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Ward Duet #1
The Man I Can't Have
It started as a simple search for a landscape designer�
I wanted a beautiful backyard for my new home and my neighbors suggested I look into Ward Landscaping & Design.
The owner had no pictures of himself on his website, just a portfolio of nice outdoor sitting areas, pools, and vibrant gardens that I’d always dreamed of having.
Of course I hired him.
I expected to meet an average guy, but Mr. Marcel Ward is far from your average man. He’s handsome, and well-built, and his smile—though a rare trait—is truly infectious.
He’s every woman’s dream—a handsome, older man who doesn’t mind getting down and dirty to create something beautiful all because of his passion for it. Unfortunately, that lucky woman can’t be me.
Although Mr. Ward tests my limits, quickens my breath, and makes my heart skip a beat when he’s around, I’ve promised to devote myself to my husband.
So why am I falling for a man I know I can’t have?
I wanted a beautiful backyard for my new home and my neighbors suggested I look into Ward Landscaping & Design.
The owner had no pictures of himself on his website, just a portfolio of nice outdoor sitting areas, pools, and vibrant gardens that I’d always dreamed of having.
Of course I hired him.
I expected to meet an average guy, but Mr. Marcel Ward is far from your average man. He’s handsome, and well-built, and his smile—though a rare trait—is truly infectious.
He’s every woman’s dream—a handsome, older man who doesn’t mind getting down and dirty to create something beautiful all because of his passion for it. Unfortunately, that lucky woman can’t be me.
Although Mr. Ward tests my limits, quickens my breath, and makes my heart skip a beat when he’s around, I’ve promised to devote myself to my husband.
So why am I falling for a man I know I can’t have?
412 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2019
1,190 people are currently reading
5,136 people want to read
About the author
Shanora Williams
80books6,048followersShanora Williams is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty romance and diverse suspense novels.
She currently lives near Charlotte, North Carolina and is the mother of three amazing boys, has a fiercely devoted and supportive husband, and is a sister to eleven.
When she isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her family, binge reading, or running marathons on TV streaming services. Visit her at shanorawilliams.com or interact with her on Instagram @reallyshanora.
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She currently lives near Charlotte, North Carolina and is the mother of three amazing boys, has a fiercely devoted and supportive husband, and is a sister to eleven.
When she isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her family, binge reading, or running marathons on TV streaming services. Visit her at shanorawilliams.com or interact with her on Instagram @reallyshanora.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 559 reviews
May 6, 2019
♨️Holy smoking panties on fire!!!!🔥
Sexy as a shirtless hunk with a V and hot as a burning ember, this book scorches your soul with restricted passions and curbed lust. When unleashed the volcano erupts right on the pages. My heart was thumping at every scene with dread and anticipation. I wanted them to happen but was also holding her back. Very cleverly written, this book will set your pulse racing and you will beg for more from Mouthwatering Marcel with full luscious lips (I'm a sucker for them)
Shanora has fulfilled all my fantasies by creating landscape architect in Marcellus Ward.
I wish he could do my Landscaping .😉IfYouKnowWhatIMean
He meets Gabrielle Moore, and takes on the project of giving her the back garden and patio in her new dream home. She's unhappy and she knows it, so why doesn't she walk away? Lemme tell you this question plagued me. But the answer I got had my mouth hanging open.😮
“Life has never been easy for me, so when I see that some people are wastin� their time, I say it. No point in holdin� my tongue, ’cause I may not get the chance to tell that person the truth again later. Sometimes tellin� the truth hurts. And sometimes knowin� the truth saves a few lives.�
He gives her "front garden" a lot of attention too 😉 "IfYouKnowWhatIMean ..teehee!!😂😂😂
I'm sorry I'm being juvenile but I've been DYING to say this line🤣🤣 *tittering*. Ok sobering up....
The story pulls at your heart, it's journey is laden with yearnings and cravings of the forbidden kinds. It flows so smoothly, I was unable to put it down or walk away from it.
The fire that's consuming both H/h singes my soul too, esp after The Villa scene
I hate the situation we’re in.
I hate my temper.
I hate that he fell for me!
I loved Gabby and Marcel. Their proximity confuses them both and their time apart kills them both.
TBH i had a somewhat love/hate relationship with kyle.
But omg!!! The bombshell on the last page had me 😮huh!!!!
Can't wait till June, I'll be on pins and needles... #WriteShanoraWrite!
4.5 stars for All the Little Things
#BookBistroBlogApproved
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Sexy as a shirtless hunk with a V and hot as a burning ember, this book scorches your soul with restricted passions and curbed lust. When unleashed the volcano erupts right on the pages. My heart was thumping at every scene with dread and anticipation. I wanted them to happen but was also holding her back. Very cleverly written, this book will set your pulse racing and you will beg for more from Mouthwatering Marcel with full luscious lips (I'm a sucker for them)
Shanora has fulfilled all my fantasies by creating landscape architect in Marcellus Ward.
I wish he could do my Landscaping .😉IfYouKnowWhatIMean
He meets Gabrielle Moore, and takes on the project of giving her the back garden and patio in her new dream home. She's unhappy and she knows it, so why doesn't she walk away? Lemme tell you this question plagued me. But the answer I got had my mouth hanging open.😮
“Life has never been easy for me, so when I see that some people are wastin� their time, I say it. No point in holdin� my tongue, ’cause I may not get the chance to tell that person the truth again later. Sometimes tellin� the truth hurts. And sometimes knowin� the truth saves a few lives.�
He gives her "front garden" a lot of attention too 😉 "IfYouKnowWhatIMean ..teehee!!😂😂😂
I'm sorry I'm being juvenile but I've been DYING to say this line🤣🤣 *tittering*. Ok sobering up....
The story pulls at your heart, it's journey is laden with yearnings and cravings of the forbidden kinds. It flows so smoothly, I was unable to put it down or walk away from it.
The fire that's consuming both H/h singes my soul too, esp after The Villa scene
I hate the situation we’re in.
I hate my temper.
I hate that he fell for me!
I loved Gabby and Marcel. Their proximity confuses them both and their time apart kills them both.
TBH i had a somewhat love/hate relationship with kyle.
But omg!!! The bombshell on the last page had me 😮huh!!!!
Can't wait till June, I'll be on pins and needles... #WriteShanoraWrite!
4.5 stars for All the Little Things
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on :
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Blog -
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May 17, 2019
I knew this book was about a wife cheating on her husband. I was ready for the grey area where it would be explained in some way that I could at least understand a liiiiittle bit why Gabby cheated, even if I don’t approve.
Now, her husband is an asshole, yes. But keep in mind that they have known each other for a year, maybe two (not 100% sure anymore), have been married for even less time, nobody she knows likes her husband and they just moved away from her family so she is “all alone� and she sculpts for a living so there is no need to leave the house. So... I am sorry, I don’t really understand the part where she had the so-called perfect life and then only a little time (not even 6 months) passes before she realizes she wants something her husband can’t give her (= rough sex and more dirty talk...). But up until that moment she loved her husband deeply, she was excited about their new and beautiful home and there wasn't a single thing that bothered her, aside from her husband being away a lot for work. Didn’t she know that before they got married? And didn't she know he would have to go to New York all the time for his job before they moved the office to where they live now?
She then hires a landscaper (against her husband’s wishes), befriends the guy in less than a few days, starts fantasizing about him in less than a week and in that same time period Marcel (the landscaper guy) has already pointed out she can do so much better than her husband. For instance say ummm: Marcel.
The entire relationship between them felt forced and fake. I’ve watched porn with a better plot. Because in (sorta) real life it’s hard to connect with a complete stranger over plants and stones in a way that they’d get it on in a short amount of time, while one of them was married. If they had met in a bar before she hired him or something then at least this would have made more sense. But no, two almost kisses, him telling her he wants her and knows she wants him too, that she’s living a lie,.. I just didn’t buy it.
And again: the husband is a prick. But then the plot twist comes along: he sometimes grabs her too hard, leaving bruises. He’s controlling and tries to keep everyody away from her. And then when he finds out she’s been cheating (because the stupid girl didn’t really put much effort into hiding it) he kicks her in the face. Now, no amount of fighting justifies physical violence, but here this seems like such an easy way for the reader to hate the husband even more and root for the other man. I mean even her family and bff approved of her having an affair! (Yeah, go get it girl, none of us are saints!) I mean WHAT? And another thing I don't get: her husband is very controlling, has a temper and he speaks his mind all the time. But in the bedroom he's about as vanilla as it can get. A man who really wants to dominate his wife will do that between the sheets too, but Kyle only goes into alpha mode when they are in public and when another man so much as looks in her general direction. It makes NO sense.
