What do you think?
Rate this book
If I Can't Have You: Renaissance Collection
Monique, Bria, and Samariah are best friends from Milwaukee, going through some of everything together. They are the “it” girls in school, the ones other girls want to be like.
Samariah, however, doesn’t want to share her shine with anyone; she’ll do anything to get what she wants, even if that means sabotaging her best friends’ relationships.
Bria speaks her mind and is as real as they come. She has been with David since freshman year of high school and they are madly in love. Will that change when a baby is introduced into the picture?
Monique is too naive; she tries to see the best in everybody. She finally gets the man of her dreams; only to find out he has been harboring a secret. Will the love she has for him keep them together?
Will this friendship stand the test of time or will lies, betrayal, heartache, and secrets tear them apart?
Samariah, however, doesn’t want to share her shine with anyone; she’ll do anything to get what she wants, even if that means sabotaging her best friends’ relationships.
Bria speaks her mind and is as real as they come. She has been with David since freshman year of high school and they are madly in love. Will that change when a baby is introduced into the picture?
Monique is too naive; she tries to see the best in everybody. She finally gets the man of her dreams; only to find out he has been harboring a secret. Will the love she has for him keep them together?
Will this friendship stand the test of time or will lies, betrayal, heartache, and secrets tear them apart?
496 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 13, 2015
26 people are currently reading
81 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 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 27, 2023
This audible book was so good. It was hard to put down, and between the voice actor and the author the writing in this book was very easy to follow, and to get absorbed in all the plots that was going on. In a nutshell this book is about three high school friends who have been friends for many years, but unfortunately, there is always one person who tends to be jealous and this book just has that one jealous person who tends to take things overboard. This book is a good read to get absorbed with believable characters and believable story plots, and all the ups and downs that comes with relationships, friendships, and enemies.
If there are more books in a series, I would definitely be listening to them nonstop because the book was so good. It was literally hard to put down or in my case stop listening.
If there are more books in a series, I would definitely be listening to them nonstop because the book was so good. It was literally hard to put down or in my case stop listening.
February 22, 2016
Good read
Well Damn Sam is one crazy azz broad ...... It s crazy how she blames everyone else for her fail relationship she done lost her ever loving mind.NOW I really feel sorry for Corey cause he never cheated he lost his girl for not telling on his self..NOW David deserved EVERYTHING he gets he abandoned his family cause he didn't want a baby.....Great read I truly enjoyed it
Well Damn Sam is one crazy azz broad ...... It s crazy how she blames everyone else for her fail relationship she done lost her ever loving mind.NOW I really feel sorry for Corey cause he never cheated he lost his girl for not telling on his self..NOW David deserved EVERYTHING he gets he abandoned his family cause he didn't want a baby.....Great read I truly enjoyed it
June 1, 2016
This was a pretty good read it's just I couldn't stand Samariah/Sam her ass was crazy. I want to know how Mo and Sam going to feel when they find out that they are sisters, and as far as the daddy he wrong for not being in Sam life.
February 7, 2024
I liked this book. The story was decent. I really like the ending. This was my first book from this author, I will be looking them up. My favorite character was Monique and Sam was crazy as hell. The story did jump or switch gears closer to the end. For example, some of the things that Tim said at the begining caught me off guard in the end with his wife. As well as Kendra and her secret lover. Somethings I could predict but some incidents seemed random, like where did that come from or I thought he or she said this. It's almost as if the aurthor had a change of heart mid book. Overall prett good. I would recommend.
February 10, 2024
This book was full of guilty drama. I loved it. EVERYONE is a cheater. I felt like I was listening to a black soap opera, even down to the unrealistic plots.
A quick word about Sam. She was batshit crazy. She plotted and schemed against everybody. After all she did including attempted murder more than once, everyone forgave her bc she had a mental disorder. Oh hell naw! This chick knew she had a disorder but wasn't taking her meds. I honestly don't know how she's still alive.
This was a quick read so if I hit a reading slump I'll pick up book 2.
A quick word about Sam. She was batshit crazy. She plotted and schemed against everybody. After all she did including attempted murder more than once, everyone forgave her bc she had a mental disorder. Oh hell naw! This chick knew she had a disorder but wasn't taking her meds. I honestly don't know how she's still alive.
This was a quick read so if I hit a reading slump I'll pick up book 2.
May 4, 2018
This book was crazy! It took me longer to read than most of the books I go through in a day or two. This one I read in little chunks. Everything was happening so fast (by page 77 or so when there was a murder, I was exhausted) that I had to rest between some chapters. I have never heard of so many thirsty women and men who messed up. WOW! I just found out there are sequels and yes, I will probably go get them to see how each story finally ends. Over the top drama!
March 31, 2022
TOXIC!!!! These ppl did the most back and fwd I've ever seen!! EVERYone always wanted to talk it out with folks who obviously meant them no good. I enjoyed the read and headache as I waited for the downfall of each couple's stupid decisions.. 🤦🏾♀️🤣🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
October 30, 2020When I tell you it couldn't have been me...SMH
February 2, 2024
The drama between these 3 friends is wild. With a friend like Sam, who needs enemies! My goodness! On to listen to Book 2.
May 1, 2024
I'm sorry that I can only give it ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ... I definitely need a part 2.. I'm sure all these story lines can continue..
August 14, 2019
If you're looking for a trashy read, this delivers. Lots of sex, betrayal, friends & lovers and lovers of lovers, public fights, attempted murder, divorces and hook-ups, rape and true love, secret sisters, even a split personality or two. No matter what, the plot keeps moving forward with the next event, the next betrayal, the next seduction.
The problem, for me, was that I noticed a pattern. Even though Jiles kept introducing more characters -- fathers and mothers and sidepieces of mothers -- even their stories followed the same pattern. If you don't want to see what this pattern is, just want to enjoy the entertainment, stop reading now.
Here's how it goes: Woman A and Guy B are together. Guy B is cheating with Woman C. Feels bad about it, really likes Woman A, but just can't get enough of Woman C's pussy. Woman A finds out, usually in public. Instead of getting pissed at Guy B who is the one who has betrayed her, Woman A decides to beat the shit out of Woman C. Woman C knows Guy B is with Woman A, and at first it was just a sex-only thing, but she's gotten really attached to Guy B and refuses to give him up. She decides to make Woman A's life hell and to seduce Guy B every chance she gets in hopes of breaking them up. Finally Woman A can't take it and decides to leave Guy B . . . and turns immediately to Guy D, whom she's been having sex with on the side even though the reader has not been informed of this until now. Guy B decides he's been in love with Woman A all along, ditches Woman C and tries to get back with Woman A. Succeeds in every couple but 1.
Every character cheats. Every woman gets in a fistfight. All the guys speak of the women they are dating as "theirs," as if they own them, and yet somehow they remain attractive to the women. Nobody can get enough of their current partner's genitalia.
The sequence of events repeats so often with so many people, and the things each character does becomes so similar to the things every other character has done, it made me think that our author perhaps experienced this chain of events in her own life and is destined to keep telling it over and over and over until she gets it out of her system.
The problem, for me, was that I noticed a pattern. Even though Jiles kept introducing more characters -- fathers and mothers and sidepieces of mothers -- even their stories followed the same pattern. If you don't want to see what this pattern is, just want to enjoy the entertainment, stop reading now.
Here's how it goes: Woman A and Guy B are together. Guy B is cheating with Woman C. Feels bad about it, really likes Woman A, but just can't get enough of Woman C's pussy. Woman A finds out, usually in public. Instead of getting pissed at Guy B who is the one who has betrayed her, Woman A decides to beat the shit out of Woman C. Woman C knows Guy B is with Woman A, and at first it was just a sex-only thing, but she's gotten really attached to Guy B and refuses to give him up. She decides to make Woman A's life hell and to seduce Guy B every chance she gets in hopes of breaking them up. Finally Woman A can't take it and decides to leave Guy B . . . and turns immediately to Guy D, whom she's been having sex with on the side even though the reader has not been informed of this until now. Guy B decides he's been in love with Woman A all along, ditches Woman C and tries to get back with Woman A. Succeeds in every couple but 1.
