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Reed Family Reckoning #4
More Than Crave You
I'm Evan Cook--billionaire tech entrepreneur and widower. Professionally, I've got it all. But since my wife died, my personal life has fallen apart. Remarrying seems like the obvious answer, so I place an ad. I'm not asking for much. The ideal woman only needs to be smart, organized, pretty, and helpful--both in and out of bed--without expecting romance. I never thought to look right in front of me . . . but it turns out that Nia Wright, my sexy, sassy assistant, just might be the perfect candidate. After an unexpectedly hot night together, I'm ready to stop interviewing strangers and simply marry her. On paper, she ticks every box on my list. Best of all, she's far too sensible to fall for me. I didn't see the flaw in my logic until it was too late. I never thought I'd lose my heart for the first time. And I definitely never imagined Nia could consume me. But she's harboring a secret that could tear us apart. Can I prove I more than crave her before it's too late? Contains mature themes.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2018
About the author
Shayla Black
143 books9,730 followersShayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.
As an only child, Shayla occupied herself by daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and started pursuing a publishing career. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America, her heart was with her stories and characters, so she left her pantyhose and power suits behind.
Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, gaming, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.
Follow me on Facebook: http://shayla.link/FBPage
Join me in my Book Beauties group for weekly LIVE chats: http://shayla.link/FBChat
As an only child, Shayla occupied herself by daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and started pursuing a publishing career. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America, her heart was with her stories and characters, so she left her pantyhose and power suits behind.
Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, gaming, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.
Follow me on Facebook: http://shayla.link/FBPage
Join me in my Book Beauties group for weekly LIVE chats: http://shayla.link/FBChat
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 311 reviews
October 7, 2018
What made you think you could do this?
I question why make the heroine a black woman if you are not going to attempt to create a dimensional character. All this author did was reinforce the same tired stereotypes. So the black chick is the slut among all these pure innocent lily white people and also made her cousin a slut too. It like she made a checklist of every stereotype possible, checking things off one by one ; stripper check, allergic to birth control check, big booty check, pregnant the first time she has sex check, the list go on. I new it was going to be bad when Nia was described as exotic which is like saying oh she pretty for a black girl. You got a virginal white man fetishizing his black experience Secretary that he has to hit it from the back because all black woman love that and of course beat her because that's just in his DNA.
I question why make the heroine a black woman if you are not going to attempt to create a dimensional character. All this author did was reinforce the same tired stereotypes. So the black chick is the slut among all these pure innocent lily white people and also made her cousin a slut too. It like she made a checklist of every stereotype possible, checking things off one by one ; stripper check, allergic to birth control check, big booty check, pregnant the first time she has sex check, the list go on. I new it was going to be bad when Nia was described as exotic which is like saying oh she pretty for a black girl. You got a virginal white man fetishizing his black experience Secretary that he has to hit it from the back because all black woman love that and of course beat her because that's just in his DNA.
September 12, 2018
We got a glimpse of Evan in the 3rd book and I gotta say I was looking forward to his book. He had just lost his wife and unborn child in a car accident. He tells his sister in book 3 that he can never love again so he was going to look for his next wife like he would a business deal. I just love contract marriages!
Things don't go according to plan for Evan when he starts noticing his very efficient executive assistant when he sees her outside the office for the first time. In a way, it shows how loyal Evan was to his first wife that he never looked else where. It takes Nia dressed down looking like women do when they are not in business mode for him to see a different side of her.
I found it funny how clueless men can be sometimes. Evan is such an analytical man. Emotions are unchartered territory for him and it's completely believable. When you learn his childhood and how he met his wife it makes sense why he thought that was love.
Normally I prefer a man to go after what he wants and that is what Evan does, he just doesn't know it's for more reasons than what he states. I guess that's why I still enjoyed this despite Evan's claims of not being able to love again.
This had some nice twists in the story that kept things interesting. It also had a few silly things thrown in as well. Overall, I enjoyed Evan and Nia's story. I'm curious if we will be getting the other half siblings story. What little we saw of her, I wasn't impressed but that doesn't mean the author can't change things around for her.
Things don't go according to plan for Evan when he starts noticing his very efficient executive assistant when he sees her outside the office for the first time. In a way, it shows how loyal Evan was to his first wife that he never looked else where. It takes Nia dressed down looking like women do when they are not in business mode for him to see a different side of her.
I found it funny how clueless men can be sometimes. Evan is such an analytical man. Emotions are unchartered territory for him and it's completely believable. When you learn his childhood and how he met his wife it makes sense why he thought that was love.
Normally I prefer a man to go after what he wants and that is what Evan does, he just doesn't know it's for more reasons than what he states. I guess that's why I still enjoyed this despite Evan's claims of not being able to love again.
This had some nice twists in the story that kept things interesting. It also had a few silly things thrown in as well. Overall, I enjoyed Evan and Nia's story. I'm curious if we will be getting the other half siblings story. What little we saw of her, I wasn't impressed but that doesn't mean the author can't change things around for her.
September 19, 2018
Wanted: Sexy Billionaire CRAVES a wife for hire.
I can’t believe this day is finally here. More Than Crave You is the story I’ve been dying to write. Nia and Evan are two strong willed lovers who prove love truly has no color.
#LoveHasNoColor
Amazon US: http://shayla.link/MTCY-KindleUS
iBooks: http://shayla.link/MTCY-iBooks
Nook: http://shayla.link/MTCY-Nook
Kobo: http://shayla.link/MTCY-Kobo
GooglePlay: http://shayla.link/MTCY-GPlay
Amazon US Print: http://shayla.link/MTCY-AmznPrint
I can’t believe this day is finally here. More Than Crave You is the story I’ve been dying to write. Nia and Evan are two strong willed lovers who prove love truly has no color.
#LoveHasNoColor
Amazon US: http://shayla.link/MTCY-KindleUS
iBooks: http://shayla.link/MTCY-iBooks
Nook: http://shayla.link/MTCY-Nook
Kobo: http://shayla.link/MTCY-Kobo
GooglePlay: http://shayla.link/MTCY-GPlay
Amazon US Print: http://shayla.link/MTCY-AmznPrint
September 17, 2018
I hate it when I start a series with book #4. It's my own fault I read this book and not the first three, but still. ☺
Judging from some reviews I read, Evan hasn't been a huge part in the previous books - he was in the 3rd book for a bit - and his siblings from the previous books are in here a lot ... I just hate missing books. I'm somewhat of an OCD Reads-books-in-order person. Maybe that's why I went into this with a bit of an I WILL NOT LIKE THIS mindset. And I didn't love-love it.
It was sexy. It had moving and sad moments. And cute and funny moments (most of the fun ones came from Evan's bestie Bas. I really hope he's the next books' hero!).
But I just couldn't connect with Nia and Evan. I would describe Evan as a borderline Autistic person. Maybe it's just that he's a genius who was never loved or even hugged as a kid. That's probably the reason he reacts so weirdly to being a widower. He wants to find a new wife after only six months. He's not really getting this whole marriage and love thing. He's a computer nerd. He doesn't make decisions based on feelings. He appears incapable of romantic love. But of course he's fascinated by Nia - finally - after she's been his assistant for three years. Nia will make him work for that happy end.
It was a great story. I even shed some tiny tears towards the end. It definitely got better the more I read. But it just wasn't my story. No idea why I didn't enjoy it. I just didn't. The whole atmosphere of the book. Everywhere we went - everything just felt sad and emotionless and ... no idea.
This was just not the day for me and this book to fall for each other. Sorry.
I've read a lot of Shayla's books .. this one just didn't work for me. The best thing about it was the Bas in the book and the Evan on the cover.
BUT - please don't let me scare you away from the story. You might LOVE it!!! I'm pretty sure it was just my weird mood that day ... I really liked parts of the story!
♡
♡
♡
♡ 
September 25, 2018
I really enjoyed More Than Crave You. It was a well written, sexy office romance. I liked Nia and Evan and I really liked Evans Hawaiian based family.
For me to really enjoy a romance novel, there usually has to be more than just that element of a story-line to follow. I prefer there to be other things happening that are important to the story too. I felt that More Than Crave You delivered on that front.
This book is heavy on the sexy details which I am fine with. If I am reading passionate scenes, then I want them to be passionate, but I felt I should include that little disclaimer in my review.
It took me a long time to warm to Evan, which at the beginning was an issue for me and at times Nia irritated me. As the story developed Evan grew on me and despite the small irritations overall I liked Nia.