If your husband is an asshole and you have friends/family to go to then run run run. Her husband was away for DAYS so she could have packed at any time, but she didn’t. Instead she lets her landscaper fuck her on her husband’s table (that broke in pieces and she didn’t even notice until her hubby pointed it out).
I’m going to pass on book two, thanks.
Now, her husband is an asshole, yes. But keep in mind that they have known each other for a year, maybe two (not 100% sure anymore), have been married for even less time, nobody she knows likes her husband and they just moved away from her family so she is “all alone� and she sculpts for a living so there is no need to leave the house. So... I am sorry, I don’t really understand the part where she had the so-called perfect life and then only a little time (not even 6 months) passes before she realizes she wants something her husband can’t give her (= rough sex and more dirty talk...). But up until that moment she loved her husband deeply, she was excited about their new and beautiful home and there wasn't a single thing that bothered her, aside from her husband being away a lot for work. Didn’t she know that before they got married? And didn't she know he would have to go to New York all the time for his job before they moved the office to where they live now?
She then hires a landscaper (against her husband’s wishes), befriends the guy in less than a few days, starts fantasizing about him in less than a week and in that same time period Marcel (the landscaper guy) has already pointed out she can do so much better than her husband. For instance say ummm: Marcel.
The entire relationship between them felt forced and fake. I’ve watched porn with a better plot. Because in (sorta) real life it’s hard to connect with a complete stranger over plants and stones in a way that they’d get it on in a short amount of time, while one of them was married. If they had met in a bar before she hired him or something then at least this would have made more sense. But no, two almost kisses, him telling her he wants her and knows she wants him too, that she’s living a lie,.. I just didn’t buy it.
And again: the husband is a prick. But then the plot twist comes along: he sometimes grabs her too hard, leaving bruises. He’s controlling and tries to keep everyody away from her. And then when he finds out she’s been cheating (because the stupid girl didn’t really put much effort into hiding it) he kicks her in the face. Now, no amount of fighting justifies physical violence, but here this seems like such an easy way for the reader to hate the husband even more and root for the other man. I mean even her family and bff approved of her having an affair! (Yeah, go get it girl, none of us are saints!) I mean WHAT? And another thing I don't get: her husband is very controlling, has a temper and he speaks his mind all the time. But in the bedroom he's about as vanilla as it can get. A man who really wants to dominate his wife will do that between the sheets too, but Kyle only goes into alpha mode when they are in public and when another man so much as looks in her general direction. It makes NO sense.
If your husband is an asshole and you have friends/family to go to then run run run. Her husband was away for DAYS so she could have packed at any time, but she didn’t. Instead she lets her landscaper fuck her on her husband’s table (that broke in pieces and she didn’t even notice until her hubby pointed it out).
I’m going to pass on book two, thanks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2019
Forbidden romance lovers rejoice!!!! The Man I Can’t Have will give you all the feels while reading this one. Racing heart, sweaty palms, guaranteed frustration, longing for what you can’t have, and the forbidden temptation you KNOW without a doubt� is going to do you in.
I’ve said this before on more than one occasion, I love forbidden romance. That feeling you get once you’ve stepped inside the alluring dangerous territory of wanting something you know you can’t have, is like a magnetic pull to the unknown outcome. We crave it because we know it’s wrong but yet, we want it anyway. With temptation at the forefront, giving in will be the least of your worries.
I really don’t want to go too much into the plot of the story because the stuff that went down needs it’s own gasp sounds and I think every reader show up be caught off guard while reading this one. As much as I love this author, I will admit that I was hesitant going into this story and I had all of these questions swirling around in my head. Will I embrace the forbidden and fall in love with something that I know is wrong? Will I finish this story with my heart intact or will I be shattered for different reasons? Well I got my answers and they were all a big f*ck yes!
I know that this story is unconventional in a sense and that it won’t be for everyone. It’s messy, complicated, and your feelings will no longer be your own. Despite some of these characters flaws, I loved them in all of their honesty and I liked the fact that they showed their vulnerable side as well. Nothing was ever easy but you know what they say about love stories like these�. They never are.
May 10, 2019
⭐️ 5 "Would You Leave Him for Me?" Stars ⭐️
When it comes to Shanora Williams, I always know what to expect with her books and she never fails to captivate me. With The Man I Can’t Have, she starts The Ward Duet in a very convincing way! This story had me completely hooked from the first few pages. I already knew from the blurb that this novel is a forbidden romance with cheating, but this story is truly so much more than that. Gabby and Marcel’s illicit relationship is an exquisite slow burn that starts with friendship and attraction and grows into something meaningful! This couple is simply mesmerizing!
"He has a hold on me - a tight lasso wrapped around me that I can't break free from - and he knows it. We both know it."
Marcel Ward is a hero I won’t forget anytime soon. He’s all maleness and southern charm with confidence and a flirty attitude. He’s also sexy, unapologetic and possessive. Events of his past made him realize that each instant counts and life is too short, so he goes for what he truly wants: Gabby. Marcel knows his pull toward the married woman is special and not one-sided, so he doesn’t relent in his pursuit of her affection. All the little things he does for her are just so sweet and adorable! He surely made me melt!
As for Gabby, she’s also an interesting woman. When she’s with Kyle, her husband, she’s so subdued and missing a certain spark! She seems so lonely. With Mr. Ward though, the dynamic is so different and intense. She’s Miss Gabby, a sassy little thing! She’s lively, amusing and cute. There’s no doubt that I’m rooting for the other man in this love story. Let’s just say that her husband is an ass and all read long I was questioning her reasons to marry him.
I enjoyed the fact that Gabby and Marcel’s actions aren’t all impulsive, but well thought. They don’t jump into sex to quench their carnal desire for each other, but they slowly develop a friendship beforehand. This affair is wrong on society’s standard, but for them this magnetic bond is unquestionable. I adored every single instant they shared going from flirty to funny, to provocative to jealous to passionate and poignant! They’re amazingly beautiful together! Their intimate moments are truly powerful and scorching hot. Did I tell you that Marcel is a dirty talker? One more reason to be team Marcel, ladies!
"I fucking' want you! I want you more than the air I'm fuckin' breathin' right now! Sorry if that shit offends you, but I'm a fuckin' man, and I'm not about to lie to you or myself about how I feel!"
This novel was addictive! Shanora Williams skilfully brought to life charming, alluring protagonists with this exceptional connection I’m always looking for! The feelings The Man I Can’t Have gave me were so powerful and spellbinding! It ends on a cliffhanger that had me so stunned I don’t know how I’ll be able to wait for the sequel! If you love deliciously sexy yet emotional romances, TMICH is really a novel you need in your life!!!
** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
May 7, 2019
So good!
I really liked it! Gabby and Marcel's chemistry was off the charts! They hit it off from the moment they meet, but there's a problem. Gabby is married. Her husband, Kyle, works a lot out of state and in all honesty is a douche. Nobody likes Kyle and its a mystery why Gabby is married to him. I don't want to give too much of the plot away but just know that Kyle is not a nice guy. He may seem like he is but he's not. Marcel on the other hand, is my new book boyfriend. He's charming, hard working, sexy and a nice guy all around. Gabby is great too! I really liked her.
I know many people will shy away from this book because of her being married and cheating but you just have to go in with an open mind. I promise you its worth it.
The book ends on a cliffhanger but the next one comes out in a little over a month, so the wait is not long. I need to know how their story ends. I am rooting for them so much!
I really liked it! Gabby and Marcel's chemistry was off the charts! They hit it off from the moment they meet, but there's a problem. Gabby is married. Her husband, Kyle, works a lot out of state and in all honesty is a douche. Nobody likes Kyle and its a mystery why Gabby is married to him. I don't want to give too much of the plot away but just know that Kyle is not a nice guy. He may seem like he is but he's not. Marcel on the other hand, is my new book boyfriend. He's charming, hard working, sexy and a nice guy all around. Gabby is great too! I really liked her.
I know many people will shy away from this book because of her being married and cheating but you just have to go in with an open mind. I promise you its worth it.
The book ends on a cliffhanger but the next one comes out in a little over a month, so the wait is not long. I need to know how their story ends. I am rooting for them so much!
December 13, 2019
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: I know cheating is a hard limit for many readers, but I honestly don't mind the messy romances every once in a while! I was in the mood to get messy 😜 My biggest complaint is the pacing. It felt like it's a duet for the sake of selling two books. I get it! Make your money where you can! I just find this a little frustrating, as I believe this selling technique seems to reduce the quality of works in some cases. I'll need to read the second book in the series to make the call if it feels the same with this duet. But! With the cliffhanger, as predictable as it might've been, I am eager to pick up the next and find out what's going to happen...on to the next!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Gabby and Marcel's story. Gabby is a newlywed moving into their new home. She soon realizes how lonely it is when her husband is away so much for work and she doesn't know anyone, so she seeks out company in the men working to redesign her backyard. Marcel owns the landscape company and can't help but be drawn to the sweet Gabby and dislike her cold husband. They form a friendship of sorts, but feelings change into something more...
