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Twenty in 2020
If I Don't Have You
A captivating, sexy romance that explores the limits of love at first sight…
Afro-Brazilian filmmaker Ren is recovering from a romantic betrayal. Kayla is a Black British artist and journalist keen to make her mark. Thrown together during a string of interviews in New York for Ren's latest film, they’re struck by an irresistible attraction. The two surrender to one night of searing honesty and passion, which leaves them with more questions than answers about the future. With secrets lurking between them, letting their romance continue could upend the separate lives Ren and Kayla have so carefully built. But can they really risk losing their miraculous connection?
Afro-Brazilian filmmaker Ren is recovering from a romantic betrayal. Kayla is a Black British artist and journalist keen to make her mark. Thrown together during a string of interviews in New York for Ren's latest film, they’re struck by an irresistible attraction. The two surrender to one night of searing honesty and passion, which leaves them with more questions than answers about the future. With secrets lurking between them, letting their romance continue could upend the separate lives Ren and Kayla have so carefully built. But can they really risk losing their miraculous connection?
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2020
26 people are currently reading
3677 people want to read
About the author
Sareeta Domingo
10 books90 followersSareeta Domingo is the author of If I Don't Have You [Jacaranda Books, 2020], The Nearness of You [Piatkus/Little,Brown, 2016], and creator, editor and contributing writer of upcoming romantic fiction anthology Who's Loving You [Trapeze, 2021]. She has also written numerous erotic short stories and an erotic novella with Pavilion Books. Her books for Young Adults are published under S.A. Domingo, including Love, Secret Santa [Hachette Children's, 2019]. She has contributed to publications including gal-dem, Black Ballad, Stylist and Token Magazine, and has taken part in events for Hachette Books, Winchester Writers’ Festival, Black Girls Book Club and Bare Lit Festival among others. She lives in South East London.
sareetadomingo.com // @SareetaDomingo (Twitter) // @SareetaDomingoAuthor (Insta)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
June 23, 2021
I really enjoyed this book.
The first hundred and fifty pages of this book were something really special. In fact, this is one if the best first chapters I have read in ages. It reminded me of those classic Black love movies we all love - I kept thinking about ‘Love Jones’ and that Netflix movie ‘Been So Long’ starring Michaela Coel and Arinzé Kene . It was nostalgia and newness all wrapped together in a beautiful story.
There was just something electric about the interaction between Ren and Kayla - and the way they just opened up to each other. From their first interaction - the chemistry was palpable. The whole time I was reading - I was casting the movie adaptation in my head because this is a book that would translate sooooo well on screen!
I also found myself really sitting with the six questions Kayla asks Ren as part of her art project. Especially ‘Do Your Dreams Feel Real?’....which is something I’ve never thought about.
This is definitely a book whose strength rests on the character work - rather than any kind o definitive plot (though there is one). And can I just say that the character work was superbly done. Both Ren and Kayla were so well fleshed out - you got a sense if their flaws and vulnerabilities in a way that made them relatable. I found myself rooting for them; not just because I love them together but because I saw pieces of myself in both of them. I saw myself In Kayla’s need to prove herself and in Ren’s struggle with how to authentically create.
However, unintended consequence of the superb chemistry between Kayla and Ren, is that the sections if the book where they are apart feel empty or lacking? I found that it dragged a little in the middle. I just kept waiting for them to be together again...so that’s probably my main critique.
This book radiates uncomplicated depth. It’s the kind of romance that will make you swoon while also making you low-key ask yourself some serious life questions.
I can definitely give this a thumbs up.
The first hundred and fifty pages of this book were something really special. In fact, this is one if the best first chapters I have read in ages. It reminded me of those classic Black love movies we all love - I kept thinking about ‘Love Jones’ and that Netflix movie ‘Been So Long’ starring Michaela Coel and Arinzé Kene . It was nostalgia and newness all wrapped together in a beautiful story.
There was just something electric about the interaction between Ren and Kayla - and the way they just opened up to each other. From their first interaction - the chemistry was palpable. The whole time I was reading - I was casting the movie adaptation in my head because this is a book that would translate sooooo well on screen!
