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More Than Words #6.75
More Than Possess You
I persuaded my best friend that I should be her first…
I’m Hayes Elliott. Since second grade, I’ve had one best friend, Echo Hope. When she graduates from college, of course I have to give her something amazing. Since I’ll be on a business trip to Maui, I’m bringing her along for a week of fun and sun. But once she sheds her long skirts, serious buns, and combat boots for bikinis, I can’t deny how stunning she is…and I can’t stop wanting her. Worse, she’s determined to lose her V-card—and has asked one of our man-whoring buddies to pluck it.
I’ve got to step in.
It’s underhanded, but I offer to do the job properly. Since I’m no one’s Prince Charming, I have no intention of following through. Suddenly, the kisses start and the clothes come off…and I can’t remember why I’m not supposed to make her mine in every way. Or why I shouldn’t be in love with her. But if I want Echo for more than a vacation fling, I’ll have to fight. And she’s about to find out how determined I am to upgrade my best friend to wife.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
I’m Hayes Elliott. Since second grade, I’ve had one best friend, Echo Hope. When she graduates from college, of course I have to give her something amazing. Since I’ll be on a business trip to Maui, I’m bringing her along for a week of fun and sun. But once she sheds her long skirts, serious buns, and combat boots for bikinis, I can’t deny how stunning she is…and I can’t stop wanting her. Worse, she’s determined to lose her V-card—and has asked one of our man-whoring buddies to pluck it.
I’ve got to step in.
It’s underhanded, but I offer to do the job properly. Since I’m no one’s Prince Charming, I have no intention of following through. Suddenly, the kisses start and the clothes come off…and I can’t remember why I’m not supposed to make her mine in every way. Or why I shouldn’t be in love with her. But if I want Echo for more than a vacation fling, I’ll have to fight. And she’s about to find out how determined I am to upgrade my best friend to wife.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2021
About the author
Shayla Black
165 books9,725 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 92 reviews
September 30, 2021
I've met Echo Hope before in her sisters stories, MISADVENTURES OF A BACKUP BRIDE and MISADVENTURES WITH MY EX, so I was really excited to see that she was getting her own story.
A trip to Maui is the perfect graduation gift for Echo, she will accompany her best friend Hayes Elliott and their mutual friend Xavian Costa on a business trip which will leave them with plenty of time to see the island and for Echo to lose that pesky V card she's been carrying around with her, with the help of X but Hayes has other things in mind. Let the fun begin!
I love Friends-to-Lovers Romances, especially when they don't think the feeling are reciprocated. Shayla Black did a wonderful job with giving us characters we will be rooting for right from the beginning while weaving not only this main story line but another one as well. There is big news for the Reed Family, and if you have read any of the series you're going to want to know what happens next for this ever growing family.
1,001 Dark Nights give authors and readers a unique opportunity. Authors get to write stories for secondary characters while giving readers that haven't experienced the series, or the authors work before a taste of it. And for those that have been reading the series, this is a way for us to get a story we may not have otherwise gotten.
I would highly recommend this book to those that enjoy Steamy Contemporary Romances, New Adult Romances, or the Friends-to-Lovers Trope.
Happy Reading!!!
Read an Excerpt here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewMTPY6
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
I also preordered a copy
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
A trip to Maui is the perfect graduation gift for Echo, she will accompany her best friend Hayes Elliott and their mutual friend Xavian Costa on a business trip which will leave them with plenty of time to see the island and for Echo to lose that pesky V card she's been carrying around with her, with the help of X but Hayes has other things in mind. Let the fun begin!
I love Friends-to-Lovers Romances, especially when they don't think the feeling are reciprocated. Shayla Black did a wonderful job with giving us characters we will be rooting for right from the beginning while weaving not only this main story line but another one as well. There is big news for the Reed Family, and if you have read any of the series you're going to want to know what happens next for this ever growing family.
1,001 Dark Nights give authors and readers a unique opportunity. Authors get to write stories for secondary characters while giving readers that haven't experienced the series, or the authors work before a taste of it. And for those that have been reading the series, this is a way for us to get a story we may not have otherwise gotten.
I would highly recommend this book to those that enjoy Steamy Contemporary Romances, New Adult Romances, or the Friends-to-Lovers Trope.
Happy Reading!!!
Read an Excerpt here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewMTPY6
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**I also preordered a copy
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
September 28, 2021
She's 22 and a virgin. She's been waiting for the fairytale, the fantasy, the one.
The thing is...she already knows who she wants to be her first. But he's her best friend and he's clueless.
I just love when two people have been friends since they were kids and then end up realizing their feelings for each other at some point. There is always so much connection because they know everything about each other.
So it takes a bit, and some help, for Hayes to get with the program and that just adds to his charm.
Our old friends from Hawaii are all there and it is sooo good to see them again. I love how they are brought into the story and the story is laid out for a new book to come. (I hope!) The advice from Sebastian and from Gramma were the best parts of the book for me.
Oh, and that he calls her "shortcake."
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The thing is...she already knows who she wants to be her first. But he's her best friend and he's clueless.
I just love when two people have been friends since they were kids and then end up realizing their feelings for each other at some point. There is always so much connection because they know everything about each other.
"Before I can grasp what Echo has planned, she raises on her knees, lowers her head, and, oh-holy motherfucking son of a bitch-closes her lips around me. I've died. I'm in heaven. And I never want to leave."
So it takes a bit, and some help, for Hayes to get with the program and that just adds to his charm.
Our old friends from Hawaii are all there and it is sooo good to see them again. I love how they are brought into the story and the story is laid out for a new book to come. (I hope!) The advice from Sebastian and from Gramma were the best parts of the book for me.
Oh, and that he calls her "shortcake."
Instagram | My Blog | Facebook\
October 1, 2021
I have read a few books by Shayla Black and have adored them, finding them to be gripping reads that have me unable to put them down. I have only read one full-length book and a novella in the More Than Words series, but I did enjoy them. Thus, I was eager to dive into More Than Possess You.
Although I enjoyed More Than Possess You, I’ve concluded that I do not enjoy the author’s novellas quite as much as I enjoy the author’s novels. More Than Possess You was an addictive read that I happily devoured in a single sitting, one I enjoyed, but I did not love it in the way I had hoped. It was quick and easy, I liked watching the way things developed, but it felt a little too easy for me. I never quite felt the connection between the characters, and this had me liking this one instead of loving it. That is not to say this is a bad story, far from it, but it was not my favourite from the author.
All in all, More Than Possess You is certainly worth it for fans of the series. I would not label this a favourite, but it was an enjoyable quick read.
Although I enjoyed More Than Possess You, I’ve concluded that I do not enjoy the author’s novellas quite as much as I enjoy the author’s novels. More Than Possess You was an addictive read that I happily devoured in a single sitting, one I enjoyed, but I did not love it in the way I had hoped. It was quick and easy, I liked watching the way things developed, but it felt a little too easy for me. I never quite felt the connection between the characters, and this had me liking this one instead of loving it. That is not to say this is a bad story, far from it, but it was not my favourite from the author.
All in all, More Than Possess You is certainly worth it for fans of the series. I would not label this a favourite, but it was an enjoyable quick read.
September 23, 2021
Only the fabulous Shayla Black can combine best friends, the taking of a V-card, family connections and bright beginnings into one novella. Echo and Hayes take memories of a Hawaiian vacation to the next level when Echo is determined to lose her virginity and finally be seen as a real woman. Throw in Hayes and X fighting over her and you have a story that will leave you on the edge of your seat and dinner burning on the stove because you will not be able to stop reading. Once again Shayla Black doe snot disappoint - and leaves her readers wanting more.