Every character cheats. Every woman gets in a fistfight. All the guys speak of the women they are dating as "theirs," as if they own them, and yet somehow they remain attractive to the women. Nobody can get enough of their current partner's genitalia.
The sequence of events repeats so often with so many people, and the things each character does becomes so similar to the things every other character has done, it made me think that our author perhaps experienced this chain of events in her own life and is destined to keep telling it over and over and over until she gets it out of her system.
October 1, 2020
One of the best book I read this year!
Love this book! Need to be at the movies I will pass this one on to friends will there be a part two?
Love this book! Need to be at the movies I will pass this one on to friends will there be a part two?
July 18, 2015
Author Dawn Jiles did a great job of drawing readers into this story of friendship, love, betrayal, and revenge. The story of three friends who start out in high school, dating and enjoying the life that comes with being young, turns cold when one friend takes an unexpected detour, leaving one of her peers confused about her actions and the other in complete denial. All is fair in love...or is it, when it comes to affairs of the heart that are also affairs including lifelong friends?
I didn't think that the conclusion was unique or unpredictable. It's been done too much, in my opinion. There were many foreshadowing events throughout, which was well done. After reading that plot for the fifth or sixth time in less than six months, though, it just seems that authors could find other options. Even so, she did her thing, and it's well executed.
I didn't think that the conclusion was unique or unpredictable. It's been done too much, in my opinion. There were many foreshadowing events throughout, which was well done. After reading that plot for the fifth or sixth time in less than six months, though, it just seems that authors could find other options. Even so, she did her thing, and it's well executed.
July 31, 2022
This book was crazy as ever. These chicks were just straight up stupid. I like Bria's character because she was the one who stood firm on things. I think she handle herself a lot better than some of the girls. On the other hand I like Monique's character also because although she was naive at times she still tried to be there for you. Zoe was ok to me, but she thought the grass was greener on the other side until Dontae started abusing her. What can I say about Sam? That girl really need help because she was loose. And then the guys... I just have to shake my head at they dumb asses. Overall the book was good with all this damn drama going back and forward. Even the parents were stupid. I would have killed Kendra & Sam's ass if it was me. Ain't no way I would have dealt with their sick asses like everybody else did.
January 20, 2016
OMG! The drama in this book is real, so real that the majority of the secrets couldn't be told in part one!
Three best friends are entangled in a web of deception and betrayal caused by one of their own. This book is the perfect example of a child with severe mental issues because of their parents.
The men on their lives share their own secrets. However, their bond is tighter than the females and not one of the men betrayed each other...so far.
Looking forward to part two! Great job Dawn Jiles!
Three best friends are entangled in a web of deception and betrayal caused by one of their own. This book is the perfect example of a child with severe mental issues because of their parents.
The men on their lives share their own secrets. However, their bond is tighter than the females and not one of the men betrayed each other...so far.
Looking forward to part two! Great job Dawn Jiles!
August 4, 2015
Crazy Chick Alert
If you're the type of reader such as myself who loves a good book with a chick who is off her rocker, this book is for you. I won't share who the crazy chick is but I will say she made this book the most fun. This is my first time I've ever read a book by Dawn Jules but she has me captivated enough to want to read more from her. Can't wait to see what else she has up her sleeve
If you're the type of reader such as myself who loves a good book with a chick who is off her rocker, this book is for you. I won't share who the crazy chick is but I will say she made this book the most fun. This is my first time I've ever read a book by Dawn Jules but she has me captivated enough to want to read more from her. Can't wait to see what else she has up her sleeve
July 15, 2015
Excellent Read, very enjoyable
I cannot believe that this is her very first book. She did an helluva job. This book was so good that I finished it in 2 hours. Sam is crazy as Hell and need to be committed. More is working my last nerve being STUPID. She is going to mess around and lose a good man. This is a must read can't wait for Part 2 to come out.
