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Wanting More
From the comfort of friendship emerges a longing for more …
Dr. Jasmine Jones and ex-pro football player Darren Manning have been best friends their whole lives. But when family and friends start planting doubts that their close friendship is stopping them from finding true love, Jasmine comes up with a plan for them to start dating other people. What she doesn't expect is the surprising jealousy and confusion she feels watching Darren fall for someone new.
After years of unrequited pining, could Darren finally have a chance at winning over the girl he's always loved? He's willing to sacrifice his own happiness to make sure Jasmine ends up with the perfect guy. But his plan backfires when playing matchmaker leads Jasmine into the arms of another man.
Now, these childhood best friends will have to overcome misunderstandings, meddling relatives, and competing love interests to fight for the fairy tale ending they both deserve. Because true love that's meant to be won't be denied.
Wanting More, a retelling of the classic story Cyrano de Bergerac, is a curvy girl, friends-to-lovers sweet romance within A Kimbell Texas Sweet Romances—a series of stand-alone novels that celebrate diverse characters, explore unforgettable challenges, and guarantee a satisfying happily-ever-after.
Dr. Jasmine Jones and ex-pro football player Darren Manning have been best friends their whole lives. But when family and friends start planting doubts that their close friendship is stopping them from finding true love, Jasmine comes up with a plan for them to start dating other people. What she doesn't expect is the surprising jealousy and confusion she feels watching Darren fall for someone new.
After years of unrequited pining, could Darren finally have a chance at winning over the girl he's always loved? He's willing to sacrifice his own happiness to make sure Jasmine ends up with the perfect guy. But his plan backfires when playing matchmaker leads Jasmine into the arms of another man.
Now, these childhood best friends will have to overcome misunderstandings, meddling relatives, and competing love interests to fight for the fairy tale ending they both deserve. Because true love that's meant to be won't be denied.
Wanting More, a retelling of the classic story Cyrano de Bergerac, is a curvy girl, friends-to-lovers sweet romance within A Kimbell Texas Sweet Romances—a series of stand-alone novels that celebrate diverse characters, explore unforgettable challenges, and guarantee a satisfying happily-ever-after.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2023
909 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 5, 2024
I enjoyed this book about a romance between two unlikely people – one a former professional athlete who happens to be white, and the other a doctor, who is Black, and (by the world standards) slightly overweight. Most romance books that I pick up don’t portray women falling in love unless they are under 25 or the size of a supermodel. This was refreshing.
January 18, 2024
I randomly got this book recommended to me by someone who doesn’t really read, but knows I do, so I went in with no real expectations. It was a cute, fast, and easy read. I realize it’s been a while since I’ve read “sweet” romance, and I had a fun time with it.
There’s a lot I struggled with in this book. I once again realize first person is a struggle for me but some (this one, specifically the male POV) are better for me to stomach than others. I hate an MC with little self confidence, especially someone over late twenties! There was a little bit of shamey vibes in this book which were annoying to get through and I felt like some of the extra characters definitely felt extra, but I think I would’ve been excited to see them had this not been my first book in the series.
There’s a lot I struggled with in this book. I once again realize first person is a struggle for me but some (this one, specifically the male POV) are better for me to stomach than others. I hate an MC with little self confidence, especially someone over late twenties! There was a little bit of shamey vibes in this book which were annoying to get through and I felt like some of the extra characters definitely felt extra, but I think I would’ve been excited to see them had this not been my first book in the series.
September 22, 2025
2.50 Stars. (BW/WM). Kindle Edition 294 page e-book at $4.99.
SETTING: 21st Century mythical Kimbell, Texas.
TROPE: Childhood friends to adult lovers. pseudo unrequited love. over weight bashing.
MAIN CHARACTERS:
1. Dr. Jasmine Jones, female lead, is a single, pretty, size 18 ,thirty-ish surgeon who is insecure because of her weight and failure to maintain a loving romantic relationship.
2. Darren Manning, male lead, is a single, handsome, wealthy, thirty-ish former pro football star currently a volunteer at the fire station and an administrator at his foundation for disabled and disadvantaged children, The Manning Foundation.
