What I Want

by Jean Isabella

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2026

About the author

Jean Isabella is a contemporary Black romance author from South Louisiana. She writes grown, sensual Black love stories about women who know themselves, men who love with intention, and relationships with real heat, real emotion, and no interest in being surface-level. Her work is for readers who want romance that feels adult, sexy, grounded, and real.

Reviews

[Katrina “Coach K.Will” Williams]

Haven is my type of woman! She knows exactly what she wants and expects, and she makes that clear to Phillip from the beginning. I especially loved Phillip’s patience when Haven questioned whether his attraction to her as a big woman was genuine—or if she was merely a fetish or a phase for him. His response in the museum was unexpectedly flawless. That man is smooth. Butta, baby!

Then Chapter 15 happened! I definitely wasn’t expecting that twist, but it fit the story perfectly. I especially appreciated how the author planted the seed for it earlier through Haven’s conversation with Fal. The setup was subtle enough not to give anything away, but clear enough to make the reveal feel earned. Well done!

And the spice? It went above and beyond—especially that final scene. The passion, control, submission, and desire all worked together without ever feeling excessive or disconnected from the love story.

I honestly expected the book to end with Haven and Phillip married, but I loved the direction the author chose instead. The ending felt intentional, satisfying, and true to their journey. The lessons included in the “Just Wanted You to Know” section were the chef’s kiss. This book manages to pack powerful messages about love, confidence, communication, and self-worth into a beautiful romance—and now I need more of The Counselor and Domina!

The “These Authors Deserve More Eyes” section genuinely made my eyes water. My mouth was hanging open for a full minute before I even realized it. That moment meant more than I can adequately express.

From a technical standpoint, this was also an incredibly clean read. I can’t recall a single editing issue that pulled me out of the story.

It was a sincere pleasure to ARC read this book. Now I only have one question: Do we get more of Chi Chi? Because I would absolutely read his story!

[Yvonne Long]

I was given this book as an ARC reader.

First let me just say I have read EVERYTHING Ms. Isabella has written and I LOVE them all.

Now on to this book it did not disappoint, this is a grown folks love story!!!

I loved both the FMC and the MMC, now I am not going to lie the FMC in the beginning was a little strong for me but once you get to know her story it made sense, I believe she was doing what a lot of us women of a certain age due to protect our heart.

Loved the MMC he was genuine and definitely up to the challenge of this FMC. Now this book does have a twist at the end, and I will not spoil it but DAMNIT , all of them once you read the book you will know what and who I'm talking about.

If you are looking for a real grown and sexy love story, between 2 people who knew what they want along with a FMC who is a Dominant this is the book for you. You will not be disappointed!

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!

[Octavia]

I got to read this book as an ARC and I definitely recommend it! Our FMC, Haven, was such a badass. She had Phillip completely captivated even before they met in person. I really loved how he took his time to pursue her the right way; nothing felt rushed because she made it clear he needed to "come correct or don't come at all." And the spice? It was just right once they finally crossed that line. I loved every minute of it! As for Ava... *eye roll*... she was just completely crazy, for real! She didn’t have to treat Chikae like that!

[Danii Pooh]

6⭐️ and spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️

One thing I know about Jean she is going to drop a “WHAT THE HELL” when it comes to her books. I got the chance to ARC read this book and baby she did that. Is one scene in the book that I seen come? I’m going to give a little hint. It was the birthday party scene when her son arrive with that lady. I was so surprised none of them wanted to be her a$$. They handled that situation correctly. But to learn why she did what she did it was my blow 🤯. I love every book I read by Ms. Jean Isabella and I love this book also.

[Nirenza]

This was an ARC read for me, and I absolutely loved it! ❤️📚

I got to meet Isabella at a book event in New Orleans, and she was so nice! 🥰

Omg, this is the kind of romance I LOVE! Everything was so well-balanced—the perfect amount of spice for me, a dominant woman, a couple in their 40s, and a crazy character thrown into the mix. 👀🔥

Haven and Phillip are couple goals! I loved their dynamic and how everything came together.

Now, can we PLEASE get a Book 2?! Because I am not ready to let these two go! 😩📖❤️

I will be reading Isabella catalog.

[Elena B]

Thank you to Jean Isabella for the ARC opportunity.

Baby this is a GROWN BOOK! You hear me right? Just making sure. Not a ton of spice but just enough that it works perfectly. We have a Plus-Size FMC, which I adore mmkay!! And we have a grown man MMC who moves with intention. I enjoyed watching their story unfold and feelings develop.

And there is definitely a plot twist… then another plot twist. All I’m gonna say is someone needs to see the lady permanently bc crazy is not the word for how they were moving.

I enjoyed this story and I think you will as well!