I also found myself really sitting with the six questions Kayla asks Ren as part of her art project. Especially ‘Do Your Dreams Feel Real?’....which is something I’ve never thought about.
This is definitely a book whose strength rests on the character work - rather than any kind o definitive plot (though there is one). And can I just say that the character work was superbly done. Both Ren and Kayla were so well fleshed out - you got a sense if their flaws and vulnerabilities in a way that made them relatable. I found myself rooting for them; not just because I love them together but because I saw pieces of myself in both of them. I saw myself In Kayla’s need to prove herself and in Ren’s struggle with how to authentically create.
However, unintended consequence of the superb chemistry between Kayla and Ren, is that the sections if the book where they are apart feel empty or lacking? I found that it dragged a little in the middle. I just kept waiting for them to be together again...so that’s probably my main critique.
This book radiates uncomplicated depth. It’s the kind of romance that will make you swoon while also making you low-key ask yourself some serious life questions.
I can definitely give this a thumbs up.
August 30, 2020
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Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When Kayla Joseph interviews Ren Morgan, there is an instant attraction towards them. And when they meet again at the airport before realizing that the storm would stop all flights from happening, they form a connection and bond. One thing leads to another and sparks are flying everywhere.
I rated If I Don’t Have You three stars. I found this story not as exciting as I hoped for after reading the synopsis. I was intrigued from the start but after a while into the book, I was not given the satisfaction that would lead me to being excited about this book. It was interesting to see the way Kayla and Ren felt toward each other and the way they came together after months and months of hardship and complications. Their relationship was nice to read and was nicely developed.
For me this was an okay book. I like the way Sareeta Domingo writes and was definitely fascinated by the story throughout the book but the plot was lacking in a few places and that put me off to really enjoying my time.
I do wish I liked this more.
Thank you again to NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2020
If I Don't Have You starts with ambitious journalist/ artist Kayla interviewing Ren, an afro-brazilian filmmaker. The immediate attraction between them draws the reader in straight away! Get the reader a chemistry set with this because there's plenty in these pages! Stuck at an airport with all flights cancelled Ren and Kayla head to a hotel booked by Ren's team but with only one room available their spark turns into a night of unforgettable passion.
Lifes twists and turns pushes them apart from each other and you are left wondering where their hearts will lead. Will the star crossed lovers find their way back to each other or does destiny have a different path for each to follow?
This novel tore at my heart strings while my inner self yelled at Ren and Kayla to just communicate!! The realness of their emotions and personal journeys channels the classics like Romeo and Juliet in modern times - thankfully without the tragic ending! If you enjoy a good romance then I definately recommend you pick this up! A word of warning to any younger readers there are some rather passionate scenes!!
Lifes twists and turns pushes them apart from each other and you are left wondering where their hearts will lead. Will the star crossed lovers find their way back to each other or does destiny have a different path for each to follow?
This novel tore at my heart strings while my inner self yelled at Ren and Kayla to just communicate!! The realness of their emotions and personal journeys channels the classics like Romeo and Juliet in modern times - thankfully without the tragic ending! If you enjoy a good romance then I definately recommend you pick this up! A word of warning to any younger readers there are some rather passionate scenes!!
February 16, 2025
4.25 stars 🌟 "Having tomorrows with you is everything I want too, Ren."
They were endgame fr fr. I think I believe in love again. Beautiful. Delicious. Sexy. Mature. Their love story read like poetry. I wanted more of them.
God. I need a Ren. Man was a goner for her from the very start. Obsessed.
They were endgame fr fr. I think I believe in love again. Beautiful. Delicious. Sexy. Mature. Their love story read like poetry. I wanted more of them.
God. I need a Ren. Man was a goner for her from the very start. Obsessed.
August 29, 2020
If I Don't Have You follows Kayla, a Black British woman who is an artist trying to make it in New York City. Ren is a sexy, film director who feels that he's sold himself out to make big blockbuster films as he struggles to recover from heartbreak and deception. The two meet as Kayla interviews Ren about his new film and the pair end up spending an unexpected evening together which alters their feelings and attitudes to love and life. However, things are not so straight forward as the novel pans out and both have deeper issues to deal with.
The structure of the book helped to build up a realistic relationship between the two as the chapters alternated between Ren and Kayla's perspective. There were also several time jumps which helped to draw out the romance over a reasonable time to make it more natural.
Admittedly I did struggle a little bit to begin with, to get into this one but I think that was partly my mood when I first picked it up. As the book progressed I became entirely absorbed in Ren and Kayla's narratives. Whilst I went into this expecting a fluffy romance it actually ended up offering much more than that. It looked at trust, openness, self-belief, creativity and personal journeys.
There were moments of sexiness that made the romance sizzle but I found myself most drawn to their email exchanges, their odd letters and the long distance communications between Ren and Kayla. This built and developed their relationship. There was some heat, but how they opened up in these moments made me especially emotional.
If I Don't Have You was a fantastic romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. I'd really recommend you give this one a go.
The structure of the book helped to build up a realistic relationship between the two as the chapters alternated between Ren and Kayla's perspective. There were also several time jumps which helped to draw out the romance over a reasonable time to make it more natural.
Admittedly I did struggle a little bit to begin with, to get into this one but I think that was partly my mood when I first picked it up. As the book progressed I became entirely absorbed in Ren and Kayla's narratives. Whilst I went into this expecting a fluffy romance it actually ended up offering much more than that. It looked at trust, openness, self-belief, creativity and personal journeys.
There were moments of sexiness that made the romance sizzle but I found myself most drawn to their email exchanges, their odd letters and the long distance communications between Ren and Kayla. This built and developed their relationship. There was some heat, but how they opened up in these moments made me especially emotional.
If I Don't Have You was a fantastic romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. I'd really recommend you give this one a go.
January 9, 2022
This is how you write romance! LOVED THE SHIT OUT THIS AUDIOBOOK!!!!!!
This story follows a duel character perspective, REN a movie producer/film editor/ sexy as hell irresistible yet sensitive guy who’s previously experienced true heartbreak. Then we have Kayla an incredibly self driven determined artist who makes sacrifices to climb the ever changing and competitive world of an artist in New York but who is never been in love. Then their worlds collide, and it’s just MAGIC from then.
They met and the instant connection is undeniable & more importantly BELIEVABLE!! The characters chemistry was so palatable. It was electric and the first 100 pages or of this book was excellently executed, and had be hooked. This author has an amazing ability to write characters connections so bloody well. This would translate to a movie so wellll and I want it so much!
There is the “miscommunication trope” which normally can sometimes overshadow the story leaving the reader feeling frustrated, but somehow Sareeta did it in such a way it’s forgivable & circumstantial. You understand it & it makes sense to the story. It’s not the petty shit you sometimes see in romance.
These two characters had such distinct voices too. Flowing well from chapter to chapter seamlessly. I could tell if I physically read this it wouldn’t be a case of having to flip back to the figure who’s talking.
This is for people who love character focused romance, it really explores them lot along side the plot, their characters arcs are awesome and you really do care about their individual goals, not just skimming these chapters as if it’s insignificant fact purely to drive the plot.
There is great sibling connections & friendships too! It’s really one of the best romance books I have read so far 😍
Urgh I adored it!!! FIVE STARS. Highly recommend
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This story follows a duel character perspective, REN a movie producer/film editor/ sexy as hell irresistible yet sensitive guy who’s previously experienced true heartbreak. Then we have Kayla an incredibly self driven determined artist who makes sacrifices to climb the ever changing and competitive world of an artist in New York but who is never been in love. Then their worlds collide, and it’s just MAGIC from then.
They met and the instant connection is undeniable & more importantly BELIEVABLE!! The characters chemistry was so palatable. It was electric and the first 100 pages or of this book was excellently executed, and had be hooked. This author has an amazing ability to write characters connections so bloody well. This would translate to a movie so wellll and I want it so much!
