zodiaccats's review against another edition
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
kodom251999's review against another edition
5.0
OMG! This book was everything. When I started reading I really thought how are we going to love how their relationship started. A little bit further into it I realized that I was going to hate her husband. I knew there was something from everyone’s opinion that wasn’t revealed to us just yet. I loved Marcel. He was romantic and caring. He lost so much. He deserves someone to love and care for him. Gabby and Marcel’s chemistry was off the charts. I hate Kyle. I am sure that is not shocking! I need to know what comes next. That was some cliffhanger! This author is an amazing storyteller. ❤️❤️❤️
sbauer16's review against another edition
5.0
6 stars!!!!
The Man I Can't Have has CONSUMED my life the past few days. Ever since I started it, and now that I'm finished with it, it's STILL consuming me.
Marcel has won a spot on my all-time favorite book boyfriends list. He had me swooning SO HARD that I had to put the book down for a breather about a dozen times. Gabby and Marcel are also my new favorite couple!!! Between their chemistry and the raw sexual tension, it made me feel like I was going to combust. 🔥
I'm glad I don't have to wait long for The Man I Need, but it'll still feel like FOREVER to me. If you think I'm being dramatic, then READ this book. You'll feel the same way, trust me. Shanora deserves an award for being the QUEEN of cliffhangers.
The Man I Can't Have has CONSUMED my life the past few days. Ever since I started it, and now that I'm finished with it, it's STILL consuming me.
Marcel has won a spot on my all-time favorite book boyfriends list. He had me swooning SO HARD that I had to put the book down for a breather about a dozen times. Gabby and Marcel are also my new favorite couple!!! Between their chemistry and the raw sexual tension, it made me feel like I was going to combust. 🔥
I'm glad I don't have to wait long for The Man I Need, but it'll still feel like FOREVER to me. If you think I'm being dramatic, then READ this book. You'll feel the same way, trust me. Shanora deserves an award for being the QUEEN of cliffhangers.
babblingchatterreads's review against another edition
4.0
The author strikes again with another page turner of a forbidden romance! The angst, the want for something you cannot have is strong in this read.
The newlyweds, Gabby and Kyle are starting a new life in a new place. The drawback...Kyle's work is quite a distance and an workaholic that has him away days at a time.
Alone in a new area, working on her art, and wanting to contribute to renovating her backyard she hires a landscape designer that is recommended by her neighbor. Little did she expect that the man showing up is someone that will she finds a connection of friendship leading to more. A magnetic pull whenever they are nearby. Secrets are kept, surprise actions from all parties involved will have your feelings all over the place. The justification on so many instances will have you opening your eyes on the situations between Gabby, Kyle, and Marcel. Then we are left with that cliffy that will have you rooting for hope and possibilities.
The newlyweds, Gabby and Kyle are starting a new life in a new place. The drawback...Kyle's work is quite a distance and an workaholic that has him away days at a time.
Alone in a new area, working on her art, and wanting to contribute to renovating her backyard she hires a landscape designer that is recommended by her neighbor. Little did she expect that the man showing up is someone that will she finds a connection of friendship leading to more. A magnetic pull whenever they are nearby. Secrets are kept, surprise actions from all parties involved will have your feelings all over the place. The justification on so many instances will have you opening your eyes on the situations between Gabby, Kyle, and Marcel. Then we are left with that cliffy that will have you rooting for hope and possibilities.
coffeeandthebibliophile's review
4.0
Holy shit.
This book tore me apart. Like, RIP my heart out of my chest, squash it under a shoe, and throw it in the ocean.
I'm usually not a fan of cheating but this book delves so deep into connection that it's understandable. Gabby is lying to herself about her husband, Kyle. Marcel sees the truth and brings it out of her.
And that ending? WTF.
Must read more.
This book tore me apart. Like, RIP my heart out of my chest, squash it under a shoe, and throw it in the ocean.
I'm usually not a fan of cheating but this book delves so deep into connection that it's understandable. Gabby is lying to herself about her husband, Kyle. Marcel sees the truth and brings it out of her.
And that ending? WTF.
Must read more.
my_introvert_bookishlife's review
5.0
Captivating, Heart Gripping and Beautiful.
I’ve had this book as a top read in my TBR since it’s release, and I knew I had to prepare my heart in advance to read it.
