More Than Desire You

Reed Family Reckoning #8

by Shayla Black

I seduced her for revenge…but I won’t let up until she’s mine

I’m Xavian Costa—financial master, maverick, and manwhore. Since my dad ran out before I was born and my best friend slept with the woman I intended to marry, I don’t get close to people. But Parker, who poached my ex, is now a bestselling author with a movie deal, and he’s modeled his villain after me to ruin my reputation. I want revenge.

Then his innocent little sister, all grown up, traipses into my office. To save her burgeoning business, she needs a fake fiancé. Since she’s the sexiest brunette I’ve ever seen, I’m happy to help—for a price.

We begin our whirlwind “engagement,” and I get to know Corinne, not as the gawky teenager I remember, but as a beautiful woman.. She’s sweet, sassy, and smart as hell. I admire her kindness. I relate to her ambition. And I love the way she moans when I take her to bed. Soon, I’m falling and questioning my plans to use her to destroy Parker. But when our sham blows up in my face, I’ll have to prove to Corinne that I feel more than desire for her until she says yes for real.

**More Than Desire You is part of the Reed Family Reckoning Contemporary Romance series, but every book can be read as a standalone. A HOT, romantic story with strong language, sexy times, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after!**

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Enemies To Lovers, Erotica, Contemporary, Smut, Fiction

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2022

About the author

Shayla 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

Reviews

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gobbled this up in one day, Shayla gives us a great fake engagement romance with a slice of revenge added to the mix.

What would you do if your ex best friend's little sister came to you and asked for your help? And by helping her you will be dishing out some much wanted revenge against said ex best friend? Would you do it? Or would you think better of it and tell her no? Well, it's no surprise that Xavian agrees to help Corinne but what neither of them expected was what came next.

I always enjoy picking up one of Shayla Black's books because I know not only will the story be HOT but it will have a story line that draws me in right from the start, and that is exactly what happened when I picked up MORE THAN DESIRE YOU. X and Corinne have great chemistry and I loved the fact that they have a mutual dislike for her obnoxious brother, it wasn't only Xavian that wanted to get back at him.

The burning question I had at the end of this book was will Shayla give the douche canoe, I mean Parker, his own book since he has somewhat started to redeem himself?

If you enjoy STEAMY New Adult Contemporary Romances or Fake Relationship Romances I would recommend this book to you.

Happy Reading!!!


Find out more here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewMTDY8




**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: fake engagement
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥

Xavian is having his personal and professional life ripped to shreds by a former best friend bent on revenge. So imagine his surprise when he's approached by his enemy's sister with a plan to get them both out from under the thumb of her brother. Corinne is sick of having her life controlled by her know it all brother and now it's affecting her ability to grow her business. She approaches Xavian with a fake relationship plan that could get them both free and offer up a bit of emotional revenge for Xavian, but never plans to actually fall for the cocky playboy.

This was my first book by Shayla Black and I really enjoyed it! It moved well and I really liked the characters. They weren't perfect or too over the top and both suffered from insecurities. Better yet, they both showed emotional growth. Xavian as he figured out how to put Corinne over his need for revenge and Corinne as she became more self-assured, but at the same time trying to resolve the personal issues with her brother and not throwing away their relationship. Cute story and I'll likely read more in the series.

⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers

[Shayla Black]

🎶 It’s the Final Countdown! 🎶

I seduced her for revenge…but I won’t let up until she’s mine
🔥 Enemies to Lovers
❤️ Temporary Fling
🌸 Virgin
💍 Pretend Engagement with a side of Revenge.

http://shayla.link/MTDEY

[Ashlee Shades · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corinne and Xavian's story is one filled with heartbreak, angst, drama, betrayal, and steamy romance. Parker, Xavian's ex-bff is releasing a tell-all book that shines Xavian in a not-so-bright light. Parker also has a little sister, Corinne, who has grown up to become an irresistible, independent woman in need of some assistance. These two come up, after much thought and consideration, with a plan that would help both of them.

Their scheme brings to light past wrongs, betrayal, and reveals the schemes and lies that have changed both of their lives (for the better, I am sure you will agree).

These characters were beautifully flawed and perfect for one another. Their chemistry is off the charts hot, and the way Xavian is there for Corinne (after a stubborn-headed night) to help her show her brother and her money-hungry, weak ex her backbone. Their road to HEA wasn't easy, but all they went through is worth it. The ending was lovely.

This one was a fabulous read. I loved it so much I grabbed the others in this series so I can get to know this whole family and their love stories. One-click this one to join me! You won't regret this read.

[Kathy Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Than Desire You is Book #8 in The More Than Words Series.

This is Xavian and Corinne’s story.
Xavian is a financial master and self proclaimed manwhore. His best friend Parker slept with the woman he intended to marry and that messed him up for years mentally.(We don’t like Parker! ) Parker is now a best selling author and has a movie deal and he modeled the villain after Xavian, trying to ruin his reputation. Parker’s little sister makes a appointment to see Xavian under a different name and comes into his office wanting to save her business she needs a fake fiancé.Xavian is happy to help for a price. He doesn’t trust her story at first so he has her checked out. He is falling fast for her once he gets her in bed and that has never happened to him before.He questions himself “Is this love?” “Am I in love “ When the sham blows up in his face he has to prove to her he really does love her and get her to say Yes for real!

I absolutely love this series!

This family- The members are all so different but they all love each other fiercely.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. It was on the edge of my chair reading all day. I could not put it down and finished it in 1 day. I've not read the Reed series but must now get them to see it all come together. Xavian is a guy who has a lot of great qualities but struggles with his past. Corinne is similar and has some issues with how to deal with her overbearing, always right brother. They hatch a plan to benefit both and somehow it doesn't go as planned. But ends far better than either of them would ever have initially planned.

Get this book and read it, set aside a day as you likely will not be able to put it down and then realize as I have, you now know you'll have to read the entire series too.

Received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The heat is on and it comes with a side of heart. From cold and calculating to tempting and emotional, Xavian and Corinne are captivating. More than Desire You combines soulful heartache with unforgettable romance. Despite the pain the heart can't walk away.

[Biggs_bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reed Family has become one of my favorite story books families. All their lives are so complex and full of emotion so not surprising that Xavian story gets you all in the feels! Seriously so much happens, you get all the highs and lows and you’re blown away with all the things that happened to get you to the end. And what an ending this book had! Emotion over load but I loved every single minute.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xavian is a successful businessman who was betrayed by his ex-best friend Parker personally and now he is trying to harm him professionally. A surprise visit from Parker’s sister may give him the leverage he needs to not only put a stop to his plan in the present but to get payback for the past as well.

Corinne is trying to make a success of her business, but she finds her plans being thwarted by her brother who refuses to acknowledge that she doesn’t need him to control her life. She is about to take matters into her own hands and that includes a fake relationship with the man he despises. It is an arrangement and nothing more, what could possibly go wrong?

The chemistry between them was intense but It was the way that Xavian supported Corinne as she evolved into the woman she was meant to be that made their relationship so special as they take us on a romantic journey with all the feels.

[yenbookthings · Rating 4 out of 5]

:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･.: ARC
WHAT DID I just read umm okay so i got to read this book as an ACR and omg i think it just may be my favorite like going into this book i was hooked on right away like there wasn’t too much unnecessary info it just got right into the plot and during the middle it was okay but the ending OH MY GOD it was something i’ll tell you but in the best way possible!!! if your into a good story that doesn’t sidetrack anything and gets right into it plus really FREAKING good smut right here i’m also so excited to read more of Shayla’s book especially Harlow and Noah!!!!!

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boy this one sure had the drama! I get why Xavian was pissed at the start of the book and why he thought he could take a different route with Corinne. But I loved seeing Xavian fall for Corinne and fall hard. She was just the person he needs in his life, someone who is happy and fun to be around, not a cut throat business person or someone who is only looking out for themselves.

I was a bit worried towards the end, but with an intervention from the family Xavian went after Corinne and did what he needed to to win her back!

I will say Xavian is a better person than me, because I would have not been so graceful with the brother, I probably would have gone scorched earth on him.

[Happyscribe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xavian's story got me from the beginning - he’s so damaged and fearful of showing weakness that he dives headlong into a revenge plot that kinda backfires on him - like a LOT backfires in a sexy way. Corinne is the type of character you want to love but she sometimes left me more on team Xavian than team Corinne. Such a lovely read - one to reread again in the near future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this book.

A man that was supposed to get revenge and a women who offers him that possibility, fall deeply in love through the book.

What I liked in particular was despite everything Xavian said, that he can't fall in love; the only thing he wanted was a revenge never became truth. He fell so easily to Corinne that he didn't know where he was with his plan 😁.

She was strong, kind and sexy heroine and she wasn't allowing her brother to dictate her life anymore. She was soo cute and loveable, that there is no option for a person not to fell in love.

Their chemistry...OMG their chemistry was making me blush all over. The smut was definately on 100%. I still loved the idea that Xavian fell first and soo soo fast and he wasn't admitting it first, be he was feeling it.

Loved the story and loved the characters ♥️.

I received an ARC copy of this book from Valentine PR and this is my voluntary review.

[Cristina]

Not a bad book, it’s just I couldn’t ‘believe’ in the story.

[Ria Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steam & Revenge ... the perfect mix

✅ Alphalicious hero
✅ Naive heroine
✅ Revenge & desire
✅ Fake engagement

I have always found Shayla Black's stories intriguing, captivating, emotional, and complex. MORE THAN DESIRE YOU has become one of my favourites among the Reed Family Reckoning series. Xavian Costa and Corinne Emerson's story is intense, dramatic, steamy, and heartbreaking.

Xavian has built a name and a reputation in the world of fiscal management, he also has a reputation as a manwhore, one he doesn't deny. Due to a betrayal in his past, by his ex-fiancé and his ex-best friend, Parker Emerson, Xavian is no longer interested in long term relationships. His reputation is about to take a hit though, a book Parker wrote has been turned into a movie portraying Xavian as a villain, a bully, far from the man Xavian actually is. An unscheduled appointment changes everything for Xavian and gives him a chance to get revenge on Parker. Parker's younger sister, Corinne, is the appointment, she wants help from him, she needs a fake fiance to save her business, as that help isn't going to come from her brother. Trust is hard for Xavian, so before he gives an answer, he has her story investigated. Once he agrees and a plan is put in place nothing will ever be the same for either Xavian or Corinne.

I loved Xavian and Corinne. I loved the pull they felt toward one another, the chemistry that was palpable and the attraction that was undeniable. Like all men in the Reed family, Xavian was unable to resist the charms of a beautiful woman, he began to fall hard for her, and when he realized what was happening, he was determined to keep her in his life. His only problem ... how to convince her he was no longer pretending. Corinne is both sweet and sassy, she's had her heart broken, and she's naive and inexperienced, she's a blossom waiting to bloom. Xavian brings Corinne out of her shell, in many ways, and it was a pleasure to witness. The steam they share burns up the sheets, they are volcanic together.

I enjoyed catching up with Xavian's extended family. They always provide plenty of laughs and words of wisdom. As usual Shayla always gives us a character we love to hate, and this time we have two, both are nasty pieces of work too. The story was entertaining, easy to read, with plenty of sexy times, wonderful characters, and an outcome that was simply perfect. The only downfall was the ending seemed a little bit rushed, but it didn't detract from the story. It's definitely a book I would recommend.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

FOUR STARS

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon / Apple / Nook / Kobo / Google / Shayla’s Store

Xavian's former best friend is coming after him so Xavi's got vengeance in mind. When the perfect opportunity to exact that vengeance waltzes into his life, he has to take it, even if he ends up hurting Corinne. He had no way of knowing he'd find himself wanting her more than his revenge. Now he has a decision to make - exact his vengeance and hurt her or admit to Corinne how he feels about her and finally allow love into his heart.



