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Ward Duet #2
The Man I Need
There are things that women want, and things that women need.
I know deep down, with every fiber in my body, that I need Mr. Ward.
He started out as my landscape designer, but became so much more.
Now, my life is on the line while living with the devil himself. I have been torn down and broken, and I don’t think I can take anymore.
The man I need was never the one I married.
No, the man I need is the one I was never supposed to have. He’s the one who showed me gentleness, kindness, and true love.
Ward would put up a fight for me at any cost.
I know for a fact, I could be so much happier with him…
But when I come face-to-face with reality, I’m not sure if I’m brave enough to risk it all for someone I’ve just met, even if it seems like Mr. Ward and I are a match made in heaven.
I know deep down, with every fiber in my body, that I need Mr. Ward.
He started out as my landscape designer, but became so much more.
Now, my life is on the line while living with the devil himself. I have been torn down and broken, and I don’t think I can take anymore.
The man I need was never the one I married.
No, the man I need is the one I was never supposed to have. He’s the one who showed me gentleness, kindness, and true love.
Ward would put up a fight for me at any cost.
I know for a fact, I could be so much happier with him…
But when I come face-to-face with reality, I’m not sure if I’m brave enough to risk it all for someone I’ve just met, even if it seems like Mr. Ward and I are a match made in heaven.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2019
About the author
Shanora Williams
76 books5,600 followersShanora 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.
Follow me:
Instagram: Instagram.com/reallyshanora
Facebook: Facebook.com/ShanoraWilliamsAuthor
Facebook Fan Group: Facebook.com/groups/ShanorasSweethearts
Twitter: Twitter.com/shanorawilliams
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.
Follow me:
Instagram: Instagram.com/reallyshanora
Facebook: Facebook.com/ShanoraWilliamsAuthor
Facebook Fan Group: Facebook.com/groups/ShanorasSweethearts
Twitter: Twitter.com/shanorawilliams
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 333 reviews
December 14, 2019
2 Stars
Overall Opinion: Aargh! I had a bad feeling this would happen, and it did! ...Putting a spoiler tag for those that don't want the possibility of it being ruined: Sorry for my ranting, but I'm over these two writing techniques that many authors seem to use and I'm hoping I'm not alone 🤷🏻♀️
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Gabby and Marcel's story. This takes off where the first book ended with some big drama and, in hopes for keeping this brief, all I will say is that there are some dramatic scenes and some sexy times...and they get a HEA.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Gabby and Marcel's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Slow. I skimmed a lot. I felt like it was the final stretch in a duet that could've been one book.
Instalove: No, but they already had strong feelings for one another when the book begins.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Marcel. I still liked him. I appreciated how he was there for Gabby throughout her drama.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Gabby. I liked her more in the first one. This one she wouldn't stop saying the H deserved better and it got old quick for me.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Not really
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes (especially at the end).
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes!
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes
Cheating: Yes
Separation: Not really
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had some good closure and what I would call a HEA . I'm sure many readers will love this ending, but I honestly skimmed a lot because I was over it at this point.
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: Aargh! I had a bad feeling this would happen, and it did! ...Putting a spoiler tag for those that don't want the possibility of it being ruined: Sorry for my ranting, but I'm over these two writing techniques that many authors seem to use and I'm hoping I'm not alone 🤷🏻♀️
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Gabby and Marcel's story. This takes off where the first book ended with some big drama and, in hopes for keeping this brief, all I will say is that there are some dramatic scenes and some sexy times...and they get a HEA.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Gabby and Marcel's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Slow. I skimmed a lot. I felt like it was the final stretch in a duet that could've been one book.
Instalove: No, but they already had strong feelings for one another when the book begins.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Marcel. I still liked him. I appreciated how he was there for Gabby throughout her drama.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Gabby. I liked her more in the first one. This one she wouldn't stop saying the H deserved better and it got old quick for me.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Not really
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes (especially at the end).
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes!
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes
Cheating: Yes
Separation: Not really
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had some good closure and what I would call a HEA . I'm sure many readers will love this ending, but I honestly skimmed a lot because I was over it at this point.
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
June 12, 2019
Shanora Williams gave us the one thing that we were craving. Answers and retribution to what we wanted and we knew that was going to feel right because after the ending in the Man I Can’t have, we needed it more than anything!!!
If you’ve read the first book, then you know about the shocking cliffhanger and that was something that we didn’t see coming. It was unexpected and quite frankly brutal in a lot of ways. I had so many questions swirling in my mind but the one thing that I can honestly say that I felt in that moment, was fear and anger. The Man I Need picks up right where we left off and with our hearts in our throats, we desperately needed to breathe a sigh of relief. But if you’ve read this authors work before, you know that she’s not afraid to write about certain things and she will keep your emotions as hostage for the time being.
So with that being said, I entered into the unknown and prayed like heck that everything was going to be ok. I needed it, my heart needed it and most importantly, my sanity needed it. These characters went through a lot in the beginning and I wanted nothing more than to see them have a big piece of happiness but you know what they say: to the road of happiness, there’s going to be pain and heartbreak and let me tell you, there was no exception for Marcel and Gabby.
This book is much heavier than the previous one to the point where the author has included a Warning note! I would advise everyone to read it and proceed with caution because some subject matter might be a trigger. Now as for the rest of the story, I’m happy with the way that things turned out and even though I had an issue with a certain plot twist, I still enjoyed this story and I loved the characters.
If you’re looking for a sexy emotional forbidden duet, then this one is for you.
June 13, 2019
3.5 stars.
This book is a great conclusion to this duet. At the end of book 1 we were left with many questions but I am happy to say we get all the answers in this one. This story deals with some heavy subjects that can be a trigger for some (domestic violence and cheating) so at times it was hard to read, but it was necessary to understand Gabby and her past. I am more in awe of Gabby after this book, she's so strong and no pushover. Marcel is amazing in this story! He's so supportive and loving. He's exactly what Gabby needs and I am so happy they found their happily ever after together.
