A review by bookmaniacforever
The Man I Can't Have by Shanora Williams

5.0

⭐️ 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 **