Death seemed like the only option for Andre “Dre” Grant. After his daughter is murdered, his life spirals out of control and he jumps in front of a train to end it all. But when his life is miraculously saved by a Good Samaritan, he is forced into a psych ward to face his repercussions. It is there, he learns the truth that his daughter, Destiny, has actually been alive and is in the custody of Ava Hunter, the sister of his deceased baby-mother. Andre vows to stop at nothing to see Destiny again. Even if it means disrupting the life of Ava to do so. After the tragic death of her sister, Ava Hunter promised to take care of her niece, Destiny, by any means necessary. But never in a million years, had she expected Andre Grant to show up at her doorstep. The same man who destroyed the very lives of the people she loved. Repulsed, Ava wants nothing to do with him. But Andre has other plans. In this fueling tug-a-war, emotions run high. Hearts are put to the test. Anything is bound to happen. Are they both ready for it? **Impact is a love story**
Taisha Ryan is a writer and artist from New York. Writing has been her passion since the age of 12, allowing her to express her wild imagination through words. Taisha has written short stories, novels, poems, songs, and screenplays. In March 2014, she published her debut novel, Cuffed. And since then, has published three additional novels. She would describe her stories as raw, creatively uninhibited, and true to life. Words are power. And her intent is to take readers on an emotional journey as they experience the world through her mind's eye, while also providing them with a sense of purpose with each word that drips from the page. And with her gift, she believes she can do just that.
YES, YES, YES!! This book is all that and more! Ms. Ryan took her time and let her readers get into the hearts and minds of these two fleshed out characters. This book is no smoke and mirrors. Nothing is imbedded into obscurity or need for embellishment; there is no hocus pocus in their character development. Rather, this refreshing author has introduced Ava Hunter and Andre Grant into the reader’s’ psyche with open-hearted, frank and direct dialogue regarding their different and complex natures. Different but, at the same time the likenesses within their existence become evident as this extraordinary story unfolds.
The writing simply explodes off the pages onto the canvas of the reader’s soul. I became so caught up into the lives of these two separate characters that when the author allowed the setting to involve the intertwinement and meshing of their separateness to become one amazing and jaw dropping oneness, it just blew my romantic beating heart into smithereens!! Yes, yes, yes!! This story is better than the invention of white bread! I cannot express the breath of fresh air this book brings to the urban romantic reading arena! The love scenes are to die for! Ava and Dre re-write erotica in this book. The words, the words, the words!
This book is no wham, bam, thank you mam type of romance; no jumping in and out of bed with no knowledge or desire to know the consequences of such actions. Oh no, no! This ain’t that type of party! This party is about substance and sticktoitiveness. These characters were built to last, and the glue that holds them together comes in a pint size child by the name of Destiny. She is the reason these two main characters combust upon our souls! And what a combustible story the unification of these 3 characters bring about!
This astounding and totally refreshing “stand-alone” book will cause a myriad of emotions to explode within your chest; and with each explosion I guarantee you, along with myself, will find extreme enjoyment as you become deeply immersed in the telling of the tale. And when the telling of the tale is complete you will find yourself still contemplating on the story and will relive it over and over again with the annals of every beat of your heart. You will find yourself smiling with the knowledge that you have just experienced something very, very special.
Ms. Ryan has written 7 books and I own 6 of them. I had considered Ashes the best of them; but with the writing of “Impact”, I have to re-evaluate that choice. “Impact” is by far the best that she has written, in my biased opinion. I pray that this review will entice you to download this great story and receive the same supreme joy of letting loose of the mundane and receiving uncommon and wonderful reading through this unique and refreshing story; I sure did and am so very glad about it! Join me - you definitely won’t regret it! Thank you Ms. Ryan for such a fantastic story and hope you have another one up your sleeve in the VERY NEAR FUTURE! I’m waiting with bated breath.
A couple of days ago, I ask the members of the online book club I'm in (Sistah Girls Book Club) to put me on to some of their one-click authors because I'm trying to expand my personal list. And they came THROUGH.
It's funny because Taisha's name was mentioned and when I looked up her catalog, I realized that I'd already read one of her books a few years back, Ashes, but for the LIFE of me I can't remember what happened in that book...based on my review though, I enjoyed it.
It's safe to say, however, that I won't have the same experience with IMPACT. This book...THIS BOOK! Even though it only took me a few hours to inhale this story in its entirety, I have no doubt I'm going to remember and also re-visit this story for years to come.
Andre Grant is spiraling. After losing his daughter Destiny, to the violence of the only lifestyle he's ever known, Dre just wants it all to end. But fate has a different plan for him when his attempt to end his life by train, is sabotaged by a good samaritan. He ends up in the psych ward, instead of six feet under where, by the grace of God, he learns that not only is his daughter still alive, she's been within driving distance to him all this time, living with a woman named Ava–the sister of Destiny's mother, who Dre never knew existed. With renewed hope, he sets his sights on finishing his sentence, finding his daughter, and building the relationship and life that he thought had been stolen from him, with her.
When I tell you...this book was EXACTLY what I was looking for. I'm honestly shocked that I hit the mark on the first try. I was in the mood for some FEELS. I wanted to read a book that had more to offer than just the average contemporary love story. I wanted struggle, pain, connection, intensity, emotion and IMPACT.
Dre, Ava, and Destiny's journey is hands down the most heartfelt and moving story I have read in 2020. I was on the fence at the beginning of the book, because things were kind of fragmented. The story was hopping around and skipping ahead, and I had a bit of trouble getting grounded in what was happening...but it wasn't until Dre was finally introduced to Ava and reunited with his daughter that I understood why.
Taisha had TIME. And she used it to build out and display the most beautiful relationship between a man and his child. Dre has a bit of a sordid past and could be categorized as a "goon". He's rough around the edges, speaks his mind, is frugal with the respect he gives, and by all accounts should be impossible to like, let alone root for. But the man he is when he's with his daughter, and the man he becomes for his daughter, is a man you can't help but to fall in love with.
And Ava tried not to! She rejected and resisted Dre's entire existence at every turn. She loved Destiny and wanted only the best for her–and to her, a former criminal who disappeared for the majority of his child's life wasn't it. But coming up in a system that separated Ava from her sister as a child and seeing first hand, the degenerative effects that growing up without a father had on the children she advocated for as a Forensic Counselor, she knew she had to at least give Destiny and Dre a chance at a relationship. She didn't expect to fall for him in the process...But to be honest, witnessing Dre's effort and how he fought tooth and nail, first to meet his daughter, and then to be a loving, active, and consistent presence in her life–even taking into consideration the role Dre played in the horrible events that lead to Destiny landing in Ava's care? Ava never had a chance!
There's only so much I can point out and gush about in this book. But one of the things I want to specifically call out and commend Taisha for, is her follow through with Destiny being integral to the progression and overall execution of this story. Too many times I've seen children introduced in books only to serve as plot devices. Their main purpose being, acting as the impetus for the coupling between the characters in the book, and then you never see or hear about them again. That wasn't the case with IMPACT. Destiny and Dre's relationship, from beginning to end, is the heart of this entire story. Not a single scene occurred in this book where Destiny was not mentioned, featured, thought about, or highlighted. And it didn't take away from the development of the relationship and romance between Ava and Dre. It ADDED to it. Their shared love for Destiny amplified and deepened the love they eventually had for one another.
Nothing but praises...that's what I have for this book. And as always, when I come across these jewels, these diamonds in the rough–I'm both elated and pissed off at my enjoyment. Because all it means is that the bar right now for the next book is so high, that there's NO WAY I'm not going to be disappointed.
So while I love you, Taisha Ryan, for writing and sharing this amazing story, goddamnit I'm mad at you at the same damn time.
