Wanting More

by Marley Valentine

Raising my sister's autistic son was an unexpected plot twist in my own life. But I loved every minute of it. Even if those minutes meant everything ran on a rigid schedule with little time for anything else.

I lived my life for software developer by day, bartender by night. He’d want for nothing. And I had no time to want anything. But lately it’s getting harder to do it all on my own.

Enter Will.

My boss’s son.

He’s here to help me with Miller. But somehow he’s helping me realize maybe the life I’d envisioned, the life I thought I’d being do alone, can be different.

And he’s not only giving me the extra time I needed for Miller’s care and work and life. But he’s giving me back that time to want.

And he’s making me want him.

Making me want more.

Genres: M M Romance, Audiobook, Romance, Contemporary, Novella, LGBT, Disability

97 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2023

About the author

Living in Sydney, Australia with her family, Marley Valentine is a USA Today bestselling author and a former social worker who uses her past experiences to write real life, emotional and heartfelt contemporary romance.

She enjoys mixing it up with both M/F and M/M Romance incorporating all forms of life, lust and love as her characters embark on their journey to their happily ever after.

When she’s not busy writing her own stories, she spends most of her time immersed in the words of her favourite authors.

Marley enjoys interacting with her readers so please feel free to reach out to her via Facebook, Instagram, email and/or subscribe to her newsletter.

STALK MARLEY

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Reviews

[Iman (hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Ray is very admirable for his well-educated and compassionate perspective towards ASD individuals. I really admire him. I love romance that features characters like Ray; very informed and has a high empathetic awareness.

The overall story was very fast-paced, including the love development and the angst at the climax, but the core of the plot remains intact to the storyline. There were some cute and swoony moments I really enjoy. Although I mixed up Ray and Will most of the time (hard to differentiate the two), this was a very worthy novella to read.

Julian and Deacon made a cameo in this one 🥹 Ah, my comfort couple, I am so so happy!!! MV always includes them everywhere and I’m so glad for that.

[Shernell Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars for being so short, like what's the reason?

I need more character development. More spicy scenes and more happy, cute family.

[Megan [At The Cottage] · Rating 2 out of 5]

MM Romance
Age Gap Manny
2 Stars ⭐️

🎵Narrated by Tim Paige & Michael Gallagher🎵 I’ve listened and liked Tim Paige before but i absolutely hated him on this one and it made the 2.5 hours feel like 20 🙉 However, Michael Gallagher rocked and I’d love to listen to more of him.

I listened to this solely for the Julian and Deacon cameo and while I enjoyed seeing them, I didn’t enjoy this much. It’s only been a few days and I can’t remember either character’s name and this book was too short to deal with the serious subject matter.

Side note: why are the mothers in this series so awful? It’s exhausting.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this blurb unseen. I was glad it was Ray because I thought he was an interesting character in Without You. He wanted to either flirt Deacon and Julian together or go home and I respected that.

Ray is raising his sister's autistic son, Miller, and that child could not have landed in a better place for him. Ray's working a few jobs and Will is his delightfully handsome babysitter who is excellent with his nephew/son. It wouldn't be a Marley book without a truly terrible parent and I'm still annoyed by what they tried to pull with Ray's sister trying to sneak back into custody of Miller. Will and Ray were lovely together.

I bought this one directly from the author's website and the audiobook was free in a bundle with the ebook.

[Tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ray’s parents can no longer babysit his niece/son while he works weekends at a bar and he’s now having trouble fitting everything into his tight schedule. He also works as a software developer weekdays, where his boss recognises Ray have his hands too full and asks his son Will to babysit Ray’s 5 year old son.

What does Will’s dad and Ray’s boss say about their relationship? Not a clue. I wish we would have gotten to see his reaction.

(Will have not gratuated from collage when they get together and I have no idea how old Ray is)

Ray’s boss makes sure Ray have a babysitter so he can focus on his regular hour job. When is Will babysitting? Weekends. When Ray works another job. Make it make sense.
And he’s not only giving me the extra time I needed for Miller’s care and work and life. But he’s giving me back that time to want. He’s getting a lot of quality time out of weekend nights when he works?? This only hit me after I was done though, not that it bothers me much now either.