Overall this is great duet and even though I liked book 1 a little bit more, this one was a good read too.
This book is a great conclusion to this duet. At the end of book 1 we were left with many questions but I am happy to say we get all the answers in this one. This story deals with some heavy subjects that can be a trigger for some (domestic violence and cheating) so at times it was hard to read, but it was necessary to understand Gabby and her past. I am more in awe of Gabby after this book, she's so strong and no pushover. Marcel is amazing in this story! He's so supportive and loving. He's exactly what Gabby needs and I am so happy they found their happily ever after together.
Overall this is great duet and even though I liked book 1 a little bit more, this one was a good read too.
June 15, 2019
“Not once have you ruined my life since you walked into it. You have bettered me in so many ways.”
After diving head-first into the The Man I Can’t Have (Wards Duet #1), I waited with baited-breath to be fully immersed into the conclusion of this stunning duet, The Man I Need. And I can tell you right now that I could not have loved it anymore. It was the perfect mix of slow burning romance, forbidden love and gut-wrenching emotion. One of the things I was most looking forward to whilst reading The Man I Need, was to finally get the answers to the burning questions I had after being left with a monumental cliffhanger in book 1. This book really delivered in a big way and the wait was absolutely worth it.
I am going to keep this review very short, sharp and to the point, because I’m finding it hard to talk about it without divulging spoilers from either book one or book two and trust me when I say it, this duet needs to be read spoiler free. The second book picks up directly where the first one left off and my heart was beating almost out of my chest with the anticipation of what was to come next.
Marcel and Gabby have been through so much and their journey has been tumultuous to say the very least. I wanted nothing more than to see them reach their ultimate happiness and for everything to work out. I was so nervous that at times I actually had to stop reading and take a breath, because I wasn’t sure if my heart could take much more.
I loved both books immensely and I became fully invested in Marcel and Gabby from the moment I started this duet. Their journey was certainly not easy and at times, had me questioning if this agony and heartache was all worth it, but let me tell you, it was. This story is not for the faint of hearts; it will tear you up inside and you will become an emotion wreck, well I was, that’s for sure.
Marcel’s love for Gabby knew no bounds and his kind of unconditional adoration, yearning and devotion had me swooning beyond all belief. To me, he was just the ultimate hero. If you are a fan of slow-burning, forbidden and emotional romances then I can not recommend this duet enough. My heart is still recovering, but the rollercoaster of emotions I endured was all worth it, and if you’re anything like me and thrive on the emotional sides of romance, then you will devour this duet as I did.
June 11, 2019
When I finished the first book - I waited like crazy for the sequel... After the way it ended, I didn't know what to expect, but... WOW, It was the perfect ending for a perfect duet!!! 👏👑❤
📚 "Maybe we aren’t meant for each other, but were placed in each other’s lives as a means to save one another." 📚
I wrote in my review for the first book that the plot develops slowly - but this one started with a big BANG!!! 💥💥💥
I was so surprised that I went back to the first book to look for all the signs I missed...
Since this is a sequel, I will not go into details about the plot so I will not to ruin the reading experience with spoilers, but I should remind you that the book is about a subject that not everyone likes
- infidelity. 🖤
The second book is about even more painful subjects which often caused me to shrink in my chair - rape and violence... but I must say that the writer dealt with these issues with high sensitivity! 😍❤
📚 “It’s hard adjustin’ to what’s right after dealin’ with somethin’ so wrong." 📚
After having a little taste of Marcel, the man she will never be able to have... Gabi feels trapped. She promised to be loyal to another man, her husband. she feels that everyone's burden is on her shoulders. But when Kyle reminds her who he really is - the choice doesn't feel so hard anymore!
Unfortunately life is not so simple... everyone has secrets... and sometimes secrets can ruin everything... 😬
OMG! this book was full of emotion and melted my heart! 💔 It brought back my faith in people and reminded me that everything always happens for the best. 🙏
It wasn't easy... There were some scenes that made me shudder - but it was undoubtedly amazing.
The author was not afraid to push boundaries and write in detail on real issues that happens all over the world...
📚 “This might sound crazy, but sometimes I think maybe that’s why I met you, so I can tell you every day that you are amazing, and that you can do whatever the hell you want, so long as it makes you happy.” 📚
I enjoyed every second and felt it was over too quickly, but I must admit that even though the ending was moving and made me shout out loud "Aooo!"- I felt that after all that had happened, the ending was... too easy... yet inspiring.
I especially liked the strong message behind this duet - there is always a way out... and us women, are much stronger than everyone thinks!💪💪💪
📚 "You stormed into my life like a hurricane and turned my whole world upside down, but only for the better." 📚
It's a story about strength, the willingness to receive help and a forbidden love that sometimes it's just... right! 😍
This duet is one of my favorite reads of 2019 and Shanora has become without a doubt one of my favorite writers! 😘❤
I highly recommend this duet!
*** I received an ARC from the author for an objective review ***
📚 "Maybe we aren’t meant for each other, but were placed in each other’s lives as a means to save one another." 📚
I wrote in my review for the first book that the plot develops slowly - but this one started with a big BANG!!! 💥💥💥
I was so surprised that I went back to the first book to look for all the signs I missed...
Since this is a sequel, I will not go into details about the plot so I will not to ruin the reading experience with spoilers, but I should remind you that the book is about a subject that not everyone likes
- infidelity. 🖤
The second book is about even more painful subjects which often caused me to shrink in my chair - rape and violence... but I must say that the writer dealt with these issues with high sensitivity! 😍❤
📚 “It’s hard adjustin’ to what’s right after dealin’ with somethin’ so wrong." 📚
After having a little taste of Marcel, the man she will never be able to have... Gabi feels trapped. She promised to be loyal to another man, her husband. she feels that everyone's burden is on her shoulders. But when Kyle reminds her who he really is - the choice doesn't feel so hard anymore!
Unfortunately life is not so simple... everyone has secrets... and sometimes secrets can ruin everything... 😬
OMG! this book was full of emotion and melted my heart! 💔 It brought back my faith in people and reminded me that everything always happens for the best. 🙏
It wasn't easy... There were some scenes that made me shudder - but it was undoubtedly amazing.
The author was not afraid to push boundaries and write in detail on real issues that happens all over the world...
📚 “This might sound crazy, but sometimes I think maybe that’s why I met you, so I can tell you every day that you are amazing, and that you can do whatever the hell you want, so long as it makes you happy.” 📚
I enjoyed every second and felt it was over too quickly, but I must admit that even though the ending was moving and made me shout out loud "Aooo!"- I felt that after all that had happened, the ending was... too easy... yet inspiring.
I especially liked the strong message behind this duet - there is always a way out... and us women, are much stronger than everyone thinks!💪💪💪
📚 "You stormed into my life like a hurricane and turned my whole world upside down, but only for the better." 📚
It's a story about strength, the willingness to receive help and a forbidden love that sometimes it's just... right! 😍
This duet is one of my favorite reads of 2019 and Shanora has become without a doubt one of my favorite writers! 😘❤
I highly recommend this duet!
*** I received an ARC from the author for an objective review ***
July 8, 2019
3.5 ⭐'s
After the crazy ending of the first book, I was thrilled to get right down to this one and thankfully, some answers come right away.
Unfortunately, Gabby is fairly stereotypical in her feelings and reactions. And even worse, she gets the push she needed.
This leads to a lot of drama which overall was fine but greatly took away from the romance. Events felt bogged down and dragged on for far too long.
After matters are handled, we get back to the good times. I think things were concluded a little too easily, however, I did like that ending.
After the crazy ending of the first book, I was thrilled to get right down to this one and thankfully, some answers come right away.
Unfortunately, Gabby is fairly stereotypical in her feelings and reactions. And even worse, she gets the push she needed.
This leads to a lot of drama which overall was fine but greatly took away from the romance. Events felt bogged down and dragged on for far too long.
After matters are handled, we get back to the good times. I think things were concluded a little too easily, however, I did like that ending.
June 6, 2019
Release Date: June 13, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Incredible! Shanora Williams blew this duet out of the park. It's a slow burn, emotional, forbidden, and breathtaking read! I wasn't sure where Shanora was going to take this book after the way it ended in The Man I Want, but she did it JUSTICE! I am thrilled with how everything turned out. If you haven't had the chance to read the first book in the duet, now is the time! You can read it for free in kindle unlimited. As it is a duet, the books MUST be read in order. I highly recommend it to ALL romance readers.
Since this is the second book in a duet I won't get into the plot because it would spoil both books. But I do feel like I need to share that there is some cheating involved in the story. Most readers would be turned off by this and I can understand their hesitation when it comes to such topics. However, this duet is so beautifully written and emotionally evocative that that cheating DOES make sense even it it's not technically right. Is it justified? Well, you will have to read to come to this conclusion yourself. I would strongly recommend it either way though as it's something you WILL be able to look past. I promise, I wouldn't recommend a dirty cheating novel with horrible characters who make bad decisions and hurt others. That is NOT the case here and again, to understand what I am saying you would truly have to read it yourself. I hope this helps those who are concerned.
Anyway, I have only recently started reading the authors work and these two books are the only ones I have read so far. I WILL be reading many more though as both are so amazing that I can't NOT read the rest of her books (who come highly recommend from other readers). I just snagged a copy of Wanting Mr. Cane and hope it gives me all the feels like this one did!
I HIGHLY recommend The Man I Want and The Man I need!!
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Incredible! Shanora Williams blew this duet out of the park. It's a slow burn, emotional, forbidden, and breathtaking read! I wasn't sure where Shanora was going to take this book after the way it ended in The Man I Want, but she did it JUSTICE! I am thrilled with how everything turned out. If you haven't had the chance to read the first book in the duet, now is the time! You can read it for free in kindle unlimited. As it is a duet, the books MUST be read in order. I highly recommend it to ALL romance readers.
Since this is the second book in a duet I won't get into the plot because it would spoil both books. But I do feel like I need to share that there is some cheating involved in the story. Most readers would be turned off by this and I can understand their hesitation when it comes to such topics. However, this duet is so beautifully written and emotionally evocative that that cheating DOES make sense even it it's not technically right. Is it justified? Well, you will have to read to come to this conclusion yourself. I would strongly recommend it either way though as it's something you WILL be able to look past. I promise, I wouldn't recommend a dirty cheating novel with horrible characters who make bad decisions and hurt others. That is NOT the case here and again, to understand what I am saying you would truly have to read it yourself. I hope this helps those who are concerned.
Anyway, I have only recently started reading the authors work and these two books are the only ones I have read so far. I WILL be reading many more though as both are so amazing that I can't NOT read the rest of her books (who come highly recommend from other readers). I just snagged a copy of Wanting Mr. Cane and hope it gives me all the feels like this one did!
I HIGHLY recommend The Man I Want and The Man I need!!
November 16, 2019
What an empowering story, imparting strength in every chapter. It's such a relevant subject, it needs to be read by every woman who has suffered abuse or knows a victim. I could feel my spine tingle at Gabrielle's ordeal and her endurance. I loved the fact that shanora didn't make her spineless pushover but gave her mettle. I love kick Ass heroines.
"I know one thing for a fact now: I fell for a madman. He dove in, learned everything about me, and used it against me."