This is my first Shanora Williams book and I read it with an open mind and heart. From the start to the end I was consumed, my heart was held hostage, it swooned, it wept, it bled, and fell in love.
This story was addictive, beautiful and so powerful. I could relate to so many aspects of this story and I found myself completely captivated with Marcel and Gabby’s story.
I absolutely cannot wait to read Book 2.
This is a 4.5 STAR RATING
I’ve had this book as a top read in my TBR since it’s release, and I knew I had to prepare my heart in advance to read it.
This is my first Shanora Williams book and I read it with an open mind and heart. From the start to the end I was consumed, my heart was held hostage, it swooned, it wept, it bled, and fell in love.
This story was addictive, beautiful and so powerful. I could relate to so many aspects of this story and I found myself completely captivated with Marcel and Gabby’s story.
I absolutely cannot wait to read Book 2.
This is a 4.5 STAR RATING
elizabethsprettylittlereads's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 STARS!
“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.”
My stomach is all twisted up, and it feels as if my heart is lodged in my throat. This story of Gabby literally has me feeling sick. It’s scary and heartbreaking and I CANNOT FUNCTION AFTER THAT CLIFFHANGER!
Where is book 2?! I NEED BOOK 2.
I need answers, and I don’t like feeling this way! Okay, I totally enjoy this feeling...but still. I need MORE Gabby — I need things to be okay. And I need MORE Marcel because...he is freakin’ EVERYTHING.
EVERY. SINGLE. THING.
And I need MORE of that adorable puppy! There was a smile plastered to my face every time she made an appearance...haha.
I’m a total mess and my feels *review* are all over the place. But THIS is the type of story I crave! The ones that give you a glimpse of hope, and then rips it from you. The Man I Can’t Have is crazy intense. Turbulent. Heart-gripping. And I’m dying for more!
“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.”
My stomach is all twisted up, and it feels as if my heart is lodged in my throat. This story of Gabby literally has me feeling sick. It’s scary and heartbreaking and I CANNOT FUNCTION AFTER THAT CLIFFHANGER!
Where is book 2?! I NEED BOOK 2.
I need answers, and I don’t like feeling this way! Okay, I totally enjoy this feeling...but still. I need MORE Gabby — I need things to be okay. And I need MORE Marcel because...he is freakin’ EVERYTHING.
EVERY. SINGLE. THING.
And I need MORE of that adorable puppy! There was a smile plastered to my face every time she made an appearance...haha.
I’m a total mess and my feels *review* are all over the place. But THIS is the type of story I crave! The ones that give you a glimpse of hope, and then rips it from you. The Man I Can’t Have is crazy intense. Turbulent. Heart-gripping. And I’m dying for more!
snap_piness's review against another edition
4.0
**** arc in exchange for a review ****
German Version of my review on my blog / Deutsche Review auf meinem Blog.
Shanora is a new to me author. I actually have never heard of her prior the sign up ad.
I have never read a book where the romance is based off of cheating. So for me there was a 50% chance that I will not like it (because who likes cheating?!). But I actually really enjoyed it.
The character I liked most was Marcel. He is in his thirties and all grown up. Meaning he doesn't play games and knows exactly what he wants. Gabby is in her early/mid-twenties and a bit naiv in the beginning. Which is not necessarily a bad thing if she wouldn't depend on her husband.
What I really liked was the character development of Gabby. Even though I wouldn't say she is a confident woman at the end of the book, you can clearly see that she is on her way to become an independent and confident woman.
I will definitely read book two at some point. I will also quite probably read any of Shanoras other books.
German Version of my review on my blog / Deutsche Review auf meinem Blog.
Shanora is a new to me author. I actually have never heard of her prior the sign up ad.
I have never read a book where the romance is based off of cheating. So for me there was a 50% chance that I will not like it (because who likes cheating?!). But I actually really enjoyed it.
The character I liked most was Marcel. He is in his thirties and all grown up. Meaning he doesn't play games and knows exactly what he wants. Gabby is in her early/mid-twenties and a bit naiv in the beginning. Which is not necessarily a bad thing if she wouldn't depend on her husband.
What I really liked was the character development of Gabby. Even though I wouldn't say she is a confident woman at the end of the book, you can clearly see that she is on her way to become an independent and confident woman.
I will definitely read book two at some point. I will also quite probably read any of Shanoras other books.