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Gabby and Marcel's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: It did feel a little slow and that it might've been stretched out for the sake of having 2 books vs just one, but I never skimmed.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Marcel. I liked his alpha tendencies and how he cared for the h.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Gabby. I liked her. She didn't feel like that wishy-washy cheating mc that drives me crazy, so that was definitely appreciated!
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes
Cheating: Yes
Separation: I'd say no since they weren't technically together
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends on a cliffhanger -- but the next book, has been released.
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: I know cheating is a hard limit for many readers, but I honestly don't mind the messy romances every once in a while! I was in the mood to get messy 😜 My biggest complaint is the pacing. It felt like it's a duet for the sake of selling two books. I get it! Make your money where you can! I just find this a little frustrating, as I believe this selling technique seems to reduce the quality of works in some cases. I'll need to read the second book in the series to make the call if it feels the same with this duet. But! With the cliffhanger, as predictable as it might've been, I am eager to pick up the next and find out what's going to happen...on to the next!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Gabby and Marcel's story. Gabby is a newlywed moving into their new home. She soon realizes how lonely it is when her husband is away so much for work and she doesn't know anyone, so she seeks out company in the men working to redesign her backyard. Marcel owns the landscape company and can't help but be drawn to the sweet Gabby and dislike her cold husband. They form a friendship of sorts, but feelings change into something more...
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Gabby and Marcel's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: It did feel a little slow and that it might've been stretched out for the sake of having 2 books vs just one, but I never skimmed.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Marcel. I liked his alpha tendencies and how he cared for the h.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Gabby. I liked her. She didn't feel like that wishy-washy cheating mc that drives me crazy, so that was definitely appreciated!
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes
Cheating: Yes
Separation: I'd say no since they weren't technically together
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends on a cliffhanger -- but the next book, has been released.
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
April 28, 2019
Oh my GAWD!! Dear LORD this book BURIED me. It buried me so f*cking deep in my emotions that I cant even claw my way out. NO sense in trying to prepare yourself, just brace for the impact, Shanora is not playing any games and will ruin you.....no one is ready!
“I could do so much to you right now, and he wouldn’t even know it.�
Guys, the intimacy unhinged me, almost like it's too much so you want to look away and the tender moments brought me to tears. The way Shanora conveys the feelings between Marcel and Gabby will have you eating out of the palm of her hands.
"I’m insane, not telling him to leave, but the longer I watch his intense, liquid eyes, the more I want him to stay. The lust is pouring out of both of us like fiery lava, and I’m wound up."
You will completley give yourself over to this story and lose yourself within these pages.....I'M DYINNNNNNNNNG!!! Note to self, you can't let Shanora's pretty face fool you. She's a soul destroyer...... Marcel & Gabby torture me in the best way, this book is absolutely EVERYTHING!!! IT'S SO MOTHERF*CKING INTENSE!!!! A top read for me this year!
“I knew you wanted me,� he says. Another thrust. “From now on you won’t be his.� Another thrust. “You’ll be mine."
“I could do so much to you right now, and he wouldn’t even know it.�
Guys, the intimacy unhinged me, almost like it's too much so you want to look away and the tender moments brought me to tears. The way Shanora conveys the feelings between Marcel and Gabby will have you eating out of the palm of her hands.
"I’m insane, not telling him to leave, but the longer I watch his intense, liquid eyes, the more I want him to stay. The lust is pouring out of both of us like fiery lava, and I’m wound up."
You will completley give yourself over to this story and lose yourself within these pages.....I'M DYINNNNNNNNNG!!! Note to self, you can't let Shanora's pretty face fool you. She's a soul destroyer...... Marcel & Gabby torture me in the best way, this book is absolutely EVERYTHING!!! IT'S SO MOTHERF*CKING INTENSE!!!! A top read for me this year!
“I knew you wanted me,� he says. Another thrust. “From now on you won’t be his.� Another thrust. “You’ll be mine."
May 9, 2019
3.5 Stars
May 6, 2019
WOWSA!!! This book was just amazing. Think it might be my favourite read from this author and it's definitely my favourite hero from her. He was DIVINE with a capital D!!!
Age Gap ✔️
HAF ✔️
Angsty as hell ✔️
Packed with plot twists, chemistry that pours from the page and enough emotions to have you reaching for your wine or tissues. I cannot wait for book 2!!!
Get it on your TBR immediately!!! Definitely recommend.
Beta read
Age Gap ✔️
HAF ✔️
Angsty as hell ✔️
Packed with plot twists, chemistry that pours from the page and enough emotions to have you reaching for your wine or tissues. I cannot wait for book 2!!!
Get it on your TBR immediately!!! Definitely recommend.
Beta read
May 6, 2019
“I don’t just want right now. I want you forever.�
I know you should never judge a book by it’s cover� but one look at The Man I Can’t Have by Shanora Williams and I was done for. Definite cover love with this one. The story inside this spectacular cover was just as amazing; it was angsty, it was addictive, it was forbidden and oh so sexy. This is my first story ever by Shanora Williams and wow, what a story to start with, I know she now has a fan for life. I became fully immersed into the story from the start and I literally could not put it down until the final word was read.
Gabrielle (Gabby) is a newly married woman who is definitely unsure of herself, lonely and missing a certain something in her life. She married Kyle a few months earlier and perhaps she never should have married him in the first instance. He proposed to her in the front of the Empire State Building on New Years Eve in front of many onlookers just waiting for her to say the magical “YES.� Your reason for marring someone should never be because you don’t want to embarrass them in front of people, but it should be because you want to spend the rest of your life with them and you can’t imagine living your life another day without them by your side. Kyle was happy though; he won his winning prize.
When Gabby hires Mr Marcel Ward to landscape her new home, she had no idea that perhaps everything she had been searching for her entire life, that spark that had been missing, would finally be discovered. Marcel, who has been through a lot in his life and shrouded by guilt and remorse, is still a positively spectacular man who is sweet, kind and very charming. His attraction towards Gabby is palpable, instantaneous and I just thrived on the angst and anticipation of these two finally giving into their powerful and intense longing for one another.
“But the more I’m around him, the more I realize that my life may not ever be the same again.
I’m starting to fall for this man � a man I know I can’t have.�
Gabby and Marcel were ablaze with passion, lust and so much deep-seated desire and yearning that I just could not get enough of. I adore books that are littered with an abundance of angst and anticipation, where I am literally sitting on the edge of my seat, unsure of what to expect next. Gabby and Marcel had such a profound and fierce attraction and the chemistry between the two was truly electrifying. The one thing I truly loved about their relationship was the slow burning nature and the comfort they found within each other as friends first before discovering there was so much more to divulge.
There was not one thing I did not enjoy about this read; the writing was impeccable, the characters were well thought out and intriguing, the slow burning nature of the relationship plus the build up was written to perfection and the intense and powerful chemistry kept me captivated through-out. I’m never one to condone cheating, but I don’t mind it in stories if it’s necessary to the plot and the development. I was rooting for Marcel all the way. I can’t wait to see what happens in part two of the duet and I wait with baited breath. All fans of forbidden love stories should absolutely one click this as I’m sure Marcel will own a piece of your heart too.
May 8, 2019
SEMI-SPOILERS BELOW:
What to say about this book? Hmm... Well if you didn't already know it's mainly about cheating/adultery/infidelity. I'm seeing so many people give this book high ratings and I don't know why.
The way this author tried to justify cheating didn't make sense to me. I found that so many problems could have been avoided had she (1) not married him like she wanted to (2) communicated with her husband (3) had some self respect.
I strongly disliked Gabby. She was so immature and selfish. She explained that her reason for staying married to her husband was for his money because she knew what it was like to not have enough in the past *eyeroll* -_- really lady? Welcome to the club.
She never stops to think about her actions and running away from her arguments with her husband, even imaging Marcel when her and her husband have sex ... I mean, come on. Not even 4 months into the marriage and she's already giving up instead of working it out (honestly, what did she think marriage was about? No one forced her into this, she's an adult *mostly* she needs to act like one), emailing Marcel about pleasure rather than business, keeping secrets (both her and Kyle) ... I'm not seeing more reasons to cheat, I'm seeing more signs of Gabby's stupidity. She even has this superiority complex concerning her infidelity compared to other's.
I didn't like Marcel either. He knew this girl was married (he'd even had some backlash in his past for supposedly cheating with another man's wife [ironically that wasn't the case]) and yet this man justified seducing her because he "saw" that she loved her husband, but wasn't IN love with him ... *again another eyeroll*
This man never learned. He claimed she was different, then she would show him he was wrong, then he'd claim again that she was different only to be upset when he was proven wrong again. I honestly started laughing at this point.