September 29, 2021
More Than Possess You is an easy to enjoy, steamy friends to lovers story that is a perfect combination of interesting characters and a storyline that is engaging from the beginning to the end.
Hayes and Echo have been friends forever so when Echo wants to cross off a milestone in her life, Hayes is seeing his good friend in a whole new light and is willing to step up and help her anyway he can. But will this ruin their friendship or will it take it to the next level?
Hayes and Echo have been friends forever so when Echo wants to cross off a milestone in her life, Hayes is seeing his good friend in a whole new light and is willing to step up and help her anyway he can. But will this ruin their friendship or will it take it to the next level?
October 5, 2021
Really enjoyed the friends to lovers story of Hayes and Echo. The chemistry has always been there between these two but when they finally feel the heat the story gets better and better
September 29, 2021
Hayes & Echo’s Best-Friends-To-Lovers Story Is A Sweet & Steamy Slow Burn! Their Feel-Good Story Is Positive & Leaves You With A Smile. Fans Will Be Thrilled That It Crosses Over With The Reed Family Reckoning Series.
Hayes Elliot, twenty-four, never plans to settle down. He loves playing devil’s advocate and is a natural cynic. He has never been in a committed relationship and never makes empty promises. Sleeping around is losing its flavor, but he saw what his father’s philandering did to his mother as he grew up. His grandmother was thankfully there to fill in the void some of the time, and he remains close with her today. But the apple never falls far from the tree, so settling down just isn’t in the cards for him. A year after graduation, he has a great job in financial services making six digits. He enjoys occasionally hanging out with the other young, eager, and single guys from the office.
It is his tight set of friends from high school that keeps Hayes grounded. Kella, Graham, Maryam, Xavian, and Echo are like family to him, and they all try to get together every Sunday. Xavian Costa and Echo Hope are a year behind their friends and just days away from college graduation themselves. It is Echo that is his best friend, though. Their friendship dates back almost eighteen years to when they were both new students at a new school, and it has continued seamlessly since. She is always supportive, and he is always looking out for her, especially since her older sisters married. She can certainly be adorable, but thankfully he isn’t attracted to her because that would inevitably destroy their friendship, something he cannot fathom happening.
But when she suddenly starts ditching her baggy clothes and begins to show some skin, thoughts of her begin to take on a different tone. He tries not to look, but it is impossible to avoid noticing her beauty. The more he sees, the harder it is to deny just how attracted to her he really is. And when she starts acting sketchy with him, it rubs him the wrong way. Hope is a romantic and has long vowed to save herself for love. She has never kept secrets from him before, and something is very off. A phone call from Xavian has him in a panic as he discovers that it isn’t just her clothes that she is changing. She is graduating from college and wants to be a woman in every way, and it is Xavian that she turned to. Xavian is a great friend, but he is also a bigger player than Hayes. Like Hayes, he is a cynic. He isn’t the right man, even if he would treat her well. Echo is an optimist and wants the fairy tale. Hayes is hurt that she didn’t talk to him first and struggles to understand why. As he watches his friends growing closer, his emotions surge and his self-control becomes almost impossible.
Echo Hope, twenty-two, is about to graduate from college. She is giving and caring, and it is no surprise that she hopes to work at a non-profit after college. The company she is interviewing with helps to supply play equipment for at-risk kids. Growing up with dysfunctional and selfish parents was hard on her and her sisters, Eryn and Ella. The three have always been tight, but with Ella marrying Carson and moving to North Carolina, and Eryn marrying West and moving to Vegas, she must rely more on her friends. She treasures her friendship with Hayes, whom she met back when they were just kids. She and Xavian have grown closer this last semester, though, and he just might be able to help her in a way that Hayes cannot.
When the three leave L.A. for a trip to Maui after graduation, Hayes is on a mission to keep Echo’s innocence intact. Xavian and Echo, however, have another idea in mind. Things are complicated further by news that shakes Xavian. He was raised by a single mom and never knew the identity of his dad, so he was left entirely alone when she died three years ago. His friends have been a great support group and helped him through his difficulties, but it doesn’t replace real family, a permanent connection to others. Xavian has been alerted that he might have some relatives from his father’s side of the family, and the cynic in him wonders what they want from him. With Xavian’s news and Echo’s determination, Hayes has his hands full as he tries to be a good friend to both. And even though he warns Xavian off, Xavian might have his own ideas about what is best for Echo. Hawaii proves to be a test in some ways as Hayes plods his way forward.
Wow! This is largely Hayes’s story, and reading about him and Echo from his point of view is great. He is absolutely blind and out of touch with his feelings, probably from a lifetime of conviction that he will never marry. There is a lot going on in his head, and he makes a load of rookie mistakes. Hearing his reasoning, though, helps to give perspective. Clearly, he has a lot of growing up to do. He and Echo have a lovely relationship as best friends, and in actuality, it has probably helped him to avoid becoming entangled in a relationship. Hope had promised her sisters to put her studies first, and she also worked through college. As a consequence, she never thought about dating previously, and Hayes never had a reason to feel threatened or jealous. The pair are adorable as best friends, and their angsty story keeps you on the edge without being too overly dramatic. The dynamic between Hayes and Xavian as they go back and forth about what is best for Echo is nice. I like that they are friends with a shared interest in her happiness rather than one of them being completely underhanded and despicable.
Hayes and Echo’s best-friends-to-lovers story is a sweet and steamy slow burn. Echo’s innocence contrasts with Hayes’s playboy ways, but they are both still quite young and growing into themselves, so Hayes can be forgiven for the mistakes of his youth. Their feel-good story is positive and leaves you with a smile. It is a great addition to the More Than Words world. Fans will be thrilled that it crosses over with the Reed Family Reckoning series. This story can easily lead to Xavian’s own story as so much time is spent on his own plight, so keep your eyes open. The story is well-written and a pleasure to read. The plot is fairly simple. The characters are complex and real. The story is told in first person> The POV alternates between Hayes and Echo. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hayes Elliot, twenty-four, never plans to settle down. He loves playing devil’s advocate and is a natural cynic. He has never been in a committed relationship and never makes empty promises. Sleeping around is losing its flavor, but he saw what his father’s philandering did to his mother as he grew up. His grandmother was thankfully there to fill in the void some of the time, and he remains close with her today. But the apple never falls far from the tree, so settling down just isn’t in the cards for him. A year after graduation, he has a great job in financial services making six digits. He enjoys occasionally hanging out with the other young, eager, and single guys from the office.
It is his tight set of friends from high school that keeps Hayes grounded. Kella, Graham, Maryam, Xavian, and Echo are like family to him, and they all try to get together every Sunday. Xavian Costa and Echo Hope are a year behind their friends and just days away from college graduation themselves. It is Echo that is his best friend, though. Their friendship dates back almost eighteen years to when they were both new students at a new school, and it has continued seamlessly since. She is always supportive, and he is always looking out for her, especially since her older sisters married. She can certainly be adorable, but thankfully he isn’t attracted to her because that would inevitably destroy their friendship, something he cannot fathom happening.
But when she suddenly starts ditching her baggy clothes and begins to show some skin, thoughts of her begin to take on a different tone. He tries not to look, but it is impossible to avoid noticing her beauty. The more he sees, the harder it is to deny just how attracted to her he really is. And when she starts acting sketchy with him, it rubs him the wrong way. Hope is a romantic and has long vowed to save herself for love. She has never kept secrets from him before, and something is very off. A phone call from Xavian has him in a panic as he discovers that it isn’t just her clothes that she is changing. She is graduating from college and wants to be a woman in every way, and it is Xavian that she turned to. Xavian is a great friend, but he is also a bigger player than Hayes. Like Hayes, he is a cynic. He isn’t the right man, even if he would treat her well. Echo is an optimist and wants the fairy tale. Hayes is hurt that she didn’t talk to him first and struggles to understand why. As he watches his friends growing closer, his emotions surge and his self-control becomes almost impossible.