I did enjoy reading this. A short and sweet read with palpable vulnerability and great relationship dynamics. They fit perfectly together and were so cute. Ray is a great dad, putting his son’s needs above everything else. Will is so sweet with Miller(Ray’s son) and I have no doubt he’ll help raise Miller to become an amazing person.

Fast paced with a good plot. Would recommend if you’re looking for something short. 3/5 spice.

3 stars

[⋆˚ʚ Abril ɞ˚⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

«—Solo quiero que estés conmigo todo el tiempo. Quiero que tus cosas se instalen permanentemente en mi baño y en mi ducha, en mi armario, en mi cocina y en mi vida entera. Quiero dormirme contigo y despertarme contigo cada día por el resto de nuestras vidas.» ❤️

[patrícia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this. This is so pure that my heart ends up aching. This is the story of Ray (a co-worker of Julian from "Without You" who hits on Deacon shamelessly) and Will the babysitter (it's much more, don't worry).

This novella deserved to be a novel; it was unfair to the MC to only have their story told in 100 pages because this is a story worth being told.

Ray, oh god, what a man... So selfless. He adopted his autistic nephew when his sister gave him up 😢 And Will? A true caretaker... .He babysits Miller, but is also so much more... These two are pure perfection. They complete each other's needs to the brim... And don't get me started on how damn incredible they are with Miller...

The sex scenes are so intimate, which I came to realise is a common thing with Marley, and I love it. It's not just sex; it's lust and desires, very hot and, spoiler alert, filthy, but the connection between them is everything.

I just have to send my hate words to Ray's mother and sister. This author sure knows how to create some very hateful female characters...

Honestly, I end this happy with the HEA but wanting so much more...  

[readingwithmiaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️
3🌶️



Y’all This Was A Really Cute And Sweet Romance And I Really Enjoyed It For A Novella. It Was Also The Type Of Book I Needed Right Now Because I Want Something Short And Sweet So Also For That I Liked This A lot. Also The Fact That Rays Son Has Autism Is Really Meaningful To Me Because I Know What It’s Like To Have A Brother With Serve Autism And I Have It Also So I Just Absolutely Loved That Aspect If The Story So Much. And Also Will And Ray Were Really Cute Together And I Loved That They Both Get Each Other Really Well. So Highly Recommended If You Want a Short And Sweet Book If Your In A Book Slump.🫶💕

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had this story for a while but hadn’t gotten around to it. I was looking for something quick to read and decided to pick this up. I was pleasantly surprised to see cameos of Deacon and Julian from Without You in this story!

I really loved that at no point in this story was the wellbeing for Miller ever not the first priority for Ray and Will. The fact that Will had experience with autism and knew how to be with Ray and Miller was beautiful and how he got Ray to see he really was Miller’s dad and not just his uncle.

Since it is short I did feel we missed a few things I would have loved to see. Mainly interactions between Ray, Miller, Will and Will’s brother who also has autism. So I was left wanting more from the story. Overall though I quite enjoyed this story. If you’re a fan of this author I definitely recommend.

[DJO]

DNF. Feeling zero connection to this and am confused to boot. Is this a spin-off or part of a series or something? I feel like I’ve been dropped into the middle of an ongoing story and that I should be familiar with several characters and their stories but there’s no indication on GR that it’s part of a larger arc.

[Faina Lacroix Rucker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, short and good portrayal of challenges that comes with caring for someone on the spectrum.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me hubiera gustado que fuera más largo, la historia tenía pie para ser más completa

[Taylor Dawicke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fitting title for this little tease of a book. I enjoyed this but wish it had been a full length novel. It’s got so much potential for more.

[Rellim · Rating 4 out of 5]

9/17/2023: As far as I can tell - this is currently only available through MV's website shop. $2.99 for the set of ebook & audio.

While this Marley Valentine novella can be read as a standalone, Ray originally appears in Without You and a small part of this story runs concurrently to that. It's not super spoilery in either direction (it's romance so you know the MCs of each are getting an HFN/HEA).

This was a sweet and sexy single dad/nanny romance. Relationship-wise it was fairly low angst. Most of the drama comes from Ray's family. Will & Ray were great together and I enjoyed how easily they moved into caring about and for each other. I especially loved how Valentine wrote 7yo Miller and the compassion and support for an autistic character.

Lovely HEA and I enjoyed the epilogue.

Narration:
Tim Paige and Michael Gallagher were perfect for their respective characters. While short - it was a great listen.

[Frida · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

I often start novellas knowing exactly what I’m getting into—and still end up wishing they were longer. Wanting More is very much one of those cases.

In roughly 100 pages, Ray takes care of his sister’s autistic son, meets Will, navigates the beginnings of a romantic and sexual connection, and weaves in a small but emotionally charged family conflict. That is… a lot. Too much, really, for such a short format to fully unpack. Some moments that deserved space and quiet linger are instead brushed past, and certain emotional beats feel like they arrive before they’ve had time to earn their weight.

And yet…this is where my feelings get complicated…it worked for me. Not perfectly, but genuinely.

Would I have loved this as something longer? Absolutely. A sequel, a continuation, more time with these characters? Without hesitation. But I also can’t entirely fault a novella for being exactly what it promises to be. The issue isn’t that it overreaches maliciously; it’s that it reaches for something meaningful and just doesn’t quite have the page count to hold it all.

The story turns sexual rather quickly, and I’m aware that some of my hesitation comes from projecting my own expectations onto it. Maybe fewer themes would have allowed for deeper emotional resonance, but that doesn’t negate the fact that what is here is written with care.

What ultimately tips the scale for me is this: I wanted more. And wanting more is, to me, a sign of good writing. The audiobook performance by Tim Page and Michael Gallagher also added a lot of emotional texture and helped carry moments that might have felt thinner on the page.

So yes, I land at 3.5 stars, but I’m rounding up to four. Because despite its limitations, this novella left an impression. And I’d return to these characters in a heartbeat if given the chance.

[The_heaven_of_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

C'est une belle surprise !

On va suivre l'histoire de Ray qui est un des collègues de Julian dans Without You. Il élève seul son neveu, Miller, qui est autisme. Il jongle avec 2 boulots et son temps passé avec Miller. Mais il a besoin d'aide. Son patron va alors lui présenter son fils Will pour faire du babysitting pour lui. Cependant, Will va peut-être devenir bien plus qu'un baby-sitter.

J'ai adoré. C'est une nouvelle rapide à lire et qui donne un goût de pas assez. J'avais juste envie de continuer à lire sur eux.

La relation entre Ray et Will est vraiment mignonne. Comme c'est une nouvelle, elle arrive un peu rapidement, mais ça ne m'a pas dérangé.

J'ai surtout adoré la relation entre Ray et Miller. Les moments entre eux m'ont fait chaud au coeur. Miller est tellement précieux.

Bref, j'ai passé un excellent moment de lecture et je vous recommande cette nouvelle. Si vous voulez le lire, il est disponible sur le site de l'auteure pour une durée limitée 🥰

[Alexa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love how Marley Valentine writes her books. This book was super short but it still had the emotions, spice, swooning and heartwarming feels that are in all of her books.

[plortasy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could have been better

[Christina Sturgill · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 / 5 Stars
2 / 5 Steam

I wish this had been a full-length book and not just a novella. It truly felt like it everything in this was just rushed. There is a lot of history in Ray's family, and it's tossed out as a quick conversation to explain the situation. And we don't really get much of Will's story other than his profession and how he came into their life.