This is one steamy read. Xavian and Corinne's chemistry is hot and even though this feels shorter than the average book, it's a complete story. There's some suspense, intense emotions, and a likable couple at the center. I haven't read the other stories in this series but now that I've found this world, I am definitely planning on reading them all.



ARC provided by Valentine PR for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 8th book in the series - and finally the one who considers himself a real outsider, Xavian gets his chance at an HEA. When he discovered his unexpected family, he chose to move and be close to them and even works with them as he redefines who he is ... however since being betrayed by his best friend and fiancée he has refused to be anything but a playboy. As the rest of his half-siblings settles down, he is feeling a little out of the loop, but he has no plans to change.

That ex-best friend, Parker, wrote a novel about his nemesis, and it has damaged Xavian's reputation as the inference that he is the bad guy in the book is widely known - now there is a film coming out, so it is all about to explode all over again. Xavian has never set the story straight, so he just has to take it on the chin - I really enjoyed the complication of deciding whether it is best to explain the truth and thus confirm you are who he based his character on, or whether it is best to just live through the 15 minutes of fame of the film, and then get on with his life.

So, when Parker's younger sister, Corinne turns up in his office and has a proposal for him to gain some form of revenge, he has to decide whether it is a good idea to get involved. Corinne is a fabulous person who is making a successful career thanks to her crafting coming to the attention of some influencers and making her sales of handmade watch straps go crazy.

As the two of them set out to show that they are together, Xavian finds that he has no interest in other women ... and so we are treated to a fabulous love story under complicated circumstances, but with the support of his fabulous family proving to him time and again that he is part of their lives and has their love.

I love catching up with everyone, watching how their lives have changed thanks to their partners and children - little did Xavian think he would also find such a future himself. I have to admit I read it from start to end in one go, as I wanted all the goodness. I have a feeling that I will be having a Reed Family series read over the Christmas holidays, so I can enjoy this all over again!

[Meredith]

4 and 1/2 Stars
More Than Desire You is the second book that I've read in the Reed Family Universe and I really enjoyed reading Xavian's story after meeting him in the novella, More Than Possess You. As with most romances novels where revenge is the major plot for one or both of the leads, it didn't go as anyone intended. Of course their plans of revenge make the book all the more interesting, because the complication is Xavian actually falling in love with his fake fiancé Corinne.
The one part of the book that I didn't really understand, and it's honestly probably because I just missed it in the book, is what exactly Corinne's brother, Parker, and Xavian's ex-friend/nemesis said about him in his book. I understood why they initially stopped being friends (no spoilers) but I never caught how Parker spun it making Xavian look like a bad guy.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is as the story goes on Corinne learns how to stand up for herself to her brother. Part of that was Xavian helping Corinne see what Parker has been systematically doing to try and control her and her life. But the rest of it was her finally opening her eyes to the truth and deciding she's done with his BS and he doesn't have the right to hold her life in his hands.
I also appreciated that while in the beginning Xavian coldly and calculatedly planned this fake engagement so both him and Corinne could get some revenge on Parker/make him go crazy with the idea of them getting married, he pretty much immediately was like maybe this isn't completely fake. Like as soon as they're at his house he's slowly starting to realize he might actually love her, even though it's been maybe 24 hours. And for a guy who may have always wanted to have someone love him and have a family with but didn't think he would and therefore only had meaningless relationships with women who don't even know his name he really fell hard and fast for Corinne. I thought this was a highly enjoyable book and look forward to reading more about the Reed family.

[Sheila Melo · Rating 4 out of 5]

FINAL DECISION: I enjoyed this book, but my interest in this series is beginning to wane a bit. I'm hoping that we will move on soon to a new group of people. I didn't feel that the story between these two was as deep as others in the series.

THE STORY: Xavian Costa has decided to get revenge on his best friend who slept with the woman Xavian planned to marry and then made a movie that painted Xavian as the villain. The form of Xavian's revenge is his ex-best friend's sister, Corinne, who has come to Xavian for help manipulating her brother to get her inheritance. Xavian proposes that the two of them fake an engagement -- but Xavian also plans on using Corinne for his own pleasure. When Xavian just begins realizing that something between the two of them might be real, his plans completely unravel.