There is the “miscommunication trope” which normally can sometimes overshadow the story leaving the reader feeling frustrated, but somehow Sareeta did it in such a way it’s forgivable & circumstantial. You understand it & it makes sense to the story. It’s not the petty shit you sometimes see in romance.
These two characters had such distinct voices too. Flowing well from chapter to chapter seamlessly. I could tell if I physically read this it wouldn’t be a case of having to flip back to the figure who’s talking.
This is for people who love character focused romance, it really explores them lot along side the plot, their characters arcs are awesome and you really do care about their individual goals, not just skimming these chapters as if it’s insignificant fact purely to drive the plot.
There is great sibling connections & friendships too! It’s really one of the best romance books I have read so far 😍
Urgh I adored it!!! FIVE STARS. Highly recommend
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
October 6, 2023
A reluctantly-earned 4 stars. This book took me almost 7 months to read. Despite a strong start, it started to really lag in the middle, which led to me reading a chapter or so at a time and then dropping it for several weeks. But I’m glad I saw it through because ultimately it was a beautiful (though flawed) read. I loved the connection between the 2 main characters!
October 14, 2020
I like a love story, especially not straight forwards ones, so this filled that spot.
It was a nice easy read, although some parts were very dragged out (over doing setting the scene!)
Although based in New York, I love how South London Kayla was haha.
I gave a 3 because it’s nothing special, nothing stands out, but decent enough to pass the time
It was a nice easy read, although some parts were very dragged out (over doing setting the scene!)
Although based in New York, I love how South London Kayla was haha.
I gave a 3 because it’s nothing special, nothing stands out, but decent enough to pass the time
August 9, 2020
This for me was the perfect romance novel. Kayla meets Ren when she interviews him for her website and so begins a will they wont they romance that had more bumps that a rollercoaster.
The alternating chapters between Ren and Kayla were just what I needed to see both sides of the story, to understand their thinking and to see their growth.
The dialogue was witty and there was enough steam without it being too much.
I can highly recommend the audible version kindly gifted to me by MidasPR, but I will certainly be buying myself a copy of this book as well.
If you love romance then this one is for you.
The alternating chapters between Ren and Kayla were just what I needed to see both sides of the story, to understand their thinking and to see their growth.
The dialogue was witty and there was enough steam without it being too much.
I can highly recommend the audible version kindly gifted to me by MidasPR, but I will certainly be buying myself a copy of this book as well.
If you love romance then this one is for you.
February 9, 2021
IF I DON'T HAVE YOU was such a wonderful, quiet romance novel that I found myself thoroughly enjoying. In this one we follow Kayla, a journalist, who interviews Ren, a filmmaker, and the both of them feel an immediate and undeniable chemistry to the other.
Whilst this is a love at first novel it didn't feel too heavy on the insta-love, I found myself truly believing in the intense chemistry between these two. The connection between them felt so raw and powerful. I loved how honest and true they were with each other from the beginning - about most things, there are definite a couple of cases of 'please communicate'.
Overall, a super solid novel that has me eager to try out more work from this author in the future. This was also my first read from Jacaranda's #twentyin2020 and it was a great introduction to that publishing initiative.
Whilst this is a love at first novel it didn't feel too heavy on the insta-love, I found myself truly believing in the intense chemistry between these two. The connection between them felt so raw and powerful. I loved how honest and true they were with each other from the beginning - about most things, there are definite a couple of cases of 'please communicate'.
Overall, a super solid novel that has me eager to try out more work from this author in the future. This was also my first read from Jacaranda's #twentyin2020 and it was a great introduction to that publishing initiative.
March 22, 2021
4.5⭐️It’s my second time rereading the book (having read it in Oct 2020) and I was as immersed and enthralled in it like the first time around . The purity of the love between Kayla and Ren is so palpable that you root for them right from the beginning of their encounter ,as a love like that is a rear treasure . The entire book was magical . I particularly loved how their instant connection helped them to self actualise in their respective artistic paths . Ren’s vulnerability and raw wounds made me fall in love with him over and over again . The entire book was just magic .
