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Like I Want You

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Fresh off of a crushing heartbreak, entertaining a new man is the furthest thing from Kia’s mind. That is, until a chance encounter with a handsome stranger makes her second guess swearing off love to focus on herself and her growing business.

Jreu’s idea of happily ever after was real simple…it wasn’t for him. Being in a committed relationship was never something he strived for. In fact, he was adamantly against it. With one night stands and casual flings being so easy to come by, he just didn’t see the point. However, when he stumbles across a feisty boutique owner who challenges his beliefs about life and love, he finds himself falling hard for the bossed-up beauty.

Separately, they are fighting battles of their own but there’s just something about the magic that happens each time they come together that makes letting go nearly impossible.

From instant enemies, to friends with benefits, and now possibly finding true love, can Kia and Jreu push past their fears and personal demons to create a lasting union?

408 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2022

81 people are currently reading
99 people want to read

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Shantaé

26 books114 followers

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5 stars
228 (73%)
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66 (21%)
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12 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for melanatedbookjunkie.
302 reviews57 followers
March 19, 2022
This story was everything!

Shantae is a new to me author and I was thoroughly impressed! “Like I Want You” was everything from start to finish! Jreu and Kia were soooo cute! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where I enjoyed banter between characters as much as I’ve enjoyed theirs. They were hilarious! Both of them were so clever and quick with their jokes and teasing. Their relationship morphed into something that neither one of them were prepared for. These two had no idea how much they really needed each other in their lives. Jreu was bae! He definitely had me side eying him at first due to his relationship phobia, but he showed so much growth throughout the book. He was so much fun to read about. Not only was he sexy, but he had a sense of humor, and fiercely protective of those he loved. I looooved his take charge nature. Kia was definitely a boss. Sis had it going on! Jreu and Kia definitely complimented each other, in and out of the bedroom. Speaking of bedroom scenes…..they were some freeaaaks🥵🥵🔥🔥. This story was a true page turner! I laughed and cried while reading this story! There were so many words of wisdom and gems dropped throughout. I haven’t highlighted and bookmarked so much in a book in a while. 😂 Amazing writing and storytelling! I loved the characters and this storyline! This is definitely a must read! I look forward to reading more from Shantae. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Qiana.
350 reviews64 followers
July 20, 2022
Kia and Jreu's story was so dope! An enemies to lovers book where you could literally read the attraction to the characters from the very beginning. These characters tried their best to keep things physical, but the heart wants what the heart wants. A romance story with drama splashed throughout the 408 pages to keep you reading. Loved this book!! One of my favorite reads so far this year!
Profile Image for Ayanna First of BourbonStreetBookers.
501 reviews22 followers
February 20, 2022
Value, protection and love

Taé did this! There is humor in so many moments of Ju & Kia's story, but more importantly everything else was authentic. Their friendship, patience, concern, and developed love gave them the best kind if love. Neither of them saw it coming. The gems throughout shined through! I hope to get more on Jream and witness more of their journey. This was a great read & Highly Recommended! 🎉🎊💯
Profile Image for Lisette.
615 reviews43 followers
February 24, 2022
Was this enemies to lovers?

I wouldn't necessarily call this enemies to lovers because they only despised each other for a brief time, but they did a complete 180 and it was such a perfect story. Really enjoyed the friendship, partnership and relationships in this story. I even enjoyed reading about the turmoil Dreu's family was going through and how they eventually handled it. Very well written story with great characters and funny dialogue.
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,163 followers
August 8, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed Jreu and Kia’s story! These two were a whole new level of petty and I laughed so much reading their story. Kia was fresh off a break up with longtime boyfriend Kentrell and homeboy did a number on her heart. Then you had Mr. one night stand Jreu who didn’t believe in love at all. From their very first meeting, all gloves were on and fully strapped as these two stayed at each other’s throats. Both Kia and Ju were headstrong and it took a lot for them to compromise when it came to their situationship. The chemistry was everything and I loved how everything came together full circle!
2,084 reviews14 followers
February 26, 2022
Absolutely loved it!