OPINION: This book is really hot, but I wanted a bit more of the relationship development. Corinne wasn't as interesting a character to match Xavian. I would have liked him to have a real contrast. There was something about the relationship that never seemed to be grounded in the couple. I would have liked to have more conflict between them. At the same time, the book fits well in the series. Xavian wasn't as much of a jerk as I had expected because he falls pretty fast for Corinne...perhaps that is what feels a little off. Xavian is so quickly falling for Corinne that the stakes of the story never feel that high.

WORTH MENTIONING: The epilogue of this book introduces readers to one of the new main characters in the next book.

CONNECTED BOOKS: MORE THAN DESIRE YOU is the eighth book in the More Than Words/Reed Family Reckoning Series. The romance here is self-contained and can be read as a standalone, although there are relationships between the characters (apart from the main characters) that have developed over the series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3.5 stars.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book eight in The Reed Family Reckoning Series and it is Xavian and Corinne's story. Xavian wants to get revenge on Parker who used to be his best friend until he betrayed him by sleeping with the woman that Xavian had planned to marry but now Parker is trying to make Xavian look like a villain and ruining his reputation with a movie deal that he has from one of the book's that he has written and put Xavian as the villain so now Xavian wants to extract revenge. Corinne is Parker's sister and needs help to save her business so she goes to see Xavian and offers him a proposition to help her safe her business and also be her take fiance and Xavian sees this as a way to get the revenge and destroy the man that is trying to destroy him by using his sister. The attraction and chemistry between Xavian and Corinne is off the charts hot and so strong and intense that you could feel it sizzling off the pages and when feelings start to happen things become even more complicated and everything blows up in there faces but they will have both trust each other and realise that there feeling for each other is in fact real and they both deserve a happy ending. I absolutely loved this book and it had great characters and a storyline that pulled you in and kept your attention throughout and even though some of the situations had you gritting your teeth and wanting to hang a few heads together it was still a real page turner and totally addictive. This is the first book that I have read by Shayla Black but definitely not the last as it was so well written and I can't wait to read more book's in the future.

[ZLuna318 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xavian is a beast in the financial world... he is, also, enjoys the company of women; but, never allows them more than a night and pretty much forgets them the next day. He's been burned in the past, and will not allow that to happen again. An ex friend from his past has written a book that is threatening to ruin everything he has worked for. Parker, his once close friend, has based the villain around him, and the press have figured this out, hounding him in every way. Xavian wants revenge, if only he knew how he could get it..

Corinne is Parker's younger sister, she approaches Xavian with a proposition. She's in a bind, her small business has gained a lot of popularity and she needs money to keep it afloat. Unfortunately, her inheritance comes with stipulations and her brother is standing in her way. Her plan is to use Xavian, make him her fake fiancé. Parker, in turn, will see this as a threat and her bargaining chip to get her brother to approve the withdrawal of her funds, at the same time, Xavian also gets the revenge he seeks by getting under Parker's skin. Xavian isn't sure if he can trust her fully but knows this is the first step in taking Parker down and agrees.

I really thought this was a good read. There was drama.. intrigue.. trust issues.. keeping feelings hidden, heartache and heartbreak. Corinne and Xavian's chemistry brought on some steamy scenes. I do think Parker needed to pay more for his actions... he was such a douche, you really want him to suffer. I liked the way all the story strands came together at the end and gave the story a great conclusion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Spofford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore the Reed family, but Xavian Costa has to be among my favorites. This Reed family novel was a page-turner and spicy hot. The chemistry with this couple was all-consuming. Corinne is smart, ambitious, successful, and spunky. She is able to go toe to toe with Xavian with his financial wizardry, good looks, masterful bedroom skills, and cocky attitude. As usual, when a Reed man finds his match he falls hard and fast. I love that Shayla Black wrote a hero who was alpha and protective, but also gave his love the room to figure things out for herself and become her own best advocate. The statements that Ms Black made about living life in the spotlight of social media and how dysfunctional the reactions people have to someone else’s personal life are very on point. I will admit there were moments when I felt like I had read the story before, which is why I am giving this one four stars instead of five. There have been enough books in this series with a rush to a wedding at Keely and Maxon’s with an amazing night in the Honeymoon Suite. There are more things to do on Maui than that, and I would love to see this in future books in this series. Otherwise I loved visiting all my Reed family and friends and cannot wait for the next installment. I suspect that you will too. I hope we don’t have to wait for the last Reed brother to grow up for that to happen! I am voluntarily leaving this review after reading an advanced complementary copy.

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars!

Xavian Costa can easily be described as financial master, maverick, and manwhore. We met him in the earlier books of this series since he shares a dad with Maxon Reed & Griffin Reed and the other Reed children. His dad left before he was born but his half siblings have welcomed him in with open arms once they discovered the blood relation. Between his terrible father and his best friend Parker Emerson who slept with his fiancé, he really doesn’t trust anyone very much. To add insult to injury Parker is now a bestselling author with a movie deal, and he’s modeled his villain after Xavian to ruin his reputation and now he wants revenge.

Corinne Emerson is Parker’s little sister so when she shows up needing a fake fiancé to save her fast growing business, Xavian sees an opportunity to get revenge on Parker. Xavian wasn’t quite ready for the all-grown-up sexy version of Corrine since the last time he saw her she was an awkward shy teenager.

I’m glad that Corinne was determined that her brother was no longer going to try and control her life. She is a grown adult now and was good about putting her foot down yet even with her new confidence she remained sweet.

It had been awhile since I read a book in this series so it was good to get refamiliarized with the rest of the Reed family. This story was a fast read, had a good storyline and plenty of the sexy stuff to keep me engrossed the entire time.

[Nolagirl29 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tale of revenge with a side dish of steamy goodness. Xavian's name is being slandered by his ex-friend, Parker. Imagine his surprise when Parker's sister, Corinne comes to him asking for a favor. That favor turns into a proposal for a fake engagement in exchange for Xavian's help. She presents it in a way that is mutually beneficial to both of them. How can he resist? She's not the awkward 14-year-old girl he remembers. She's now a beautiful woman, one he finds himself attracted to her but can he trust that her intentions are pure and genuine? The more he gets to know her, the more the lines blur and he can't deny any longer that he wants her for himself. Is the revenge he craves worth it, or will he be willing to set that aside for the possibility of love, something he had long given up hope on?

This was a well-written romance. It has intense emotions, some suspense, witty banter, drama, lots of chemistry, some laughs, and steam. I loved these characters, especially Xavian's siblings and their mates. Of course, there are ones I wanted to dropkick too. I was rooting hard for Xavian and Corinne's HEA. They do get their HEA & it was beautiful even though I felt that the end was abrupt. I had to read it twice to make sure that it was truly the end. That is the only reason for a 4-star review versus a 5-star review.

[Ashley Mertz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this if you enjoy HOT, romantic stories with:
*Strong language
*Sexy times
*No cliffhangers
*Guaranteed happily ever after

Synopsis: Xavian wants revenge on Parker. Corinne, Parker's sister, is in need of a fake fiancé. Can Xavian use this opportunity with Corinne to destroy Parker?

Reader’s Thoughts: This was my first time reading a book written by Shayla Black. More than Desire You is the eighth installment in the “Reed Family Reckoning” series. Each book within this series can be read as a standalone. This story of Parker, Xavian, and Corrine is complex, full of emotion and insecurities. The characters within this novel were loveable and very much relatable. I personally like Corrine. She is smart, sweet, sassy, and her kindness is over the top. I can’t wait to read more of this series. Thank you, @valentine_pr_ for providing me with a complimentary review copy. In no way has that influenced my voluntary review.