Don't think I had any fondness for Kyle either, he proved to be a total jerk many times (excluding him being a serious psycho at the end), but that was no excuse for Gabby's infidelity. I mean when they had an argument and he couldn't be there he tried calling her to talk about it, but what did she do? Ignore all his calls and fantasize about the handsome, virile southerner. Even when he came home early to solve their issues she was still stubborn. Granted, what Kyle did was stupid and immature and the excuses were ridiculous, she still proceeds to defend Marcel and even claim to say he's respectful
*laughs with sarcastic humor* Oh yeah, this guy is so respectful he'll try to influence you to have sex with him while knowing you're married. Yeah. Respectful.
Lord help me.
I feel like the path Williams decided to take with Kyle was obvious. She had to find a reason to make Kyle a complete villain in our eyes and she could've done it in two ways (1) have him cheat on Gabby and (2) have him be physically/verbally abusive. It was no surprise to me which direction she went in, otherwise how could she explain/justify the affair Gabby had?
I'm not saying what Kyle did to Gabby was deserving or ok in any way or form AT ALL. Don't get it twisted.
I have to admit I'm not quite sure what to think of her family. Apparently no one really liked her husband, including her best friend, yet they were completely ok with her marrying him? At one point in the book it even mentions that her parents encouraged her to marry him because he was "safe" and could provide for her. However, her brother ended up admitting he was no fan of Kyle and even admits that their father thinks so too. So what is their real feelings on the matter? It was confusing to read and didn't make sense. However, the more I read about her family the more it did end up making sense. Apparently, there are valid reasons for cheating. Her parents, even her brother's marriage were not really exemplary, so can you really blame her ... (Actually I still do *refer back to where I wrote she was an adult*).
I will admit that I'm no fan of cheating in books or in real life, but I have read some books where it works and I actually enjoy the book, however, this was NOT one of them.
If you like cheating, drama, stupidity, and a vain heroine in your book, by all means read this one.
I want to emphasize the fact that these are my opinions and you are entitled to your own. On to the next, and hopefully much better, book.
What to say about this book? Hmm... Well if you didn't already know it's mainly about cheating/adultery/infidelity. I'm seeing so many people give this book high ratings and I don't know why.
The way this author tried to justify cheating didn't make sense to me. I found that so many problems could have been avoided had she (1) not married him like she wanted to (2) communicated with her husband (3) had some self respect.
I strongly disliked Gabby. She was so immature and selfish. She explained that her reason for staying married to her husband was for his money because she knew what it was like to not have enough in the past *eyeroll* -_- really lady? Welcome to the club.
She never stops to think about her actions and running away from her arguments with her husband, even imaging Marcel when her and her husband have sex ... I mean, come on. Not even 4 months into the marriage and she's already giving up instead of working it out (honestly, what did she think marriage was about? No one forced her into this, she's an adult *mostly* she needs to act like one), emailing Marcel about pleasure rather than business, keeping secrets (both her and Kyle) ... I'm not seeing more reasons to cheat, I'm seeing more signs of Gabby's stupidity. She even has this superiority complex concerning her infidelity compared to other's.
I didn't like Marcel either. He knew this girl was married (he'd even had some backlash in his past for supposedly cheating with another man's wife [ironically that wasn't the case]) and yet this man justified seducing her because he "saw" that she loved her husband, but wasn't IN love with him ... *again another eyeroll*
This man never learned. He claimed she was different, then she would show him he was wrong, then he'd claim again that she was different only to be upset when he was proven wrong again. I honestly started laughing at this point.
Don't think I had any fondness for Kyle either, he proved to be a total jerk many times (excluding him being a serious psycho at the end), but that was no excuse for Gabby's infidelity. I mean when they had an argument and he couldn't be there he tried calling her to talk about it, but what did she do? Ignore all his calls and fantasize about the handsome, virile southerner. Even when he came home early to solve their issues she was still stubborn. Granted, what Kyle did was stupid and immature and the excuses were ridiculous, she still proceeds to defend Marcel and even claim to say he's respectful
*laughs with sarcastic humor* Oh yeah, this guy is so respectful he'll try to influence you to have sex with him while knowing you're married. Yeah. Respectful.
Lord help me.
I feel like the path Williams decided to take with Kyle was obvious. She had to find a reason to make Kyle a complete villain in our eyes and she could've done it in two ways (1) have him cheat on Gabby and (2) have him be physically/verbally abusive. It was no surprise to me which direction she went in, otherwise how could she explain/justify the affair Gabby had?
I'm not saying what Kyle did to Gabby was deserving or ok in any way or form AT ALL. Don't get it twisted.
I have to admit I'm not quite sure what to think of her family. Apparently no one really liked her husband, including her best friend, yet they were completely ok with her marrying him? At one point in the book it even mentions that her parents encouraged her to marry him because he was "safe" and could provide for her. However, her brother ended up admitting he was no fan of Kyle and even admits that their father thinks so too. So what is their real feelings on the matter? It was confusing to read and didn't make sense. However, the more I read about her family the more it did end up making sense. Apparently, there are valid reasons for cheating. Her parents, even her brother's marriage were not really exemplary, so can you really blame her ... (Actually I still do *refer back to where I wrote she was an adult*).
I will admit that I'm no fan of cheating in books or in real life, but I have read some books where it works and I actually enjoy the book, however, this was NOT one of them.
If you like cheating, drama, stupidity, and a vain heroine in your book, by all means read this one.
I want to emphasize the fact that these are my opinions and you are entitled to your own. On to the next, and hopefully much better, book.
May 27, 2019
The Man I Can't Have.... This is forbidden romance galore people!
Gabby and Marcel's chemistry is off -the- charts Steamy Hot!
This book is like a forbidden fruit and it is oh so tempting and oh so good.
But let us take a moment to address the elephant in the room. This book does have a huge trigger for some: THE CHEATING.
NO matter how good the storyline is, you have to call a spade, a spade. As much as Gabby and Marcel's chemistry excites me, they do cheat. They are cheating and even though that makes for a really good forbidden romance read, I do have to warn those that don't like that aspect...that it's right there.
I on the other, have no problem and I really enjoyed the first part of this duet.
It does end on a cliffhanger. A major one at that...so suffice to say, I am looking forward to reading book 2.
Gabby and Marcel's chemistry is off -the- charts Steamy Hot!
This book is like a forbidden fruit and it is oh so tempting and oh so good.
But let us take a moment to address the elephant in the room. This book does have a huge trigger for some: THE CHEATING.
NO matter how good the storyline is, you have to call a spade, a spade. As much as Gabby and Marcel's chemistry excites me, they do cheat. They are cheating and even though that makes for a really good forbidden romance read, I do have to warn those that don't like that aspect...that it's right there.
I on the other, have no problem and I really enjoyed the first part of this duet.
It does end on a cliffhanger. A major one at that...so suffice to say, I am looking forward to reading book 2.
May 8, 2019
”Every single one of these kisses are stolen, because I don’t belong to him.�
Another first for me this year. I’ve never read one of Shanora’s books before and again I have to ask myself how did I miss this talented author?
The Man I Can’t have is a book with many layers, but not the obvious ones. You need to pay close attention to every detail.
In an ingenious way Shanora Williams hid hint after hint between the lines, they blended flawlessly into the story so that you didn’t pay them any attention. Only at the end she does make you see. Not only does she open your eyes to the hidden things happening in the story but you can’t help make the comparison to real life. How many things do we not see because they seem “normal�? How often do we miss hints that would give us a clue about what is going on?
”This fire. This forbidden power. The ache that only he can create and take away.�
To be honest, I was quite wary of this book. I’m not into cheating in romance books (neither I am in real life) but I’m very well aware that this is a thing and you can’t avoid being confronted with it or make it disappear just because you don’t want things like that to happen. Because it does. For very different reasons and each person involved needs to deal with it their own way. And each case is different.
This book shows it clear as a blue sky that not everything is black and white. Most things are something in between, a grey zone. Feeling lonely in a marriage/relationship is a real thing. So is staying in that marriage/relationship out of convenience. Everything about this books screams: Open your eyes, THIS is also reality.
”He is so perfect � everything I’ve always wanted in a man. Too bad he can’t never be mine.�
It took me some time to get used to the characters and their connection or lack thereof. It took me some time to connect to the characters, because each of them is complex in their own ways. Even though they might come across as simple, believe me: they are not!
The vibes, why Gabby lent towards Marcel are so relatable, it shocked me a little. And even though I want to say that Gabby comes across as a woman that’s not strong enough to stand up for herself and that she hides behind the fact that she is Kyle’s wife, she is everything but. She is real, her struggle is real and in the end it totally broke me.
Marcel seems to have a six sense, I can't explain it.He's a - by his past - broken soul and his soul recognized Gabby's instantly. This connection is not only obvious but tangible. You feel his struggle to stay away from Gabby in every fiber of yours and you really do get why he's breaking. Why both are breaking, giving in.
”How can a man survive knowing that sad truth? That he fell in love with a woman he can’t even have?�
With The Man I Can't Have, Shanora Williams delivers a story that challenges your fundamental principles. This book is incredibly moving and leaves you hanging with a big bang cliffhanger.
”He isn’t the man I can’t have. He’s the man I’ve always needed.�
Another first for me this year. I’ve never read one of Shanora’s books before and again I have to ask myself how did I miss this talented author?
The Man I Can’t have is a book with many layers, but not the obvious ones. You need to pay close attention to every detail.
In an ingenious way Shanora Williams hid hint after hint between the lines, they blended flawlessly into the story so that you didn’t pay them any attention. Only at the end she does make you see. Not only does she open your eyes to the hidden things happening in the story but you can’t help make the comparison to real life. How many things do we not see because they seem “normal�? How often do we miss hints that would give us a clue about what is going on?
”This fire. This forbidden power. The ache that only he can create and take away.�
To be honest, I was quite wary of this book. I’m not into cheating in romance books (neither I am in real life) but I’m very well aware that this is a thing and you can’t avoid being confronted with it or make it disappear just because you don’t want things like that to happen. Because it does. For very different reasons and each person involved needs to deal with it their own way. And each case is different.
This book shows it clear as a blue sky that not everything is black and white. Most things are something in between, a grey zone. Feeling lonely in a marriage/relationship is a real thing. So is staying in that marriage/relationship out of convenience. Everything about this books screams: Open your eyes, THIS is also reality.
”He is so perfect � everything I’ve always wanted in a man. Too bad he can’t never be mine.�
It took me some time to get used to the characters and their connection or lack thereof. It took me some time to connect to the characters, because each of them is complex in their own ways. Even though they might come across as simple, believe me: they are not!
The vibes, why Gabby lent towards Marcel are so relatable, it shocked me a little. And even though I want to say that Gabby comes across as a woman that’s not strong enough to stand up for herself and that she hides behind the fact that she is Kyle’s wife, she is everything but. She is real, her struggle is real and in the end it totally broke me.
Marcel seems to have a six sense, I can't explain it.He's a - by his past - broken soul and his soul recognized Gabby's instantly. This connection is not only obvious but tangible. You feel his struggle to stay away from Gabby in every fiber of yours and you really do get why he's breaking. Why both are breaking, giving in.
”How can a man survive knowing that sad truth? That he fell in love with a woman he can’t even have?�
With The Man I Can't Have, Shanora Williams delivers a story that challenges your fundamental principles. This book is incredibly moving and leaves you hanging with a big bang cliffhanger.
”He isn’t the man I can’t have. He’s the man I’ve always needed.�
April 30, 2019
Holy hell!! This is soo not what I was expecting. It’s more soo more. Gabby is recently married to Kyle and they just got a new house. So Gabby wants to get the backyard worked on. Gabby hires Marcel the sexy man with the drawl. This book is smoking hot, intense, heartbreaking and just ahhh my nerves were up the charts reading it. Then shocking parts happen and made everything make sooo much sense! I can’t wait to read the next book to this series! 5/5 stars
May 10, 2019
REVIEW: 3.5 STARS
"How does he always make the choice seem so easy, yet so difficult all the same?"
Oh my gosh....I am not sure how to purge all my feelings into this little review, but I'll give it a whirl. First of all, this was my first read of Shanora Williams' books and I will say that I enjoyed it and cannot look more forward to the second book - as well as reading more of her stories. More specifically, The Cane Series that has been recommended to me over the last few days.
BUT: I NEED THAT SECOND BOOK RIGHT NOW!!
Based on the synopsis, this book had all the makings of a story that had my name written all over it!! We all know by now, I hope, that I love the triangle trope. I love that heady pull that is undeniable between the characters and one that makes me root for the forbidden. While I didn't necessarily get that headiness and pull with this one, I still couldn't put it down. I seriously had to give my moral self some chocolate and tell her to sit quietly in the corner so I could finish. I wasn't getting the sense that this was a fate, desire, or soul mate kind of pull between the characters, but more of a cheating and lust, no-self-control kind of behavior - as in it was controlling how they were acting. Yes, the husband was an asshole and the landscaper was a dirty-mouthed, deliciously gorgeous guy, but I was having a hard time with the circumstances. Obviously not enough to stop reading...
The writing style was pretty...bare, or basic - no frills, for the lack of a better word, not being disrespectful. It didn't lead to a deep emotional connection to either character for me, but I can blame some of that on their actions too. Speaking of, sometimes some of the actions felt "placed" and weren't a natural occurrence - almost as if she needed certain things to happen in order to progress the story. It was an easy read and wasn't too deep, but had some elements of shock to it. Some of the comments made by one character were telling me how the other character was feeling, so that didn't make sense to me, because it was an internal feeling that they were giving voice to. It caused me to stutter in my reading a few times, but I clearly kept going because I was enjoying it. I also had a hard time connecting the characters to some of their actions, so not one of them escaped my anger while reading - it was an equal opportunity wrath. However, Marcel was the one I felt the most for. He was possessive with Gabby and knew exactly how to take care of her and their times together were HOT.
"You're everything I never knew I wanted."
So the ending of this book felt very....scripted. And to not give anything away, I most definitely have a hard time reconciling that ending with the character as we know him. Like, if he was always this way, why were computers left out? Papers left out? Why were passwords accessible? Why wasn't she more....careful with her secret?? Soooo, that sent me in to a slight tailspin as I was trying to figure out what happened between the very beginning and the end. Again, I am looking forward to the next book because I'm hoping to learn more about the characters' pasts and why some things happened the way they did. I have many questions that I would love answers to....and so I wait patiently for the next book.
I know it sounds like I'm being overly critical of this book, I want to stress that I really did enjoy it for the most part. For a story to really irk me while making me question things, Shanora obviously kept me reading, because I didn't want to put it down and I devoured it in one day - no lie. I won't deny that she sucked me in with their storyline. I had a very morbid curiosity as to what was going to happen and I needed to watch it all unfold!! I definitely enjoyed this book, but I definitely want more. But again, that ending? Whoa. Just....whoa.
"You burn for me, so much more than you ever would for that motherfucker, and you know it. You fucking know it."
~BEE
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ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AN ECOPY:
(giveaway goes live 5/10/19)
"How does he always make the choice seem so easy, yet so difficult all the same?"
Oh my gosh....I am not sure how to purge all my feelings into this little review, but I'll give it a whirl. First of all, this was my first read of Shanora Williams' books and I will say that I enjoyed it and cannot look more forward to the second book - as well as reading more of her stories. More specifically, The Cane Series that has been recommended to me over the last few days.
BUT: I NEED THAT SECOND BOOK RIGHT NOW!!
Based on the synopsis, this book had all the makings of a story that had my name written all over it!! We all know by now, I hope, that I love the triangle trope. I love that heady pull that is undeniable between the characters and one that makes me root for the forbidden. While I didn't necessarily get that headiness and pull with this one, I still couldn't put it down. I seriously had to give my moral self some chocolate and tell her to sit quietly in the corner so I could finish. I wasn't getting the sense that this was a fate, desire, or soul mate kind of pull between the characters, but more of a cheating and lust, no-self-control kind of behavior - as in it was controlling how they were acting. Yes, the husband was an asshole and the landscaper was a dirty-mouthed, deliciously gorgeous guy, but I was having a hard time with the circumstances. Obviously not enough to stop reading...
The writing style was pretty...bare, or basic - no frills, for the lack of a better word, not being disrespectful. It didn't lead to a deep emotional connection to either character for me, but I can blame some of that on their actions too. Speaking of, sometimes some of the actions felt "placed" and weren't a natural occurrence - almost as if she needed certain things to happen in order to progress the story. It was an easy read and wasn't too deep, but had some elements of shock to it. Some of the comments made by one character were telling me how the other character was feeling, so that didn't make sense to me, because it was an internal feeling that they were giving voice to. It caused me to stutter in my reading a few times, but I clearly kept going because I was enjoying it. I also had a hard time connecting the characters to some of their actions, so not one of them escaped my anger while reading - it was an equal opportunity wrath. However, Marcel was the one I felt the most for. He was possessive with Gabby and knew exactly how to take care of her and their times together were HOT.
"You're everything I never knew I wanted."