Marcel is such an amazing supporter and a full hearted lover. He means what he says and that's a top quality Alpha right there. A man who protects, nurtures and encourages his woman to follow her dream
"Seeing him, if only for a moment, made me realize that I can be cared about in a saner way."
It's a heart touching & befitting end to the Duet that has had me spellbound, very encouraging in spirit and uplifting in mood
A must read
The
4.5 stars for Beignets & Beaches
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"I know one thing for a fact now: I fell for a madman. He dove in, learned everything about me, and used it against me."
Marcel is such an amazing supporter and a full hearted lover. He means what he says and that's a top quality Alpha right there. A man who protects, nurtures and encourages his woman to follow her dream
"Seeing him, if only for a moment, made me realize that I can be cared about in a saner way."
It's a heart touching & befitting end to the Duet that has had me spellbound, very encouraging in spirit and uplifting in mood
A must read
The
4.5 stars for Beignets & Beaches
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Follow me :
[email protected]
https://twitter.com/BookBistroBlog
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June 6, 2019
⭐️ 4.5 "Finding Your Strength" Stars ⭐️
This last installment in The Ward Duet is so different than the first one, but still incredibly good. The Man I Need is heart-breaking, hopeful and gorgeous! Marcel Ward shows once again why he's so irresistible with his alpha yet sweet personality! Gabby displays how strong she can be over all the drama happening in her life. Together they’re insanely lovely! Shanora Williams brings the emotions to a poignant level that brought me to tears and made my heart palpitate!
"This woman... there is just something about her. She makes my heart race in ways I've never felt before. When she's next to me, I feel whole."
After the astounding ending of The Man I Can’t Have, I needed answers and I got them in the most painful ways. The first few pages of this novel aren’t easy to read. Gabby is faced with a difficult choice to make and it’s clear that fear and doubts are filling her mind making her decision so tough to make. With the unconditional support of Marcel, she finds her strength. Seriously that man is so devoted to her it’s absolutely gorgeous! As much as he is all male and imposing, he also can be adorably endearing and dreamy with the way he fiercely protects his “little thing”.
Their path to a happily ever after is filled with obstacles, but they navigate it by learning to trust each other. The tone of the story is more serious, so we get less flirty banter between Marcel and Gabby, but the depth of their interaction put swarm of butterflies in my stomach. Their intimate moments are scorching hot, but also radiates with powerful feelings!
"I told you I'm here for you every step of the way, and I mean it. Yeah, some days are hard as fuck, but that will never change the way I feel about you."
I must tell that the last few chapters felt a little too rushed for my taste and it’s the reason I didn’t rate it five stars. Otherwise, the whole story was absolutely mesmerizing! Shanora Williams never fails to wholly stole my heart with her stories and The Ward Duet was once again a pretty good example. I’ll miss this magnetic couple and their breathtaking relationship! If you haven’t started this duet, grab your copies right now!!!
** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
June 14, 2019
WOW!! What an epic and moving ending to Marcel and Gabby's story and as much as I love Marcel, I completely fell even harder for Gabby because of the journey she took and the things she had to overcome.
This is raw, gripping, emotional and completely consuming. The way Shanora details and lays out our heroines experience is both brave and hard to read at times.
I knew The Man I Need would be a captivating read and Shanora did not disappoint. Prepare yourself for a passionate, touching, heartbreaking and powerful story!
This is raw, gripping, emotional and completely consuming. The way Shanora details and lays out our heroines experience is both brave and hard to read at times.
I knew The Man I Need would be a captivating read and Shanora did not disappoint. Prepare yourself for a passionate, touching, heartbreaking and powerful story!
December 18, 2019
3 Stars = "I liked it" (according to Goodreads)
Content Warning: Book 2 contains graphic situations related to abuse and sexual assault. Discretion advised.
My thoughts?
It started out strong but it eventually fizzled out for me. Still, it was enjoyable enough. Unlike in book 1, I completely warmed up to Marcel here. I think he was perfect in book 2. He did everything in his power to protect Gabby from her abusive husband. Marcel proved that he was a good man with a heart of gold (albeit not without flaws).
There was some repetitive language that stood out to me and I noticed particular expressions were used by multiple characters. I know that sounds pretty insignificant but something like that can interrupt the flow of a story for me a bit, and diminish the characters' authenticity as well.
Overall, good story! I will check out the author's other books for sure.
Content Warning: Book 2 contains graphic situations related to abuse and sexual assault. Discretion advised.
My thoughts?
It started out strong but it eventually fizzled out for me. Still, it was enjoyable enough. Unlike in book 1, I completely warmed up to Marcel here. I think he was perfect in book 2. He did everything in his power to protect Gabby from her abusive husband. Marcel proved that he was a good man with a heart of gold (albeit not without flaws).
There was some repetitive language that stood out to me and I noticed particular expressions were used by multiple characters. I know that sounds pretty insignificant but something like that can interrupt the flow of a story for me a bit, and diminish the characters' authenticity as well.
Overall, good story! I will check out the author's other books for sure.
Want to read
May 10, 2019NOW I NEED THIS BOOK DESPERATELY BAD AND THE WAIT MIGHT KILL ME.
I finished my first book by Shanora and now I'm going to patiently wait for this next one, but that ending gave me wide eyes!! Seriously.....holy crap.
THE MAN I CAN'T HAVE is LIVE: https://amzn.to/2LzsX78
(Amazon Affiliate Link)
I finished my first book by Shanora and now I'm going to patiently wait for this next one, but that ending gave me wide eyes!! Seriously.....holy crap.
THE MAN I CAN'T HAVE is LIVE: https://amzn.to/2LzsX78
(Amazon Affiliate Link)
September 25, 2020
Aizņemtās sievietes dēka ar ainavu arhitektu izvēršanas... interesanti.