Echo Hope, twenty-two, is about to graduate from college. She is giving and caring, and it is no surprise that she hopes to work at a non-profit after college. The company she is interviewing with helps to supply play equipment for at-risk kids. Growing up with dysfunctional and selfish parents was hard on her and her sisters, Eryn and Ella. The three have always been tight, but with Ella marrying Carson and moving to North Carolina, and Eryn marrying West and moving to Vegas, she must rely more on her friends. She treasures her friendship with Hayes, whom she met back when they were just kids. She and Xavian have grown closer this last semester, though, and he just might be able to help her in a way that Hayes cannot.
When the three leave L.A. for a trip to Maui after graduation, Hayes is on a mission to keep Echo’s innocence intact. Xavian and Echo, however, have another idea in mind. Things are complicated further by news that shakes Xavian. He was raised by a single mom and never knew the identity of his dad, so he was left entirely alone when she died three years ago. His friends have been a great support group and helped him through his difficulties, but it doesn’t replace real family, a permanent connection to others. Xavian has been alerted that he might have some relatives from his father’s side of the family, and the cynic in him wonders what they want from him. With Xavian’s news and Echo’s determination, Hayes has his hands full as he tries to be a good friend to both. And even though he warns Xavian off, Xavian might have his own ideas about what is best for Echo. Hawaii proves to be a test in some ways as Hayes plods his way forward.
Wow! This is largely Hayes’s story, and reading about him and Echo from his point of view is great. He is absolutely blind and out of touch with his feelings, probably from a lifetime of conviction that he will never marry. There is a lot going on in his head, and he makes a load of rookie mistakes. Hearing his reasoning, though, helps to give perspective. Clearly, he has a lot of growing up to do. He and Echo have a lovely relationship as best friends, and in actuality, it has probably helped him to avoid becoming entangled in a relationship. Hope had promised her sisters to put her studies first, and she also worked through college. As a consequence, she never thought about dating previously, and Hayes never had a reason to feel threatened or jealous. The pair are adorable as best friends, and their angsty story keeps you on the edge without being too overly dramatic. The dynamic between Hayes and Xavian as they go back and forth about what is best for Echo is nice. I like that they are friends with a shared interest in her happiness rather than one of them being completely underhanded and despicable.
Hayes and Echo’s best-friends-to-lovers story is a sweet and steamy slow burn. Echo’s innocence contrasts with Hayes’s playboy ways, but they are both still quite young and growing into themselves, so Hayes can be forgiven for the mistakes of his youth. Their feel-good story is positive and leaves you with a smile. It is a great addition to the More Than Words world. Fans will be thrilled that it crosses over with the Reed Family Reckoning series. This story can easily lead to Xavian’s own story as so much time is spent on his own plight, so keep your eyes open. The story is well-written and a pleasure to read. The plot is fairly simple. The characters are complex and real. The story is told in first person> The POV alternates between Hayes and Echo. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2021
I felt like I was reading this while rolling my eyes the whole time. I didn't get why Echo was so into Hayes. Yes they were friends for so long, but the book opens with him telling her he drunk fucked another girl the night before. Later on, when Echo finally reveals how long she's been in love with him she has a laundry list of names of women he dated or slept with, why in the world do you want this guy. Also, why would you accept him suddenly being into you once you made him jealous with the help of another friend, who also taught you to dress sexy and act more sexy???? You weren't good enough for him before, why settle for this once you changed so much about yourself???
I was glad that there was the side story with Xavian, that was the only interesting thing about this one.
I was glad that there was the side story with Xavian, that was the only interesting thing about this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2021
MORE THAN POSSESS YOU by Shayla Black is a contemporary adult, story line found in her MORE THAN WORDS erotic romance series, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 DARK NIGHTS series. This is businessman Hayes Elliott, and twenty-two year old, college grad Echo Hope’s story line. MORE THAN POSSESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from first person perspective (Hayes) with two final chapters from Echo MORE THAN POSSESS YOU follows the graduation celebration of Echo Hope in Maui Hawaii. As a gift, Hayes Elliott gave his best friend Echo Hope a trip to Hawaii, a business trip for Hayes but a trip wherein Echo hopes to lose her ‘V-card’ to their mutual friend Xavian Costa but Hayes sees red as he struggles with his best friend going elsewhere, a best friend he refuses to accept as anything more. Friends for eighteen years, Hayes and Echo, along with Xavian Costa have done everything together but Hayes never expected to watch from the sidelines as his bestie lost her virginity to someone else. As Hayes does his best to foil all of Echo’s plans, our heroine must comes to terms that the man that she loves, doesn’t love her in return.
Meanwhile, Xavian Costa has reached a crossroads in his life. A recent graduate himself, Xavian feels alone without the support of family, having lost his mother a few years before, and never knowing the identity of his father. When a lawyer reaches out to Xavian about a possible family connection, Xavian will discover that the family he wanted is more than he could have ever imagined.
The relationship between Echo and Hayes is a friends to lovers relationship, one in which Echo has been in love with her best friend for close to eight years. Hayes Elliott never saw Echo as a woman, as a sexual being but a few days in Hawaii proves that Echo has been hiding behind baggy clothes for far too long. The $ex scenes are intimate, enthusiastic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have met in the previous instalments of the More Than Words series. We are introduced to Hayes’ Gramma Liddy, as well as Xavian’s large but well established extended family.
MORE THAN POSSESS YOU is a story of family, relationships, friendships and love. A story of conflict, acceptance, revelations and realizations. The fast paced premise is captivating and exciting; the romance is passionate and fated; the characters are energetic and animated.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from first person perspective (Hayes) with two final chapters from Echo MORE THAN POSSESS YOU follows the graduation celebration of Echo Hope in Maui Hawaii. As a gift, Hayes Elliott gave his best friend Echo Hope a trip to Hawaii, a business trip for Hayes but a trip wherein Echo hopes to lose her ‘V-card’ to their mutual friend Xavian Costa but Hayes sees red as he struggles with his best friend going elsewhere, a best friend he refuses to accept as anything more. Friends for eighteen years, Hayes and Echo, along with Xavian Costa have done everything together but Hayes never expected to watch from the sidelines as his bestie lost her virginity to someone else. As Hayes does his best to foil all of Echo’s plans, our heroine must comes to terms that the man that she loves, doesn’t love her in return.
Meanwhile, Xavian Costa has reached a crossroads in his life. A recent graduate himself, Xavian feels alone without the support of family, having lost his mother a few years before, and never knowing the identity of his father. When a lawyer reaches out to Xavian about a possible family connection, Xavian will discover that the family he wanted is more than he could have ever imagined.
The relationship between Echo and Hayes is a friends to lovers relationship, one in which Echo has been in love with her best friend for close to eight years. Hayes Elliott never saw Echo as a woman, as a sexual being but a few days in Hawaii proves that Echo has been hiding behind baggy clothes for far too long. The $ex scenes are intimate, enthusiastic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have met in the previous instalments of the More Than Words series. We are introduced to Hayes’ Gramma Liddy, as well as Xavian’s large but well established extended family.
MORE THAN POSSESS YOU is a story of family, relationships, friendships and love. A story of conflict, acceptance, revelations and realizations. The fast paced premise is captivating and exciting; the romance is passionate and fated; the characters are energetic and animated.
www.thereadingcafe.com
October 1, 2021
Received an arc to review. And this is my first foray into Shayla Black's book. And although this is a novella that's part of a series, I was able to enjoy this book as a standalone. I give it a solid 3.5 stars (rounding it up to 4).
Hayes Elliott is best friends with Echo Hope. They've been best friends since they were both the new kids in elementary school. And now Echo is graduating from college and they are celebrating by going to Hawaii, taking her as his plus one on a work trip.
Before they even reach Hawaii, Hayes learns that Echo is intent on losing her v-card and doing that with their mutual close friend (and not so secretly man-whore), Xavian. Now Hayes is hellbent on saving Echo's virginity so she doesn't regret any of her decisions and save it for someone she loves. But what happens is a week of him trying to not get turned on by the now changed (from hippy dippy to sex pot) Echo and keeping her busy and distracted to not even think about losing her virginity.
Hayes is a typical jealous male who thinks that because his father was a cheater that it's in him too. Echo is a fun and free spirit and sometimes doesn't even realize what she's got. These two are the best of friends and even in the short story, you feel how deeply they know and care about each other. We see the majority of the story from Hayes' point of view. Which was fun and different. I always love a male point of view story. We get a few chapters of Echo's side towards the end, which is nice for a change.
The story goes by quickly and easily enough. There are some points, especially with Hayes and his commitment issues, where you feel like it's the same ol', same ol' that we get in a lot of these types of stories. I think the most refreshing thing is to see this all (or most of it) from Hayes' point of view. I think it would have been even better if we stayed there. It would make it different from a lot of these same tropes.
The way this ties into the More Than Words world is small but sweet and it has to do with their friend Xavian, who is also on the Hawaii trip with them. As to not spoil it, it ties it into the world but you don't have to read that series to enjoy this book. And that's a relief to me since I had not read any of those books, so I never felt lost in this book.
Hayes Elliott is best friends with Echo Hope. They've been best friends since they were both the new kids in elementary school. And now Echo is graduating from college and they are celebrating by going to Hawaii, taking her as his plus one on a work trip.
Before they even reach Hawaii, Hayes learns that Echo is intent on losing her v-card and doing that with their mutual close friend (and not so secretly man-whore), Xavian. Now Hayes is hellbent on saving Echo's virginity so she doesn't regret any of her decisions and save it for someone she loves. But what happens is a week of him trying to not get turned on by the now changed (from hippy dippy to sex pot) Echo and keeping her busy and distracted to not even think about losing her virginity.
Hayes is a typical jealous male who thinks that because his father was a cheater that it's in him too. Echo is a fun and free spirit and sometimes doesn't even realize what she's got. These two are the best of friends and even in the short story, you feel how deeply they know and care about each other. We see the majority of the story from Hayes' point of view. Which was fun and different. I always love a male point of view story. We get a few chapters of Echo's side towards the end, which is nice for a change.
The story goes by quickly and easily enough. There are some points, especially with Hayes and his commitment issues, where you feel like it's the same ol', same ol' that we get in a lot of these types of stories. I think the most refreshing thing is to see this all (or most of it) from Hayes' point of view. I think it would have been even better if we stayed there. It would make it different from a lot of these same tropes.
The way this ties into the More Than Words world is small but sweet and it has to do with their friend Xavian, who is also on the Hawaii trip with them. As to not spoil it, it ties it into the world but you don't have to read that series to enjoy this book. And that's a relief to me since I had not read any of those books, so I never felt lost in this book.
July 20, 2022
FINAL DECISION: This was a thoroughly enjoyable novella. It was quick and dirty, but I liked the characters, and the situation of falling for one's best friend is a great trope.
THE STORY: Hayes Elliott has been best friends with Echo Hope since second grade. Now graduating from college, she has decided to lose her v-card. Since she doesn't have someone in mind, she turns to their mutual friend. Hayes is having none of it. He's not going to let her get hurt and tells her that he will do the job himself. On a trip to Maui, Hayes begins to realize that Echo is a beautiful woman. Although he doesn't intend to follow through on having sex with Echo, Hayes finds that he is having trouble resisting the woman, who is also his best friend.
OPINION: I enjoyed this novella. The story is short, but I got a real sense of these characters and their relationship. The setup worked really well, and the long-time relationship between these two was evident thus, I really believed that they could turn into a quick love story -- because they always loved one another. The novella did as advertised. It is in the world of the series but isn't involved in all the complex relationships; thus, it operates as its own story. There is a twist towards the end that I particularly enjoyed because it fits so well with the characters.
This was a really good friends-to-lovers story because it nails the most important moment in that trope to me -- the "my friend is desirable to me" recognition.
My only complaint was that I didn't need the epilogue and, in this case, might have liked the story better without it.
WORTH MENTIONING: Xavian Costa, the hero of MORE THAN DESIRE YOU (Book #8), is the buddy who offers to "take care" of Eden's virginity "problem".
CONNECTED BOOKS: MORE THAN POSSESS YOU is book 6.75 in the Reed Family Reckoning/More Than Words series. This book is a standalone as the main couple is not related to the family, but the family members make a significant appearance in this novella.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.
THE STORY: Hayes Elliott has been best friends with Echo Hope since second grade. Now graduating from college, she has decided to lose her v-card. Since she doesn't have someone in mind, she turns to their mutual friend. Hayes is having none of it. He's not going to let her get hurt and tells her that he will do the job himself. On a trip to Maui, Hayes begins to realize that Echo is a beautiful woman. Although he doesn't intend to follow through on having sex with Echo, Hayes finds that he is having trouble resisting the woman, who is also his best friend.
OPINION: I enjoyed this novella. The story is short, but I got a real sense of these characters and their relationship. The setup worked really well, and the long-time relationship between these two was evident thus, I really believed that they could turn into a quick love story -- because they always loved one another. The novella did as advertised. It is in the world of the series but isn't involved in all the complex relationships; thus, it operates as its own story. There is a twist towards the end that I particularly enjoyed because it fits so well with the characters.
This was a really good friends-to-lovers story because it nails the most important moment in that trope to me -- the "my friend is desirable to me" recognition.
My only complaint was that I didn't need the epilogue and, in this case, might have liked the story better without it.
WORTH MENTIONING: Xavian Costa, the hero of MORE THAN DESIRE YOU (Book #8), is the buddy who offers to "take care" of Eden's virginity "problem".
CONNECTED BOOKS: MORE THAN POSSESS YOU is book 6.75 in the Reed Family Reckoning/More Than Words series. This book is a standalone as the main couple is not related to the family, but the family members make a significant appearance in this novella.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.
September 28, 2021
Love is never far away
Shayla Black has done it again, another enjoyable and entertaining read that was impossible to put down. A friends to lovers story, told mostly from the male POV, will wrap itself around your heart. Hayes Elliott and Echo Hope have been best of friends since high school, what happens when a secret is discovered and the dynamics of their friendship changes?
Hayes is off to Hawaii for a week (work related), and as a graduation surprise for his two besties he takes along Echo and Xavian. Hayes learns that Echo intends to lose her V-Card with Xavian, and his reaction is one he never expected. the green-eyed monster makes an appearance. Up until that moment he had never seen Echo as anyone other than his bestie, but now he sees what she has been hiding under her baggy clothes ... a sexy, sensual, curvaceous woman. He makes her an offer, will she accept it, and will he go through with it? I loved the chemistry Hayes and Echo shared, it sizzled and sparked whenever they were together, and their banter was quite amusing. They needed to be together because they were just so perfect for each other.
While everything is going on with Hayes and Echo, Ms. Black has given their bestie Xavian his own little side story. Since the death of his mother Xavian has had no family, he felt he didn't belong anywhere. Just maybe everything is about to change for him when he is contacted by a lawyer. Will Xavian finally get some happiness?
MORE THAN POSSES YOU is such a sweet, sexy read. It pulled me with the eclectic collection of characters, all I just adored. Friendship and family are both at the core of this story, and Shayla has done an extraordinary job of showing how important they are to everyone. Passion, love, heartache, fun, understanding keep the pages turning.
Another unputdownable read from Shayla Black.
Highly recommended read.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE REVEALING STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
Shayla Black has done it again, another enjoyable and entertaining read that was impossible to put down. A friends to lovers story, told mostly from the male POV, will wrap itself around your heart. Hayes Elliott and Echo Hope have been best of friends since high school, what happens when a secret is discovered and the dynamics of their friendship changes?
Hayes is off to Hawaii for a week (work related), and as a graduation surprise for his two besties he takes along Echo and Xavian. Hayes learns that Echo intends to lose her V-Card with Xavian, and his reaction is one he never expected. the green-eyed monster makes an appearance. Up until that moment he had never seen Echo as anyone other than his bestie, but now he sees what she has been hiding under her baggy clothes ... a sexy, sensual, curvaceous woman. He makes her an offer, will she accept it, and will he go through with it? I loved the chemistry Hayes and Echo shared, it sizzled and sparked whenever they were together, and their banter was quite amusing. They needed to be together because they were just so perfect for each other.
While everything is going on with Hayes and Echo, Ms. Black has given their bestie Xavian his own little side story. Since the death of his mother Xavian has had no family, he felt he didn't belong anywhere. Just maybe everything is about to change for him when he is contacted by a lawyer. Will Xavian finally get some happiness?
MORE THAN POSSES YOU is such a sweet, sexy read. It pulled me with the eclectic collection of characters, all I just adored. Friendship and family are both at the core of this story, and Shayla has done an extraordinary job of showing how important they are to everyone. Passion, love, heartache, fun, understanding keep the pages turning.
Another unputdownable read from Shayla Black.
Highly recommended read.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE REVEALING STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
October 2, 2021
Best friends since grade school, Hayes offers to bring Echo to Hawaii as his plus one on a business trip. But the woman who shows up doesn’t look like his best friend. Instead of her baggy and comfortable clothes, she’s sporting string bikinis and short flirty dresses. And, for the first time, Hayes sees Echo as a very attractive woman, and not just as his best friend. When he discovers that she has asked their mutual friend Xavian to help her with the little problem of losing her virginity, he decides to stop her from making the biggest mistake of her life by offering to do it, planning to hold off. But from the first kiss, Hayes is lost without even knowing it and finally begins to discover what everyone else has known all along.
This book was a great glimpse into Shayla Black’s world. As a standalone, you don’t need to have read any other books in her series, but, after meeting some of these characters, I want to. I adored Echo. She’s a bit quirky and wears her heart on her sleeve. She is the bubbly personality that everyone flocks to, and it’s easy to see why she and Hayes have been best friends for so long.
I also loved that Hayes wasn’t the man he thought he would be. His internal fight with himself in seeing Echo as attractive rather than as his best friend was quite hilarious at times. The poor guy was trapped between guilt and lust for looking at her in a bikini. But, it was clear to see he really loved her and was terrified of ruining the relationship they have.
Beautifully set in Hawaii, this romance had a great side story with their friend Xavian that plays out nicely and, I’m sure is related to the rest of the series. The romance is sweet and sexy, funny and sincere and the perfect adorable best friends to lovers romance and the perfect book to binge in an afternoon! 4.5 stars!
This book was a great glimpse into Shayla Black’s world. As a standalone, you don’t need to have read any other books in her series, but, after meeting some of these characters, I want to. I adored Echo. She’s a bit quirky and wears her heart on her sleeve. She is the bubbly personality that everyone flocks to, and it’s easy to see why she and Hayes have been best friends for so long.
I also loved that Hayes wasn’t the man he thought he would be. His internal fight with himself in seeing Echo as attractive rather than as his best friend was quite hilarious at times. The poor guy was trapped between guilt and lust for looking at her in a bikini. But, it was clear to see he really loved her and was terrified of ruining the relationship they have.
Beautifully set in Hawaii, this romance had a great side story with their friend Xavian that plays out nicely and, I’m sure is related to the rest of the series. The romance is sweet and sexy, funny and sincere and the perfect adorable best friends to lovers romance and the perfect book to binge in an afternoon! 4.5 stars!
October 1, 2021
What a beautifully written story full of love compassion, friendship along with being filled with a ton of emotion also being sexy and sensual and one filled with chemistry and one that had some very hot and sexy scenes.
At the beginning of the story, you had an idea in which direction it was going to go but, it also brought some very interesting surprises as well. We loved all the characters they were awesome and some of them even played their part to a T, and then you had Grandma Libby always the voice of reason.
We loved the fact Echo felt it was time to find out if it was time to move on and give up her dream or give it one last shot and she what happens and bring Xavian into her plan might be just the thing to make the man you have been in love with wake up and see what's right before him. Not only that, but we loved Echo, you could tell that she was a kind and loving soul, and she was that same person even to perfect strangers, that was just who she was, so why was the love of her life not seeing her?
Haynes was a character that made us laugh at his antic's with all his wishy-washy emotions some coming from the heart but, the nonsense that went through that man's head had us wanting to smack him right up beside is head he was muttering horseshit most of the time.
Overall, this story gives you all the feels with parts that want to make you laugh and others cry, and it was overwhelming emotional at times because your heart was breaking for Echo thinking will she have to go through life loving someone who can't love her back. Knowing she is special and deserves all happiness she can get. Echo was just one of those characters you can't help but love. Haynes, we are glad that you finally saw what was staring you in the face all this time, thanks for manning up. And Xavian we loved that you got a happy ever after as well, especially since yours were one hell of a surprise. Simply put, we loved it!
At the beginning of the story, you had an idea in which direction it was going to go but, it also brought some very interesting surprises as well. We loved all the characters they were awesome and some of them even played their part to a T, and then you had Grandma Libby always the voice of reason.
We loved the fact Echo felt it was time to find out if it was time to move on and give up her dream or give it one last shot and she what happens and bring Xavian into her plan might be just the thing to make the man you have been in love with wake up and see what's right before him. Not only that, but we loved Echo, you could tell that she was a kind and loving soul, and she was that same person even to perfect strangers, that was just who she was, so why was the love of her life not seeing her?
Haynes was a character that made us laugh at his antic's with all his wishy-washy emotions some coming from the heart but, the nonsense that went through that man's head had us wanting to smack him right up beside is head he was muttering horseshit most of the time.
Overall, this story gives you all the feels with parts that want to make you laugh and others cry, and it was overwhelming emotional at times because your heart was breaking for Echo thinking will she have to go through life loving someone who can't love her back. Knowing she is special and deserves all happiness she can get. Echo was just one of those characters you can't help but love. Haynes, we are glad that you finally saw what was staring you in the face all this time, thanks for manning up. And Xavian we loved that you got a happy ever after as well, especially since yours were one hell of a surprise. Simply put, we loved it!
September 28, 2021
More Than Possess You: A More Than Words Novella
Shayla Black
5 stars
M/F Friends to lovers romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Echo is amazing. She knows what she wants and even when she can't have it, she knows that her friendship with Hayes is so much more than friendship. He's her best friend and she doesn't want to lose that friendship. So, even after all of these years of watching him go out with woman after woman, she's still by his side, because she believes that he'll never see her as more than his best friend.
Hayes has never been more than a friend to Echo, but when his friend says that Echo asked him for a favor, it bugs Hayes that she didn't ask him. So, after some pushing, he sees that his best friend has asked someone else, even if he is their friend, to help her rid her of her virginity. Hayes isn't sure why he feels so mad about this. Right away, Hayes wants to save her from going through with her plan.
As these two figure out their friendship, I loved that X was also a major player in the novella. You get to see him find what he's been looking for, be an amazing friend to both Echo and Hayes and you get to see Hayes and Echo morph from friends to lovers. The big question is whether or not they can go back to being friends again. Have they ruined their friendship forever?
Loved this story and can't wait for more.
Shayla Black
5 stars
M/F Friends to lovers romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Echo is amazing. She knows what she wants and even when she can't have it, she knows that her friendship with Hayes is so much more than friendship. He's her best friend and she doesn't want to lose that friendship. So, even after all of these years of watching him go out with woman after woman, she's still by his side, because she believes that he'll never see her as more than his best friend.
Hayes has never been more than a friend to Echo, but when his friend says that Echo asked him for a favor, it bugs Hayes that she didn't ask him. So, after some pushing, he sees that his best friend has asked someone else, even if he is their friend, to help her rid her of her virginity. Hayes isn't sure why he feels so mad about this. Right away, Hayes wants to save her from going through with her plan.
As these two figure out their friendship, I loved that X was also a major player in the novella. You get to see him find what he's been looking for, be an amazing friend to both Echo and Hayes and you get to see Hayes and Echo morph from friends to lovers. The big question is whether or not they can go back to being friends again. Have they ruined their friendship forever?
Loved this story and can't wait for more.
October 1, 2021
While I have read a few books by Shayla Black, More Than Possess You is the first book I've read in the A More Than Words series and I really want to read more about the Reed Family. I thought that More Than Possess You was a perfect novella, it was just long enough that you fell in love with the characters, you get a full character arc from them, without any loose strings, and it left it open for more appearances within the series.
Hayes Elliot has been best friends with Echo Hope since they were in the second grade and he's always thought of her as only his best friend... But then just as she is graduating college she informs him that she asked their mutual friend to take her v-card. Hayes knows he shouldn't care but for some reason he does, he feels that she should save it for someone she truly loves. So Hayes devises a plan to c***block her while they're on vacation in Hawaii.
Echo is pumped to be graduating college and joining the real world, she just wants to get rid of her v-card before she does. She doesn't expect Hayes to try and stop her at every turn. Just as she thinks that it might be hopeless he offers to rid her of her v-card. What Hayes doesn't know is that she has always loved him and that she has all but given up on him so this offer is a surprise. But will this vacation fling last forever?
Hayes Elliot has been best friends with Echo Hope since they were in the second grade and he's always thought of her as only his best friend... But then just as she is graduating college she informs him that she asked their mutual friend to take her v-card. Hayes knows he shouldn't care but for some reason he does, he feels that she should save it for someone she truly loves. So Hayes devises a plan to c***block her while they're on vacation in Hawaii.
Echo is pumped to be graduating college and joining the real world, she just wants to get rid of her v-card before she does. She doesn't expect Hayes to try and stop her at every turn. Just as she thinks that it might be hopeless he offers to rid her of her v-card. What Hayes doesn't know is that she has always loved him and that she has all but given up on him so this offer is a surprise. But will this vacation fling last forever?
September 24, 2021
5 Star reviews of More Than Possess You (More Than Words #5) by Shayla Black
What an entertaining story Shayla Black wove in this best friends to lovers story about Hayes Elliott an Echo Hope. Set in Hawaii, this was a well written story told predominantly from Hayes’s point of view. They have been best friends since childhood and now that she has graduated, Hayes decides to celebrate by taking her on a trip to Hawaii.
He is shocked to learn that she has decided she intends to lose her virginity whilst on their trip, to their mutual friend Xavian Costa . Even more so once he sees her in her bikini he is attracted to her and is determined to look after Echo and consequently volunteers to help her with her mission.
The banter between them was witty and it was entertaining to watch Hayes struggle and discover emotions and feelings for Echo. Hayes realizes he wants more than a fling with Echo but will he be able to convince Echo of his love ?
Adding an additional layer to the story is the sub plot for Xavian, the third in their friendship who has been struggling since the death of his mother and is now at a crossroads. More Than Posses You is a beautiful story of love and family, there is some drama and was a fast paced, steamy and entertaining story.
What an entertaining story Shayla Black wove in this best friends to lovers story about Hayes Elliott an Echo Hope. Set in Hawaii, this was a well written story told predominantly from Hayes’s point of view. They have been best friends since childhood and now that she has graduated, Hayes decides to celebrate by taking her on a trip to Hawaii.
He is shocked to learn that she has decided she intends to lose her virginity whilst on their trip, to their mutual friend Xavian Costa . Even more so once he sees her in her bikini he is attracted to her and is determined to look after Echo and consequently volunteers to help her with her mission.
The banter between them was witty and it was entertaining to watch Hayes struggle and discover emotions and feelings for Echo. Hayes realizes he wants more than a fling with Echo but will he be able to convince Echo of his love ?
Adding an additional layer to the story is the sub plot for Xavian, the third in their friendship who has been struggling since the death of his mother and is now at a crossroads. More Than Posses You is a beautiful story of love and family, there is some drama and was a fast paced, steamy and entertaining story.
September 25, 2021
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review ~~
This is a novella in the More Than series, so I knew immediately that I would enjoy it! It has been so entertaining meeting the ever growing family of siblings, as they congregate on Maui. This one is somewhat different in how it reaches the links to the other books, but I loved how it was done!
Hayes and Echo have been friends forever, and whilst he has many hook-ups and dates at will, Echo has been busy studying and working hard to achieve the career to which she aspires. This means that as she graduates, she is ready to finally indulge her needs and find a man. Suddenly Hayes is completed incensed at the idea, and it is hilarious how envious he becomes. As they, and their close friend Xavian go on a trip to Maui, all bets are off. I loved Xavian's part in the 'wake-up-to-your-feelings' escapade, and actually his role is essential to how this story plays out.
As they visit the B&B, they get to meet Keeley et al. and we get to see how everyone's family is growing, and just how much in love they all still are. I loved our little return to Maui and the Reed family.
A fun story about a man who finally has to open his eyes to what he should probably have known all along!
This is a novella in the More Than series, so I knew immediately that I would enjoy it! It has been so entertaining meeting the ever growing family of siblings, as they congregate on Maui. This one is somewhat different in how it reaches the links to the other books, but I loved how it was done!
Hayes and Echo have been friends forever, and whilst he has many hook-ups and dates at will, Echo has been busy studying and working hard to achieve the career to which she aspires. This means that as she graduates, she is ready to finally indulge her needs and find a man. Suddenly Hayes is completed incensed at the idea, and it is hilarious how envious he becomes. As they, and their close friend Xavian go on a trip to Maui, all bets are off. I loved Xavian's part in the 'wake-up-to-your-feelings' escapade, and actually his role is essential to how this story plays out.
As they visit the B&B, they get to meet Keeley et al. and we get to see how everyone's family is growing, and just how much in love they all still are. I loved our little return to Maui and the Reed family.
A fun story about a man who finally has to open his eyes to what he should probably have known all along!
October 5, 2021
More than Possess You, part of the 1001 Nights collection, is a chance for author Shayla Black to give a secondary character from another book series her happily ever after. You don't need to have read the Misadventures series to enjoy this book.
Echo Hope is graduating college with her degree and a desire to move on to real life. To her that means she needs to rid herself of the pesky v-card she's been holding on to. In an effort to make the guy she's been in love with since she was a teenager notice her as more than just his best friend, she asks a friend to help her with her little problem.