So the ending of this book felt very....scripted. And to not give anything away, I most definitely have a hard time reconciling that ending with the character as we know him. Like, if he was always this way, why were computers left out? Papers left out? Why were passwords accessible? Why wasn't she more....careful with her secret?? Soooo, that sent me in to a slight tailspin as I was trying to figure out what happened between the very beginning and the end. Again, I am looking forward to the next book because I'm hoping to learn more about the characters' pasts and why some things happened the way they did. I have many questions that I would love answers to....and so I wait patiently for the next book.
I know it sounds like I'm being overly critical of this book, I want to stress that I really did enjoy it for the most part. For a story to really irk me while making me question things, Shanora obviously kept me reading, because I didn't want to put it down and I devoured it in one day - no lie. I won't deny that she sucked me in with their storyline. I had a very morbid curiosity as to what was going to happen and I needed to watch it all unfold!! I definitely enjoyed this book, but I definitely want more. But again, that ending? Whoa. Just....whoa.
"You burn for me, so much more than you ever would for that motherfucker, and you know it. You fucking know it."
~BEE
PURCHASE - (Affiliate) AMAZON - Kindle Unlimited:
ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AN ECOPY:
(giveaway goes live 5/10/19)
April 30, 2019
Ok.. here’s the deal.. this book is everything. LITERALLY. Everything about the plot, the characters, the location, the little details along the way.. It. Is. Everything.
When I started it, I had my own idea of where this book would go. I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t go where I thought it would and it definitely didn’t evolve like I thought it would. It was so much better! It blew me away how it flowed and all came together at the right time. I never saw certain things coming! I LOVE how it wasn’t instant fireworks, the characters feelings grew right along with your own feelings. And speaking of feelings, it encompasses EVERY feeling you can possibly have. Excitement, butterflies, passion, romance, hate, positively loathe (you’ll understand) and the list goes on. There were times I was swooning l, and then I get to the next chapter and I’m trying to crawl into my kindle with a shovel to bury a body! This story is wholesome, and real. It’s real life and that’s what I love about it. I love Gabby’s personality. She’s bubbly, outgoing and so incredibly sweet, but also not afraid to stand up for herself. I love how there’s times she’s unsure of herself, just like all of us.
And now for Marcel... first.. that name.. second.. that southern drawl. *swoon* Third.. can I keep him? He’s literally been through hell in his life, but you’d never know it meeting him. He takes life by the horns and isn’t afraid to tell you like it is. I could write a book on Marcel alone!
I know cheating is a touchy subject and if it isn’t your cup of tea, then move on; but if you can even remotely handle it GO FOR IT. Everyone.. READ IT!! This book is a definite 5 passionate stars!!!!
When I started it, I had my own idea of where this book would go. I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t go where I thought it would and it definitely didn’t evolve like I thought it would. It was so much better! It blew me away how it flowed and all came together at the right time. I never saw certain things coming! I LOVE how it wasn’t instant fireworks, the characters feelings grew right along with your own feelings. And speaking of feelings, it encompasses EVERY feeling you can possibly have. Excitement, butterflies, passion, romance, hate, positively loathe (you’ll understand) and the list goes on. There were times I was swooning l, and then I get to the next chapter and I’m trying to crawl into my kindle with a shovel to bury a body! This story is wholesome, and real. It’s real life and that’s what I love about it. I love Gabby’s personality. She’s bubbly, outgoing and so incredibly sweet, but also not afraid to stand up for herself. I love how there’s times she’s unsure of herself, just like all of us.
And now for Marcel... first.. that name.. second.. that southern drawl. *swoon* Third.. can I keep him? He’s literally been through hell in his life, but you’d never know it meeting him. He takes life by the horns and isn’t afraid to tell you like it is. I could write a book on Marcel alone!
I know cheating is a touchy subject and if it isn’t your cup of tea, then move on; but if you can even remotely handle it GO FOR IT. Everyone.. READ IT!! This book is a definite 5 passionate stars!!!!
May 27, 2019
I am between 3 and 4 stars on this book. I round it up to 4 stars.
I always wanting to read a book that speak forbidden like this book. Marital Affair. The theme it self gives forbidden another meaning. This is my first book by Miss Williams. Overall I am not disappointed. After all something you can not have always more pleasurable.
The author covers the impact of unhappy marriage and the guilty aspect of having affair. Gabby seems to have it all. Rich husband, loving family, money. But in truth she does not have happiness. Her husband left her all the time, belittle her and never really pay attention to her. In fact her husband is tyrant and obsessive. Enter Marcel. He is landscape manager. He is dark and handsome. And oh so alluring. He has dark past but somehow he sees Gabby and connect with her. And their love affair begins.
I listen to this book via audio book. The female narrator done a very bad job mimicking male voice. So it turns me off a little bit. The story is also bit too long.
Despite of that, I still enjoy the story.
4 stars
I always wanting to read a book that speak forbidden like this book. Marital Affair. The theme it self gives forbidden another meaning. This is my first book by Miss Williams. Overall I am not disappointed. After all something you can not have always more pleasurable.
The author covers the impact of unhappy marriage and the guilty aspect of having affair. Gabby seems to have it all. Rich husband, loving family, money. But in truth she does not have happiness. Her husband left her all the time, belittle her and never really pay attention to her. In fact her husband is tyrant and obsessive. Enter Marcel. He is landscape manager. He is dark and handsome. And oh so alluring. He has dark past but somehow he sees Gabby and connect with her. And their love affair begins.
I listen to this book via audio book. The female narrator done a very bad job mimicking male voice. So it turns me off a little bit. The story is also bit too long.
Despite of that, I still enjoy the story.
4 stars
April 29, 2019
Oh, Shanora, Shanora, Shanora... This book, girl. THIS. BOOK. #lorthelpusall
I should preface this review by saying that, if the title and blurb alone pull at your trigger strings, just stay far away from this duet. SERIOUSLY. It's not for everyone, especially safety readers, and if you're going to read it only to jump on here and one-star the author because you're offended, it's best you stay away from it from the get-go. You're doing both yourself and the author a favor.
Get it? Got it? Good.
Moving on...
For those of you, like myself, who have zero triggers and love a good taboo read containing this certain theme—GO IN BLIND. Stop reading reviews, including mine, and GO. IN. BLIND. Don't forget to bring objectivity with you as well. Leave all judgements at the door. I promise you this book is worth it.
This world that Shanora has created is just...I don't know that I have the proper words without spoiling it. The setting, the main characters and background charcters, the circumstances—it's all blended together seamlessly. Everything falls into place just as it should. You can tell she spent countless hours plotting and planning everything to the T. It's not rushed, yet not slow either; always the perfect pace. There weren't any lulls either. In fact, I almost couldn't turn the page fast enough, and when I had to put it down to adult and handle those #momlife duties, I was slightly irritated lol.
What I can tell you without spoiling it is:
� This book is insta-chemistry...NOT INSTA-LOVE.
� Semi-slow burn.
� You'll experience ALL sorts of feels (I cried several times toward the end.)
� Character development is realistic and on point.
� The steamy scenes were hawttt.
� I loved Gabby with every shred of my heart.
� Marcel made me swoon and melt as much as he did Gabby.
� And Kyle...well, Kyle can roll around in some gasoline, light his misogynistic self on fire, and jump off a cliff. Hope a semi runs him over after the fact, too. Truthfully, Marcel just needs to put him in a body bag, but I guess we'll see how it all plays out after The Man I Need. *shrug*
Anxiously awaiting on what feels like pins and needles for book 2.
June can't get here soon enough!
#TEAMMARCEL
April 25, 2019
No one knows how to craft a forbidden romance quite like Shanora Williams! And here we are once more with a taboo love story that is all kinds of angsty. All kinds of intense. And all kinds of sexy. What starts as a polite kind of relationship between devoted wife and her landscaper turns into the kind of wanting that will break not only vows but could harm much more than mere feelings.
I can't blame Gabby Moore for wanting a bit more out of her life. Newly married to the very successful Kyle, her new life as a bit of a kept woman has her somewhat restless. I love her spirit and her caring nature. It's no wonder that one Marcel Ward finds her not only very sweet but very attractive. Their easy-going rapport when he decides to tackle her yard and make it beautiful is just the beginning to what would become almost more than either can handle.
Williams pulls out all the stops as feelings of friendship turn into that exquisite kind of longing neither Gabby nor Marcel ever saw coming. Each has closely-guarded secrets both are hesitant to share and it's a whirlwind of emotion as they continue to throw caution to the wind and guiltily seek the other out.
Hold on tight! This first part in the Ward duet had me on the edge of my seat more than once as this forbidden attraction goes out of control in the most erotic and yet very touching of ways. I didn't know how to feel at times since neither Gabby nor Marcel wanted to implode their lives. But sometimes, when the heart wants what the heart wants, there's no looking back.
And then we're left with not only wanting The Man I Can't Have but wanting book two immediately. I felt it all with this book and I can only imagine how Williams will obliterate my heart going forward. She's quite the master at that.