Available now in Paperback, Audiobook, and eBook.
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐

Meet the Author: Shayla Black is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author o more than eighty contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages. During her down time she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and two tabbies.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a common enough story, when at university Xavian’s best friend Parker slept with his fiancée. The twist being he only did it to show Xavian that she wasn’t any good for him and couldn’t be trusted. Xavian retaliated by humiliating Parker little realising Parker would then go on to make a career out of ruining him to the extent of writing a book that has just been made into a movie portraying him as a monster and a bully just as he is about to land a partnership. Obviously he’s not going to take this lying down and when Parker’s sister Corinne pays a visit to his office he sees the perfect opportunity for payback.

A great tale of revenge that rebounds on the hero when a pretend engagement leads to more. With Well rounded characters and a strong storyline More Than Desire You made for an enjoyable read. Corinne did come across as a bit weak at times but I loved the character of Xavian and his relationship with his extended family and how they all had his back even if they didn’t fully approve of his actions. There is a little angst with Xavian’s past having him think he’s not good enough and he does have trust issues and at times he’s a bit blinded by revenge that he doesn’t think things through but with his family’s help he eventually gets there.

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Than Desire You (Reed Family Reckoning #8) by Shayla Black
4.5 stars
M/F Romance
I was given this book for an honest review.

Xavian is used to being a loner. He was for most of his life. When he meets his long lost family, they immediately engulf him in their business, lives and protect him like the family he is. Xavian isn't used to that.

Corinne is living life on her own terms - or she wants to be. With her business struggling and her inheritance in the hands of her older brother who thinks knows best, Corinne hatches a plan to help both her brother's former best friend and herself.

Xavian is used to people leaving him, stabbing him in the back and taking what they shouldn't. When confronted with the chance to get back at his ex best friend, Xavian cautiously takes the chance.

With pasts coming back to haunt both of them, Xavian and Corinne will have to take the chance on each other or live their lives with regret forever. Sometimes blood is thicker, but sometimes, the family you choose will change your lives for the better.

This story is fast paced, with a lot of moving parts. It is sometimes a little over the top, but you won't be disappointed.

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star

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)
More Than Possess You (More Than Words #6.75)
More Than Hate You (Reed Family Reckoning, #7)

This is Corinne and Xavian’s story. Xavian wants revenge and will use anyone he can to get it. The person he wants to suffer is Parker. But when Parker’s sister comes to him with a problem, he is all to willing to help out. He will take her and use her to get his revenge. But when he falls for her, he knows he is in trouble. When the secrets come out that revenge was what made him say yes to her will he be able to prove to her that he wants only her and it’s forever? Or will he lose her forever?

I recommend this book.

[gabreadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a good time! I practically read it in one sitting.
This book is sexy with a side of intense emotions.
Xavian is dealing with a lot of past trauma due to a friend's betrayal so he decides to take revenge on him via his sister. While I'm not into that idea because I don't enjoy reading women being used by men, especially for something that has nothing to do with them, but Black makes it work here because Xavian changes his tune pretty quickly. I really like Corinne and sympathized with her need for independence. I liked that she went head to head with Xavian and didn't put up with his alpha male attitude.
These two also had intense chemistry! My goodness, it was off the charts.
The pacing was quick and the drama unfolded in a way that was intense and captivating.
I would recommend this to readers who like revenge plots, alpha hero, sassy heroine, fake engagement/fake dating, angst, drama, he falls first, protective hero, and of course spicy books!

*Thank you to Valentine PR & the author for providing an advanced readers copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

[Nella ☾ of Bookland · Rating 1 out of 5]

Me waiting for Corinne to realize that Xavian is just as manipulative as Parker and Riley.



This is an unfortunate rating to end off the series. But I can't pretend to vibe with Xavian and Corinne's relationship. It was super icky that Xavian basically coerced Corinne into entering into a sexual relationship with him in exchange for him doing a favor (pretending to be her fianceé so she can get her inheritance). He took advantage of her desperation. And I wasn't convinced of their "feelings" for each other; their whole dynamic felt forced and Xavian's attitude threw me off.

It's not too late, Corinne! You can get rid of him. Manipulative men, begone!

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