I think this could have worked a little better as a longer book, having said that, I like a book that I can devour in a couple of sittings and this did fit the bill for that. I just felt that, while I enjoyed this book, I would have liked it even more if some areas were more fleshed out.
The characters were well developed and the Hawaiian family were fabulous, I think my favourite parts of the book included them. The scene setting was beautifully done.
One of the things that I enjoy most about Shayla Black's books is that she sets the scenes beautifully, whether that it a sex scene or a surrounding description. She manages to do this in such a way that it is a seamless enrichment to the story.
This is number four in the series and I do wish that I had read the others first as there are some wonderful characters in this book that are the focus of the preceding books and I would still like to read those.
Thank you to Shayla Black and Social Butterfly PR for granting me an ARC copy of More than Crave You. This is my honest review.
For me to really enjoy a romance novel, there usually has to be more than just that element of a story-line to follow. I prefer there to be other things happening that are important to the story too. I felt that More Than Crave You delivered on that front.
This book is heavy on the sexy details which I am fine with. If I am reading passionate scenes, then I want them to be passionate, but I felt I should include that little disclaimer in my review.
It took me a long time to warm to Evan, which at the beginning was an issue for me and at times Nia irritated me. As the story developed Evan grew on me and despite the small irritations overall I liked Nia.
I think this could have worked a little better as a longer book, having said that, I like a book that I can devour in a couple of sittings and this did fit the bill for that. I just felt that, while I enjoyed this book, I would have liked it even more if some areas were more fleshed out.
The characters were well developed and the Hawaiian family were fabulous, I think my favourite parts of the book included them. The scene setting was beautifully done.
One of the things that I enjoy most about Shayla Black's books is that she sets the scenes beautifully, whether that it a sex scene or a surrounding description. She manages to do this in such a way that it is a seamless enrichment to the story.
This is number four in the series and I do wish that I had read the others first as there are some wonderful characters in this book that are the focus of the preceding books and I would still like to read those.
Thank you to Shayla Black and Social Butterfly PR for granting me an ARC copy of More than Crave You. This is my honest review.
December 18, 2019
I am..very glad I don't typically review romance. Because I am very, very conflicted about this book. I can't even rate it.
Some thoughts: (review marked as spoiler because I'm not going to hide them all.
* The main character, Evan Cook, is looking for a wife after his died with his child still unborn within her. He doesn't care about the person, just needs someone to replace what his wife did for him. So he asks his secretary to arrange it for him.
- Okay, weird. But he is super rich. I almost want to handwave it away. And then you wonder what the hell this means for what his wife did? AND I AM CONFLICTED
* Evan is determined to never love again, because he can't handle the pain afterward anymore.
- Again, not too weird. But it does show that Evan isn't completely in a place where a relationship can take place.
* So of course he starts seeing his secretary, Mia, as a woman finally. For the first time in 3 years. Because apparently he is so unemotional in life and makes such calculated decisions that he ignores everything about life. This is reiterated many times throughout the book when he says "I don't really listen to much music" and when he didn't give a shit what house he bought as long as it was a good investment, etc.
- Okay, it was clear that he was going to go with the secretary. I mean, obviously.
-But, no seriously here. Does Evan have some level of autism? He cannot handle having any emotions himself, and he struggles with them in other people. He basically obsesses over computers, but doesn't give the time of day to anything else. There are a lot of little things in here that suggest it to me.
* And naturally, as soon as he sees Mia as a woman, he cannot live without here
- SCREECHHALT HERE. HOLD UP WHY? Nothing about this makes any sense. Nothing about his personality makes sense about this.
- He turns into a raging jealous monster over her, when they aren't even dating. As soon as they have sex, he thinks of her as his.
- Like literally nothing about any of this makes any sense to me, and I cannot exactly put into words why.
* And also naturally, as soon as this happens, his wife is completely forgotten by him
- Like, literally. He actually says this to himself. That he no longer thinks about his wife anymore. SHE DIED IN THE LAST YEAR
- And quite frankly this is where I have the most CONFLICT in the book. Evan basically becomes irreverent about his wife from this moment on. He doesn't pay her any respect at all. There is moving on from death, and shitting all over the person that is dead. And he straddles this line very much
- Naturally it is also revealed later in the book that he didn't love her at all, he felt responsible for her
- Also we learn that his wife was planning on divorcing him and taking most of his money. Because.. well frankly this doesn't fit either the wife or the story. I don't know why this is included. Why did the author make her out to be a bitch? I don't get it. Did she really, really need Mia to be "likable" and "better for him" that much? She had already shown that a thousand times over throughout the book. This part was just unnecessary and it grated on me a lot.
* Evan asks Mia to marry him right after they have sex once.
- Okay, whatever. But this goes back to that irreverence for his dead wife thing.
* The biggest conflict in this book was communication. And not the standard miscommunication.
- Evan: "incapable of loving again". He just cannot handle the emotions anymore. But he shows over and over and over again that he really does love her, he just cannot put it into terms. He grew up in foster care after his mother died, bouncing from home to home. Then entered a marriage to save his wife from her foster father. Mia knows all of this.
- Mia: completely ruled by her emotions in a relationship. She needs love. She doesn't want to marry someone if they can't love her. But what she really cares about is the words. All that matters to her are petty fucking words any idiot will say. She refuses to see everything that Evan does for her as love.
- These two just piss me off with this. Again and again throughout the book. The entire time. Until:
* Mia finds out that she is pregnant. Because they didn't use a condom the first time they had sex after he caught her dancing burlesque and couldn't help himself. And apparently everything overrode both of them and no protection. Because fuck you, that's why, I guess.
- Mia then becomes a fucking zombie of a character. Seriously. She just basically stops existing as the person she was.
- Evan is HAPPY about this. He doesn't see anything wrong with what is going on. Because she has now agreed to marry him. For the baby.
- But Evan is still terrified at becoming a father again, because he cannot lose another child.
Evan. Go fuck yourself.
* And then a whole bunch of bullshit happens and I just can't even deal with any of it at this point.
Honestly. I just don't know where this book went wrong for me.
Oh, probably instantly because I listened to it on audiobook. The narrator mumbles. I listen to audiobooks on 2.0x speed. Always. Or more. I have heard a lot of chipmunks, and a lot of people that sound alright at 2.0x speed.
I've never met a mumbler before. I don't even know how this happens.
And when I tried to slow it down at all, to see if that would help, it really didn't. It was so damn slow it actually physically hurt to read. I was hunched over trying to escape the slow as molasses sound coming from my headphones. The audiobook was awful.
I'm probably forgetting things because this book had...so much to it.
EDIT: I just looked at the name of the series. "More Than Words". I hate everything.
Some thoughts: (review marked as spoiler because I'm not going to hide them all.
* The main character, Evan Cook, is looking for a wife after his died with his child still unborn within her. He doesn't care about the person, just needs someone to replace what his wife did for him. So he asks his secretary to arrange it for him.
- Okay, weird. But he is super rich. I almost want to handwave it away. And then you wonder what the hell this means for what his wife did? AND I AM CONFLICTED
* Evan is determined to never love again, because he can't handle the pain afterward anymore.
- Again, not too weird. But it does show that Evan isn't completely in a place where a relationship can take place.
* So of course he starts seeing his secretary, Mia, as a woman finally. For the first time in 3 years. Because apparently he is so unemotional in life and makes such calculated decisions that he ignores everything about life. This is reiterated many times throughout the book when he says "I don't really listen to much music" and when he didn't give a shit what house he bought as long as it was a good investment, etc.
- Okay, it was clear that he was going to go with the secretary. I mean, obviously.
-But, no seriously here. Does Evan have some level of autism? He cannot handle having any emotions himself, and he struggles with them in other people. He basically obsesses over computers, but doesn't give the time of day to anything else. There are a lot of little things in here that suggest it to me.
* And naturally, as soon as he sees Mia as a woman, he cannot live without here
- SCREECHHALT HERE. HOLD UP WHY? Nothing about this makes any sense. Nothing about his personality makes sense about this.
- He turns into a raging jealous monster over her, when they aren't even dating. As soon as they have sex, he thinks of her as his.
- Like literally nothing about any of this makes any sense to me, and I cannot exactly put into words why.