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May 5, 2021💗 Check out our full book club review on Youtube 💗 If you prefer to listen you can check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
January 9, 2024
finally finished this book. it was okay, i didn’t think that the plot was anything amazing but it was cute. didn’t rly like kaylas reasoning for her not telling ren ab cole… thought she was blowing a bit out of proportion esp whne who cares when u literally have the love of ur life right infront of u. anyways yeah it was an easy and cute read but not life changing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2022
The start of this story was really intriguing and had me hooked but then it kind of got slow and not a lot going on. It was still an enjoyable listen.
March 20, 2023
Kinda delusional plot lol but I still enjoyed it
February 27, 2023
A true 2.5 stars.
Saving my thoughts for our bookclub meeting and then I’ll update my review 💀
Saving my thoughts for our bookclub meeting and then I’ll update my review 💀
July 31, 2021
I've got to know some published authors recently and am surprised that lots read their GoodReads reviews. They are understandably hurt by negative comments. So I will try to make my comments more constructive in future. But ultimately my GoodReads reviews are for myself as a defence against senility. One day, when I'm old, grey and gnarly, they will remind me what I've read. So there's no point in me not being honest.
There were lots of things I loved about this book about Black British Artist Kayla and Afro-Brazilian film director Ren. Firstly, it's a full on romance: they are pole-axed by their attraction to each other, spend a night together, circumstances keep them apart. Sareeta Domingo is not afraid to explore the full extent of their feelings. In addition, the sex scenes are really well written.
It's well structured: they meet at a film junket, are pushed together at the airport when flights are cancelled. This works up to a climax. Part way through, he finds out she's married to Cole, leaves without trying to understand why. Three years later they are both in New York. Paths cross. Eventually get back together.
My problems with this book:
1. They are consenting adults and REALLY have the hots for each other and have one night before they go their separate ways. They get to his hotel room.
Right. They're going to have sex.
No. Ok, they're going to get room service and then have sex.
No. They decide to go out for food (this is around midnight). Long meaningful discussion. Return to hotel room around 2am. Right. Now they'll have sex.
No. She runs a bath. SHE RUNS A BATH?
Ok, he undresses and gets in the bath. NOW they'll have sex.
No. He sits there rubbing her feet discussing the meaning of life. SERIOUSLY?
Finally they make it into the bedroom and have the mind-blowing sex we've been waiting for.
Yes, I know Domingo is making it clear that this is not an ordinary one-night-stand, but I found it odd.
2. Domingo only just avoids the romance-writing plot-trap of "just have a coffee and TELL HIM!" (that she's marrying her friend for a Green Card). But I think Domingo gets away with that one.
3. What really bugged me (and bumped my score down from a 4 star) was the portrayal of childbirth. Firstly it's treated as a life-threatening illness. Sister Christy goes into labour and they are all running round like Corporal Jones shouting "Don't panic! Don't panic!"
Then we have this:
I mean. WHAT? That's it?? That's childbirth?
If you are not going to make the effort to describe it (which is an acceptable authorial choice) then have Kayla turn up after the birth. What is written here is insulting to every woman who has ever gone through labour. Even if Domingo has not experienced childbirth, surely there was an editor somewhere along the publishing process who had, and could ask for a re-write?
There were lots of things I loved about this book about Black British Artist Kayla and Afro-Brazilian film director Ren. Firstly, it's a full on romance: they are pole-axed by their attraction to each other, spend a night together, circumstances keep them apart. Sareeta Domingo is not afraid to explore the full extent of their feelings. In addition, the sex scenes are really well written.
It's well structured: they meet at a film junket, are pushed together at the airport when flights are cancelled. This works up to a climax. Part way through, he finds out she's married to Cole, leaves without trying to understand why. Three years later they are both in New York. Paths cross. Eventually get back together.
My problems with this book:
1. They are consenting adults and REALLY have the hots for each other and have one night before they go their separate ways. They get to his hotel room.
Right. They're going to have sex.
No. Ok, they're going to get room service and then have sex.
No. They decide to go out for food (this is around midnight). Long meaningful discussion. Return to hotel room around 2am. Right. Now they'll have sex.
No. She runs a bath. SHE RUNS A BATH?