Just wow... that was sooo good. After I read this author latest release Yella. I knew I had to read this book. This has been in my "to be read" pile for sometime now and I could kick myself for waiting this long to read this book. Dre and Ava story is so unconventional but the way Ms. Ryan weaved their story has you routing for them. Bravo Ms. Ryan Bravo
This book was sooo beautiful and emotional! It was so different from the usual and a cute love story. And the fact that it was a standalone made it that much better. I read it in about 3 hours, nonstop. I cried, I laughed, I was angry, and I loved every minute of it.
I enjoyed this book. I just wished some things to have come out earlier on. Instead, it was at the end. I low-key wanted her to have a baby. I don't like the fact he had to go to jail for a year. He had already been through so much. Plus, how he really wanted that franchise business. All in all still a very good read. Plus her friend Naliah irked me so how she kept downing him from what he done in the past. The past is the past get over it. I think Lyric has a story to tell and she needs love, plus it can give us a follow up on Dre and Ava
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Every so often, a book comes along that not only captures your imagination but also commandeers your heart. ‘IMPACT’ by Taisha S. Ryan is precisely that kind of rare find. With a narrative as powerful as it is profound, Ryan weaves a tale that is as deep and vast as the ocean. It’s a story that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go, demanding your attention and tugging at your emotions with each turn of the page. Straying from my usual literary path led me to this gem, and the journey was revelatory.
Dre, Ava, and little Destiny are characters not just written but carved into existence with a realism that is palpable. They steal into your heart with the stealth of shadows at dusk, and before you know it, you’re invested—rooting for them, feeling for them. Ryan’s portrayal of their lives is a masterclass in character development, each with a depth that echoes long after the last page is turned.
The evolution of Ava and Dre’s relationship is a high point, crafted with such authenticity that their bond seems to transcend the pages of the book. Their connection blossoms perfectly, encapsulating a magnetic allure that’s rare in fictional romances. Dre’s journey, transforming his life for the sake of his daughter, adds layers of complexity and heart to an already gripping narrative. While the story leaves me longing for a deeper dive into Dre’s past with Destiny, the pieces provided stir a mix of intrigue and desire for more.
This isn’t just a book; it’s an experience, an odyssey of pain, redemption, and the unyielding bonds of family that refuses to be categorized or predicted. If I could, I’d award ‘IMPACT’ a six-star rating, but within the confines of a five-star system, it shines as brightly as the maximum allows. For anyone looking for a book that’s a heartbeat, a battle cry, and a tender whisper all at once, ‘IMPACT’ is not to be missed. It’s a rare jewel that proves transformative literature can be found where you least expect it.
Given a second chance...in more ways than one, Andre learns that his haunted past isn't what it all seems. In wanting to make amends for lost time with his daughter, he bumps heads with her aunt, Ava. Will these two remain at odds or will they both be impacted by a greater force?
I do NOT know why for the life of me I didn't pick this book up right away! I was intrigued by the synopsis, but after reading the sample, I just had to start reading the rest! I lost so much sleep over this book: Ryan blew me totally away with her ability to make an unlikable character redeemable and worthy of love. When I tell you I was so turned off then irrevocably turned all the way d*mn ON by Andre Grant; it shocked the hell out of me! I have to give it to Ryan as she claims the enemies to lovers theme! It's one of my favorites and I must say she has a knack for making oil and water blend together into something truly magical with the stroke of her pen! Dre and Ava's chemistry had me on the edge of my panties, not even seat! I loved the pacing of their relationship and the character development was spot on as these two surely wasn't your usual lovey dovey type! The deep seated issues of Dre's past that were tackled really had me wondering how this would all work itself out with Ava in the end. But as always, Ryan does a stellar job at leaving no stone unturned as she concludes this standalone. Come to think about it, she has a few standalones under her belt that are true gems in the sea of series. Ryan is truly underrated as she brings a unique voice to the Indie industry; her uncanny ability to write stories that haven't been explored is noteworthy. If you're looking for a page-turning contemporary romance with a flare of urban complexities, please pick this book up!