I cannot believe that this is her very first book. She did an helluva job. This book was so good that I finished it in 2 hours. Sam is crazy as Hell and need to be committed. More is working my last nerve being STUPID. She is going to mess around and lose a good man. This is a must read can't wait for Part 2 to come out.
July 15, 2015
Trickery At It's Best
With a friend like Sam, who the hell needs enemies! You really need to watch those you call your friends, they are the ones that that will hurt you the most. This book was very entertaining and captured you attention from the very beginning to the end. It definitely will not disappoint you. Well worth the read.
With a friend like Sam, who the hell needs enemies! You really need to watch those you call your friends, they are the ones that that will hurt you the most. This book was very entertaining and captured you attention from the very beginning to the end. It definitely will not disappoint you. Well worth the read.
April 14, 2016
If I Can't Have You
This was a refreshing book of three best friends and their lives. I really enjoyed their trials and tribulations. I was shocked at the way things quickly took a turn for the worse. I can't wait to read the next two sequels. This book is well worth reading, so engaging and real!!!! A definite page turner, it will not disappoint!!!!!!!
This was a refreshing book of three best friends and their lives. I really enjoyed their trials and tribulations. I was shocked at the way things quickly took a turn for the worse. I can't wait to read the next two sequels. This book is well worth reading, so engaging and real!!!! A definite page turner, it will not disappoint!!!!!!!
April 3, 2019
You know your a good writer when you can make your readers wanna fight a character in person. I'm currently reading this, almost done and I absolutely love it and want more.
Favorite characters: Mo, Corey and Bria.
Sam and her mother are very nasty women. It's disgusting. Crazy how I know a few women like them in real life.
Favorite characters: Mo, Corey and Bria.
Sam and her mother are very nasty women. It's disgusting. Crazy how I know a few women like them in real life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2015
Ok
This book started off ok but then it lost me towards the end I liked the characters but it was like u knew everything that was gone happen it was just jumping around and it ended very stupid
This book started off ok but then it lost me towards the end I liked the characters but it was like u knew everything that was gone happen it was just jumping around and it ended very stupid
January 10, 2016
Ok
This chick Sam is certified crazy she wants sex all the time and she wants me she cannot have, her motto is if I can't have him nobody can now it looks like she messed with the wrong one have to read part 2
This chick Sam is certified crazy she wants sex all the time and she wants me she cannot have, her motto is if I can't have him nobody can now it looks like she messed with the wrong one have to read part 2
August 30, 2015
Ok
Love that the book was based in my home town. But some how it took me a min to read this one. Maybe too much drama I'm not for sure but it was OK for me
Love that the book was based in my home town. But some how it took me a min to read this one. Maybe too much drama I'm not for sure but it was OK for me
September 3, 2015
GREAT BOOK!!!
I would definitely recommend this as a must read. It was great. I can't wait to read part 2. Good Job Dawn...
I would definitely recommend this as a must read. It was great. I can't wait to read part 2. Good Job Dawn...
December 8, 2015
Excellent
I need part 2 asap. I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend this book. I need to know what's going to happen next.
I need part 2 asap. I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend this book. I need to know what's going to happen next.
December 31, 2015
Excellent Read
This book was great. I truly enjoyed it from beginning to end. This book had me tight at certain times. Please buttery with Part 2. Need to read it ASAP.
This book was great. I truly enjoyed it from beginning to end. This book had me tight at certain times. Please buttery with Part 2. Need to read it ASAP.
January 27, 2016
Great book
February 23, 2016
OMG
This book got me from the start! It was full of drama. That Sam is crazy and very jealous....on to part 2
This book got me from the start! It was full of drama. That Sam is crazy and very jealous....on to part 2
February 26, 2016
Needs editing
I really enjoyed the plot. I would've enjoyed the book much better if someone had taken time to edit and spell check it.
I really enjoyed the plot. I would've enjoyed the book much better if someone had taken time to edit and spell check it.
August 26, 2018
Great read and I couldn't put it down! Lot's of drama but definitely a great weekend read! I could totally see this as a movie.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews