The Man I Can't Have (Ward Duet, #1)

by Shanora Williams

[Romance Schmomance]

OK ... Shanora Williams is one of those authors that I'll read a book that's absolutely out of my comfort zone. As far as taboo romances go, I'll read hers. With that being said, TMICH is one that I was nervous to read since it had some tropes that are my absolutely NOs.

I truly, TRULY wanted to love this one, but it was really tough for me to look past certain things when it came to Marcel, Gabrielle and most definitely Kyle.

Cheating is generally one of those tropes that I don't like to read about, but some authors are able to weave it into something. You can easily guess that there's cheating from the title. From the beginning, you can sense that Gabrielle isn't completely happy with the life that she's currently living. Her reasons for marrying Kyle were definitely ones that you shouldn't marry someone for, therefore, she felt like something was missing in her life. And in comes Marcel.

Marcel has a thriving landscaping business that began after the tragic loss of his sister. Around that time, he was in a rough spot unable to gain any sort of employment because of a mistake that lead to a bit of a downfall in his life. And that's initially what brought him into Gabrielle's life.

Ugh, you guys have no idea how much it's bumming me out to write this review because I just love this author so much.

I didn't connect with Gabrielle at all, I found her to be extremely selfish and immature. Her reasons for what she did, didn't feel justified enough. With that cliffhanger ending, I can't say much on what I'd do in that particular situation, but I won't put any blame on her in that instance and her decision to stay. That's something I can't even fathom.

When it came to her husband, Kyle, there was a lot of red flags sent her way from her family and friends. None of them liked him at all. And although, we didn't quite see too much of this side of Kyle, there were little bits here and there that said otherwise. There was definitely something off about him and it was even more confirmed by the end of TMICH.

As much as I wanted to be on-board on what could come of Marcel and Gabrielle, I just couldn't get behind her reasons for cheating. And I wanted Marcel to take the high road...so I was bit disappointed on that front.

As much as I wanted to love this story, I just couldn't get behind the actions of all three of these characters. It's nothing against the writing cause Shanora always executes on that front. I'm still planning on read the concluding book to this duet because I'm rather curious to see what happens. And more than anyone, Gabrielle needs to get out of that situation she's in and hopefully get her HEA.