3. Darren's friends and firefighters Wiley, Zaire and Roman.
4. Cassidy Darren's ex-girl friend.
5. Mirielle is trying to weasel her way into a romantic relationship with Darren.
6. Lisa and Mary are Jasmine well meaning meddling aunts.
7. Evelyn is Jasmine's good friend and confidant.
8. Hendrix is Jasmine's brother.
9. Troy Renault is the jerk Jasmine briefly dated.
10. Idris Gibson is the nice shy Darren aided in dating Jasmine.
The mechanics of the author's writing is good; however, as a story portraying mature adults, it is a miss for me. I am drawn to friends/ enemies to lovers stores regardless of the age, race or weight of the characters. This story made weight an issue for the lead female character which I found off putting... the constant references by her family to her being big and that being a cause for her failure in romantic relationships the other being her friendship with Darren. My second pet peeve is the communication failure, the failure to portray the friendship and not just tell the reader about it. This story didn't show friendship chemistry and romantic chemistry lost to the childish behavior of thirty-year-olds.
SETTING: 21st Century mythical Kimbell, Texas.
TROPE: Childhood friends to adult lovers. pseudo unrequited love. over weight bashing.
MAIN CHARACTERS:
1. Dr. Jasmine Jones, female lead, is a single, pretty, size 18 ,thirty-ish surgeon who is insecure because of her weight and failure to maintain a loving romantic relationship.
2. Darren Manning, male lead, is a single, handsome, wealthy, thirty-ish former pro football star currently a volunteer at the fire station and an administrator at his foundation for disabled and disadvantaged children, The Manning Foundation.
3. Darren's friends and firefighters Wiley, Zaire and Roman.
4. Cassidy Darren's ex-girl friend.
5. Mirielle is trying to weasel her way into a romantic relationship with Darren.
6. Lisa and Mary are Jasmine well meaning meddling aunts.
7. Evelyn is Jasmine's good friend and confidant.
8. Hendrix is Jasmine's brother.
9. Troy Renault is the jerk Jasmine briefly dated.
10. Idris Gibson is the nice shy Darren aided in dating Jasmine.
The mechanics of the author's writing is good; however, as a story portraying mature adults, it is a miss for me. I am drawn to friends/ enemies to lovers stores regardless of the age, race or weight of the characters. This story made weight an issue for the lead female character which I found off putting... the constant references by her family to her being big and that being a cause for her failure in romantic relationships the other being her friendship with Darren. My second pet peeve is the communication failure, the failure to portray the friendship and not just tell the reader about it. This story didn't show friendship chemistry and romantic chemistry lost to the childish behavior of thirty-year-olds.
December 11, 2024
Sweet romance
This story was entertaining and had a few twists to keep the reader engaged. I liked the mom and the aunties. I also enjoyed how the brother and cousins' characters were developed. While Jasmine was a brilliant doctor, I had a difficult time liking her in this book. She seemed so oblivious. I liked that she had standards, was straightforward and listened to her family. It was really back and forth on my feelings about her being a likeable character. I really enjoyed the last few chapters of the book. Overall the book was well written and not explicit in terms of intimacy. Very good.
This story was entertaining and had a few twists to keep the reader engaged. I liked the mom and the aunties. I also enjoyed how the brother and cousins' characters were developed. While Jasmine was a brilliant doctor, I had a difficult time liking her in this book. She seemed so oblivious. I liked that she had standards, was straightforward and listened to her family. It was really back and forth on my feelings about her being a likeable character. I really enjoyed the last few chapters of the book. Overall the book was well written and not explicit in terms of intimacy. Very good.
November 10, 2024
Literally ready this in a couple of hours, couldn’t put it down I loved it so much. I love the trope of this story and the main characters and their love story but I wish it had spice. I’m assuming all the books in this series will be love stories and not spicy books but I’m still going to read and enjoy them.
October 3, 2023
Wanting More
Best Friends to lovers at least that is Darren’s hope. Darren and Jasamine have been best friends since childhood. Darren has dated many women and even had a really serious relationship. Jasmine is the beautiful curvy best friend that has only had 1 serious relationship. New Year’s Eve Darren decides he is going to be brave enough and tell Jasmine he loves her and wants to see if they can have a relationship. Jasmine is spending New Year’s Eve with her mother and aunts and they convince Jasmine that she and Darren spend too much time together and reason why she isn’t in a relationship. Jasmine states her career as the ER doctor takes up all her time and she loves spending time with her best friend. Jasmine eventually decides maybe her mother and aunts are correct so comes up with a New Year’s plan that she and Darren need to start dating so she insists they find people to go out on dates and check in weekly. The dating and misunderstandings that happen creates some laughs but once Jasmine realizes she is in love with Darren will she be too late to get her HEA? Darren and Jasmine are a great couple and a great addition to the Kimbell Texas series.
I was given an ARC copy of this book.
Best Friends to lovers at least that is Darren’s hope. Darren and Jasamine have been best friends since childhood. Darren has dated many women and even had a really serious relationship. Jasmine is the beautiful curvy best friend that has only had 1 serious relationship. New Year’s Eve Darren decides he is going to be brave enough and tell Jasmine he loves her and wants to see if they can have a relationship. Jasmine is spending New Year’s Eve with her mother and aunts and they convince Jasmine that she and Darren spend too much time together and reason why she isn’t in a relationship. Jasmine states her career as the ER doctor takes up all her time and she loves spending time with her best friend. Jasmine eventually decides maybe her mother and aunts are correct so comes up with a New Year’s plan that she and Darren need to start dating so she insists they find people to go out on dates and check in weekly. The dating and misunderstandings that happen creates some laughs but once Jasmine realizes she is in love with Darren will she be too late to get her HEA? Darren and Jasmine are a great couple and a great addition to the Kimbell Texas series.
I was given an ARC copy of this book.
October 20, 2024
Cute!
This was a cute love story, but I can't believe it took them 50 chapters to be honest about their feelings.
I love the relationship between Darren and Jasmine. He was the perfect boy "friend" and she was kind of written as the angry black woman (which I wasn't a huge fan of)...however, she was nevertheless a faithful and loving friend.
While the storyline was cute, I think this book could've benefited from more editing.
All in all, it was a quick, fun read, but I'm not in any rush to pick up the rest of the series.
This was a cute love story, but I can't believe it took them 50 chapters to be honest about their feelings.
I love the relationship between Darren and Jasmine. He was the perfect boy "friend" and she was kind of written as the angry black woman (which I wasn't a huge fan of)...however, she was nevertheless a faithful and loving friend.
While the storyline was cute, I think this book could've benefited from more editing.
All in all, it was a quick, fun read, but I'm not in any rush to pick up the rest of the series.
October 14, 2023
cute and frustrating in all the best ways
I loved reading about the good Dr. Jas & Darren! Their story had me ready to swing on them both multiple times, and I will definitely read again it was so cute! I love reading about girls who look like me finding love, ESPECIALLY when her size and big personality aren’t a punchline.
I look forward to reading about who else in Kimbell finds love🖤
I loved reading about the good Dr. Jas & Darren! Their story had me ready to swing on them both multiple times, and I will definitely read again it was so cute! I love reading about girls who look like me finding love, ESPECIALLY when her size and big personality aren’t a punchline.
I look forward to reading about who else in Kimbell finds love🖤
October 19, 2023
Jasmine and Darren - Finally
Riveting! What a sweet love story…for all of their lives, well since they were in grade school and she defended him against bullies that had taken his crutches.
They’ve tried relationships with others but they never worked out. Why? They realized, on one Valentine’s Day, that there would NEVER be anyone else for them and they stood in a long line, in Vegas, and tied their lives together forever.
Riveting! What a sweet love story…for all of their lives, well since they were in grade school and she defended him against bullies that had taken his crutches.
They’ve tried relationships with others but they never worked out. Why? They realized, on one Valentine’s Day, that there would NEVER be anyone else for them and they stood in a long line, in Vegas, and tied their lives together forever.
October 20, 2023
Drawn Out
There was just so much. The frustrations of not communicating, scheming, and playing match maker were all a bit much to me. I found myself annoyed while reading several times.
I didn't care for all of the randomness to get to the actual point. AND, on top of that we have to wait until the last handful of pages in the book for a piece of understanding. It's not my cup of tea.
There was just so much. The frustrations of not communicating, scheming, and playing match maker were all a bit much to me. I found myself annoyed while reading several times.
I didn't care for all of the randomness to get to the actual point. AND, on top of that we have to wait until the last handful of pages in the book for a piece of understanding. It's not my cup of tea.
December 9, 2023
Loved it
I loved the characters and hated them all at the same time. I was so upset that they kept sabotaging their relationship, but at the same time they thought they were helping the other to move on and the mother and aunts, devious, but I loved them. They were just trying to open them up and show them that they were each other's 'person' and it took some getting there.
Have to read the rest of the series, loved this hands down.
I loved the characters and hated them all at the same time. I was so upset that they kept sabotaging their relationship, but at the same time they thought they were helping the other to move on and the mother and aunts, devious, but I loved them. They were just trying to open them up and show them that they were each other's 'person' and it took some getting there.