This book brought out so many emotions for me. I will only say that “Cancer Sucks.” The book touched on betrayal, love, forgiveness and starting over. It was beautifully written and kept my attention. My absolute favorite character was Lano. He was as real as real gets. The character development of Kia and Jreau was magnificently amazing. They grew from two people who were actually afraid to get involved into a loving couple who weren’t afraid to show their love for each other. Shantae, you did that girl. Definitely recommend this book to read!
Profile Image for Synthia Littleton.
496 reviews16 followers
July 19, 2022
Why am I crying????

Kia and Jreu’s love is so *ing sweet! This is an enemies to lovers that is done to perfection. These two were PERFECTION! The tension, passion and eventually love. Such a perfect romance, so simplistic and complicated at the same time. Kia was so relatable, sassy and fierce such a true to life character. Jreu was humorous, accomplished, clever and sexy. It's the dialogue for me. It's the scorching hot sex for me. Its definitely the HEA for me. This journey is hard to describe, so sweet but real. This is such an awesome read!
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,041 reviews115 followers
February 21, 2022
I loved this couple

Oh my goodness. Kia and Jreu's story was simply, simply amazing. Kia was so stubborn and afraid to love again after her ex did her wrong. Jreu and his free-spirited ideas about love I knew would come to an end. What I did not anticipate was the lengthy time frame before they folded. Kia was so much fun to watch her fall in love. The friends and the backstory with Jreus' parents were emotional times. Overall, the story was enjoyable from start to finish.
Profile Image for KarynReads.
636 reviews20 followers
July 16, 2022
I loved Jreu and Kia’s chemistry. That little rudeness Jreu had actually fit in their relationship. They were definitely time enough for each other.
Profile Image for Kwastina Jackson.
653 reviews6 followers
March 20, 2022
Loved it!!

I am a lover of over and this story did not disappoint! It's amazing what you find when you stop looking! Kia was an independent woman who allowed her fear and career to guard her heart. Jrue allowed the mishaps of others to distort his view on love. They each helped change the other and I loved every page of it!
Profile Image for Tamarah.
101 reviews
February 19, 2022
EVERYTHING!!

I absolutely loved this book! I laughed, cried, and most importantly fell in love. Kia and Jreu chemistry was instant and it never wavered. JuJu is a heart stealer and he grew so much on these pages. This is a book you can’t read just once; it’s just that good! I can’t wait to see what Shantae brings next.
Profile Image for Genesis Woods.
Author 58 books309 followers
March 2, 2022
😍😍😍😍

JuJu…JuJu…JuJu. Jreu is one of my favorite characters to read. A man who doesn’t believe in love but falls hard and fast when the right woman enters his life. Although I didn’t care for some of Kia’s shenanigans, I’m happy the two of them finally got their butts on the same page and let love have it’s way. This was another great read by Shantae’. I enjoyed reading Kia & Jreu’s love story as well as catching up with Te’ah and her boo. As always, the writing was amazing and the story was well crafted. I can’t wait to see what happens with Jream and her little problem. Great job.
Profile Image for LaTosha Webber.
1,177 reviews72 followers
November 26, 2023
Picture me not given this five stars

I’m a major mood reader and this was almost exactly what I was in the mood for. Shanté is a new to me author and I absolutely love her writing style. The flow, the pace, the dialect, the dialogue it made for an effortless read. I love a good black romcom especially when it’s layered with urban flare. The heartache of the subplot was felt without overshadowing the romance. And the romance was top notch. I loved the vibes and energy between Kia and Ju. The spicy wasn’t explicit so it’s very mild but it’s abundant and sexy. I enjoyed this from start to finish and I couldn’t put it down.
Profile Image for TrueBookJunkie.
643 reviews16 followers
March 1, 2022
I must start this review off by apologizing to The Literary Rejects for going in on their girl Kia so early in the book🤣. I’m still not team Kia but I gave her a chance and she isn’t too bad😒 Now… let’s get into it! Shantaé did her thing with this one. I was instantly team Jreu and although it wavered a little bit in the end, I still love him. Shantaé is an expert with creating reckless mouth men and in my opinion the more reckless the better 😆. After starting this book, I took a little break because Jreu and Kia gave me a serious headache. The banter was simply foreplay but when it exploded, I was all the way tuned in! All the characters in this book were entertaining. I loved that we got to connect with past characters and were also introduced to new ones that I can see having books in the future. I started this book not knowing what I was getting into but if Shantaé dropped it I was on it, and she didn’t disappoint. She gave a great read with so much detail I felt a part of every scene. I laughed, cried, yelled, and most of the time shook my head at some of the foolishness but that’s what makes a great book, and I enjoyed every bit of it!
Profile Image for martha fountain.
838 reviews18 followers
February 26, 2022
Jreu and Kia!!!!

I absolutely loved this book from cover to cover. I was thoroughly entertained where I found so many comedic moments but also endearing moments. The chemistry between Jreu and Kia was everything! The character development especially of Jreu was on point and so realistic. My heart ached in some of the moments between Jreu and his father...so beautiful and touching. This was an exceptional read which has convinced me that I need to explore this author's catalog in depth!
Profile Image for Keta Denise.
Author 10 books52 followers
July 14, 2022
so good

This was such a great read. From beginning to end. The flow was great and the story was well developed. JuJu had me smiling from the very beginning of the book. I loved Kia’s character and Delano was one of my faves as well. Highly recommend this love story 💕
Profile Image for Girl Truss Me.
468 reviews25 followers
March 2, 2022
Just wow 🔥🔥🔥

This book was amazing I could not put it down and could not go to sleep until I finished it. Jreu and Kias story was everything and Jreu is a book bae for sure. This story definitely takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. When Ju had that conversation with his dad when they talked about him like Kia I had tears at the end of that chapter I felt that love. You can’t run from destiny and Ju and Kia learned that. I can’t wait to get his sisters story because it’s needed.
Profile Image for The_ReadingCorner2.
33 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2022
One of my New top 5 starters ! loved everything about this book

Soooo! Lemme just say this you wrote the hellllll out of this dam book 🙌🏾 that’s facts! No 🧢 I think I said it right 😂 loved 🥰 ❤️ everything about it!! My first time reading anything by you and it was one great story I love me some Ju Ju!! But that studio sex scene tho sheesh!!!!!!! 🔥 🔥🔥🔥 any who 408 pages later I’m finished and it only took a day and a half! Amazing thumbs up 👍🏾 too you and continue to be great!
Profile Image for Alvina.
747 reviews22 followers
March 24, 2022
Can We?

Jreu and Kia story was spicy and endearing. I usually go for shorter reads, yet I'm glad I took the plunge on this one. Definitely a page turner.

Jreu had a lot going on and running from the issues of his family was his way of life. With his dad on his death bed from cancer, he's decided to move back home to help out and be able to spend more time with his dad. What he didn't expect was to feel the guilt and pain from running off. With all that, the chance encounter with Kia, on the trip for his friend, Lakariy's business was one that would leave him stumped by this beauty. I like that he slowly let himself fall for Kia. They really needed each other and once they truly opened up about their feelings for each other, he was patient with her, just as she was with him. His homeboy Landon, was a piece of work and I'm eager to see how things work out with him being the father to Jreu's sister, Jream, baby.

Kia was way too cool with the break up with her ex, Kentrell, after she caught him booed up with some random chick. I'm glad she left him and truly moved on. The bitterness she got after the breakup wasn't like her, so I'm glad she decided to let that go. Getting that good d from Jreu was a huge help in adjusting her attitude 😏. I was getting annoyed with her back and forth with him, yet knew she was just trying to protect her heart. I'm glad she let her true feelings for him shine through bc I really loved them as a couple. Her ex was truly a mess and I'm sure Jreu's reaction to his pop up set him straight.

I was a bit confused about Honey, Jreu's assistant, and this "crush" she had with him. Why not shoot your shot and if it didn't work out, move on? She was apparently young and dumb, and now without a job; her bad🤦🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️.

I liked Lakariy and Te'ah relationship. I'm surely reading their story next.

This was my first Shantaé book and will not be my last.

Great read. Highly recommend
Profile Image for Sandra (Book Loves) Atueyi.
709 reviews22 followers
July 30, 2022
Unconditional Love

Like I Want You by Shantaé is an amazing and adorable story. This is my first time reading from Shantaé. She did a good job. I would love to read more books from her. It’s well written and it’s phenomenal page.

Jreu and Kia aren’t interested to each other but they didn’t know they have the same mutual friends for their getaway trips with Te’ah and Lakariy in the beginning. Neither of them are not ready to be in a relationship because they’re struggling with their past history. Kia was heartbroken and humiliated by Kentrell. Jreu was having trouble his relationship with his mother because she’s cheating on his father with his former coach. Landon is a clown. Kia’s assistant is my favorite character from this book. I’m happy that Te’ah, Lakariy and Kia’s assistant are supporting, and giving an amazing speech to Jreu and Kia. Finally, they give each other chance in love, respect, kindness and happiness. Kentrell and Honey are belongings to each other because they are jealous and crazy people.

I can’t wait to read Te’ah and LaKariy’s story.

Good read
Book Nerd
Unconditional Love
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💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for October Readsss.
309 reviews4 followers
October 16, 2023
Kia x Jreu

Let me start off by saying it's ridiculous it took me tooooo long to be introduced to this author. This book has been sitting on my TBR for months & I wished I would have moved it up. This enemies to fwb to lovers story was everything. These two were deff like oil & water. I was smitten with Kia. She was deff giving boss babe vibes & I loved every moment of it. I loved how hard working she was & how she took everything in stride with her ex. Jreu got a taste of Kia one time & was immediately hooked. I thought that Jreu was going to be the one dragging his feet especially with how he be slanging that thang from the east to the west, but he was ready for everything & more with Kia & she was dragging her feet. But when they got together, baby it was explosive. I loved how vulgar hebspike to his woman 😂😂😂 & I loved his transition from the beginning of the book to the end. He really matured & I saw that even with how he handled Kentrell. I can't get enough of these two & I. Want. MOREEEEEE.
Profile Image for Kesha Bee.
205 reviews
March 20, 2022
Beautiful

It's been a long time since I've read a book that made me feel such a rollercoaster of emotions as "Like I Want You" did. Ms. Shantae has written a beautiful love story that made me laugh and cry all within a few chapters. The love story between Jreu and Kia gave me all the feels. The character development and dialogue kept me in tears laughing. Their back and forth conversations were hilarious and I felt like that friend watching them grow together like, mm hmm watch those two fall head over heels for one another. This was a really enjoyable book from start to finish. I think Ms. Shantae outdid herself with this one.
Profile Image for Camisha Crisp.
746 reviews18 followers
June 19, 2022
i swoon!!