A real page-turner, The Man I Can't Have deserves a solid 5 stars all the way!
I can't blame Gabby Moore for wanting a bit more out of her life. Newly married to the very successful Kyle, her new life as a bit of a kept woman has her somewhat restless. I love her spirit and her caring nature. It's no wonder that one Marcel Ward finds her not only very sweet but very attractive. Their easy-going rapport when he decides to tackle her yard and make it beautiful is just the beginning to what would become almost more than either can handle.
Williams pulls out all the stops as feelings of friendship turn into that exquisite kind of longing neither Gabby nor Marcel ever saw coming. Each has closely-guarded secrets both are hesitant to share and it's a whirlwind of emotion as they continue to throw caution to the wind and guiltily seek the other out.
Hold on tight! This first part in the Ward duet had me on the edge of my seat more than once as this forbidden attraction goes out of control in the most erotic and yet very touching of ways. I didn't know how to feel at times since neither Gabby nor Marcel wanted to implode their lives. But sometimes, when the heart wants what the heart wants, there's no looking back.
And then we're left with not only wanting The Man I Can't Have but wanting book two immediately. I felt it all with this book and I can only imagine how Williams will obliterate my heart going forward. She's quite the master at that.
A real page-turner, The Man I Can't Have deserves a solid 5 stars all the way!
July 4, 2019
4 �'s
If you're looking for an author that's not afraid "to go there", then look no further. I love reading Shanora Williams' books just for that reason!
Gabby has recently married and moved to South Carolina. Her husband is still working a lot and having to travel to New York to wrap up his business move. This leaves Gabby at home alone...a lot.
She's an artist and she works from home giving her a lot of free time. When she notices her neighbor having some landscaping done, she decides to have some work done on her backyard for their housewarming party.
That's where Marcel comes in. He's the owner of said business and all too happy to help. However, having a bit of a run in with a prior client's wife, he tries to keep things professional.
Unfortunately, Gabby is all over the place. She likes Marcel's company but she tries to keep her distance. It just doesn't work out quite that way.
Gabby's husband, Kyle, is all too aware and tries to send Marcel packing. Marcel doesn't take kindly to the veiled threats and brings things to light. This in turn, stirs up things with Gabby and Kyle eventually leading to the mother of all show downs that once again, I didn't see coming.
To be fair, there are hints but I never would have thought it would lead to something this extreme. The ending leads to lots of questions so I was happy the next book was already available.
If you're looking for an author that's not afraid "to go there", then look no further. I love reading Shanora Williams' books just for that reason!
Gabby has recently married and moved to South Carolina. Her husband is still working a lot and having to travel to New York to wrap up his business move. This leaves Gabby at home alone...a lot.
She's an artist and she works from home giving her a lot of free time. When she notices her neighbor having some landscaping done, she decides to have some work done on her backyard for their housewarming party.
That's where Marcel comes in. He's the owner of said business and all too happy to help. However, having a bit of a run in with a prior client's wife, he tries to keep things professional.
Unfortunately, Gabby is all over the place. She likes Marcel's company but she tries to keep her distance. It just doesn't work out quite that way.
Gabby's husband, Kyle, is all too aware and tries to send Marcel packing. Marcel doesn't take kindly to the veiled threats and brings things to light. This in turn, stirs up things with Gabby and Kyle eventually leading to the mother of all show downs that once again, I didn't see coming.
To be fair, there are hints but I never would have thought it would lead to something this extreme. The ending leads to lots of questions so I was happy the next book was already available.
April 12, 2019
***ARC Provided for honest review***
Absolute, hands down. Must, must read.
If this book were a person I would want to hug it sooo hard, maybe even go on vacations with it, go dancing on the beach and even tell it all of my secrets. The Man I Can't Have is pure magic.
What can I truly say about Shanora Willaims that I haven't already been saying?! She is one of my all-time favorite authors. TMICH was every single thing I love about Shanora, she keeps me addicted from beginning to end every single time.
Drama, angst, secrets, scandals, denials, push and pull. Shanora perfectly nailed these. Loved every minute of this story. But f*ck that cliffy... HAHA
I loved the fun interactions between the characters. The heroine went through a lot, but she still stood strong against everything that happened. The hero was pure perfection. He’s someone who fights for what he wants.
I highly recommend this book to all lovers of sexy romance novels wih a hint of darkness, and if you loved the other books of this author I am pretty sure you will also love this one. �
Absolute, hands down. Must, must read.
If this book were a person I would want to hug it sooo hard, maybe even go on vacations with it, go dancing on the beach and even tell it all of my secrets. The Man I Can't Have is pure magic.
What can I truly say about Shanora Willaims that I haven't already been saying?! She is one of my all-time favorite authors. TMICH was every single thing I love about Shanora, she keeps me addicted from beginning to end every single time.
Drama, angst, secrets, scandals, denials, push and pull. Shanora perfectly nailed these. Loved every minute of this story. But f*ck that cliffy... HAHA
I loved the fun interactions between the characters. The heroine went through a lot, but she still stood strong against everything that happened. The hero was pure perfection. He’s someone who fights for what he wants.
I highly recommend this book to all lovers of sexy romance novels wih a hint of darkness, and if you loved the other books of this author I am pretty sure you will also love this one. �
January 22, 2022
Bad book. Bad bad bad.
April 29, 2019
Oh my lawwwwwd!
If you think this is simply a taboo forbidden romance you got it all wrong.
One thing about Shanora, she have Twist is her sleeve. The angst. The secrets. The steamy part. The characters. Oh my oh my.... Shanora you just wreck my heart.
For you who have trigger warning, I suggest you read this book. Cause TMICH is a lot more. Open your mind. Don't judge, cause seriously, Marcel and Gabby chemistry will blow your mind. The plot is to die for. The way Shanora write is... Divine!
And those steamy scenes? 🤤🤤🤤 for the love of all hot man in the world.... Marcell is just delish!
And yes TMICH ends with cliffy. And a bad, I mean the worst possibly cliffy you ever imagine but oh my God it's so worthed, you need to read TMICH like yesterday!
If you think this is simply a taboo forbidden romance you got it all wrong.
One thing about Shanora, she have Twist is her sleeve. The angst. The secrets. The steamy part. The characters. Oh my oh my.... Shanora you just wreck my heart.
For you who have trigger warning, I suggest you read this book. Cause TMICH is a lot more. Open your mind. Don't judge, cause seriously, Marcel and Gabby chemistry will blow your mind. The plot is to die for. The way Shanora write is... Divine!
And those steamy scenes? 🤤🤤🤤 for the love of all hot man in the world.... Marcell is just delish!
And yes TMICH ends with cliffy. And a bad, I mean the worst possibly cliffy you ever imagine but oh my God it's so worthed, you need to read TMICH like yesterday!
April 27, 2019
I received a copy of this ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review
All I can say is DAMN!!!!!!!! Omfg this book was amazing. What freaking rollercoaster of emotion but I was not expecting that. I don't want to say too much but THIS IS A MUST READ and I cannot wait to find out how the rest of this story unfolds in the second book.
All I can say is DAMN!!!!!!!! Omfg this book was amazing. What freaking rollercoaster of emotion but I was not expecting that. I don't want to say too much but THIS IS A MUST READ and I cannot wait to find out how the rest of this story unfolds in the second book.
June 16, 2019
Prepare yourself for a rant below --
I expected to be convinced with a more solid reason for the adultery. I wasn't. Far from it. I also didn't feel a single tingle of compassion for any of these characters until physical abuse raises it ugly head. I expected and was prepared to encounter the cheating. The book blurb prepares you -- along with plenty of reviews. And I've been known to read a fair number of books where readers encounter such circumstances. I'm not a fan of, nor do I imagine anyone really condones cheating on a spouse or significant other -- but I also know that it happens and sometimes for reasons that can be more justifiably explained. That was not the case here. There were plenty of outs. From what I read, this particular marriage never really stood on solid ground, and the sexual relationship was in left field. This story contained vast amounts of plain old silly dialogue and childishness in a grown up world. And I didn't buy the reasoning that the Mrs. was "so young." She was twenty-five. Old enough to know better, to realize she had plenty of responsible and respectful outs that didn't include the landscaper. And he's another story unto himself and not really one I was trapped by. He certainly didn't act his age and he kind of made me sick to my stomach.
The writing didn't blow me away either. It was just average, the storyline nothing outstanding and overall just a major disappointment. And I do realize I'm in the minority.
I haven't decided whether or not I'll finish up this duet. Not certain it would make a difference in my feelings towards any of these characters. But you never know until you try -- just not sure I feel it's worth the effort.