Varbūt otrā grāmatas daļa nebija tik aizraujoša, cik pirmā, bet tā skar krietni nopietnākas tēmas. Par vardarbību, sāpēm, drosmi un uzticēšanos.
P.S. Man nepatīk tāda izvēle abu grāmatu vākiem. Pilnīgi šķiet, ka tas automātiski atņem stāstam kaut kādu dziļumu.
Varbūt otrā grāmatas daļa nebija tik aizraujoša, cik pirmā, bet tā skar krietni nopietnākas tēmas. Par vardarbību, sāpēm, drosmi un uzticēšanos.
P.S. Man nepatīk tāda izvēle abu grāmatu vākiem. Pilnīgi šķiet, ka tas automātiski atņem stāstam kaut kādu dziļumu.
June 14, 2019
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 Stars! Great conclusion to this forbidden tale. Bring on all the forbidden books. I likey!
June 28, 2019
Good but I didn't enjoy as much as book 1..
June 6, 2019
After throwing my kindle at the ending to The Man I Can’t Have (#1), I’ve had time to regroup and exhale. Cliffies, I tell ya!!
I absolutely fell in love with Mr. Ward. He is a man who never questions the baggage he is taking on with getting involved with a married woman. Now that we find out how many bags are weighing Gabby down, Marcel never waivers from his determination to help.
Tough at times to read? Absolutely! This author has brought to the table some real life happenings. With that though, she gave us a strong woman in Gabby. One that was willing to stand up for herself. I loved that Gabby was headstrong and stood up for herself in the times she needed to!
Marcel and Gabby most certainly have a rough road to travel! Will the skeletons in the closet come out and be too much for these two?
This is a great ending to this Duet! I will always stand by my first impression of Mr. Ward…He can come landscape my yard anytime!!
I absolutely fell in love with Mr. Ward. He is a man who never questions the baggage he is taking on with getting involved with a married woman. Now that we find out how many bags are weighing Gabby down, Marcel never waivers from his determination to help.
Tough at times to read? Absolutely! This author has brought to the table some real life happenings. With that though, she gave us a strong woman in Gabby. One that was willing to stand up for herself. I loved that Gabby was headstrong and stood up for herself in the times she needed to!
Marcel and Gabby most certainly have a rough road to travel! Will the skeletons in the closet come out and be too much for these two?
This is a great ending to this Duet! I will always stand by my first impression of Mr. Ward…He can come landscape my yard anytime!!
June 22, 2019
5 Stars!!!
Stunning conclusion to this wonderful duet that captivates my attention from start to finish.
I cannot write how I was mesmerized by the characters in this story. Add to that is the complexity of the situation, the forbidden aspect and the attraction that makes this a very interesting read on my part that had reading till the wee hours in the morning.
I love that this story doesn't evolve only in the lust area but also on the emotional part to create a well developed characters.
If cheating is not a trigger for you, I highly suggest you read this book!
This is book 2 of the Ward Duet and should be read in order.
ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
Stunning conclusion to this wonderful duet that captivates my attention from start to finish.
I cannot write how I was mesmerized by the characters in this story. Add to that is the complexity of the situation, the forbidden aspect and the attraction that makes this a very interesting read on my part that had reading till the wee hours in the morning.
I love that this story doesn't evolve only in the lust area but also on the emotional part to create a well developed characters.
If cheating is not a trigger for you, I highly suggest you read this book!
This is book 2 of the Ward Duet and should be read in order.
ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2020
Triggers
Sensitive subjects await in this ending of Gabby and Marcel. Very well written with a fabulous outcome/ending. Marcel is as hot as ever and Gabby has finally found true love. Highly recommend.
Sensitive subjects await in this ending of Gabby and Marcel. Very well written with a fabulous outcome/ending. Marcel is as hot as ever and Gabby has finally found true love. Highly recommend.
June 11, 2019
Wonderful touching conclusion! I loved how the heroine grew some backbone, learning to stand up for herself. I loved how supportive everyone around her were, how understanding. And I definitely loved how Marcel showed her how it feels to be really loved and cared for!
Everything was weaved in smoothly and had a perfect comb of everything. Yes, it has some rough scenes you wish you didn't have to read, and my stomach still turns thinking about them. However, overall this book hopefully encourages women in similar situations to find their voices and ask for help! Thank you, Shanora Williams for this wonderful touching duet!
Everything was weaved in smoothly and had a perfect comb of everything. Yes, it has some rough scenes you wish you didn't have to read, and my stomach still turns thinking about them. However, overall this book hopefully encourages women in similar situations to find their voices and ask for help! Thank you, Shanora Williams for this wonderful touching duet!
December 5, 2019
t’s true. I love Gabby so much more than I ever could have imagined. I have never fallen for a woman like this before, so hard and so fast. She is my world, and to know she’s about to carry my baby changes everything. This woman will become my true queen. She will have everything…which leads me to thinking that maybe it’s not too soon for what I was originally planning to do today.💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝
OMG this book is amazing, I really loved it
This novel is reminded me of Turkish series called ( Tell Them Black Sea)
OMG this book is amazing, I really loved it
This novel is reminded me of Turkish series called ( Tell Them Black Sea)
June 19, 2019
Ahimè, pensavo che la storia sarebbe migliorata, ma invece The Man I Need è peggio di The Man I Can't Have. Molto peggio.
La storia già era insipida, la coppia non mi ispirava molto, nonostante ci sono alcune scene dove Marcel ti fa alzare un po' la pressione, ma non basta. Non ci sono emozioni nè altro.
Questo libro è servito solo per far vedere come Gabby esce dalla relazione abusiva con suo marito e di come gli spilla dei soldi (perchè nonostante lei più e più volte ribadisce che dei soldi non gliene frega niente, non ci pensa due volte a farsi mantenere ancora anche da divorziati). Non voletemi male, Kyle è davvero un uomo di merda, ma Gabby è sempre stata un po' incoerente e ingenua ai livelli dell'assurdità. Ultimo esempio, tuo marito ti picchia ma non te ne vai perchè pensi alla tua famiglia (che giustamente mantiene lui)? Te li meriti i calci in faccia cara mia, ma datti una svegliata.
Rispetto e adoro Shanora perchè mi ha regalato un uomo come Draco Molina, e adoro il suo stile di scrittura, ed è solo per questo che ho dato 2 stelle, ma forse sono proprio io che devo stare lontano dai contemporary romance o da storie con questi argomenti.
La storia già era insipida, la coppia non mi ispirava molto, nonostante ci sono alcune scene dove Marcel ti fa alzare un po' la pressione, ma non basta. Non ci sono emozioni nè altro.
Questo libro è servito solo per far vedere come Gabby esce dalla relazione abusiva con suo marito e di come gli spilla dei soldi (perchè nonostante lei più e più volte ribadisce che dei soldi non gliene frega niente, non ci pensa due volte a farsi mantenere ancora anche da divorziati). Non voletemi male, Kyle è davvero un uomo di merda, ma Gabby è sempre stata un po' incoerente e ingenua ai livelli dell'assurdità. Ultimo esempio, tuo marito ti picchia ma non te ne vai perchè pensi alla tua famiglia (che giustamente mantiene lui)? Te li meriti i calci in faccia cara mia, ma datti una svegliata.
Rispetto e adoro Shanora perchè mi ha regalato un uomo come Draco Molina, e adoro il suo stile di scrittura, ed è solo per questo che ho dato 2 stelle, ma forse sono proprio io che devo stare lontano dai contemporary romance o da storie con questi argomenti.
June 12, 2019
Whoa! Shanora Williams leaves it all on the page in The Man I Need.
Readers and writers toss around monikers all the time, but Williams straight up EARNS the ‘Queen of Angst’ with this real, raw concluding follow up to the tour-de-force wind up, The Man I Can’t Have.
If I were to choose a message for this story—and there has to be a positive one to pull from the ugly gut-wrenching turns Gabby’s life takes—it’s that there is a romance within you. There is a mystery to how the human heart can survive and endure. Gabby’s remoteness is earned, from the vivid portrait Williams paints of her life that immediately follows the end of TMICH to the later developments as Gabby wrestles with a possible HEA, or more heartbreak. Williams choses to explore Gabby’s remoteness, the ease with which she dismisses Marcel, the ambivalence she extends to her family. This marriage has taken a massive toll. And Williams doesn’t shy away from examining it fully.
I’d label this a Recovery Romance. Because this is Gabby’s story from start to finish. And no detail is spared. She is stripped down and claws her way back. I haven’t read a more real story. Sure, Marcel is there, fighting for her. But he is a secondary figure, to Gabby’s transformation. He shares a tawdry backstory, and it’s complicated to ponder how far and long its effects will linger in his life. That said, Marcel is her standard, her scarecrow and tin man, the constant as Gabby makes her rite of passage trip into a woman in full.
I kept forgetting how young Gabby was, or how the choices she made weren’t always her own. Once she begins to make her own choices, her future becomes clearer and the hurricane of emotion this story yanks out begins to calm.
You’ll need all the time you can spare to read through this story. And congratulations to Shanora Williams. I can only imagine the feelings I had reading this story pale in comparison to those she explored teasing this story out of herself.
KC Caron
Aphrodites Reading Alphas
Readers and writers toss around monikers all the time, but Williams straight up EARNS the ‘Queen of Angst’ with this real, raw concluding follow up to the tour-de-force wind up, The Man I Can’t Have.
If I were to choose a message for this story—and there has to be a positive one to pull from the ugly gut-wrenching turns Gabby’s life takes—it’s that there is a romance within you. There is a mystery to how the human heart can survive and endure. Gabby’s remoteness is earned, from the vivid portrait Williams paints of her life that immediately follows the end of TMICH to the later developments as Gabby wrestles with a possible HEA, or more heartbreak. Williams choses to explore Gabby’s remoteness, the ease with which she dismisses Marcel, the ambivalence she extends to her family. This marriage has taken a massive toll. And Williams doesn’t shy away from examining it fully.
I’d label this a Recovery Romance. Because this is Gabby’s story from start to finish. And no detail is spared. She is stripped down and claws her way back. I haven’t read a more real story. Sure, Marcel is there, fighting for her. But he is a secondary figure, to Gabby’s transformation. He shares a tawdry backstory, and it’s complicated to ponder how far and long its effects will linger in his life. That said, Marcel is her standard, her scarecrow and tin man, the constant as Gabby makes her rite of passage trip into a woman in full.
I kept forgetting how young Gabby was, or how the choices she made weren’t always her own. Once she begins to make her own choices, her future becomes clearer and the hurricane of emotion this story yanks out begins to calm.
You’ll need all the time you can spare to read through this story. And congratulations to Shanora Williams. I can only imagine the feelings I had reading this story pale in comparison to those she explored teasing this story out of herself.
KC Caron
Aphrodites Reading Alphas
September 24, 2019
After finishing the first book I was SO looking forward to this book.
I liked it but honestly I liked the first one more. Sometimes I've felt like the love story was not a central element but it was more about Gabby and taking her life back.
The aspect of
Love the epilogue and the bonus scene you can download at the end.
What I find absolutely unnecessary and honestly pointless was
When you read the bonus scene you can download you know that Shanora is working at another forbidden love story about a track college coach and his gymnast. Bring the forbid on!!!
I liked it but honestly I liked the first one more. Sometimes I've felt like the love story was not a central element but it was more about Gabby and taking her life back.
The aspect of
Love the epilogue and the bonus scene you can download at the end.
What I find absolutely unnecessary and honestly pointless was
When you read the bonus scene you can download you know that Shanora is working at another forbidden love story about a track college coach and his gymnast. Bring the forbid on!!!
June 13, 2019
Shanora Williams delivered such a great emotional duet! I totally recommend reading this duet, read book one first! Emotional✔️ forbidden✔️ angsty✔️ great romance✔️ I loved this duet so much. Marcel and Gabby were absolutely amazing characters. Gabby was so strong, a loving character and her story was such a page turner. Reading this story I really felt for Gabby’s character, because no one deserves what she went through. It made her love story with Marcel even more perfect, because she deserved that kind of love and happiness. Marcel, was such a beautiful character. His love for Gabby was so great. After everything Marcel went through in his past, he turned out to be an amazing person for Gabby. This duet was a huge page turner and I can’t wait to hear what other people think after reading this!
*I received this arc in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Shanora Williams for this opportunity!*
*I received this arc in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Shanora Williams for this opportunity!*
July 28, 2019
Second book in Gabbi's story. Her difficult struggle to be free.
I liked the first book more. Probably because it was kind of shocking. In this one, the pace is slower.
I can't really tell y experience, thank God, but I think the story is told in a very realistic way. These stories are necessary to make more people aware of situations like this.
I liked the first book more. Probably because it was kind of shocking. In this one, the pace is slower.
I can't really tell y experience, thank God, but I think the story is told in a very realistic way. These stories are necessary to make more people aware of situations like this.
June 17, 2019
Well that was an enlightening prologue.
Then we get into it. Lots of f-bombs thrown everywhere by everyone. The relationship between Kyle and Gabby open like a repugnant can of worms. Nothing was what it seems and we get front row seat at all the players involved pulling the strings. This was truly heartbreaking and Gabby is such a strong and brave woman.
From the cliffhanger, I’d expected that we would deal with something heavy and tragic, however I was not expecting this level of brutality. My heart bled for Gabby. But this story starts to veer left and right into Marcel’s background and it seems like everyone has a complicated life.
I didn’t love this one as much the first. The pace was slowed down quite a bit a third way through and the focus turned to Gabby and Marcel. I didn’t get the deep connection and love still that I was hoping would show in this book that I was hoping for. The ending was well deserved.
Then we get into it. Lots of f-bombs thrown everywhere by everyone. The relationship between Kyle and Gabby open like a repugnant can of worms. Nothing was what it seems and we get front row seat at all the players involved pulling the strings. This was truly heartbreaking and Gabby is such a strong and brave woman.
From the cliffhanger, I’d expected that we would deal with something heavy and tragic, however I was not expecting this level of brutality. My heart bled for Gabby. But this story starts to veer left and right into Marcel’s background and it seems like everyone has a complicated life.
I didn’t love this one as much the first. The pace was slowed down quite a bit a third way through and the focus turned to Gabby and Marcel. I didn’t get the deep connection and love still that I was hoping would show in this book that I was hoping for. The ending was well deserved.
June 19, 2019
2.5 stars
Beh non è questo ciò che mi aspettavo. The I can’t have non mia aveva fatto impazzire e speravo che il secondo volume migliorasse la situazione ma non è stato così.
Adoro Shanora, ha creato una delle mie serie preferiti, dei personaggi che continuo ad amare nonostante il trascorrere del tempo e solo per questo non ho abbandonato il libro. Già dal primo sentivo come se mancasse qualcosa nella coppia Gabby&Marcel e quel vuoto non viene colmato.
La prima parte non è male, Gabby esce fuori da una relazione tossica grazie a Marcel il quale resta sempre al suo fianco e la supporta poi la storia diventa ripetitiva, abbastanza monotona e super sdolcinata per i miei gusti. Una vera delusione.
Beh non è questo ciò che mi aspettavo. The I can’t have non mia aveva fatto impazzire e speravo che il secondo volume migliorasse la situazione ma non è stato così.
Adoro Shanora, ha creato una delle mie serie preferiti, dei personaggi che continuo ad amare nonostante il trascorrere del tempo e solo per questo non ho abbandonato il libro. Già dal primo sentivo come se mancasse qualcosa nella coppia Gabby&Marcel e quel vuoto non viene colmato.
La prima parte non è male, Gabby esce fuori da una relazione tossica grazie a Marcel il quale resta sempre al suo fianco e la supporta poi la storia diventa ripetitiva, abbastanza monotona e super sdolcinata per i miei gusti. Una vera delusione.
July 13, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
June 13, 2019
I have mixed feelings towards this book and the series as a whole. This was certainly not a bad book but there no 'novelty' factor to it and it was straightforward and smooth? It was too predictable that took away bits of the reading fun and there was lack of some serious drama. The content and the story had a lot of potential and if the author had wished she could definitely have pressed more buttons and crossed the limits more maybe and upped the stakes? But the lack of that somehow made the book fall flat.
I get that this book is solely focused on Gabby and how she gets out of the abusive relationship with her husband and fights for herself, but it lacked depth and tense moments. It was a book dedicated solely to her growth as a character and her freedom towards independence.Marcel just helped her through it and very conveniently became her love interest and with him by her side to always protect her, everything fell into place a little too smooth for my liking. Somehow I felt that there was a lack of romance too. There were plenty of well written sex scenes between the two but did it really contribute towards their love story and romance? No..it seems forced, like they were added just to make it feel like a love story. And I had a very big problem with Kyle's character. I mean, he was given a back story so he wasn't completely one dimensional but it was just left hanging and also felt forced to the plot. Kyle barely posed a threat and was reduced to being an 'asshole' who keeps throwing idle threats without ever backing his own words. I still don't understand if he ever loved Gabby in his own obsessive psychotic way or he was just being an abusive husband. His character was least explored and disposed off rather easily. Rest of the story...just happens. Slow and steady as she picks up her life again. There were some moments that are nice but nothing particularly stands out. And the whole Marcel's 'secret' was also unnecessary as it didn't contribute whatsoever to the story and so is Lucy's character. I can see growth in Gabby but what about Marcel? He might have not needed character growth but some form of change would have been nice to witness but that was also absent.
Over all it was a nice closure to their story but having had high expectations I really felt let down with this sequel.
I get that this book is solely focused on Gabby and how she gets out of the abusive relationship with her husband and fights for herself, but it lacked depth and tense moments. It was a book dedicated solely to her growth as a character and her freedom towards independence.Marcel just helped her through it and very conveniently became her love interest and with him by her side to always protect her, everything fell into place a little too smooth for my liking. Somehow I felt that there was a lack of romance too. There were plenty of well written sex scenes between the two but did it really contribute towards their love story and romance? No..it seems forced, like they were added just to make it feel like a love story. And I had a very big problem with Kyle's character. I mean, he was given a back story so he wasn't completely one dimensional but it was just left hanging and also felt forced to the plot. Kyle barely posed a threat and was reduced to being an 'asshole' who keeps throwing idle threats without ever backing his own words. I still don't understand if he ever loved Gabby in his own obsessive psychotic way or he was just being an abusive husband. His character was least explored and disposed off rather easily. Rest of the story...just happens. Slow and steady as she picks up her life again. There were some moments that are nice but nothing particularly stands out. And the whole Marcel's 'secret' was also unnecessary as it didn't contribute whatsoever to the story and so is Lucy's character. I can see growth in Gabby but what about Marcel? He might have not needed character growth but some form of change would have been nice to witness but that was also absent.
Over all it was a nice closure to their story but having had high expectations I really felt let down with this sequel.
June 24, 2019
"Every single thing outside of this moment is meaningless. The bruise on my face means nothing. The pain I felt mere days ago? That’s gone. Why? Because he’s erasing that pain. He’s taking it all away."
Love can be complicated. Love can be a mess. Love can be bring all kinds of issues. It can turn nasty sometimes. It can turn hurtful. It can bleed. With all the hurt and pain, love can blossom beautifully. Love can heal all wounds. Love can mend a broken heart. Love shelters you. Love always and irrevocably be true. That is the true essence of The Man I Need. Love in all its shapes and forms. The Man I Need butchered my heart. The Man I Need took me through a journey of feels that shook me. My heart and soul sunk deeply in a heart melting and soulful book with an incredible story and amazing characters. Shanora Williams always 100% delivers. Whether, it is a taboo age gap romance or an emotional book, you know that you are getting a world class book.
The Man I Need is the final and beautiful continuation to the Ward Duet. With heart entrancing writing from the taboo queen, Shanora Williams, The Man I Need is an emotional web sticking into your heart. A soul paralyzing and deep story with powerful undertones. Man, this book really opened my heart. This book really tore out every string inside me. All the angst. All the pain. All the feels. Feels that cause an earthquake shift in your cells. Feels that made my heart ache. Feels with the power to brutalize every single part of me. Man, I was dealt an emotional blow. Empowering. Moving. The Man I Need is a stunning story of one woman’s strength. An emotionally consuming story one woman’s fight for freedom. It is real. It is honest. It is angsty. Shanora Williams wrote such a heart whelming, soul enriching and gripping story. The writing deep and heartfelt. The words sincere and echoing. I was entrapped.
Gabby and Marcel are one of my favourite Shanora Williams couples. Their chemistry so trusting and beautiful. I was swept away in their emotional ups and downs. Both have been through so much but they prevailed as a couple of strength. With every obstacle thrown at them, they had each other. That’s true and gorgeous love.
The Man I Need is everything you need in a book. A passionate story. Mesmerizing characters. Definitely a must read.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Love can be complicated. Love can be a mess. Love can be bring all kinds of issues. It can turn nasty sometimes. It can turn hurtful. It can bleed. With all the hurt and pain, love can blossom beautifully. Love can heal all wounds. Love can mend a broken heart. Love shelters you. Love always and irrevocably be true. That is the true essence of The Man I Need. Love in all its shapes and forms. The Man I Need butchered my heart. The Man I Need took me through a journey of feels that shook me. My heart and soul sunk deeply in a heart melting and soulful book with an incredible story and amazing characters. Shanora Williams always 100% delivers. Whether, it is a taboo age gap romance or an emotional book, you know that you are getting a world class book.
The Man I Need is the final and beautiful continuation to the Ward Duet. With heart entrancing writing from the taboo queen, Shanora Williams, The Man I Need is an emotional web sticking into your heart. A soul paralyzing and deep story with powerful undertones. Man, this book really opened my heart. This book really tore out every string inside me. All the angst. All the pain. All the feels. Feels that cause an earthquake shift in your cells. Feels that made my heart ache. Feels with the power to brutalize every single part of me. Man, I was dealt an emotional blow. Empowering. Moving. The Man I Need is a stunning story of one woman’s strength. An emotionally consuming story one woman’s fight for freedom. It is real. It is honest. It is angsty. Shanora Williams wrote such a heart whelming, soul enriching and gripping story. The writing deep and heartfelt. The words sincere and echoing. I was entrapped.
Gabby and Marcel are one of my favourite Shanora Williams couples. Their chemistry so trusting and beautiful. I was swept away in their emotional ups and downs. Both have been through so much but they prevailed as a couple of strength. With every obstacle thrown at them, they had each other. That’s true and gorgeous love.
The Man I Need is everything you need in a book. A passionate story. Mesmerizing characters. Definitely a must read.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
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