This was my first time reading a book by this author and I have to say I was entertained. From the start I was drawn in. Andre had some deep rooted issues, issues that could have changed the course of his life drastically. He tried to take life into his own hands, but a higher power had the final say. Ava had her own issues stemming from her childhood that affected her in her personal relationships. That need to feel loved, wanted. She had those around her who had their own feelings regarding what she should do in her personal life. Things transpired between the two that maybe shouldn't have in society's eyes, but when it comes to matters of the heart you can't compete. The trials and tribulations they both experienced was enough to knock anyone down, especially Andre. I loved his drive and determination. Even his temper, because he was a hot head! Loved it
This story was awesome, it tugged my heart early on......very touching, sucks you right in and captures you still. Like a puzzle everything once layed out was placed and connected in perfect rhyme. I love how Ava and Dre relationship grew. I loved how Ava let Dre be around Destiny giving him the chance to be apart of her life, and in doing so they formed feeling for each other. This was a really good story, line for line engaging its reader. The ending was the icing and my heart cried with that lasting embrace of recognition. This was my 1st read by Taisha S. Ryan the title/cover and introduction is what got me, it surely will not be my last. 5 stars.... Great job!!!
The ending of a story is so important. The way you leave your audience feeling is critical because those are the last thoughts that they will have if your book. It’s like the closing argument of a lawyer, it matters. So with that being said, I was engrossed in the book up until they got back from Florida. After that it went left. Ava was so wishy washy and Dre should have manned up and told her about Eric’s secret instead of just telling her to stay away, why not tell her why? So the ending just didn’t make sense to me and now I’m left feeling like I wasted my time reading this book.
Man, I wasn't ready for it to end! I just wanted to see Dre in pure bliss for another 100 pages or so! Lol Seriously, love for both Dre and Ava just sort of happened. It was definitely complicated and caught both of them off guard. I couldn't help but to root for Dre ! You just wanted him to not go through more pain. So glad he had Ava and little miss Destiny. 😍 Thanks for another great read!!
Good story about redemption and not judging a book by its proverbial cover. Dre was so much more than met we knew when we met at at rock bottom. Was glad to see him pick of the pieces and rebuild one step at a time. Ava was an interesting character that took me a while to warm up to and I wished I better understood some of her decisions but such is life. Appreciated that they found their way back to each other even with the ups and downs.
"Impact" thus far is my favorite read of 2017 (and I've read 83 books this year).
It was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It’s written extremely well and captivated me from beginning to end. My favorite character is Andre (Dre). His journey from “boy to man” was astounding. His story proved there's light at the end of the tunnel.
My goodness. This book was everything! Heartache, drama, darkness and light. Taisha Ryan has a gift of telling these stories about people in the most impossibly dark places. She makes them human. Forces you to look beyond their circumstance and redeems them so beautifully.
This book had me hooked from start to finish! I loved the fact this story is told from Dre and Ava's eyes. Destiny is the glue that binds them. This was some real GOOD reading!
Such an amazing story of redemption and true love. It shows how people are not their mistakes and everyone has purpose. This is my first time reading this author and I am so glad I did! I look forward to more novels.
Let me say this is my first read by this author and Im so glad i literally stumbled upon her. Dre is the redemption story while Ava is saver. Destiny serves her name sake. I need a little update on this couple.
I enjoyed this book up until the end. I didn’t like how it ended. It felt abrupt and a little unrealistic with regard to Destiny. Nevertheless, I would recommend this book.
Sorry, I feel lazy and don’t feel like writing one of my long thorough reviews. 🤷🏽♀️
Wow this was a very interesting love story and lesson about loving for real. Dre started out as an anomaly kind of. He tried to kill himself over the death of his daughter, later to learn she was alive and living with his baby's mommas sister. Then later on he allows himself to love them both. This was a very deep story. I loved this cover and the man... 4.5 stars..