Blog Tour + Review + Excerpt | The Man I Can't Have (Ward Duet #1) by Shanora Williams --> 5
TITLE: The Man I Can't Have
SERIES: Ward Duet #1 AUTHOR: Shanora Williams GENRE: Contemporary Romance RELEASE DATE: May 9th, 2019
It started as 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 feat—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.
FREE in Kindle Unlimited
⭐️ 5 "Would You Leave Him for Me?" ⭐️
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 **
“Let me know if you need anything, Marcel.”
“Sure will, Gabby.”
I grab the door handle, but not without noticing the smirk on his face.
When I close the doors, I can’t help sneaking a peek as I put my tea back in the fridge. Mr. Ward—Marcel—is standing with a shovel in hand. He stabs it into the ground, leaving it standing upright, and then he crosses one arm over the other, reaches down for the hem of his shirt, and pulls it up, right over his head.
With the sun beaming directly on him, of course he stands out. His tan skin is unmarked minus one long scar right below his right rib. He’s sculpted but not bulky, almost like he does just as much cardio as lifting to get his lean, toned appearance. His abs lead down to a sharp vee that disappears beneath his belt buckle and jeans. A few hairs jump out from beneath the buckle as he grabs the handle of the shovel.
As he snatches the shovel out, he pauses midway. My eyes travel up to find his, and it’s then I realize I’ve been staring. He narrows his eyes a bit, but a smug smile lightly tugs at the corners of his lips.
“Oh, shit!”
I back away, bumping into the nearest counter edge. When I hear one of the men yell something, I look again, glad Marcel has moved away from the windows of the doors to tend to the person. I hurry back upstairs, and this time I don’t look back, even though a small part of me is dying to see those abs one more time.
SHANORA WILLIAMS
Shanora Williams is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who loves writing about flawed heroes and resilient heroines. She is a believer that love outweighs all, but doesn't have a problem making her characters fight for their happily ever after.
She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and is the mother of two amazing boys, has a fiercely devoted and supportive man, and is a sister to eleven.
When she isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her family, binge reading, or running marathons on Netflix while scarfing down chocolate chip cookies.
Goodreads | Amazon | Bookbub | Newsletter