* And also naturally, as soon as this happens, his wife is completely forgotten by him
- Like, literally. He actually says this to himself. That he no longer thinks about his wife anymore. SHE DIED IN THE LAST YEAR
- And quite frankly this is where I have the most CONFLICT in the book. Evan basically becomes irreverent about his wife from this moment on. He doesn't pay her any respect at all. There is moving on from death, and shitting all over the person that is dead. And he straddles this line very much
- Naturally it is also revealed later in the book that he didn't love her at all, he felt responsible for her
- Also we learn that his wife was planning on divorcing him and taking most of his money. Because.. well frankly this doesn't fit either the wife or the story. I don't know why this is included. Why did the author make her out to be a bitch? I don't get it. Did she really, really need Mia to be "likable" and "better for him" that much? She had already shown that a thousand times over throughout the book. This part was just unnecessary and it grated on me a lot.
* Evan asks Mia to marry him right after they have sex once.
- Okay, whatever. But this goes back to that irreverence for his dead wife thing.
* The biggest conflict in this book was communication. And not the standard miscommunication.
- Evan: "incapable of loving again". He just cannot handle the emotions anymore. But he shows over and over and over again that he really does love her, he just cannot put it into terms. He grew up in foster care after his mother died, bouncing from home to home. Then entered a marriage to save his wife from her foster father. Mia knows all of this.
- Mia: completely ruled by her emotions in a relationship. She needs love. She doesn't want to marry someone if they can't love her. But what she really cares about is the words. All that matters to her are petty fucking words any idiot will say. She refuses to see everything that Evan does for her as love.
- These two just piss me off with this. Again and again throughout the book. The entire time. Until:
* Mia finds out that she is pregnant. Because they didn't use a condom the first time they had sex after he caught her dancing burlesque and couldn't help himself. And apparently everything overrode both of them and no protection. Because fuck you, that's why, I guess.
- Mia then becomes a fucking zombie of a character. Seriously. She just basically stops existing as the person she was.
- Evan is HAPPY about this. He doesn't see anything wrong with what is going on. Because she has now agreed to marry him. For the baby.
- But Evan is still terrified at becoming a father again, because he cannot lose another child.
Evan. Go fuck yourself.
* And then a whole bunch of bullshit happens and I just can't even deal with any of it at this point.
Honestly. I just don't know where this book went wrong for me.
Oh, probably instantly because I listened to it on audiobook. The narrator mumbles. I listen to audiobooks on 2.0x speed. Always. Or more. I have heard a lot of chipmunks, and a lot of people that sound alright at 2.0x speed.
I've never met a mumbler before. I don't even know how this happens.
And when I tried to slow it down at all, to see if that would help, it really didn't. It was so damn slow it actually physically hurt to read. I was hunched over trying to escape the slow as molasses sound coming from my headphones. The audiobook was awful.
I'm probably forgetting things because this book had...so much to it.
EDIT: I just looked at the name of the series. "More Than Words". I hate everything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2018
4.5 Stars
I confess, I haven't read anything by this author. Initially, the book cover and then the synopsis grabbed me and held on. This story does not disappoint!
Longer review to follow ... soon.
I confess, I haven't read anything by this author. Initially, the book cover and then the synopsis grabbed me and held on. This story does not disappoint!
Longer review to follow ... soon.
September 18, 2018
I have been a big fan of this series from the beginning and honestly was so excited about Evan's book. I was so intrigued after the third book and wanted more of this heartbroken man's story. And boy was it a doozy! First, I am blown away by this book's gorgeous cover!! Gah! I am in love. Secondly, I was completely bowled over by the total feels and swoons in this book! Evan and Nia were so sexy and addicting and I could not get enough.
In all honesty, I wasn't sure of what to make of this book at first. Evan and Nia's connection was hard to feel as it seemed like he was almost robotic at times. It was understandable given his very dry and rigid personality. He is a billionaire, tech guru who only sees things in black and white and lives an emotionless life. But I found that Nia became that one person to bring life back into him. I enjoyed her honesty and her unwavering need to be loved. She was who she was and made no excuses about it. She was great!
All in all this book was fantastic. I'm so used to this author's uber alpha heroes that Evan and his nerdy personality, lack of confidence and sexual experience was a winning combination. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for more! Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula
****
I’ve been dying to read Evan’s story since we got to meet him at the end of More Than Love You. And I was not disappointed—at all!! I think More Than Crave You is my favorite of this fantastic More Than Words series.
I adored Evan and all his rigidity. His need for quiet order and control. Even when it comes to the affairs of his heart. He’s trying to heal from the death of his wife and trying to move on as he knows she would want him to. But he really doesn’t know how—until he comes up with the brilliant (not really) idea to advertise for a wife. And that’s when all hell breaks loose.
Evan’s quiet, careful life is lonely. And perhaps Nia is just the one to change that for him. He’s never really looked at her as anyone or anything other than his perfect assistant. But Fate (and friends) have a way of making things happen. And, whoa boy, do things happen!
I loved the slow burn to their relationship—yes, it was hot and sexy, but neither one really has experience with long term relationships, with love. Even Evan. And when they FINALLY figure it out—whoa, sparks fly, fireworks explode and awesomeness occurs.
I loved the developing sibling relationships too—that the Reed siblings welcomed Evan into their hearts and into their family. And Nia too. Sigh. I want more. ~ Missy, 4 stars
In all honesty, I wasn't sure of what to make of this book at first. Evan and Nia's connection was hard to feel as it seemed like he was almost robotic at times. It was understandable given his very dry and rigid personality. He is a billionaire, tech guru who only sees things in black and white and lives an emotionless life. But I found that Nia became that one person to bring life back into him. I enjoyed her honesty and her unwavering need to be loved. She was who she was and made no excuses about it. She was great!
All in all this book was fantastic. I'm so used to this author's uber alpha heroes that Evan and his nerdy personality, lack of confidence and sexual experience was a winning combination. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for more! Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula
****
I’ve been dying to read Evan’s story since we got to meet him at the end of More Than Love You. And I was not disappointed—at all!! I think More Than Crave You is my favorite of this fantastic More Than Words series.
I adored Evan and all his rigidity. His need for quiet order and control. Even when it comes to the affairs of his heart. He’s trying to heal from the death of his wife and trying to move on as he knows she would want him to. But he really doesn’t know how—until he comes up with the brilliant (not really) idea to advertise for a wife. And that’s when all hell breaks loose.
Evan’s quiet, careful life is lonely. And perhaps Nia is just the one to change that for him. He’s never really looked at her as anyone or anything other than his perfect assistant. But Fate (and friends) have a way of making things happen. And, whoa boy, do things happen!
I loved the slow burn to their relationship—yes, it was hot and sexy, but neither one really has experience with long term relationships, with love. Even Evan. And when they FINALLY figure it out—whoa, sparks fly, fireworks explode and awesomeness occurs.
I loved the developing sibling relationships too—that the Reed siblings welcomed Evan into their hearts and into their family. And Nia too. Sigh. I want more. ~ Missy, 4 stars
October 18, 2018
★★★½
I had high hopes for this story but I just needed a little more. It took a while to develop and the pacing was off.
Nia Wright worked for Evan Cook as his personal assistant for 3-4 years when Evan’s wife passed away. Evan decided that he needed a new wife to help him keep his home life organized, after all, who’s going to cook, clean and do laundry 🙄🙄🙄.
Evan requests that his PA post an advertisement for a wife to help him, (I must admit that I was completely appalled at this part) and she offered to help him find a more traditional companion. In the meantime, she will fill in by cooking and cleaning his place, while keeping him straight at the office. 🤔 I wonder what woman offers to cook and clean for her boss after spending all day answering his work phone, setting his calendar and grabbing his coffee.
This is the beginning of a cliche storyline but the diversity of the characters added more flavor to the story.
Nia is black and Evan is white. Race didn’t play a big role in the story but their socio-economic status did. I mean, he’s a billionaire and she’s just an assistant. I liked Nia because she was very clear and upfront about her wants and wishes. Evan on the other hand didn’t communicate as well but it was because he didn’t know what he actually wanted. So he made this book challenging as he went from an automaton to a man bursting with feels thanks to his new inspiration Nia.
I liked the story but Evan annoyed me. I’m also sick of the rich unfeeling man stereotype.
I had high hopes for this story but I just needed a little more. It took a while to develop and the pacing was off.
Nia Wright worked for Evan Cook as his personal assistant for 3-4 years when Evan’s wife passed away. Evan decided that he needed a new wife to help him keep his home life organized, after all, who’s going to cook, clean and do laundry 🙄🙄🙄.
Evan requests that his PA post an advertisement for a wife to help him, (I must admit that I was completely appalled at this part) and she offered to help him find a more traditional companion. In the meantime, she will fill in by cooking and cleaning his place, while keeping him straight at the office. 🤔 I wonder what woman offers to cook and clean for her boss after spending all day answering his work phone, setting his calendar and grabbing his coffee.
This is the beginning of a cliche storyline but the diversity of the characters added more flavor to the story.
Nia is black and Evan is white. Race didn’t play a big role in the story but their socio-economic status did. I mean, he’s a billionaire and she’s just an assistant. I liked Nia because she was very clear and upfront about her wants and wishes. Evan on the other hand didn’t communicate as well but it was because he didn’t know what he actually wanted. So he made this book challenging as he went from an automaton to a man bursting with feels thanks to his new inspiration Nia.
I liked the story but Evan annoyed me. I’m also sick of the rich unfeeling man stereotype.
March 24, 2019
EVAN!!!! If you have read any of the books in the MORE THAN WORDS series you will know that Evan is the half brother of Maxon, Griffin, and Harlow, who lost his wife and child in a car accident. If you thought Maxon and Griffin were sexy, holy cow move on over because EVAN oozes sex right through his pours.
I haven't read many interracial relationship romances because some of the ones I have go through the stereotypical hangups so I am thrilled that we didn't have to deal with that here #LoveHasNoColor but we did have the billionaire / assistant hangups as far as money and social status.
How do you move on when you thought you had everything and then it all was taken away in the blink of an eye? Well, you get your assistant, Nia, to run a "Wife Wanted" ad for you, that's how...LOL. The premise is so silly it had me laughing but hey whatever it takes for someone to open their eyes to see what is right in front of them I'm all for it.
This story can be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading at least More Than Love You, which is where I started the series and first met Evan, first.
Whether you choose to read or listen to this book I don't think you will be disappointed. Shayla Black did a wonderful job with not only creating two likable characters who really have amazing chemistry together, she took a difficult subject and made it more palatable. Christian Fox is another amazing job with the narration, I really love his voice. Happy Reading / Listening!!!
Playlist
FIRST DATE - Blink 182
FALLINGFORYOU - The 1975
YOU AND ME - Lifehouse
KISS ME - Sixpence None the Richer
GOD ONLY KNOWS - Beach Boys
THANK YOU - Dido
TRULY - Lionel Richie
BOO’D UP - Ella Mai
A COUPLE OF FOREVERS - Chrisette Michele
GOODBYE - Natalie Imbruglia
BREATHE AGAIN - Sara Bareilles
FALL BACK IN - Plumb
IT’S NOT OVER - Daughtry
WHATEVER IT TAKES - Lifehouse
IF - Bread
I haven't read many interracial relationship romances because some of the ones I have go through the stereotypical hangups so I am thrilled that we didn't have to deal with that here #LoveHasNoColor but we did have the billionaire / assistant hangups as far as money and social status.
How do you move on when you thought you had everything and then it all was taken away in the blink of an eye? Well, you get your assistant, Nia, to run a "Wife Wanted" ad for you, that's how...LOL. The premise is so silly it had me laughing but hey whatever it takes for someone to open their eyes to see what is right in front of them I'm all for it.
This story can be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading at least More Than Love You, which is where I started the series and first met Evan, first.
Whether you choose to read or listen to this book I don't think you will be disappointed. Shayla Black did a wonderful job with not only creating two likable characters who really have amazing chemistry together, she took a difficult subject and made it more palatable. Christian Fox is another amazing job with the narration, I really love his voice. Happy Reading / Listening!!!
Playlist
FIRST DATE - Blink 182
FALLINGFORYOU - The 1975
YOU AND ME - Lifehouse
KISS ME - Sixpence None the Richer
GOD ONLY KNOWS - Beach Boys
THANK YOU - Dido
TRULY - Lionel Richie
BOO’D UP - Ella Mai
A COUPLE OF FOREVERS - Chrisette Michele
GOODBYE - Natalie Imbruglia
BREATHE AGAIN - Sara Bareilles
FALL BACK IN - Plumb
IT’S NOT OVER - Daughtry
WHATEVER IT TAKES - Lifehouse
IF - Bread
September 3, 2018
MORE THAN CRAVE YOU by Shayla Black is the Fourth book in the More than Words series. This is the story of Evan Cook and Nia Wright. I have read the previous book but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Evan didn't have the best childhood with no real love given. Yet he married a women he though he loved and had a child. But his wife died suddenly and thinking he wouldn't be able to love again he thought to advertise for a wife. His assistant Nia is not sure about what he is going to find with this ad. They end up having a hot encounter that leads Evan to thinking that Nia would fit the bill for what he is looking for. But emotions start to overtake what he thought he wanted in this next marriage.
This was fun, hot and really hard to put down...loved it!
Evan didn't have the best childhood with no real love given. Yet he married a women he though he loved and had a child. But his wife died suddenly and thinking he wouldn't be able to love again he thought to advertise for a wife. His assistant Nia is not sure about what he is going to find with this ad. They end up having a hot encounter that leads Evan to thinking that Nia would fit the bill for what he is looking for. But emotions start to overtake what he thought he wanted in this next marriage.
This was fun, hot and really hard to put down...loved it!
Read
December 25, 2018I like Shayla Black's books and this one is an exception. I wasn't able to finish it and even if I didn't hate it, I knew it wasn't for me. Every time I was thinking that I knew why the characters were acting as they did, they did something different and I was back in square one. The story is told only from Evan's point of view and it was very hard to understand Nia. I stopped the book at 40% and I felt like I didn't know her at all. Evan seems too cold-hearted and logical to me and I didn't like some of the ways he treated Nia. I will give this book another chance in the future, but for now, I will place it on my DNF shelf.
September 28, 2018
This was my first read by this author and I have to say, it was pretty darn good. Loved Evan and the way he seems to be oblivious to anything outside of computer coding . He’s just waiting on the right woman to come along and open him up to life outside of his logic bubble. Nia seems to be the woman he needs if she can just crack the code to his heart. This couple was truly perfect for each other.
October 29, 2018
it was a good one. enjoyed it. :)
September 19, 2018
Evan Cook is a man who craves many things, and because he’s a billionaire tech entrepreneur, he can pretty much have anything he desires, but after grieving his deceased wife for six months, he’s ready to claim another bride, not because he’s ready to love again; in fact, he actually refuses to do that, partly because he doesn’t think he understands or is capable of love.
So this time around, Evan is going to proceed in his quest for a wife like he would with any other business deal, which means that emotions and love aren’t going to matter; it’s all about finding the woman who fits what his life needs. Evan is all about practicality and if he needs to advertise in order to get the kind of woman he wants to share his life with then that’s what he’ll do because his lifestyle and his demeanor require his life to be meticulously planned out, leaving no room for misunderstandings or an overload of emotions because that’s just not the way he’s programmed.
Nia Wright is Evan’s right-hand woman and she’s damn good at her job, but she also lives her life fully, experiencing the ups and downs and the highs and lows of life and absorbing as much as she can, which is nothing like the way that Evan lives, so the fact that he wants/needs Nia to fill the role of his wife is not going to be something she’ll acquiesce to…she’s not someone who will just copulate to his demands because as analytically brilliant as Evan is, he is equally as inexperienced
and naive to the ways of women and their emotions.
Shayla Black does a good job of illustrating who Evan is throughout the course of the story, but while it’s clear that he’s a unique hero, his uniqueness actually makes it difficult to fully connect with him. Evan is as left brained as a person could be, and it’s that analytical mind that makes things more complicated than they should be, overthinking what needs to be done instead of simply allowing himself to feel his way through life. Romance readers will definitely be intrigued by Evan and how he chooses to lead his life, but they’ll also be frustrated with the fact that he won’t allow himself to let emotions in…to stop analyzing every part of his and Nia’s past as well as what their relationship should look like now as he attempts to analytically woo her to be his bride.
I enjoyed More Than Crave You, but I can’t say that I loved it. The fact that Nia’s perspective is not a part of the story line is a bit problematic for me. Evan is so analytically minded that he can’t quite grasp the magnitude of what he’s asking Nia to do for him, not understanding in the slightest that she wants a real marriage let alone a real relationship and it doesn’t seem he can give that to her but because readers never ‘hear’ her side of things, it makes it extremely difficult to truly gain perspective about how Nia feels and why she’s even given thought to being with Evan in any capacity at all beyond his assistance.
Evan and Nia’s story is definitely unique in the marriage of convenience trope, and there were a number of things that worked for me in the story line, but Evan’s personality and the almost non-existent voice of Nia made me struggle through parts of the book because I never truly felt like I grasped either characters’ true feelings or what was at stake by Nia eventually giving into her feelings for Evan and even his demands.
3.5/4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
So this time around, Evan is going to proceed in his quest for a wife like he would with any other business deal, which means that emotions and love aren’t going to matter; it’s all about finding the woman who fits what his life needs. Evan is all about practicality and if he needs to advertise in order to get the kind of woman he wants to share his life with then that’s what he’ll do because his lifestyle and his demeanor require his life to be meticulously planned out, leaving no room for misunderstandings or an overload of emotions because that’s just not the way he’s programmed.
Nia Wright is Evan’s right-hand woman and she’s damn good at her job, but she also lives her life fully, experiencing the ups and downs and the highs and lows of life and absorbing as much as she can, which is nothing like the way that Evan lives, so the fact that he wants/needs Nia to fill the role of his wife is not going to be something she’ll acquiesce to…she’s not someone who will just copulate to his demands because as analytically brilliant as Evan is, he is equally as inexperienced
and naive to the ways of women and their emotions.
Shayla Black does a good job of illustrating who Evan is throughout the course of the story, but while it’s clear that he’s a unique hero, his uniqueness actually makes it difficult to fully connect with him. Evan is as left brained as a person could be, and it’s that analytical mind that makes things more complicated than they should be, overthinking what needs to be done instead of simply allowing himself to feel his way through life. Romance readers will definitely be intrigued by Evan and how he chooses to lead his life, but they’ll also be frustrated with the fact that he won’t allow himself to let emotions in…to stop analyzing every part of his and Nia’s past as well as what their relationship should look like now as he attempts to analytically woo her to be his bride.
I enjoyed More Than Crave You, but I can’t say that I loved it. The fact that Nia’s perspective is not a part of the story line is a bit problematic for me. Evan is so analytically minded that he can’t quite grasp the magnitude of what he’s asking Nia to do for him, not understanding in the slightest that she wants a real marriage let alone a real relationship and it doesn’t seem he can give that to her but because readers never ‘hear’ her side of things, it makes it extremely difficult to truly gain perspective about how Nia feels and why she’s even given thought to being with Evan in any capacity at all beyond his assistance.
Evan and Nia’s story is definitely unique in the marriage of convenience trope, and there were a number of things that worked for me in the story line, but Evan’s personality and the almost non-existent voice of Nia made me struggle through parts of the book because I never truly felt like I grasped either characters’ true feelings or what was at stake by Nia eventually giving into her feelings for Evan and even his demands.
3.5/4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
September 18, 2018
Even Cook is a billionaire looking for a marriage of convenience, Nia is his assistant who he hasn’t looked at in any light other than professional. But one night changes it all and suddenly he can’t stop thinking about her. I love Nia so much, she’s such a strong character and I love that she didn’t settle for anything less that what she needed. It’s a brilliant story. One that I couldn’t put down, I loved their relationship and chemistry. And I also LOVED seeing myself in the heroine. That feeling is always amazing. This is book five, if I’m not mistaken in this series. I haven’t read any of the previous books but I didn’t feel like I had to, to fully enjoy MTCY. I will be going back to read about the previous couples though!! If they are anything like this then they will be awesome.
December 31, 2019
Yet again, Shayla delivers an outstanding plot, with amazing, well developed characters, and a love story that’ll have you lost for words.
More Than Crave You is book 4 in the More Than Words series. It can be read as a stand-alone but best read from book one of the series called More Than Want You.
After reading book three of this series and getting a peek into Evans life, I knew I had to know more, knew their has to be a book for him so when I read the blurb to this and realised it was his story, I was excited as ever and Shayla did not disappoint!
Evan? He’s overly cautious, he overanalyses every little thing and makes sure everything is logically correct, to control everything he could around him. My heart broke for him, he’d grown up in the foster system and had married a girl he rescued when he was just a young man, he’d lost his wife and unborn child in a car accident and as time went by he realised he wanted to find love again and that his wife would want him to. So he comes up with the idea of advertising for a woman and got his assistant Nia to help but it’s not as straight forward as that..
Nia? She’s a witty, free spirited, fun, loving, successful, hard working and helplessly in love and wanting a happily ever after with Evan, and honestly she’s exactly the type of woman who would be perfect for him.
The relationship between the two could not be more complicated. It’s a friends to lovers romance, and the two of them are two totally different people, total opposites. As much as Nia wants him, Evan is reluctant as ever and has placed a wall up between the two of them, to try control the way he was feeling about her. And Nia has secrets of her own that prove that she’s not the woman he thought she was.
But when together they are fireworks, hot as hell, all consuming and down right dirty and sexy! The passion, lust and intimacy between the two of them is on fire and I could feel it all the way through.
This story isn’t just based around their love story, it always included family drama and work drama.
This story has some twists and turns in it, and it’ll have you second guessing what exactly is going on, but as per usual Shayla throws you many curve balls and keeps you on the edge of your seat, flipping pages frantically and wanting to know what happens next!
I absolutely love Evan and Nia. Their unrequited, friends to lovers love story took hold of me tightly and very quickly and I managed to devour this book within 48 hours.
It’s most definitely worth a 5 star rating, if not more!
More Than Crave You is book 4 in the More Than Words series. It can be read as a stand-alone but best read from book one of the series called More Than Want You.
After reading book three of this series and getting a peek into Evans life, I knew I had to know more, knew their has to be a book for him so when I read the blurb to this and realised it was his story, I was excited as ever and Shayla did not disappoint!
Evan? He’s overly cautious, he overanalyses every little thing and makes sure everything is logically correct, to control everything he could around him. My heart broke for him, he’d grown up in the foster system and had married a girl he rescued when he was just a young man, he’d lost his wife and unborn child in a car accident and as time went by he realised he wanted to find love again and that his wife would want him to. So he comes up with the idea of advertising for a woman and got his assistant Nia to help but it’s not as straight forward as that..
Nia? She’s a witty, free spirited, fun, loving, successful, hard working and helplessly in love and wanting a happily ever after with Evan, and honestly she’s exactly the type of woman who would be perfect for him.
The relationship between the two could not be more complicated. It’s a friends to lovers romance, and the two of them are two totally different people, total opposites. As much as Nia wants him, Evan is reluctant as ever and has placed a wall up between the two of them, to try control the way he was feeling about her. And Nia has secrets of her own that prove that she’s not the woman he thought she was.
But when together they are fireworks, hot as hell, all consuming and down right dirty and sexy! The passion, lust and intimacy between the two of them is on fire and I could feel it all the way through.
This story isn’t just based around their love story, it always included family drama and work drama.
This story has some twists and turns in it, and it’ll have you second guessing what exactly is going on, but as per usual Shayla throws you many curve balls and keeps you on the edge of your seat, flipping pages frantically and wanting to know what happens next!
I absolutely love Evan and Nia. Their unrequited, friends to lovers love story took hold of me tightly and very quickly and I managed to devour this book within 48 hours.
It’s most definitely worth a 5 star rating, if not more!
September 1, 2018
"Why do I turn caveman every time a man looks at her? I can't understand it. I've never behaved this way in my life."
Woo Hoo! I've been beside myself excited to get my hands on Evan's story after meeting him in More Than Love You. I was so intrigued after learning his coldhearted plans to find a wife like it was a business deal. I just knew some badass woman was gonna show him what love is supposed to feel like and blow his mind.
What can I say, I got my wish. His assistant is perfection and I love her character. She shows him exactly what he's been missing all his life. This poor nerd has got to start using the other side of his brain if he's gonna keep up with her. She's full of sweetness and sass and refuses to obey orders outside of the office, boardroom... or bedroom. He might be the boss, but she's the one with all the power until he can convince her to marry him. What will it take for him to close the deal?
I loved this emotional story about a man that swears he's incapable of love. He promises he'll be a "responsible, faithful, and dependable husband" but she wants more. When he finally realizes that what he feels is More Than Crave You, will it be too late to claim the one that has claimed his heart without him knowing it? And when her secret finally comes to light, will he still want her? I'm excited to report this isn't the end of the series, there is more goodness to look forward to. The line forms here...