Ok, he undresses and gets in the bath. NOW they'll have sex.
No. He sits there rubbing her feet discussing the meaning of life. SERIOUSLY?
Finally they make it into the bedroom and have the mind-blowing sex we've been waiting for.
Yes, I know Domingo is making it clear that this is not an ordinary one-night-stand, but I found it odd.
2. Domingo only just avoids the romance-writing plot-trap of "just have a coffee and TELL HIM!" (that she's marrying her friend for a Green Card). But I think Domingo gets away with that one.
3. What really bugged me (and bumped my score down from a 4 star) was the portrayal of childbirth. Firstly it's treated as a life-threatening illness. Sister Christy goes into labour and they are all running round like Corporal Jones shouting "Don't panic! Don't panic!"
Then we have this:
She nods as another contraction overwhelms her, and I let her crush my hand as the midwife quietly encourages her to push. I feel Christy's body tense hard, then relax and the sound of screeching baby-cries fills the room. While everyone's eyes are trained on the little squirming mess that the midwife holds up, my gaze is fixed on my big sister.
'Oh my God,' I whisper. 'You just pushed a fucking human out of your body.'
I mean. WHAT? That's it?? That's childbirth?
If you are not going to make the effort to describe it (which is an acceptable authorial choice) then have Kayla turn up after the birth. What is written here is insulting to every woman who has ever gone through labour. Even if Domingo has not experienced childbirth, surely there was an editor somewhere along the publishing process who had, and could ask for a re-write?
September 23, 2020
I enjoyed this book so much. The characters had depth and the story line drew me in. A wonderful escape when I can't go anywhere. One of the best books I've read this year.
January 9, 2021
Where do I begin with this review...
A beautifully written book, described in the blurb as a “captivating, sexy romance that explores the limits of love at first sight”.
Black-British Artist Kayla and Afro-Brazilian filmmaker Ren have a meet-cute of sorts when thrown together during an interview promoting Ren’s new film. Throw in a storm and a (very) steamy night of passion to the mix, as well as the balancing act of both their separate lives. We see the ‘will they/won’t they make it’ romance unfold, secrets lurking that are daring to be unraveled in If I Don’t Have You , which is narrated by both Ren & Kayla.
I must admit I’m usually sceptical about romance fiction, and let me say that Sareeta Domingo has put some of those doubts about the genre at bay.
The writing style, characters and visualisation throughout the book gives you hope and all the feels (a hug in a book, without being too corny or cheesy). Makes you believe in love - seeing black love story unfold without a complication of a traumatic experience thrown in the mix just because...hence all the feels!
The perfect form of escapism, I swallowed up this book and didn’t want to let it go. Looking forward to seeing what comes next from Domingo. Please read this!
Published as part of Jacaranda Books’s #Twentyin2020 a celebration of Black British writing, marking a first where 20 Black writers were published in one year. Definitely keen to explore more from the series which includes a mixture of fiction, non-fiction and poetry.
4.3*
A beautifully written book, described in the blurb as a “captivating, sexy romance that explores the limits of love at first sight”.
Black-British Artist Kayla and Afro-Brazilian filmmaker Ren have a meet-cute of sorts when thrown together during an interview promoting Ren’s new film. Throw in a storm and a (very) steamy night of passion to the mix, as well as the balancing act of both their separate lives. We see the ‘will they/won’t they make it’ romance unfold, secrets lurking that are daring to be unraveled in If I Don’t Have You , which is narrated by both Ren & Kayla.
I must admit I’m usually sceptical about romance fiction, and let me say that Sareeta Domingo has put some of those doubts about the genre at bay.
The writing style, characters and visualisation throughout the book gives you hope and all the feels (a hug in a book, without being too corny or cheesy). Makes you believe in love - seeing black love story unfold without a complication of a traumatic experience thrown in the mix just because...hence all the feels!
The perfect form of escapism, I swallowed up this book and didn’t want to let it go. Looking forward to seeing what comes next from Domingo. Please read this!
Published as part of Jacaranda Books’s #Twentyin2020 a celebration of Black British writing, marking a first where 20 Black writers were published in one year. Definitely keen to explore more from the series which includes a mixture of fiction, non-fiction and poetry.
4.3*
August 30, 2020
A lady reached out to me on twitter. Will you read my book? well yes i will , that's what i do. Read and write and review 24/7. She sent me the book, I almost forgot about it till someone else asked can you recommend any multi-cultural romances? AND like a light bulb I remembered this one and have recommended it several times since.
Both of the characters Ren and Kayla are quite the catch for anyone but together they are a power couple. But wait are they a couple?
Ren is an uber talented filmmaker and photographer. As a beautiful man of Afro-Brazilian decent you read in the accent you prey would sound as good in real life as it does in your head. Good luck finding the actor that could fill Ren's shoes on screen. Yes this book has movie possibilities.
Kayla is a journalist who is a strong willed woman all women, especially young adults need to read about and aspire to her no apology career path.
After Ren and Kayla's chemistry is indisputable as the reader you will be on a roller coaster when they decide life is complicated enough, why burden each other??? WHAT??? because love and life are messy and you CAN have and WANT both.
Both of the characters Ren and Kayla are quite the catch for anyone but together they are a power couple. But wait are they a couple?
Ren is an uber talented filmmaker and photographer. As a beautiful man of Afro-Brazilian decent you read in the accent you prey would sound as good in real life as it does in your head. Good luck finding the actor that could fill Ren's shoes on screen. Yes this book has movie possibilities.
Kayla is a journalist who is a strong willed woman all women, especially young adults need to read about and aspire to her no apology career path.
After Ren and Kayla's chemistry is indisputable as the reader you will be on a roller coaster when they decide life is complicated enough, why burden each other??? WHAT??? because love and life are messy and you CAN have and WANT both.
June 16, 2022
I really enjoyed the beginning of this book – intense and sexy, with believable characters. The reason I‘m not giving this 4 stars is because the story got a bit too slow and repetetive for me after a while. I did care about the characters, which is super important for me in a book. I‘m not the biggest fan of love at first sight trope but this book made it somehow different and…believable? I still yerned some more realism in the relationship. But that‘s how I always feel about love stories – that they always are a bit cringy and dramatic. Anyway, a lovely read.
July 31, 2020
I really enjoyed this romance, it has a few time jumps which makes the whole situation a bit more realistic. A fun read! Looking forward to reading more from this author.
August 27, 2020
If you want a Black romance novel with a twist that will make you scream, it’s this one. Can’t wait for a film.
February 26, 2021
Enjoyable read although the whole of book club were left perplexed by the description of Ren running his hand through his hair which didn't match the image of him on the cover.
January 13, 2021
It started good but couldn't get in to the second part of the book
September 4, 2021
The stories protagonists are Kayla, a gorgeous black British/photographer/journalist and Ren, a hot AF (I'm just going by the sensual descriptions lol) Afro Brazilian Film maker. Fate draws these two together during a chance meeting, solidifying a bond that they cannot seem to escape no matter how hard they try. Kayla's desires to succeed and live the life she's always desired plays a heavy hand in the disruption of their romance.
If you're a lover of romantic fiction I think you'll absolutely adore this story! I love a good romance and I really loved what Domingo did with "If I Don't Have You". It was light hearted at times, erotic AF at others, reflective and romantic. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I won't lie though Kayla irritated the hell out of me throughout much of the book and it was namely due to double standards. Kayla expected complete honesty from Ren, but she failed on multiple occasions to offer him the same level of honesty and respect that she required from him.
If you've read this, what did you think about Kayla's character? What did you think of it overall?
If you're a lover of romantic fiction I think you'll absolutely adore this story! I love a good romance and I really loved what Domingo did with "If I Don't Have You". It was light hearted at times, erotic AF at others, reflective and romantic. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I won't lie though Kayla irritated the hell out of me throughout much of the book and it was namely due to double standards. Kayla expected complete honesty from Ren, but she failed on multiple occasions to offer him the same level of honesty and respect that she required from him.
If you've read this, what did you think about Kayla's character? What did you think of it overall?
July 31, 2022
Loved the beginning of this book! Great way to get me pulled in and interested in the characters and invested in the story.
I’m currently about halfway through and I can’t manage to go forward. The story is draggggggging and the dramatic theatrics are getting very predictable and unnecessary for the forward movement of the characters.
I listened to the audiobook of this novel and the narrators are great at reading the Kayla and Rem characters respectively. However, the very British female narrator does such a miserable job trying to convey a male, American accent, it ruined the story for me. She made Rem sound like some insecure dude who calls everyone “bro” and has an upward inflection at the end of all his sentences. Maybe it’s me, but the female narrator made Rem sound like the guys I went to high school with (not a compliment to Rem’s character). I’ll have to finish this book in hard copy if I ever desire to finish it. I’ll assume Kayla and Rem find a way to be together and they live happily ever after. 😅
I’m currently about halfway through and I can’t manage to go forward. The story is draggggggging and the dramatic theatrics are getting very predictable and unnecessary for the forward movement of the characters.
I listened to the audiobook of this novel and the narrators are great at reading the Kayla and Rem characters respectively. However, the very British female narrator does such a miserable job trying to convey a male, American accent, it ruined the story for me. She made Rem sound like some insecure dude who calls everyone “bro” and has an upward inflection at the end of all his sentences. Maybe it’s me, but the female narrator made Rem sound like the guys I went to high school with (not a compliment to Rem’s character). I’ll have to finish this book in hard copy if I ever desire to finish it. I’ll assume Kayla and Rem find a way to be together and they live happily ever after. 😅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2022
I am always drawn to a good love story and this book delivered in so many ways with the relationship depicted between filmmaker Ren and journalist Kayla.
The book covers a number of years from when Ren and Kayla originally meet, when she interviews him about his new film, to the years that follow with the ups and downs of their individual lives that often divide them. Their connection is instant and intense but at the same time very believable. The story does not idiolise their romance and rather portrays two very real and flawed characters who fall in love but life gets in the way of them having a happy ever after.
Their love was moving, the sex scenes were very well written and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of their relationship. It is not a particularly fast paced book but takes its time to give depth to the characters so you can't help but root for them.
I will definitely be seeking out this author's other books now.
The book covers a number of years from when Ren and Kayla originally meet, when she interviews him about his new film, to the years that follow with the ups and downs of their individual lives that often divide them. Their connection is instant and intense but at the same time very believable. The story does not idiolise their romance and rather portrays two very real and flawed characters who fall in love but life gets in the way of them having a happy ever after.
Their love was moving, the sex scenes were very well written and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of their relationship. It is not a particularly fast paced book but takes its time to give depth to the characters so you can't help but root for them.
I will definitely be seeking out this author's other books now.
January 23, 2022
Review in a sentence: Electric, heartwarming, and winding road of all the wrong turns we take to find love
My thoughts:
The feelings this book gave me echoed so much the filming I had when I watched “Been So Long” with Michaela Cole, absolute mush that tugs at the heartstrings.
The first part of this book is so insanely special I found myself smiling at the pages and it really pulls at the memories of that feeling of falling head over heels in love.
It’s a romance that isn’t shy of dealing with the realness in its characters emotions and you find yourself wanting to shake the two main characters and tell them to communicate because they clearly belong together.
A romance that’s full of emotion and heart, Ren and Kayla connect and and interact on so many levels. Despite the obstacles they make their way time and time again towards each other. It’s a delight to read and a book I’d recommend!
My thoughts:
The feelings this book gave me echoed so much the filming I had when I watched “Been So Long” with Michaela Cole, absolute mush that tugs at the heartstrings.
The first part of this book is so insanely special I found myself smiling at the pages and it really pulls at the memories of that feeling of falling head over heels in love.
It’s a romance that isn’t shy of dealing with the realness in its characters emotions and you find yourself wanting to shake the two main characters and tell them to communicate because they clearly belong together.
A romance that’s full of emotion and heart, Ren and Kayla connect and and interact on so many levels. Despite the obstacles they make their way time and time again towards each other. It’s a delight to read and a book I’d recommend!
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