Have to read the rest of the series, loved this hands down.
January 20, 2024
Drawn Out
I really wanted to like this book, but the main characters really irritated me with their stubbornness to just be honest with each other. I loved their friendship, but I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if their romantic relationship had developed earlier and been more of the focus. I'm not even interested in reading any prior or following books with this series.
I really wanted to like this book, but the main characters really irritated me with their stubbornness to just be honest with each other. I loved their friendship, but I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if their romantic relationship had developed earlier and been more of the focus. I'm not even interested in reading any prior or following books with this series.
May 20, 2024
Besties to lovers
Jasmine and Darren have been best friends since first grade. Though Darren professes his love to Jasmine she thinks they should find love with other people thanks to several well meaning but misguided relatives and friends. It was unfortunate that others were hurt before these two finally admitted their feelings of love to one another but they couldn’t fight the love that had been there all the time between them.
Jasmine and Darren have been best friends since first grade. Though Darren professes his love to Jasmine she thinks they should find love with other people thanks to several well meaning but misguided relatives and friends. It was unfortunate that others were hurt before these two finally admitted their feelings of love to one another but they couldn’t fight the love that had been there all the time between them.
June 4, 2024
Neurotypicals Are Hilarious
Oh the Patriarchial Parables.
They are so cute.
Its weird reading people date others but talk to themselves about being "in love" with someone else.
How infantile.
Having her watch him date other people but "in love" with her.
Its kinda funny.
Its those stories where pick me women pretend like love is an intense feeling that causes fear and deregulation.
Neurotypicals and their angst.
Oh the Patriarchial Parables.
They are so cute.
Its weird reading people date others but talk to themselves about being "in love" with someone else.
How infantile.
Having her watch him date other people but "in love" with her.
Its kinda funny.
Its those stories where pick me women pretend like love is an intense feeling that causes fear and deregulation.
Neurotypicals and their angst.
November 6, 2025
Couldn’t get enough….
I read all the books in this series, but not in order. I must say that Jasmine and Darren’s story was my ultimate favorite because I can relate to Jasmine’s personality. My own daughter’s antics when she was 4 years old made Mya and Ronan’s story a favorite second. I could imagine the settings as well as the feelings of the characters. It really did leave me wanting to hear more about their lives. Looking forward to the next “love stories”.
I read all the books in this series, but not in order. I must say that Jasmine and Darren’s story was my ultimate favorite because I can relate to Jasmine’s personality. My own daughter’s antics when she was 4 years old made Mya and Ronan’s story a favorite second. I could imagine the settings as well as the feelings of the characters. It really did leave me wanting to hear more about their lives. Looking forward to the next “love stories”.
October 1, 2023
Jas and Darren
I absolutely loved this story. From the friendships to the Hea, this story had it all. What I really loved is that while I am a sucker for a good sexy scene, this story was amazing with out one. I loved the focus on the friendship and the there all along aspect of the story. Beautifully told
I absolutely loved this story. From the friendships to the Hea, this story had it all. What I really loved is that while I am a sucker for a good sexy scene, this story was amazing with out one. I loved the focus on the friendship and the there all along aspect of the story. Beautifully told
January 18, 2024
Just a Hallmark movie
Okay, sooo, it's not what I was expecting. It's a nice story, but not there's no passion or spice. It's basically a Hallmark movie. Very G rated.
It's okay if that's what you like. I will say, I'm not a fan of the constant use of "Boy" when Jasmine talks.
It's a cute story, but yeah. Don't plan to read anymore by this author.
Okay, sooo, it's not what I was expecting. It's a nice story, but not there's no passion or spice. It's basically a Hallmark movie. Very G rated.
It's okay if that's what you like. I will say, I'm not a fan of the constant use of "Boy" when Jasmine talks.
It's a cute story, but yeah. Don't plan to read anymore by this author.
January 23, 2024
I enjoyed this story alot
I typically don't read straight up romance, but it was recommended by a friend and now I'm probably going to read the next one. Jasmin and Darren are exactly the kind of folks I enjoy seeing navigating their way to and from each other. HEA endings are sometimes worth it.
I typically don't read straight up romance, but it was recommended by a friend and now I'm probably going to read the next one. Jasmin and Darren are exactly the kind of folks I enjoy seeing navigating their way to and from each other. HEA endings are sometimes worth it.