Woo Hoo! I've been beside myself excited to get my hands on Evan's story after meeting him in More Than Love You. I was so intrigued after learning his coldhearted plans to find a wife like it was a business deal. I just knew some badass woman was gonna show him what love is supposed to feel like and blow his mind.
What can I say, I got my wish. His assistant is perfection and I love her character. She shows him exactly what he's been missing all his life. This poor nerd has got to start using the other side of his brain if he's gonna keep up with her. She's full of sweetness and sass and refuses to obey orders outside of the office, boardroom... or bedroom. He might be the boss, but she's the one with all the power until he can convince her to marry him. What will it take for him to close the deal?
I loved this emotional story about a man that swears he's incapable of love. He promises he'll be a "responsible, faithful, and dependable husband" but she wants more. When he finally realizes that what he feels is More Than Crave You, will it be too late to claim the one that has claimed his heart without him knowing it? And when her secret finally comes to light, will he still want her? I'm excited to report this isn't the end of the series, there is more goodness to look forward to. The line forms here...
September 5, 2018
** ARC kindly provided for an honest review. **
2.5 stars!
I was so close to give up on Evan and Nia. With a title like this I was expecting to be overwhelmed but I clearly didn’t. In spite of the last chapters I enjoyed, I couldn’t connect with the characters at all.
I couldn’t felt the spark or the little something that would have made it so special and giving justice to this title.
I wanted to feel the craving but it never came.
I am not against the « marriage of convenience » trope but it felt forced and not natural. Trying to convince me too much to believe in it.
Evan’s constant denial state about his feelings for Nia was too dragged out to me. Too clean and smooth.
Nia was a great heroine, strong and passionate.
The whole thing was just flat and unsurprising.
The only positive thing? The main characters were at least honest to each other.
I guess I am in the minority. I tried to take a chance and to see how far they would take me but it didn’t work for me. Too bad because I was really excited yo read my first book from this author.
2.5 stars!
I was so close to give up on Evan and Nia. With a title like this I was expecting to be overwhelmed but I clearly didn’t. In spite of the last chapters I enjoyed, I couldn’t connect with the characters at all.
I couldn’t felt the spark or the little something that would have made it so special and giving justice to this title.
I wanted to feel the craving but it never came.
I am not against the « marriage of convenience » trope but it felt forced and not natural. Trying to convince me too much to believe in it.
Evan’s constant denial state about his feelings for Nia was too dragged out to me. Too clean and smooth.
Nia was a great heroine, strong and passionate.
The whole thing was just flat and unsurprising.
The only positive thing? The main characters were at least honest to each other.
I guess I am in the minority. I tried to take a chance and to see how far they would take me but it didn’t work for me. Too bad because I was really excited yo read my first book from this author.
September 29, 2018
An amazing story told from the male POV. The characters were beautifully written -the story delightfully told. I particularly liked that the roles where kind of reversed. Quite different from what we’ve grown use to, but equally captivating -if not more.
Evan was a geek, smart and savvy, yet clueless when it comes to love. He wanted to get on with his life but couldn’t moved past the death of his wife and unborn child. He hoped he could convince Nia that they belonged together. He was willing to offer her everything except his heart; but Nia couldn’t settle for less. The story was realistic and the characters felt real. You know how sometimes you are reading a book, and before you reached the halfway mark you were eager to write a review? This was one of those times. I totally enjoyed this book. Thank you Shayla Black!
Evan was a geek, smart and savvy, yet clueless when it comes to love. He wanted to get on with his life but couldn’t moved past the death of his wife and unborn child. He hoped he could convince Nia that they belonged together. He was willing to offer her everything except his heart; but Nia couldn’t settle for less. The story was realistic and the characters felt real. You know how sometimes you are reading a book, and before you reached the halfway mark you were eager to write a review? This was one of those times. I totally enjoyed this book. Thank you Shayla Black!
Want to read
December 12, 2022December 11, 2022 Amazon purch
July 26, 2021
4.5 stars
This whole book was just a giant SWOON. I loved it.
This whole book was just a giant SWOON. I loved it.
September 17, 2018
kfforever
4.5 Stars ~ Reviewed by Emma-Louise on behalf of KindleFriendsForever
This is no ordinary romance. This is the story of two people: one who always felt something and the other until having their nose pushed into didn’t see the other as anything other than their corporate right arm. For someone who reads mostly romance, it takes a lot to surprise me. Knowing this author has been hacking through books like most gardeners take out weeds you always know she’ll strike oil. This was certainly the case here, Evan and Nia were complex and down to earth (my favourite type of characters), Evan a billionaire tech entrepreneur is a demon in the boardroom, and yet in his personal life he’s stunted and inexperienced. Widowed only six months prior to the beginning of this book we shadow him through some of the hardest hitting scenes I’ve experienced in a very long time. He seems to see in so many shades of gray and just moves through the motions, and yet the moment his glasses are ripped off he makes such impressive strides to correct his wrongs. Never afraid to admit when he’s wrong, this is what truly makes Evan as impressive as he is.
For the many things they have in common is Nia and Evan live very different lives. She lives to the fullest and experiences as much as she can. Coming from the background she does makes Nia a fighter with a steel rod backbone and enough gumption to keep many a person literally on their toes. She’s quirky and endearing. She moves through life with her eye on the prize. She only wants to be taken seriously and to say she’s not afraid of hard work is putting it mildly. She constantly stays one step ahead of poor, hapless Evan. She’s the light to his dark. The one person he can always rely on and rely on her he does. As I said he sees her as his right arm and just like we move our arms without any real thought that’s how she operates with Evan.
For a long while I was left pondering where this story was going. When it finally stepped off the block we hurtled around the track like Usain Bolt. Evan assumes life should be organised, sorry Mr. Cook but nothing in life is ever practical or precise. His life though full of ambition is empty and bleak, so he can be forgiven for deciding to take outlandish options to correct his path. We all know only too well that dragging someone else into our lives when we’re not fit for ourselves is just asking for trouble. Nia tries to help him see the error of his ways but he just won’t see reason. Stubborn apparently is written into his DNA.
“I’m only ever honest with you”. I scratch my chin with a deprecating grin. “Sometimes to my own detriment.”
“I know.” She sounds about that. “And I appreciate that you don’t like to me about your feelings.”
“I never will, Nia. I promise.”
For many a chapter of this book I felt deflated and overwhelmed. Not in a bad way I hasten to add. Evan makes everything so much more difficult than it has to be for himself and in the process he drags others into the chaos. With all this turbulence came a large helping of sweat and heat. The sex scenes were off the charts, the story flowed like a well-composed piece of music. Up and down the notes until the ultimate crescendo, which thankfully wasn’t dragged out, my poor nerves couldn’t have taken any more negativity if I tried.
These two characters are meant for each other, but nobody is perfect, least of all Evan and he readily admits he’ll make mistakes but as long as they stick together they can work through them, together.
“Honey, no. You’ve made my life. Nothing would be right without you. Know why?” I shake my head because I can’t wait for her to either guess or demur. “Because I think—no, I know—I love you, too.”
More Than Crave You is a story of the human condition. How human beings thrive and succeed on their darkest days, standing tall and strong in the face of the eye of the storm. As one of my most favourite quotes says: ‘You have been weighed, you have been measured, and you have been found wanting’. This to me encompasses completely what this book is about.
On a side note: I don’t know if it was meant to but I was left pondering one small worrying detail. I wonder if I’m right. Guess with time I’ll find out. More Than Crave You is the fourth book the series. It can be read as a standalone and I did read it as such; however, I really would have loved to have met the previous characters prior to this read, but it is not necessary for everyone. Give this book a go, you will not be disappointed.
4.5 Stars ~ Reviewed by Emma-Louise on behalf of KindleFriendsForever
This is no ordinary romance. This is the story of two people: one who always felt something and the other until having their nose pushed into didn’t see the other as anything other than their corporate right arm. For someone who reads mostly romance, it takes a lot to surprise me. Knowing this author has been hacking through books like most gardeners take out weeds you always know she’ll strike oil. This was certainly the case here, Evan and Nia were complex and down to earth (my favourite type of characters), Evan a billionaire tech entrepreneur is a demon in the boardroom, and yet in his personal life he’s stunted and inexperienced. Widowed only six months prior to the beginning of this book we shadow him through some of the hardest hitting scenes I’ve experienced in a very long time. He seems to see in so many shades of gray and just moves through the motions, and yet the moment his glasses are ripped off he makes such impressive strides to correct his wrongs. Never afraid to admit when he’s wrong, this is what truly makes Evan as impressive as he is.
For the many things they have in common is Nia and Evan live very different lives. She lives to the fullest and experiences as much as she can. Coming from the background she does makes Nia a fighter with a steel rod backbone and enough gumption to keep many a person literally on their toes. She’s quirky and endearing. She moves through life with her eye on the prize. She only wants to be taken seriously and to say she’s not afraid of hard work is putting it mildly. She constantly stays one step ahead of poor, hapless Evan. She’s the light to his dark. The one person he can always rely on and rely on her he does. As I said he sees her as his right arm and just like we move our arms without any real thought that’s how she operates with Evan.
For a long while I was left pondering where this story was going. When it finally stepped off the block we hurtled around the track like Usain Bolt. Evan assumes life should be organised, sorry Mr. Cook but nothing in life is ever practical or precise. His life though full of ambition is empty and bleak, so he can be forgiven for deciding to take outlandish options to correct his path. We all know only too well that dragging someone else into our lives when we’re not fit for ourselves is just asking for trouble. Nia tries to help him see the error of his ways but he just won’t see reason. Stubborn apparently is written into his DNA.
“I’m only ever honest with you”. I scratch my chin with a deprecating grin. “Sometimes to my own detriment.”
“I know.” She sounds about that. “And I appreciate that you don’t like to me about your feelings.”
“I never will, Nia. I promise.”
For many a chapter of this book I felt deflated and overwhelmed. Not in a bad way I hasten to add. Evan makes everything so much more difficult than it has to be for himself and in the process he drags others into the chaos. With all this turbulence came a large helping of sweat and heat. The sex scenes were off the charts, the story flowed like a well-composed piece of music. Up and down the notes until the ultimate crescendo, which thankfully wasn’t dragged out, my poor nerves couldn’t have taken any more negativity if I tried.
These two characters are meant for each other, but nobody is perfect, least of all Evan and he readily admits he’ll make mistakes but as long as they stick together they can work through them, together.
“Honey, no. You’ve made my life. Nothing would be right without you. Know why?” I shake my head because I can’t wait for her to either guess or demur. “Because I think—no, I know—I love you, too.”
More Than Crave You is a story of the human condition. How human beings thrive and succeed on their darkest days, standing tall and strong in the face of the eye of the storm. As one of my most favourite quotes says: ‘You have been weighed, you have been measured, and you have been found wanting’. This to me encompasses completely what this book is about.
On a side note: I don’t know if it was meant to but I was left pondering one small worrying detail. I wonder if I’m right. Guess with time I’ll find out. More Than Crave You is the fourth book the series. It can be read as a standalone and I did read it as such; however, I really would have loved to have met the previous characters prior to this read, but it is not necessary for everyone. Give this book a go, you will not be disappointed.
September 18, 2018
3.5 stars
I have been a Shayla Black fan for a long time, the Wicked Lovers series being one of my all time favorites. With that being said, this series has not been a must read for me. It is not bad, but it’s not what I was hoping either.
So here’s what I liked about this book. We get to visit with characters from the previous books in the series, the Reed siblings. Everybody’s happy and procreating like crazy. They all took Evan, the half brother they connected with after years of not knowing of his existence, in, and they treated him like a brother too, which was very heartwarming to read.
Even though the storyline itself was very predictable, it had plenty of surprises to sort of keep you on your toes. Although, I have to say, the misunderstanding of when one character assumes they heard one thing when the other is talking to somebody else, which leads to them breaking up- that has been used a million times and it did not shatter my world.
What I didn’t like- for one, the entire book, with the exception of the last chapter, was written only from Evan’s point of view. That did not make Nia very likable to me. She was annoying me because she did not come across as this happy person that Evan was seeing.
And for two, Evan’s obsession with his first wife, who was dead, as well as with Nia’s past lovers, really got old after a while. Almost every single thing he was doing with Nia was backed up by, oh, well, Becca was doing that, Becca wasn’t like that, Becca wouldn’t have liked that. And then, when he started obsessing over Nia’s former flames, the who’s and the why’s and all that, it was just too much. Also, the mention of Nia’s race was mentioned at the end when she brought it up. That felt forced and came out of the blue. That could be too because, like I said, we don’t get her POV until the very end. So maybe she felt like that throughout the entire book, but how would we know? So when she mentioned it, it was like, who said anything about that, woman?
If you want to read this story, I’d say you should read the 3 books before it. I skipped book 3 and felt like I had missed some vital information about Evan, like there was something about him and/or his personality that had already gotten explained in the last book, and now it was just continued, but I had no idea what it was.
I have been a Shayla Black fan for a long time, the Wicked Lovers series being one of my all time favorites. With that being said, this series has not been a must read for me. It is not bad, but it’s not what I was hoping either.
So here’s what I liked about this book. We get to visit with characters from the previous books in the series, the Reed siblings. Everybody’s happy and procreating like crazy. They all took Evan, the half brother they connected with after years of not knowing of his existence, in, and they treated him like a brother too, which was very heartwarming to read.
Even though the storyline itself was very predictable, it had plenty of surprises to sort of keep you on your toes. Although, I have to say, the misunderstanding of when one character assumes they heard one thing when the other is talking to somebody else, which leads to them breaking up- that has been used a million times and it did not shatter my world.
What I didn’t like- for one, the entire book, with the exception of the last chapter, was written only from Evan’s point of view. That did not make Nia very likable to me. She was annoying me because she did not come across as this happy person that Evan was seeing.
And for two, Evan’s obsession with his first wife, who was dead, as well as with Nia’s past lovers, really got old after a while. Almost every single thing he was doing with Nia was backed up by, oh, well, Becca was doing that, Becca wasn’t like that, Becca wouldn’t have liked that. And then, when he started obsessing over Nia’s former flames, the who’s and the why’s and all that, it was just too much. Also, the mention of Nia’s race was mentioned at the end when she brought it up. That felt forced and came out of the blue. That could be too because, like I said, we don’t get her POV until the very end. So maybe she felt like that throughout the entire book, but how would we know? So when she mentioned it, it was like, who said anything about that, woman?
If you want to read this story, I’d say you should read the 3 books before it. I skipped book 3 and felt like I had missed some vital information about Evan, like there was something about him and/or his personality that had already gotten explained in the last book, and now it was just continued, but I had no idea what it was.
September 28, 2018
3.5 stars,
Quick little read. I liked how the author crafted both Evan and Nia. I also like it when the author makes the heroine more sexually experienced than the hero. Nia had what was probably a fairly typical sexual history when talking about IRL, but too often in romance novels I have found that authors try hard to make the heroine's sexual history either rather spare. So the frank and unapologetic acknowledgement of past sexual partners (plural), especially for the heroine is rather welcome.
The chemistry and dialogue between them was also very well done.
a few quibbles tho -
1) I know saying 'I love you' is something of a requirement in romance novels. But Nia was a bit hard headed about Evan in that regard imo. If she knew him as well as she was supposed to she would know how his mind works. How he processes emotions. Even as a reader I could tell that everything he said was about loving her even if he didn't know enough to say the words. It felt like rather a strange hill to plant your flag on given everything else they were experiencing with each other.
2) the 11th hour conflict. I hate these because very rarely do they feel organic, they oftentimes feel like just yet one more road block to throw up before you decide to finalize the HEA. This was already a high conflict romance, so adding one more just seemed like overkill. And how it developed, from Evan discovering something about his first wife and then taking the word of a stranger he just met over what he knew about Nia and then conveniently overhearing a damning snippet of a conversation -- just felt like plot contrivance dialed up to 10.
3) I like a good twist. But when it isn't convincing or feels too convenient then it fails. Nia's background revelation wasn't a surprise (I suspected it early on) but it didn't work for me the way it unfolded (see #2 above).
Even so, the strong parts of the book -- Evan and Nia's chemistry and their characters -- overshadowed the more problematic parts for me.
Quick little read. I liked how the author crafted both Evan and Nia. I also like it when the author makes the heroine more sexually experienced than the hero. Nia had what was probably a fairly typical sexual history when talking about IRL, but too often in romance novels I have found that authors try hard to make the heroine's sexual history either rather spare. So the frank and unapologetic acknowledgement of past sexual partners (plural), especially for the heroine is rather welcome.