The story is Ray and Will falling in love while Will is babysitting Miller. Ray has taken over guardianship of Miller, who is his sister's son. She gave up her parental rights of him because of his neurodiversity. There is some drama with the sister and mom in this story when she tries to come back into their life. I was irrationally angry at the sister and mother. I truly believe that if this had been a full-length book that the situation could have been handled a bit better and there would have been more emotion and understanding between everyone and not just anger. It's a delicate situation. Though, I honestly would have agreed that the mother was unfit and a POS; I still think there could have been much more to this story and characters. I also feel like it was a missed opportunity with having Miller in the story but barely giving him any page time. Another thing that could have been expanded on if this were a bit longer.
Sorry I'm griping on the length so much - I just adore Ray and what he's done, how, and why and wish he had gotten more than a quick, rushed novella.

Anyway, the relationship is good, strong, and supportive. The steam is fantastic. And the HEA is well deserved. So overall this is an enjoyable, quick, read.

[Tanathebookworm_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This was a sweet little story. However, it did feel a bit too fast-paced. Most novellas are like that for me. There isn't much time to build a love story so sometimes it feels like you are missing a good chunk of what makes a couple fall for each other. I did really like both Ray & Will and I thought they had some sweet moments, especially with Miller. I also appreciated the Deacon & Julian cameo. It made me want to go re-read their book.

I don’t usually dole out advice to people-friends or strangers. I find myself extremely underqualified. But if the last few years have taught me anything, it’s that life is full of unwanted and unexpected surprises. And the good times and the good people can be so hard to find.
If it’s there, hold on to it.

Every move, every word, every feeling between us tonight, held the weight of the future and the weight of forever, and I was too gone to care or want to change it.
I wanted to be by his side.
I wanted to fight on his side.
I wanted to be with him in every way I could be.

[Dana | Rainbow Romance Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was short and sweet, but surprisingly good considering how concise it was.

As an autistic person with autistic children, I always feel anxious reading books featuring autism in case it’s portrayed harmfully, but Marley did a great job. It was clear that she had researched the neurotype, and although Miller was a minor character it was evident how loved and respected he was for being exactly who he is. It was difficult to read about his bio parents treatment and dismissal of him though, so be careful if that’s a trigger for you.

The romance in this book was sweet and the spice was good, but I agree that it felt kind of rushed, and there was a lot of history skipped between them. That’s always the way with stand-alone novellas though. If Marley ever rewrites this as a full length novel, like she did with Ache, then I think it would have the potential to be a really heartfelt and complex story.

Overall, it was a good book and it surpassed my expectations, the audiobook narration was great too. It would have been nice to see the romantic relationship fleshed out more though.

[Ren || Reading What I Want · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴: MM, Novella

So you meet Ray briefly in Without You. He’s the bartender who works with Julian and flirts with Deacon. I didn’t realize this book was about him until I started reading and I’m so happy! Gah! Ray and Will were absolutely PERFECT for each other. Both men gave so much they often forgot about themselves. Watching them care and take care of each other soothed my soul at its deepest level.

This is more than a love story. It’s a story about a man who becomes a father for his autistic nephew. It’s about being a voice for those who may not speak properly. It’s about sliding what’s best for a child without any regrets. I LOVED how Ray handled his sister. I hate when people think they HAVE to forgive someone. Nope, it takes times and patience.

Wild was just as amazing and supportive. He stood by Ray and offered him a shoulder to cry on and unwavering strength. Such an emotional, sexy little romance!!

POV: 1st, Dual
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🅁🄰🅃🄸🄽🄶: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Christopher K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Whole Lot Of Wonderful In A Tiny Package… 👏👏👏‼️

A whole lot of wonderful in a tiny package, with considerably more depth than I was anticipating. The characters, protagonists and supporting players were ALL well-rounded, clearly three-dimensional and worthy of the introspection. The narration only enhanced what was already a touching, thought provoking, hot romance, intensified by the sex but clearly not requiring it (though very much appreciated.
I have 📖 and continue to read all of the author’s M/M📚though my TBR is SO vast that I still have more to 📖 but do in fact own them all (minus the sapphic release), but have yet to be in the least disappointed (and doubt that I will).
Well worth the time and can see myself re-listening to the audiobook again when looking for a couple of hours title…
👏👏👏‼️

[Kaity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio: 4.5 stars (on Everand-aka old Scribd) Narrators: Tim Paige and Michael Gallagher
Book: 3 stars

Cute, but too short, it was good to read about someone who has to raise a child on the spectrum, I am not 100% sure how accurate the interactions were, but it felt like it was done well. Wished we had more with Miller, rather than the short scenes.

I feel like the relationship was a little rushed and that makes sense since this story was less than 100 pages, and a lot happened in this story. I didn't like any of the women in this Ray's Mom and Sister sucked to be honest. Even with that said it was good, but forgettable... whoops.

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ray leads a busy life working as a software developer and a bartender on weekends so he can provide for his autistic nephew. When his sister abandoned Miller at three years of age Ray stepped in and is now Miller's sole legal guardian. His parents are no longer able to look after Miller on the weekends so Ray needs help. His boss sets him up with his son Will. Will is studying to be an occupational therapist specializing in autism. Over the course of time these two realize there's more between them than just looking out for Miller's welfare. When family threatens to invade and potentially harm Miller they need to acknowledge what's between them and make the life they all need.

[Katherine Gisleson · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️s
🌶️🌶️ - medium spice, multiple explicit scenes

Both of these narrators rocked it. Great job, no notes. Time Paige & Michael Gallagher 👏

I was a big fan of the little bit of overlap with characters from Without You, mother of Marley’s books I recently loved.

The ASD representation was the real star of the show, honestly. The way Ray stepped in to care for his autistic nephew when the mother and father acted like pieces of shit and then continued to raise him and fight for him was just top notch.

The relationship between Ray and Will developed so naturally and they were so sweet. Marley packed quite a punch in such a small number of pages. I’m excited to read more of her books!

[Jamie Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanting more by Marley valentine. this book was worn so well. the point of view of the parent trying to not disrupt the asd child's schedule and make it run like clockwork, was so on point. loved the representation of ASD and how the kid was manifested. Also was very respectful and well done. and then how the MMC was trying to have it all and having a mini B for feeling like they are not good enough. all the yes'. but when his sister came back and also how he's parents acted, really had me breaking for him like he wasn't good enough. also wanted to th@at punch his sister by what she did. so yes. loved this

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always wary of a novella because if I'm really into the characters then I'm always sad when it's over. Or sometimes I don't feel like we get a full story. This novella, in my opinion, is pretty well rounded. We get to know the characters for the most part (I wish we would have gotten more of Will when he wasn't with Miller and Ray). We got a few side characters, a bit of a plot outside the romance, steamy bits and a satisfying ending.
If you are coming to this book after reading Without You, we do see Julian and Deacon and they seem to be in the beginning to middle of their book during this one.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really short, fast paced hot romance. There is no lingering looks across the room, angst filled scenarios , but a wonderful story never the less. Although short, I didn't feel it was lacking or needed more time to build the relationship. A cleansing of the palate so to speak.
Ray needed to earn more money to support Miller and because of tight deadlines, he hired a babysitter for him. Now we all know this is a HEA, the excitement is getting there. Will was there supporting Ray to find the belief in himself.
I enjoy reading from this author.
This is my honest review.

[LGO · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una historia corta sobre Ray (personaje que aparece en el libro Without You de Marley Valentine), que alterna dos trabajos y el cuidado de su sobrino con autismo, del que tiene la tutela y al que ha que ha criado desde que era muy pequeño. El hijo de su jefe, Will, se convierte en su niñera para ayudarle a compaginar sus horarios y desde el primer momento tienen una atracción física y emocional irresistible.
Me he quedado con ganas de más, pero me han gustado mucho el desarrollo de su relación, cómo se apoyan el uno al otro y las escenas de sexo.

#M-M-romance #age-gap