I absolutely laughed and cried reading this book. Jreu and Kia really truly are an enemies to lovers story! Their chemistry was noticeable from the beginning. I loved everything about this story. The lessons of forgiveness and grace really struck a cord with me. Jreu learning to not let the mistakes of others keep him from finding love. Kia learning to not allow fear to keep her from finding the love she deserved! What a great love story! I’m hoping are blessed with Jream’s story, but baby!!!
Profile Image for Roxy Reads.
664 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2023
when it feels right

My first read by Shantae and loved it 1st spelling of his name was awesome…..Jreu gave all kinds of energy and Kia was time enough for him and other times she just had to except her L now his dad dropped him some gems to make him act right…..now they both had some pst hurts and challenges but they worked through it but when Kia walked away I wanted to smack her this book made me laugh & cry had me in my feelings just a great read now how ……about Jreams story
Profile Image for Shameka Erby.
Author 19 books83 followers
September 17, 2024
Kia and Jrue meet and immediately rub each other the wrong way. But part of it is this physical attraction they can't shake. So they decide to work out their annoyance with a FWB arrangement, only it's not so easy keeping their emotions out of it.

I liked this story. Kia was a successful woman, who was simply trying to find someone to be vulnerable with and shielded herself when it proved to be too hurtful. Jrue was a man surrounded by love, but also the pain that humans inflict in the name of love and so he wanted no parts. Guarded meets nonchalant and the result is two people who couldn't stop being affected if they wanted to. It was a pretty well written fall from denial into love and I was interested almost the entire time. The book had a good supporting cast and the MCs really developed in a way that seemed realistic and grounded. I appreciated their arcs and the way they opened up from when the book started. Their rhythm was so easy and it felt good to be a part of it. I like the strides Jrue was able to make with his family and Kia's commitment to getting back to herself.

I will say that though the banter was nice, I wasn't sold on their chemistry the whole time. In some places, Jrue was a little too rude for me and Kia's animosity seemed misplaced and very jarring. The third act dragged a bit and by the time Kia was running scared I was expecting it. Also, the side plot with her ex went on entirely too long. I just didn't understand the author's need to have that hang on. But it rounded out okay. Good read.
Profile Image for Monique.
471 reviews23 followers
April 22, 2025
Shantaé is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her writing style is just so easy to read, and sucks you in. It’s rich with so much dialogue and good banter that makes you absolutely love (or loathe) her characters. Kia & Jrue were so funny together. I love when the couples are really homies too. They had their share of dramatic moments & no matter how much they both tried to resist each other…it wasn’t working. I also loved seeing Jrue’s character development in learning to love & also in mending his relationship with his mom.
1,725 reviews7 followers
February 22, 2022
⭐️A must-read for sure! 🤣😡😢😍⭐️

I don't have enough Stars for this beautifully completed book 🤩. This is the kind of book that leaves you wanting more and it delivers just that.
Kia and Jreu's love story is wonderful. I love the way they met. I just knew that these two would be something special together. I was in my feelings through the book as in life 🙂. As always it's an absolute pleasure reading your books 🥰.
Profile Image for Geri.
1,209 reviews6 followers
March 12, 2022
Yes, finally a writer who write that real real

Hell yes! I cannot say enough how well written this story was. Like Kia and Jreu’s first meeting and interaction was so on point, so funny as hell…. that indignation she felt, I felt that! That shit had me laughing so hard. Thank you, Shantae for writing realistic characters with so much personality that it comes out effortless. Their story wasn’t perfect, but it was just right for the two of them.
637 reviews
March 14, 2022
Real love!

Okay these two are something else and from the jump Kai was on ten and I was in love with this character. She was true alpha woman and did things that all women do to aggravate their happiness 😂😂. It definitely took a real alpha male to get her right and Jru was that dude. I enjoyed seeing them grow in love and find their rightful places in each other’s lives which is right be the other’s side. Great story Ms. Knox as always!
Profile Image for Kami Holt.
798 reviews55 followers
July 13, 2022
❤️❤️

Really good story.
I loved Jrue’s personality and how he went hard for the ppl he loves. Kia & Te’ahs friendship was genuine and rare. They looked out for each other from the very beginning and weren’t afraid to tell each other the truth. I enjoyed the storyline overall, I did slightly lose momentum towards the middle but it picked back up. The characters chemistry was undeniable and it was beautiful to see how things unfolded
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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