Hayes is too caught up in maintaining his player status to really see beyond the friend zone he's placed Echo in. But he starts seeing his friend in a new light when he learns she's ready to have sex for the first time...while on vacation with HIM.
The story moves quickly, is cute and helps tie up the happy ending for a beloved character from an early series. The story felt very familiar and in truth, I knew what was going to happen by about 30% in. When the couple finally got together, the story moved at lightening speed. While this wasn't my favorite of Shayla Black's, it was a quick, cute read.
Echo Hope is graduating college with her degree and a desire to move on to real life. To her that means she needs to rid herself of the pesky v-card she's been holding on to. In an effort to make the guy she's been in love with since she was a teenager notice her as more than just his best friend, she asks a friend to help her with her little problem.
Hayes is too caught up in maintaining his player status to really see beyond the friend zone he's placed Echo in. But he starts seeing his friend in a new light when he learns she's ready to have sex for the first time...while on vacation with HIM.
The story moves quickly, is cute and helps tie up the happy ending for a beloved character from an early series. The story felt very familiar and in truth, I knew what was going to happen by about 30% in. When the couple finally got together, the story moved at lightening speed. While this wasn't my favorite of Shayla Black's, it was a quick, cute read.
October 12, 2021
4 stars
More than Possess You, part of the 1001 Nights collection, is a chance for author Shayla Black to give a secondary character from another book series her happily ever after. You don't need to have read the Misadventures series to enjoy this book.
Echo Hope is graduating college with her degree and a desire to move on to real life. To her that means she needs to rid herself of the pesky v-card she's been holding on to. In an effort to make the guy she's been in love with since she was a teenager notice her as more than just his best friend, she asks a friend to help her with her little problem.
Hayes is too caught up in maintaining his player status to really see beyond the friend zone he's placed Echo in. But he starts seeing his friend in a new light when he learns she's ready to have sex for the first time...while on vacation with HIM.
The story moves quickly, is cute and helps tie up the happy ending for a beloved character from an early series. The story felt very familiar and in truth, I knew what was going to happen by about 30% in. When the couple finally got together, the story moved at lightening speed. While this wasn't my favorite of Shayla Black's, it was a quick, cute read.
AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
More than Possess You, part of the 1001 Nights collection, is a chance for author Shayla Black to give a secondary character from another book series her happily ever after. You don't need to have read the Misadventures series to enjoy this book.
Echo Hope is graduating college with her degree and a desire to move on to real life. To her that means she needs to rid herself of the pesky v-card she's been holding on to. In an effort to make the guy she's been in love with since she was a teenager notice her as more than just his best friend, she asks a friend to help her with her little problem.
Hayes is too caught up in maintaining his player status to really see beyond the friend zone he's placed Echo in. But he starts seeing his friend in a new light when he learns she's ready to have sex for the first time...while on vacation with HIM.
The story moves quickly, is cute and helps tie up the happy ending for a beloved character from an early series. The story felt very familiar and in truth, I knew what was going to happen by about 30% in. When the couple finally got together, the story moved at lightening speed. While this wasn't my favorite of Shayla Black's, it was a quick, cute read.
AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
September 28, 2021
4.5 star
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, heat, secrets, and sweet love.
If you have not already read the below I would recommend reading those books first:
More Than Want You (More Than Words, #1)
More Than Need You (More Than Words #2)
More Than Love You (More Than Words, #3)
More Than Crave You (More Than Words #4)
More Than Tempt You (More Than Words #5)
More Than Pleasure You (More Than Words #5.5)
More Than Dare You (More Than Words #6)
More Than Protect You (More Than Words #6.5)
This is Echo and Hayes’s story. Best friends since the second grade. Never more than friends. When she wants to lose her V card, he is determined to protect her from the players. He offers himself up but is determined not to take it. That is until the kisses and touches make his brain misfire. Now he wants her not just for the V card but forever. He’s got a fight on his hands to get her to agree to give him a chance can he prove he is much more than a friend that he will make a great husband?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, heat, secrets, and sweet love.
If you have not already read the below I would recommend reading those books first:
More Than Want You (More Than Words, #1)
More Than Need You (More Than Words #2)
More Than Love You (More Than Words, #3)
More Than Crave You (More Than Words #4)
More Than Tempt You (More Than Words #5)
More Than Pleasure You (More Than Words #5.5)
More Than Dare You (More Than Words #6)
More Than Protect You (More Than Words #6.5)
This is Echo and Hayes’s story. Best friends since the second grade. Never more than friends. When she wants to lose her V card, he is determined to protect her from the players. He offers himself up but is determined not to take it. That is until the kisses and touches make his brain misfire. Now he wants her not just for the V card but forever. He’s got a fight on his hands to get her to agree to give him a chance can he prove he is much more than a friend that he will make a great husband?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book.
September 28, 2021
Hayes and Echo have been best friends since they were kids in school. Hayes has a business trip and offers to take Echo with him as a graduation from college present, she, of course accepts. Hayes finds out one of his friends, Xavian, who they call X plans on helping Echo shed her V card. Hayes does everything he can to stop it, temporarily. However, in Hawaii he finds out that she still plans on giving it up to X, who is a man whore. Hayes must do everything in his power to help Echo not give in to X.
When they get to Hawaii, Echo is suddenly wearing all these skimpy clothes and bikinis. He had no idea that underneath all her frumpy clothes was a gorgeous woman with a hot body! Now he knows there's no way X will touch her, so he volunteers to take her V card instead. However, how CAN he do that to his best friend? She needs to save herself for someone special, but if he doesn't, he's afraid she'll go back and give in to X.
I love stories like this one! It was so sweet, loving, twists and turns and an abundance of super sexy!! The characters were amazing!! Well done, Shayla Black, well done!
When they get to Hawaii, Echo is suddenly wearing all these skimpy clothes and bikinis. He had no idea that underneath all her frumpy clothes was a gorgeous woman with a hot body! Now he knows there's no way X will touch her, so he volunteers to take her V card instead. However, how CAN he do that to his best friend? She needs to save herself for someone special, but if he doesn't, he's afraid she'll go back and give in to X.
I love stories like this one! It was so sweet, loving, twists and turns and an abundance of super sexy!! The characters were amazing!! Well done, Shayla Black, well done!
October 3, 2021
4.75 stars
For those that have read Ms. Black’s Misadventures books, then you have already met Echo and this is her story… Echo is gifted an amazing trip to Hawaii to celebrate her graduation by her best friend Hayes who has to go for business. The two have been inseparable since they were kids. For the past few years, Echo has been in love with Hayes but he never saw her as more than a friend. However, Echo is on a mission to lose her v-card and when Hayes gets wind of who she is enlisting to help her, the stuff hits the fan. When they arrive in Hawaii, Hayes begins to see his best friend in a new light and offers himself up to do the deed. Will Echo accept? Will they be able to maintain their friendship when all is said and done? Overall, this is one fast paced read that brings out the feels. It is a story of relationships, family and filled with additional characters that add another level to the storyline. There are twists, turns and steam that keep the pages turning. I recommend this book.
For those that have read Ms. Black’s Misadventures books, then you have already met Echo and this is her story… Echo is gifted an amazing trip to Hawaii to celebrate her graduation by her best friend Hayes who has to go for business. The two have been inseparable since they were kids. For the past few years, Echo has been in love with Hayes but he never saw her as more than a friend. However, Echo is on a mission to lose her v-card and when Hayes gets wind of who she is enlisting to help her, the stuff hits the fan. When they arrive in Hawaii, Hayes begins to see his best friend in a new light and offers himself up to do the deed. Will Echo accept? Will they be able to maintain their friendship when all is said and done? Overall, this is one fast paced read that brings out the feels. It is a story of relationships, family and filled with additional characters that add another level to the storyline. There are twists, turns and steam that keep the pages turning. I recommend this book.
October 5, 2021
All reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
Most of the story is told from Hayes’ POV as he frets over his best friend, Echo, wanting to lose her virginity to a mutual friend. He’s jealous and protective and determined to manipulate her into keeping her virginity until he sees her in skimpy clothes then starts lusting after her. I wasn’t a big fan of Hayes because he’s not very likable but it turns out Echo was trying to manipulate him all along by dressing provocatively and pretending she was going to have sex with their mutual friend so they deserve each other.
One thing I really liked was that this ties into the The Reed Family Reckoning series and it seems to be setting up another long-lost Reed sibling to tell their story, which seems interesting.
February 10, 2022
More than You Possesses by Shayla Black is a friends to lovers story with lots of possessive attitude prior to the lovers part. Hayes aka Elliot is best friends with Echo and has been for decades. He’s never seen her as more than that until another mutual friend of theirs takes notice and wants to snag her V card. That’s when things get interesting. Hates swears he’s upset just because Echo has a big heart and big dreams for her Mr Right and Xiavian is not the right guy for her. One thing leads to another. Big arguments and lots of threats break out and…we’ll I’m not telling you…read it peeps. It good. I was enthralled and intrigued from the first page. Why do you get to decide what’s best for your best friend? You don’t! So what happens when Exho finds out what Hayes has done…it’s a ride you don’t wanna miss. Thanks for gifting me a free advanced copy to read and review. This is my second time reading it and updating my review. I can’t remember the first lol. Enjoy my friends. I know I did.
September 28, 2021
This quick and dirty…in such a good way…story is my very favorite trope, friends to lovers! Hayes, who’s definitely a playboy, is taking his BFF Echo on a trip to Hawaii. But he learns that another mutual friend is going to help rid Echo of a certain, um, “card” she’s ready to ditch.
At first he tries to keep it from happening, because Hayes thinks that Echo will regret her decision. But what happens when he offers his own services…can these besties survive the almost certain fallout when friendship turns to more?
I love these two cuties…but they need to communicate more. I get why Echo changes her clothing and such, but that’s my least favorite part of the book. I don’t care for female MCs..or males, for that matter…transforming their look to attract attention. No shade thrown at the author, as she definitely isn’t alone in using this plot point…just pointing out it’s a premise that annoys me.
But Echo and Hayes are great both as individuals and as a couple. It was a fun, fast read
At first he tries to keep it from happening, because Hayes thinks that Echo will regret her decision. But what happens when he offers his own services…can these besties survive the almost certain fallout when friendship turns to more?
I love these two cuties…but they need to communicate more. I get why Echo changes her clothing and such, but that’s my least favorite part of the book. I don’t care for female MCs..or males, for that matter…transforming their look to attract attention. No shade thrown at the author, as she definitely isn’t alone in using this plot point…just pointing out it’s a premise that annoys me.
But Echo and Hayes are great both as individuals and as a couple. It was a fun, fast read
September 28, 2021
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥
More Than Possess You is a nice quick friends-to-lovers read. Hayes and Echo are childhood friends that have had more than friendly feelings for each other. While Echo has kept her crush and frustration at Hayes' oats-sowing ways a secret, Hayes was more oblivious to his attraction.
That is, until Hayes discovers Echo wants to lose her V-card to a mutual friend while they are on vacation in Hawaii.
This novella may have been short but it was very sweet and spicy. The tension between Hayes and Echo was palpable from the get-go, and I enjoyed how it grew as Hayes became more aware of Echo's sexuality.
There was a confusing section that introduces a bunch of characters that are siblings. I assume they are from a series in which this novella was part of, but for a newbie, it was hard to keep track of who's who.
That aside, this was a great short read for fans of friends-to-lovers.
**I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book.**
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥
More Than Possess You is a nice quick friends-to-lovers read. Hayes and Echo are childhood friends that have had more than friendly feelings for each other. While Echo has kept her crush and frustration at Hayes' oats-sowing ways a secret, Hayes was more oblivious to his attraction.
That is, until Hayes discovers Echo wants to lose her V-card to a mutual friend while they are on vacation in Hawaii.
This novella may have been short but it was very sweet and spicy. The tension between Hayes and Echo was palpable from the get-go, and I enjoyed how it grew as Hayes became more aware of Echo's sexuality.
There was a confusing section that introduces a bunch of characters that are siblings. I assume they are from a series in which this novella was part of, but for a newbie, it was hard to keep track of who's who.
That aside, this was a great short read for fans of friends-to-lovers.
**I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book.**
September 21, 2021
When you find both love and friendship in the same person...
This friends to lovers' story is a pure delight to read. Hayes and Echo have been best friends since they were kids. Hayes has an opportunity to go on a trip to Maui. When Echo graduates from college, he decides to ask her to come along. Echo shocks him when he sees her shed her normally drab clothes for skimpy bikinis and short dresses. How did he drop the ball in missing how utterly gorgeous she was all these years. To blow his mind even further, he finds out she wants to give her V-Card away to his friend who is known as a man-slut.
No way is that happening and Hayes sees red and the green monster all at once. Hayes comes to the realization that Echo is more than a best friend to him. But he is conflicted that if he takes the extra step past friendship, he will lose her in the process.
This friends to lovers' story is a pure delight to read. Hayes and Echo have been best friends since they were kids. Hayes has an opportunity to go on a trip to Maui. When Echo graduates from college, he decides to ask her to come along. Echo shocks him when he sees her shed her normally drab clothes for skimpy bikinis and short dresses. How did he drop the ball in missing how utterly gorgeous she was all these years. To blow his mind even further, he finds out she wants to give her V-Card away to his friend who is known as a man-slut.
No way is that happening and Hayes sees red and the green monster all at once. Hayes comes to the realization that Echo is more than a best friend to him. But he is conflicted that if he takes the extra step past friendship, he will lose her in the process.
September 27, 2021
Hayes has been best friends with Echo since they were children so to celebrate her graduation from college, he is taking her along on a business trip to Hawaii with their other friend Xavian. What he didn’t realize is that Echo and Xavian have been making plans about her first time and once he finds out he is determined to put a stop to it.
Echo isn’t certain why Hayes is determined to thwart her plans as she knows what she wants and it is her decision to make and it’s not like he is willing to do the deed, or is he?
Hayes was so determined to fight his feelings for Echo but once he sees her as more than his friend the chemistry between them is intense. It was also great to catch up with other characters we know and love and for Xavian to get what he needed and wanted most from the trip.
Echo isn’t certain why Hayes is determined to thwart her plans as she knows what she wants and it is her decision to make and it’s not like he is willing to do the deed, or is he?
Hayes was so determined to fight his feelings for Echo but once he sees her as more than his friend the chemistry between them is intense. It was also great to catch up with other characters we know and love and for Xavian to get what he needed and wanted most from the trip.
September 29, 2021
Hayes has a problem; his best friend Echo has become a beautifully sexy woman. What he doesn’t expect is to be attracted to his best friend. He’s known for his random hook-ups and doesn’t believe he is relationship material given his father’s cheating past. When Echo decides it’s time to lose her virginity, well, this brings the green eyed jealously monster out in full force for Hayes. He knows that Echo has been saving this for someone special so he doesn’t want her to do this too quickly but he is also realizing that he doesn’t want any man to touch her. Hayes is crazy intense and so fun as he battles himself with his true desires and wants. He definitely had a challenge on his hands but will he be too late to claim the woman he loves? I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
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