The chemistry and dialogue between them was also very well done.
a few quibbles tho -
1) I know saying 'I love you' is something of a requirement in romance novels. But Nia was a bit hard headed about Evan in that regard imo. If she knew him as well as she was supposed to she would know how his mind works. How he processes emotions. Even as a reader I could tell that everything he said was about loving her even if he didn't know enough to say the words. It felt like rather a strange hill to plant your flag on given everything else they were experiencing with each other.
2) the 11th hour conflict. I hate these because very rarely do they feel organic, they oftentimes feel like just yet one more road block to throw up before you decide to finalize the HEA. This was already a high conflict romance, so adding one more just seemed like overkill. And how it developed, from Evan discovering something about his first wife and then taking the word of a stranger he just met over what he knew about Nia and then conveniently overhearing a damning snippet of a conversation -- just felt like plot contrivance dialed up to 10.
3) I like a good twist. But when it isn't convincing or feels too convenient then it fails. Nia's background revelation wasn't a surprise (I suspected it early on) but it didn't work for me the way it unfolded (see #2 above).
Even so, the strong parts of the book -- Evan and Nia's chemistry and their characters -- overshadowed the more problematic parts for me.
September 19, 2018
This book is not only my first in the More Than Words series it is my first book from Shayla Black. I was very intrigued by the cover and blurb since I myself am half of an interracial couple and I had never read a romance novel told entirely from the male's perspective. Let me confess I don't care for stories told in first person in general and I didn't particularly care for it here either.
I felt the writing itself was really good, but I had some difficulty seeing Evan especially as a real person. His actions and thoughts we are constantly told are logical and without emotion. He seemed obsessed with certain things and when he got an idea in his head it seemed he had to see it through. At the end I am convinced Evan is on the spectrum and would have liked if that was the case the author had mentioned it outright.
I did not like how he kept going on and on about how many men Nia had slept with, but as I thought some more about it he was mostly just thinking about it and didn't give Nia too much if a hard time about it. I liked him okay, but something that I can't express was missing there.
Nia, I loved her. She seemed perfect to me except for a bad picker when it came to men. I liked her confidence and the fact that despite her obvious feelings (to me at least) she let Evan know up front that she was not going to settle for anything less than love. I really liked that we finally got her perspective in the last chapter.
The background characters I liked. The siblings were helpful without being pushy and I had an instant liking for Stephen Lund so I am glad he turned out not to be a dick. Ultimately, my favorite was Bas. I really appreciated his friendship with Evan and I have to admit I was surprised at the woman he was in love with. Hope he gets a book and that it's next.
Even though I gave this 3 stars, I liked it enough to go out and get the previous 3 books in the series. Wish me luck!
I felt the writing itself was really good, but I had some difficulty seeing Evan especially as a real person. His actions and thoughts we are constantly told are logical and without emotion. He seemed obsessed with certain things and when he got an idea in his head it seemed he had to see it through. At the end I am convinced Evan is on the spectrum and would have liked if that was the case the author had mentioned it outright.
I did not like how he kept going on and on about how many men Nia had slept with, but as I thought some more about it he was mostly just thinking about it and didn't give Nia too much if a hard time about it. I liked him okay, but something that I can't express was missing there.
Nia, I loved her. She seemed perfect to me except for a bad picker when it came to men. I liked her confidence and the fact that despite her obvious feelings (to me at least) she let Evan know up front that she was not going to settle for anything less than love. I really liked that we finally got her perspective in the last chapter.
The background characters I liked. The siblings were helpful without being pushy and I had an instant liking for Stephen Lund so I am glad he turned out not to be a dick. Ultimately, my favorite was Bas. I really appreciated his friendship with Evan and I have to admit I was surprised at the woman he was in love with. Hope he gets a book and that it's next.
Even though I gave this 3 stars, I liked it enough to go out and get the previous 3 books in the series. Wish me luck!
September 18, 2018
MORE THAN CRAVE YOU by Shayla Black is the 4th book in the More than Words series. This is the story of Evan Cook and Nia Wright. I have read the previous books in the series but this can be a standalone book in the series. We got a glimpse of Evan in the 3rd book and OMG I was so looking forward to his book. He had just lost his wife and unborn child in a car accident. He had told his sister in book 3 that he could never love again so he was going to look for his next wife like he would a business deal. Can someone say contract brides ? Already I know this is going to be one awesome read.
After Evan loses his wife and unborn child in an accident, he truly grieved for them. He has ,after 6 months decided he needs a wife to get his life back on track and in order and places an ad for a wife. One very impersonal ad. Turns out his assistant is the perfect person to fill his needs. She still must go through the potential candidates for him to marry. Let me say, those candidates were interesting ROFL!! Will he be able to woo her into marrying him for money, security and to have a husband that'll take care of her. She'll never have to want for anything! Nia is a strong, sassy , intelligent and independent woman who is great as Evan's PA's. When Evan proposed to her, it very much shocked her because she has been in love with him for awhile secretly. She is not sure why he has asked her and she knows he is still mourning his wife and unborn child.
This story is full of emotions ' angst, heartbreak,heartache, passion, heat, tension, and love. I love the main characters and the drama in this story had be on the edge of my seat. I look forward to the next book in this series.
My rating: 4.7 stars *****
After Evan loses his wife and unborn child in an accident, he truly grieved for them. He has ,after 6 months decided he needs a wife to get his life back on track and in order and places an ad for a wife. One very impersonal ad. Turns out his assistant is the perfect person to fill his needs. She still must go through the potential candidates for him to marry. Let me say, those candidates were interesting ROFL!! Will he be able to woo her into marrying him for money, security and to have a husband that'll take care of her. She'll never have to want for anything! Nia is a strong, sassy , intelligent and independent woman who is great as Evan's PA's. When Evan proposed to her, it very much shocked her because she has been in love with him for awhile secretly. She is not sure why he has asked her and she knows he is still mourning his wife and unborn child.
This story is full of emotions ' angst, heartbreak,heartache, passion, heat, tension, and love. I love the main characters and the drama in this story had be on the edge of my seat. I look forward to the next book in this series.
My rating: 4.7 stars *****
August 25, 2018
More Than Crave You by Shayla Black is book four in More Tha Words, her series of standalones.
Every book in the seires can be read as a standalone and in every order. For better understanding and simply because the books that great, I recommend to read in them in order. The previous books are More Than Want You; More Than Need You; and More Than Love You.
Evan Cook is a selfmade man, he´s a sucessful businessman. His corporal life´s great, put his personal life´s suffering. He´s a widower who lost his wife and unborn child in an accident. And now he´s had the great idea to remarry for reasons only he understands. He´s sworn off love and wants a relationship based on trust and caring only. And he chose his PA to be his new wife.
Nia is a strong woman. She´s his PA, successful in her job, loves her hobby and in secret loves her boss. But love is crucial for her. Without love she refuses to dive into a relationship with Evan. But the heart wants what the heart wants. Both are between a rock and a hard place. He wants her without his love to declare and she needs it desperatedly.
Evan is a complicated man, he´s goal oriented, believes his way is the only one.
More Than Crave You is a truly touching story. I started reading and was captivated from the beginning. The story has everything I love in a good read, twists and turns, secrets and all the feels.
More Tha Crave You is written in diary style; it´s aheartwrenching, emotional read that had me in tears more than one time. I love the story so much. I recommend the book and the series and give 5 stars.
Every book in the seires can be read as a standalone and in every order. For better understanding and simply because the books that great, I recommend to read in them in order. The previous books are More Than Want You; More Than Need You; and More Than Love You.
Evan Cook is a selfmade man, he´s a sucessful businessman. His corporal life´s great, put his personal life´s suffering. He´s a widower who lost his wife and unborn child in an accident. And now he´s had the great idea to remarry for reasons only he understands. He´s sworn off love and wants a relationship based on trust and caring only. And he chose his PA to be his new wife.
Nia is a strong woman. She´s his PA, successful in her job, loves her hobby and in secret loves her boss. But love is crucial for her. Without love she refuses to dive into a relationship with Evan. But the heart wants what the heart wants. Both are between a rock and a hard place. He wants her without his love to declare and she needs it desperatedly.
Evan is a complicated man, he´s goal oriented, believes his way is the only one.
More Than Crave You is a truly touching story. I started reading and was captivated from the beginning. The story has everything I love in a good read, twists and turns, secrets and all the feels.
More Tha Crave You is written in diary style; it´s aheartwrenching, emotional read that had me in tears more than one time. I love the story so much. I recommend the book and the series and give 5 stars.
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