February 1, 2024
Wanting More (Kimbell Texas Sweet Romance)
This was a merry go round of a story Darren Manning and Jasmine Jones had been friends from the day they met as children. That friendship turned to love which they chose to ignore trying to hold on to the friendship. But what is love without it.
This was a merry go round of a story Darren Manning and Jasmine Jones had been friends from the day they met as children. That friendship turned to love which they chose to ignore trying to hold on to the friendship. But what is love without it.
February 4, 2024
Wanting More
I enjoyed reading the love story of Darren and Jasmine. Their story began as best friends and developed into true love. This book contains intrigue, drama, lies, betrayal, hope, Faith, dreams, and allowing love to prevail. I will recommend this novel to everyone I know!!!!!!!
I enjoyed reading the love story of Darren and Jasmine. Their story began as best friends and developed into true love. This book contains intrigue, drama, lies, betrayal, hope, Faith, dreams, and allowing love to prevail. I will recommend this novel to everyone I know!!!!!!!
April 22, 2025
Sweet
This is my first read by Ms. Vane. I enjoyed Jasmine and Darren's love story. As a product of a small town, these stories are dear to my heart. I think I have found a new author to enjoy. I must agree with the person who recommended Wanting More. Their love story is beautifully written.
This is my first read by Ms. Vane. I enjoyed Jasmine and Darren's love story. As a product of a small town, these stories are dear to my heart. I think I have found a new author to enjoy. I must agree with the person who recommended Wanting More. Their love story is beautifully written.
June 18, 2025
3.5 because I’m not in a rush to read more from the author. It was a hallmark special. I liked it. The editor did their job, no distracting grammar or plot holes. Read it in a day. Even though I like things with a bit more smut it still kept me intrigued. the HEA comes at the very very end. Wish there was an epilogue.
October 21, 2023
Darren and Jasmine
Overall this was a good read. It had be flustered at times thinking it was never going to happen. When everyone could see it but them. I’m so happy it ended as it did.
Overall this was a good read. It had be flustered at times thinking it was never going to happen. When everyone could see it but them. I’m so happy it ended as it did.
November 11, 2023
My First, but not last
Vane’s writing is expressive, sassy, and enticing. Darren and Dr. Jas’ love story was shared beautifully and I can read it over and over again. Kudos to Vane! I look forward to reading more from this fantastic author.
Vane’s writing is expressive, sassy, and enticing. Darren and Dr. Jas’ love story was shared beautifully and I can read it over and over again. Kudos to Vane! I look forward to reading more from this fantastic author.
December 31, 2023
Such an amazing read
This story totally held my attention from cover to cover. It had me going through the emotions with the MCs and in the beginning had me cursing the ol lady gang until the end...
This story totally held my attention from cover to cover. It had me going through the emotions with the MCs and in the beginning had me cursing the ol lady gang until the end...
January 4, 2024
nice sweet story
I really enjoyed the book. I liked the relationship between the two characters. It was well written. It was an easy flow. The only thing I think I didn’t like was some of names of a few characters, lol.
I really enjoyed the book. I liked the relationship between the two characters. It was well written. It was an easy flow. The only thing I think I didn’t like was some of names of a few characters, lol.
January 21, 2024
Cute Quick Read
A good story about friendship and love. If you like an adventure it's a story that has you waiting to get to the next chapter to see how things turn out. Finished in about a day, I found myself wanting to continue the story every chance I had.
A good story about friendship and love. If you like an adventure it's a story that has you waiting to get to the next chapter to see how things turn out. Finished in about a day, I found myself wanting to continue the story every chance I had.
January 30, 2024
Best Read Ever!
Liked the flow. Loved the main characters. Supporting characters were good. I imagine stories about the others. Glad I picked this. Would have enjoyed a recorded option also.
Liked the flow. Loved the main characters. Supporting characters were good. I imagine stories about the others. Glad I picked this. Would have enjoyed a recorded option also.
April 13, 2024
Nice Story
I liked the initial set up of the story but it was the slowest of all slowburns. The main characters don't admit their feelings for each other until the very last chapter. 50 chapters of waiting and no steam afterwards.
I liked the initial set up of the story but it was the slowest of all slowburns. The main characters don't admit their feelings for each other until the very last chapter. 50 chapters of waiting and no steam afterwards.
June 30, 2024
Suspenseful! Who is going to get the girl, and who is going to win the heart of the guy? Can best friends Dr. Jasmine Jones, and former NFL player Darren Manning be the perfect love match. Dispute their interest as friends since childhood, nothing more has ever entered their minds.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews