Thursday, September 30, 2021

More Than Possess You (More Than Words #6.75) by Shayla Black ~ Book Review with Excerpt

 

I persuaded my best friend that I should be her first…

More Than Possess You, an all-new friends to lovers steamy novella in the A More Than Words series from New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black and 1,001 Dark Nights is available now!


New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shayla Black returns with a new story in her More Than Words series.

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.**


Grab your copy today exclusively on Amazon!

Add More Than Possess to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3BzbXDU


Excerpt

I scowl. Echo almost sounds like… No. She can’t possibly speak from experience. Who the hell would she be in love with that I don’t know about?

Then I remember she’s “talking” with Xavian.

I freeze.

Anyone who called me a player would label Xavian Costa a man whore. She can’t have real feelings for him.

Can she?

If I confront Echo head-on about how stupid falling for Xavian is, she’ll bristle. So I try to be sneaky. “I haven’t talked to X much lately. What’s up with him?”

“Besides finals, nothing new. But he’s stoked that we’ll all be boarding the plane for Maui on Saturday. He was thrilled that, despite being an intern, he was included in the bonus trip for top performers.”

Xavian is killing it in the office. He’s got a natural gift for making money, so I’m not surprised. But she sounds almost proud of him, like a girlfriend.

“And thanks again for taking me along as your plus one. I’m so excited I bought two new bikinis!”

For Xavian to look at? The thought makes me frown even more. But I act casual.

“Of course. Hey…” I bump shoulders with her. “You’re my bestie. I had to give you a graduation trip worth remembering.”

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. The plane ticket alone must have cost a fortune. But I promise, I won’t keep you awake at night snoring.” She winks.

“You don’t snore, shortcake.” I’ve been camping with her about a million times, so I know. But by now, she’s usually found half a dozen activities for us to appreciate the scenery and make memories—a nature reserve, a challenging hike, a sunrise picnic on the beach—something. But we’re six days away from the biggest vacation of our lives, and not a word. “Tell me what you have planned for paradise.”

“Sun and water!” She closes her eyes and takes in a deep breath, like she can already smell the ocean.

“I meant for us.”

Echo turns to me with a shrug. “I thought we’d chill. Besides, I wasn’t sure how much you’d have to work.”

“I only have two mixers all week. We’ll have tons of time for other stuff.”

“Oh. Good.”

But her voice suggests that isn’t good at all. What the hell is up? Does she have some surprise for me and doesn’t want me guessing, like Christmas before last?

“So we’ll think of some things,” I prod her. “Right?”

“Sure.”

Her easy reply should make me feel better. Instead, I’m wondering if she’s planning to enjoy paradise with someone else.

Like Xavian.

Fuck, I know I’ve been busy lately and spending a lot of my free time with Jayci—mostly because she’ll try anything in bed and could suck the brass off a doorknob—but the thought of Echo and me drifting apart fills me with something like panic.

“What do you say we have a pre-trip graduation party on Friday night? We don’t leave until two in the afternoon on Saturday, so—”

“I can’t.” Echo tears her gaze away. “I’ve got…something else.”

Like? Her vague refusal fills me with dread. “A date?”

“Not exactly.”

Shifting closer, I take her chin in my hand. “Then what? Talk to me. Tell me what’s bothering you.”

“Nothing. I just need to, um…take care of something before we go.”


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!!!


 

About Shayla Black

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nearly eighty novels. For over twenty years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.
Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past eight years.


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, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.


Connect with Shayla
Facebook: http://bit.ly/37I9BDl

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2S748PE

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2vBsY2N
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/36LoQdb
YouTube: http://bit.ly/36HKhfo

Amazon: https://amzn.to/39KVyj4
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2SerYsQ
Website: http://bit.ly/2S7fq6L
Stay up to date by signing up for Shayla’s mailing list:
http://bit.ly/38g4sCV

For More information about 1001 Dark Nights Visit:
Facebook: https://bit.ly/37fl0uT
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2Y7uBQp
Website: https://bit.ly/2AIIr3A
Stay up to date on all 1001 Dark Nights releases, join their newsletter today! https://bit.ly/2zgxaHu

No comments:

Post a Comment