I expected to be convinced with a more solid reason for the adultery. I wasn't. Far from it. I also didn't feel a single tingle of compassion for any of these characters until physical abuse raises it ugly head. I expected and was prepared to encounter the cheating. The book blurb prepares you -- along with plenty of reviews. And I've been known to read a fair number of books where readers encounter such circumstances. I'm not a fan of, nor do I imagine anyone really condones cheating on a spouse or significant other -- but I also know that it happens and sometimes for reasons that can be more justifiably explained. That was not the case here. There were plenty of outs. From what I read, this particular marriage never really stood on solid ground, and the sexual relationship was in left field. This story contained vast amounts of plain old silly dialogue and childishness in a grown up world. And I didn't buy the reasoning that the Mrs. was "so young." She was twenty-five. Old enough to know better, to realize she had plenty of responsible and respectful outs that didn't include the landscaper. And he's another story unto himself and not really one I was trapped by. He certainly didn't act his age and he kind of made me sick to my stomach.
The writing didn't blow me away either. It was just average, the storyline nothing outstanding and overall just a major disappointment. And I do realize I'm in the minority.
I haven't decided whether or not I'll finish up this duet. Not certain it would make a difference in my feelings towards any of these characters. But you never know until you try -- just not sure I feel it's worth the effort.
June 10, 2019
� Rate: 4/ 5 stars
Love forbidden romance? What about age gaps? Shanora writes some of the best ones I ever read and she's got a new one just for you...
Mr. Ward is something else. He's all man, a little broken at that. which just makes him all the more special and lovable to me.
I loved Gabby from the very beginning as well, I love her spirit and how passionate she is. She's a recently married woman who just moved to a new home, in a new state away from everyone she knows. She's brave and sweet and most of all lonely. Knowing no one and having her husband out of town most of time due to work, she spends a lot of time by herself in a big house. So when she hires Mr. Ward to work on her backyard and they share this connection right from the get-go, she tries to develop this friendship with him... only that friendship slowly but surely turns into something more special, more meaninful, something that is just more. And Gabby slowly discovers that Marcel is the right guy for her, in every possible way, if only she wasn't already married... if only she had met Marcel before meeting Kyle.
Kyle seems like a nice man in the beginning until you start to notice little things here and there, first on your own and then when both Gabby or Marcel address them. He is the picture perfect guy but you know he's hiding behind this mask and I am so curious to find out more about him because there is still so much we don't know in this book. I have a lot of questions regarding him and his secrets.
I swear Shanora kept me on my toes, waiting for the pin to drop. I knew it was gonna end in a big cliffhanger so from the beginning I was thinking of crazy theories and I'm usually good at predicting things but not this time, this time Shanora got me good! I was not expecting that ending at all but it made a lot of sense.
The Man I Can't Have is a captivating forbidden romance that will reel you in from the get go. It's a slow burn and it's a beautiful story of a sudden deep friendship that both characters needed that turns into something much more special, love. It is so sweet to see these two fall for each other no matter how wrong it is. But there is still much more to come, much more to learn and a little while to wait. I'll be here dreaming of Mr. Ward while I wait for The Man I Need.
➳E-copy kindly provided by WordSmith Publicity, in exchange for an honest review.
� LIVE NOW! Order at: �
� Follow me on: � � �
Love forbidden romance? What about age gaps? Shanora writes some of the best ones I ever read and she's got a new one just for you...
Mr. Ward is something else. He's all man, a little broken at that. which just makes him all the more special and lovable to me.
I loved Gabby from the very beginning as well, I love her spirit and how passionate she is. She's a recently married woman who just moved to a new home, in a new state away from everyone she knows. She's brave and sweet and most of all lonely. Knowing no one and having her husband out of town most of time due to work, she spends a lot of time by herself in a big house. So when she hires Mr. Ward to work on her backyard and they share this connection right from the get-go, she tries to develop this friendship with him... only that friendship slowly but surely turns into something more special, more meaninful, something that is just more. And Gabby slowly discovers that Marcel is the right guy for her, in every possible way, if only she wasn't already married... if only she had met Marcel before meeting Kyle.
Kyle seems like a nice man in the beginning until you start to notice little things here and there, first on your own and then when both Gabby or Marcel address them. He is the picture perfect guy but you know he's hiding behind this mask and I am so curious to find out more about him because there is still so much we don't know in this book. I have a lot of questions regarding him and his secrets.
I swear Shanora kept me on my toes, waiting for the pin to drop. I knew it was gonna end in a big cliffhanger so from the beginning I was thinking of crazy theories and I'm usually good at predicting things but not this time, this time Shanora got me good! I was not expecting that ending at all but it made a lot of sense.
The Man I Can't Have is a captivating forbidden romance that will reel you in from the get go. It's a slow burn and it's a beautiful story of a sudden deep friendship that both characters needed that turns into something much more special, love. It is so sweet to see these two fall for each other no matter how wrong it is. But there is still much more to come, much more to learn and a little while to wait. I'll be here dreaming of Mr. Ward while I wait for The Man I Need.
➳E-copy kindly provided by WordSmith Publicity, in exchange for an honest review.
� LIVE NOW! Order at: �
� Follow me on: � � �
May 13, 2019
Full review can be found HERE --> /review/show...
*ARC provided for a voluntary honest review.* ~Sonal
*ARC provided for a voluntary honest review.* ~Sonal
May 5, 2019
I have to contain my emotions first.
Will be LIVE soon...
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2019
This book is really really good! I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did, I got so into this book and then got really annoyed because now I have to wait for book two, which I am excited to read :)
May 7, 2019
Release Date: May 5th, 2019
Genre: Forbidden Romance
Actual Rating: 5+ stars
You know those books that blur the lines of right and wrong? Those books that make you uncomfortable because of the subject matter? This is THAT kind of book. But let me tell you, once you get to the ending (rather, that cliffhanger) everything makes PERFECT sense. There are times when being wrong is actually VERY right and I think Shanora Williams proves that in this heartfelt, emotional, and heartbreaking novel. This book SLAYED me. It made me rethink everything I once believed on the subject and I wanted to personally jump into the novel and and give Gabby a hug. WOW. To think that a book I was concerned about in the beginning would make my heart bleed like this is stunning. I am so glad I decided to try out a new author and I am thrilled to have found THIS particular book. The Man I Can't Have will open your eyes, your heart, and make you understand that sometimes, it's okay to do the things that make you feel happy (even if the consequences are severe).
Please note, this book does revolve a controversial subject in the romance world . But if you give a try and read it with an open mind and an open heart you will realize that things aren't always as they appear. This topic isn't one that many want to read about but again, Gabby's story is a delicate one. Nothing is revealed until the BRUTAL end and if you can see through the hard parts you will UNDERSTAND. I HIGHLY recommend this book. It's one of my favorites of the year and I absolutely NEED the second one (like NOW). Sigh...
I won't get into the plot of this book you are better off going into the story blind. But I will repeat that readers should have an open mind when going into it. Give a book that makes you slightly uncomfortable a real chance because when you get to the end you see WHY and HOW it could have happened in the first place.
This is the FIRST book I have read by Shanora Williams but you can bet I am going back and devouring her blacklist of books in anticipation of this one. Her writing style and the way she tells the story is impeccable.
Genre: Forbidden Romance
Actual Rating: 5+ stars
You know those books that blur the lines of right and wrong? Those books that make you uncomfortable because of the subject matter? This is THAT kind of book. But let me tell you, once you get to the ending (rather, that cliffhanger) everything makes PERFECT sense. There are times when being wrong is actually VERY right and I think Shanora Williams proves that in this heartfelt, emotional, and heartbreaking novel. This book SLAYED me. It made me rethink everything I once believed on the subject and I wanted to personally jump into the novel and and give Gabby a hug. WOW. To think that a book I was concerned about in the beginning would make my heart bleed like this is stunning. I am so glad I decided to try out a new author and I am thrilled to have found THIS particular book. The Man I Can't Have will open your eyes, your heart, and make you understand that sometimes, it's okay to do the things that make you feel happy (even if the consequences are severe).
Please note, this book does revolve a controversial subject in the romance world . But if you give a try and read it with an open mind and an open heart you will realize that things aren't always as they appear. This topic isn't one that many want to read about but again, Gabby's story is a delicate one. Nothing is revealed until the BRUTAL end and if you can see through the hard parts you will UNDERSTAND. I HIGHLY recommend this book. It's one of my favorites of the year and I absolutely NEED the second one (like NOW). Sigh...
I won't get into the plot of this book you are better off going into the story blind. But I will repeat that readers should have an open mind when going into it. Give a book that makes you slightly uncomfortable a real chance because when you get to the end you see WHY and HOW it could have happened in the first place.
This is the FIRST book I have read by Shanora Williams but you can bet I am going back and devouring her blacklist of books in anticipation of this one. Her writing style and the way she tells the story is impeccable.
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