so engrossing that I was able to look past it.
The only criticism I have is that it needs another round of editing as there were a few missing or extra words etc... but the story was so engrossing that I was able to look past it.
February 3, 2024
This book had me hooked from the start of the dedication where the author tells her family to put the book down because it’s too spicy for them. This had me wanting to read it even more. The book was definitely spicy and the twist of events at the end. Pick up the book and see for yourself.
May 25, 2024
**Four Star Review**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
While I enjoyed the book, something was missing for me.
Overall, it’s a compelling read about overcoming toxic love and realizing that you deserve more. Definitely worth a read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
While I enjoyed the book, something was missing for me.
Overall, it’s a compelling read about overcoming toxic love and realizing that you deserve more. Definitely worth a read!
August 20, 2024
♾️/5. This book had me reeling.
1. F*ck Parker IYKYK
2. Am I a bad person for feeling kind of bad for Sebastian?
3. Caden is THE standard
This book was so good please i won’t be able to stop thinking about it. UUUUUUUUGH! You did the damn thing, Hannah. You really did.
1. F*ck Parker IYKYK
2. Am I a bad person for feeling kind of bad for Sebastian?
3. Caden is THE standard
This book was so good please i won’t be able to stop thinking about it. UUUUUUUUGH! You did the damn thing, Hannah. You really did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
Enjoyable
Good plot, written well and enjoyable.
4.5 stars as I feel the angst could have been ramped up a little bit more with the parents and the relationship.
Good plot, written well and enjoyable.
4.5 stars as I feel the angst could have been ramped up a little bit more with the parents and the relationship.
November 17, 2025
AMAZING!
you have brought me out of a reading slump!! thank you! i absolutely love the book! also the SPICE? UNBELIEVABLE😍😍
you have brought me out of a reading slump!! thank you! i absolutely love the book! also the SPICE? UNBELIEVABLE😍😍
November 30, 2024
📖Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Athena meets Parker at a bar, where his friend Caden acts as his wingman. Although there’s chemistry between Caden and Athena, she ends up in a toxic relationship with Parker. One day she decides she’s had enough and ends it, but then she enters into a FWB relationship with Caden. All the while, she’s receiving threatening texts from an unknown number…
I previously read Hannah Jo’s Her Wicked Plan and loved it, so I was super excited to read this book! And boy was it good. Not going to lie, I was sad that Athena couldn’t see how abusive Parker was. But I do understand it takes a lot to leave a toxic relationship so when she finally did I was cheering for her. This book is captivating, suspenseful, spicy, and that plot twist??? Definitely didn’t see that coming. I can’t wait to read whatever the author comes out with next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Athena meets Parker at a bar, where his friend Caden acts as his wingman. Although there’s chemistry between Caden and Athena, she ends up in a toxic relationship with Parker. One day she decides she’s had enough and ends it, but then she enters into a FWB relationship with Caden. All the while, she’s receiving threatening texts from an unknown number…
I previously read Hannah Jo’s Her Wicked Plan and loved it, so I was super excited to read this book! And boy was it good. Not going to lie, I was sad that Athena couldn’t see how abusive Parker was. But I do understand it takes a lot to leave a toxic relationship so when she finally did I was cheering for her. This book is captivating, suspenseful, spicy, and that plot twist??? Definitely didn’t see that coming. I can’t wait to read whatever the author comes out with next!
April 22, 2024
I enjoyed this book from start to finish! There was a suspenseful twist that I did not see coming and I loved the lead characters!!
July 5, 2024
4.5 ⭐
Hooked from the beginning!
Absolutely loved this story and how it unfolded. The plot, the PLOT TWIST and the spice; were just executed so well. There's also something about the way this author writes spice, particularly the scenes leading up to it, that is sooo good. (The whole *club scene was yummy.) I also laughed a lot which I was not expecting. Did I finish reading this at 5 in the morning and then find myself crying unexpectedly at the epilogues?? Yes. Yes, I did!
I had to deduct half a star due to the spelling and grammatical errors. I can usually look past them, but there were quite a few and I found myself having to reread certain chapters/pages a lot to try to grasp understanding.
Overall this was such a beautifully done debut novel and worth the read.
Hooked from the beginning!
Absolutely loved this story and how it unfolded. The plot, the PLOT TWIST and the spice; were just executed so well. There's also something about the way this author writes spice, particularly the scenes leading up to it, that is sooo good. (The whole *club scene was yummy.) I also laughed a lot which I was not expecting. Did I finish reading this at 5 in the morning and then find myself crying unexpectedly at the epilogues?? Yes. Yes, I did!
I had to deduct half a star due to the spelling and grammatical errors. I can usually look past them, but there were quite a few and I found myself having to reread certain chapters/pages a lot to try to grasp understanding.
Overall this was such a beautifully done debut novel and worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews