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 … 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 made a promise to devote myself to my husband.
So why am I falling for a man I know I can’t have?
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When Shanora Williams writes a forbidden romance, you best believe you’ll be getting a book that SCREAMS taboo. Hell, she not only brought that full force, but she also doused this one with all the angst and feels and heat that I came to love and live for when it comes to her work. I mean, THIS is the Shanora Williams that I fell in love with!
“You’re everything I never knew I wanted. It’s just my luck that the woman I really want is already taken by someone else.”
The Man I Can’t Have just gave me such a similar vibe to Theo and Chloe of Dear Mr. Black (Tainted Black) that I’ve been craving for since—the age gap, the sexual tension, and the profound longing dripping from the characters’ pores that you’ll undoubtedly feel deep in your bones. On top of that, you get an arrogant, yet charming alpha hero with a filthy mouth; and a lonely, yet sweet heroine you’ll want to hug and wish the best for until the end.
“God, what am I doing?”
“You’re about to be fucked by another man. And you’ll love every fuckin’ second of it.”
Marcel Ward and Gabby Moore had me complete and utterly consumed, mesmerized and totally invested all throughout this read. Once I dove into their whirlwind of a romance, there was no stopping me from flipping the pages like crazy. I just saw every scene playing out so vividly in my mind’s eye that everything became even more heightened and intensified.
“She can’t resist me. I can’t resist her. We’re fucking impossible.”
And good lord, that certainly was one mighty killer of a cliffhanger! Things only got more and more intense in those last few chapters, and now all I can think about is that I NEED the second half of this story like my next breath. I’m just dying and itching to have The Man I Need in my hands already so that I can go ahead and devour that one too.
“If you were mine, I’d drop everything for you. Give you the whole goddamn world, little thing.”
If you’re in search of a compelling, seductive and well-written forbidden romance filled to the brim with angst and anticipation, and will send your emotions into a tailspin, then you need to drop everything you’re doing, buy this book and immerse yourself in the beautiful mess that is Marcel and Gabby. Trust me, this book will have you so wrapped up in everything going on, cheering for the main characters at the top of your lungs and just praying for their happily ever after no matter what.
The Man I Can’t Have Book 1 Ward Duet By Shanora Williams
5 +++ Stars
O.M.G. Totally perfection! Total master piece! I absolutely loved this and then some! Totally devoured! Kept me at the edge of my seat! So many emotional roller coasters. Very full of angst. Very well written. Loved the characters.
Absolutely can not wait for Book 2- The Man I Need
The Man I Can’t Have is the first book in the Ward Duet. It was angsty, forbidden and slow burning. I really liked it. I loved Marcel and Gabby. I am dying to read part two!! Can’t wait!
This book was SO amazing! Everything about this book made it the way it was. From the cover, to the storyline and the characters. This book was the perfect amount of angst, “forbidden” and well written bond between two great characters! This book was a huge page turner from the prologue. Marcel was interesting from the very beginning of the story. Between his past and his unexplainable connection with a married women. I feel like I was on Marcel’s side from the start. He was attractive, flirty and an overall heart warming. I loved Gabby’s character. Reading this story was, I saw two sides of her. The women she was, when she was with her husband Kyle and the women she was, when she was with Marcel. She was her true self when she was with Marcel. She was fun and sassy. The perfect fit for Marcel! Marcel and Gabby were great together, seeing them form a friendship was great because they didn’t just jump into a sexual relationship first. They had a beautiful bond, which made you rooting for them so hard! I’m extremely excited for the next book after reading the end of book 1. I’m excited to see what happens next!
I recieved an arc in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Shanora Williams for this opportunity!
THE MAN I CAN’T HAVE by Shanora Williams is book One in the Ward Duet. This starts the sorry of Gabrielle ‘Gabby’ Moore and Marcel Ward.
Gabby is newly married to Kyle after a surprise proposal where she didn’t feel she could say not to him. Then on to a marriage where Kyle is gone most of the time. In addition to that he isn’t a very good person so she is staked with upset in her life. When trying to move forward and work on her new house she was recommend to hire the Ward Landscaping & Design. This is where we meet Marcel who is a older man (he is about 35 and she is about 25). Of course they are instantly attracted to each other but with Gabby being married makes things taboo.
This book doesn’t complete their story it ends with a cliffhanger setting us up for the next installment…can’t wait to read it.
Oh my GAWD!! Dear LORD this book BURIED me. It buried me so deep in my emotions that I can’t 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 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.”
HOLY HEART PALIPATIONS!! Shanora Williams has slammed one out of the park with The Man I Can’t Have! This book has devoured me but my lips are zipped…no spoilers here!!
This book is everything all rolled into one! It is angsty, emotional, tragic, and hot AF! These characters and the storyline are so well written that you are going to be hanging to the edge of your seat to see what happens next. It is a page turner from the get go.
My honest advise to go in to this book completely blind! Stay away from reviews and just dive in! If you are not a fan of cliffhangers, then you certainly need to put this on your TBR and read it when book 2, The Man I Need, releases on June 13. You will NOT be disappointed!!
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I’m totally against cheating, but oh man…Marcel and Gabby!!! Shanora, you’re killing me!!! She’s one of my favorite authors ever. She’s the one who got me into reading age gaps, taboo relationships, and now I’m ok with cheating. u2063u2063
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Mr. Ward. I need me a Marcel. This man, from the beginning to the end, stole my heart. He’s not scared to say what he wants. He’s pretty blunt because of the loss of his family. I feel for him. He’s also the full package. Hot, sexy, sweet, handsome, and loving. He needs a happy ending. u2063u2063
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Gabby, so why did you marry Kyle? Lol Honestly, I was ok with him at first. He doesn’t sound so bad, just a busy husband who’s always out of town. But his true character starts to show slowly. He’s full of mystery. When Gabby met Marcel, they clicked immediately. She has this connection with Marcel unlike Kyle. Then the rest is history. Lol The twist happened right at the end that explains Kyle and Gabby’s marriage. It ends with a cliffhanger. u2063u2063
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There’s a deeper meaning than just cheating. It’s about healing, living life to the fullest, be yourself, knowing what you really want, knowing what’s best for you. Layers upon layers. Shanora nailed it. Can’t wait to read the next book.u2063u2063
I absolutely loved and devoured The Man I Can’t Have by Shanora Williams. It was steamy, emotional and full of angst. I could not put this book down until I finished it and then I immediately wanted to pick it up and read it again. This book does contain cheating, that is clear in the blurb, and yet the story was captivating and consumed me.
Gabrielle Moore is starting a new chapter in her life with her husband. They are newlyweds in a new home, in a new town. She may have not been swept away, but she loves her husband. She misses him when he travels for work, which he does often. She spends her time with her art and deciding to landscape her yard. Enter Marcel Ward. Sexy, charming, and cocky landscaping architect. Though you can feel their instant connection, their build-up was slow as they got to know each other.
Marcel Ward is older, hardworking and a very determined man. Gabrielle is younger, smart and a bit naïve. She wants to be a good wife, but so much is not as it seems in any of their lives. When Marcel and Gabrielle connect, it was hot, steamy and the sparks flew right off the pages. I devoured their story and will desperately wait for the final book in the duet.
Read and reviewed for Reviews From The Heart.
Happy reading!
Wow where do I start I loved Marcel and Gabby they were such powerful characters in this story. Marcel is troubled because of his past and because of his past he has no filter what to say he says it how he sees it. Gabby she is this kind nurturing woman. She loves taking care of people and making sure everyone is alright but she has a husband, Kyle and hes this wealthy, and arrogant man that’s all I can say without spoiling it! Gabby sets eyes on Marcel and they’re is fire between them too which she has never felt before. Will she be able to resist Marcel? Gosh I loved this book it gave me the feels, the butterflies, and it also has stuff i can relate too. I loved everything about this book I’m never disappointed in this author’s writing I cannot wait until book 2 The Man I Need!!!
Things Aren’t Always What They Seem
This story is an angst-filled emotional roller coaster. A lonely newlywed and an absentee husband is not the key to a successful marriage or a happy life. A marriage built on secrets and lies will surely crumble.
Gabby‘s a young newlywed who seemed to have it all. She had a beautiful home, a devoted husband and the ability work at her leisure. She’s just moved away from family and friends and they are beginning their life together.
Kyle is the dedicated husband who works constantly. His work takes him away from home often, so he is rarely ever around. He’s quite controlling and definitely has his secrets
She’s a lonely housewife looking for something to fill her time. Gabby takes on a reno project for her backyard. A gorgeous lanscape architect, Marcel, becomes her distraction. It’s is a recipe for a marriage disaster.
The angst is at an all time high. The secrets are abundant. The attraction and sexual tension is intense. Gabby is young and naive. All she wants is to be happy. If only life were that easy. But her life has never been more complicated.
I am looking forward to the conclusion because that ending left me wanting more!!!
This book is a roller coaster that left me gasping out loud. Shanora Williams did an excellent job weaving this tale of an illicit affair and then sucker punched me with my heart laying open now. My emotions pulled for Gabby in so many ways while reading this. I felt her loneliness to my bones and could see the draw towards Marcel. Marcel has his own demons he needs to face and I was cheering for him the whole time that Gabby could realize how incredible he was despite his demons. And their chemistry was wow just wow! There is some well written steam built into this story to really bring all the emotions in.
I want to say so much more about this book but I am unable to as I don’t want to ruin any possible twists that arise while reading. Just know this was an incredible read that has left me here not knowing what to do until June 13
”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 tings 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.”
incredible!!! Freaking phenomenal!!
OMG! Shanora knocks it out of the park AGAIN! This story is unbelievably emotional and full of angst. It will take you on an incredible ride so buckle up!
Gabby Moore is such a sweet soul. She married Kyle, a bit too quickly for her family’s liking, and all seems so perfect. He bought the perfect house which has a perfect studio for Gabby to do her art and through Gabby’s perspective Kyle is the perfect husband. He’s always traveling for work so Gabby is bored and lonely most of the time. She should be happy that she can afford to stay home and work on her art due to her husband’s lucrative career but something is missing. She doesn’t know what until she meets Marcel.
Marcellus Ward has a landscape design company that comes highly recommended by the neighbors. He takes on a backyard renovation job at the Moore household and finds himself more intrigued by Mrs. Moore than he’d care to admit. In the weeks that transpire, things become more complicated and we can just feel something is brewing to happen.
The Man I Can’t Have is phenomenal! I was so wrapped up in this story and I absolutely fell in love with these two characters. Their connection and their red-hot chemistry is off the charts. We know that Marcel has suffered immeasurable loss and he keeps himself guarded and only with Gabby has he been able to open up about his past. Likewise, Gabby also reveals a few of her own feelings. They are just so perfect for each other. It’s so forbidden and so wrong yet you can’t help but root for Marcel and Gabby almost from the beginning. The animosity between Marcel and Kyle is so freaking intense and adds another layer of tension to the story.
There’s also that underlying secret in Gabby and Kyle’s relationship. As the story progresses, we get this ominous and unsettling vibe from Kyle, things other people see about him that Gabby overlooks. And by the way we are left hanging at the end of this story, there is so much more to unearth. I can’t wait. That cliffy left me clutching my chest and holding my breath….until June!!!! Oh Lawdy!!!!!!!!!!! Shanora, you’re killing me and I LOVE IT!!
THIS BOOK.
Good Lord, there are no words in this world that can describe what I feel now. Shanora Williams once again created an angsty masterpiece that has aroused so much emotions in me that I don’t know what to do with myself! I haven’t read this book. I DEVOURED IT. I absorbed every single word like a sponge and I crave more! Shanora is the Queen of forbidden romances and The Man I Can’t Have is simply magnificent!
Oh, and just a heads-up.
I’m officially claiming Marcel.
I will not share him!
Gabby is newly married. She just bought a new home with her husband and she needs a landscape designer who will refresh her backyard. The neighbors recommended her a company, whose services they used themselves and after checking the portfolio on the website Gabby decided to hire said company. But she didn’t expect its owner, Marcel Ward, to be a handsome and charming man who would slowly awake feelings in her with his sexy accent and hard work… But Gabby had already woved her love and devotion to one man. Will Marcel remain the one that she can’t have?
You aren’t able to prepare yourdelf either emotionally or mentally for this book, but you MUST READ IT. I’m drowning in feelings. I’m so freaking in love with Marcel that I’m embarassed because just like our heroine I’m married… But boy, this man is my perfect 10. Hard-working, handsome dirty-talker who knows how to use his hands (and more!). In addition to awakening incredible attraction in me, I also feel compassion for him. Marcel’s carrying a strong feeling of guilt that’s weighing him on. And Gabby… She’s a smart girl who found herself in a really difficult position. I think that I don’t fully understand everything about her situation, especially her marriage, and probably I will learn more about it in the next part, but my heart is crying over her. I want to castrate her husband. From the very beginning something in Kyle didn’t suit me and I was right! I hate this man.
Marcel and Gabby are fire, passion and lust personificated. I couldn’t get enough of them! Their intimacy was so damn hot that I had steam coming out of my ears just from reading! and I wanted their stolen moments to never end. But apart from the heat, there was also sweetness, as well as regret, disappointment, anger and jealousy. Shanora Williams doesn’t take shortcuts. If she’s writing a book, she makes sure that your heart will get through the meat grinder, but like an addict you still come back for more of her beautiful words. TMICH is a MUST READ!
Mrs. Williams, I’m looking forward for the next part!
I miss Marcel already!
Marcel hasn’t had an easy life but he’s started his own business and enjoys the work. He gets an email about an estimate for a job for a wife that’s just moved into area. Gabby is a newlywed who just moved to a new place. She wants to fix up backyard and her neighbor recommends Marcel’s company. They are both obviously attracted to each other but will it lead to more?
Let’s all just Bow Down to Queen of The Feels Shanora Williams. Book after Book you can’t help but be consumed by her words and her brilliant characters. The Man I Can’t Have did exactly that, it consumed me straight at the start.
I loved the storyline of Gabby & Marcel, their stories are both electrifying and full of sexual chemistry, yes their is a beautiful sadness to it too. It is for each of these reasons my heart was in this whole book, it loved and it cried through some of the best written parts I have ever read. Let’s not talk about that cliffy and me never wanting the book to end. Shanora once again you Nailed it, I was right there on every page hanging on every word. Thoroughly cannot recommend this book enough.
Bring on Book 2 The Man I Need.
“She had it wrong when she said I would be her ruin. If anything, I’m almost certain she will become mine.”
Wow! This book was absolutely an emotional roller coaster, and that cliffhanger left me floored and speechless. Shanora Williams delivers a compelling and seductive read with angst through the roof in The Man I Can’t Have. This book is everything, while being nothing of what you expect. It’s deep, soulful, and passionate. Well built, well developed, and unpredictable. I often steer clear of books with a potential element of cheating, however I can tell you I thoroughly enjoyed The Man I Can’t Have, and I’m anxiously waiting for book 2! Expect a compelling read, a slow burn, and a broody, panty-dropping hero you simply won’t forget. Enjoy babes xo
This is about a forbidden romance. When I say forbidden, it literally means forbidden with no way of breaking it unless turning it into a taboo love story. It has all kinds of angst, intense and desire. What started as just business between a home owner and a landscaper, then a friendship turned into deep desire and want that will not only break vows but could harm so much more.
The story pulls at your heart, they yearned and craved for the forbidden kinds. It flows so smoothly, you will not be able to put it down and lose yourself within the pages. Gabby and Marcel was simply mesmerising that you couldn’t help but want to see more of them together.
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.
The Man I Can’t Have were so powerful and captivating! It ends on a cliffhanger that had me so stunned that I can’t seem to move on from just yet and 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!