What do you think?
Rate this book
The Haneys #2
Whatever You Need
In the second novel in award-winning author Barbara Longley's sweet and sexy Haneys series, an introverted electrician rewires a young widow's apartment—and attempts to mend her heart.
Painfully shy electrician Wyatt Haney is a pro at complex wiring jobs, but when it comes to women, he just can't seem to make a lasting connection. If he had even half the courage of the superhero he penned for his comic book series, he'd finally be able to talk to his beautiful neighbor, Kayla—and stop hiding behind a hoodie. When an electrical fire breaks out in Kayla's apartment, Wyatt comes to the rescue, sparking an attraction neither of them expected.
Kayla Malone has had enough surprises. First an unplanned pregnancy at eighteen, then losing her husband in war, and now a fire in her apartment. Thank God her hot neighbor has the skills to help. As Wyatt repairs Kayla's apartment and forges a relationship with her son, he also makes inroads to her heart. It's clear that Wyatt has fallen for Kayla, but is she willing to risk another heartbreak—or will she ignore the electricity between them and miss her happy ending?
Painfully shy electrician Wyatt Haney is a pro at complex wiring jobs, but when it comes to women, he just can't seem to make a lasting connection. If he had even half the courage of the superhero he penned for his comic book series, he'd finally be able to talk to his beautiful neighbor, Kayla—and stop hiding behind a hoodie. When an electrical fire breaks out in Kayla's apartment, Wyatt comes to the rescue, sparking an attraction neither of them expected.
Kayla Malone has had enough surprises. First an unplanned pregnancy at eighteen, then losing her husband in war, and now a fire in her apartment. Thank God her hot neighbor has the skills to help. As Wyatt repairs Kayla's apartment and forges a relationship with her son, he also makes inroads to her heart. It's clear that Wyatt has fallen for Kayla, but is she willing to risk another heartbreak—or will she ignore the electricity between them and miss her happy ending?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2017
640 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Longley
32 books556 followersBarbara Longley graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education/Human Relations, and holds a Master’s in Ed./SLD from the University of Minnesota. When the integration district where she taught dissolved in 2015, she transitioned into writing full time. Ms. Longley is listed on RWA’s Honor Roll of Bestselling Authors, and her books have garnered many awards, including a Maggie, the Holt Medallion, a National Readers’ Choice, two Heart of Excellence awards, a Bookseller’s Best award, and Diamond Award for reaching more than a million readers (2015). Ms. Longley creates memorable heroes and heroines who grow into their strength and go on to save the day.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
April 27, 2017
4 Hoodie Hero Stars
Mild Spoilers
Ever since I read the first book in The Haneys Series, What You Do To Me(Sam's book), and was introduced to Wyatt, the super shy, burn scarred brother of Sam, I have been longing for his story. I have a thing for scarred and damaged heroes. So when I seen Whatever You Need on Netgalley I did a little happy dance. I was already in love with Wyatt from his brother's book and I needed him to get his HEA.
Wyatt was absolutely amazing in this book. I fell in love with him all over again. He was super sweet, shy, playful, supportive, and very very sexy. The things he said and did had me swooning all over my kindle. His struggle with his shyness and his battle to push himself so he could get the woman he has wanted for a long time was adorable. The way he was with Kayla's son Brady was very cute too. At times he was like a big kid playing with Brady aka SuperKid. Kayla was great too. I liked her, and I understood how hurt she was from her past with her dead husband. I really didn't like how long it took for her to come around and make my Wyatt happy. I thought Kayla was smart, a great mom, sweet and very self-sufficient. I loved how supportive of Wyatt she was, how she encouraged him to take his hood down. Building him up. Letting him know that he was a sexy good looking man and that the scars were not that bad.
Now here is the reason I gave this book 4 Stars. Wyatt was this painfully super shy virgin, so I was expecting a realistic slightly awkward first time together, filled with some nervousness. Wrong! Wyatt, shy virgin Wyatt, went all sexpert, caveman beast mode on me and I just wasn't buying it. Here I was reading along happy as a lark then I read their first time making love, Wyatt's first time ever and it totally threw me off how amazing he was. I mean no shaking hands, no nerves, no problems with the condom, no fumbling, and he was an expect at oral and the deep stroke. It wasn't believable and it was kinda disappointing. I was looking forward to his shy self discovering the joys of love making and coming out of his shell not being an insta-beast. Other than that this book was great. What I love about Barbara Longley's books are they are feel good, lower angst, sweet reads. I really liked Sam, and Wyatt's sister and I'm looking forward to her book.
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
Mild Spoilers
Ever since I read the first book in The Haneys Series, What You Do To Me(Sam's book), and was introduced to Wyatt, the super shy, burn scarred brother of Sam, I have been longing for his story. I have a thing for scarred and damaged heroes. So when I seen Whatever You Need on Netgalley I did a little happy dance. I was already in love with Wyatt from his brother's book and I needed him to get his HEA.
Wyatt was absolutely amazing in this book. I fell in love with him all over again. He was super sweet, shy, playful, supportive, and very very sexy. The things he said and did had me swooning all over my kindle. His struggle with his shyness and his battle to push himself so he could get the woman he has wanted for a long time was adorable. The way he was with Kayla's son Brady was very cute too. At times he was like a big kid playing with Brady aka SuperKid. Kayla was great too. I liked her, and I understood how hurt she was from her past with her dead husband. I really didn't like how long it took for her to come around and make my Wyatt happy. I thought Kayla was smart, a great mom, sweet and very self-sufficient. I loved how supportive of Wyatt she was, how she encouraged him to take his hood down. Building him up. Letting him know that he was a sexy good looking man and that the scars were not that bad.
Now here is the reason I gave this book 4 Stars. Wyatt was this painfully super shy virgin, so I was expecting a realistic slightly awkward first time together, filled with some nervousness. Wrong! Wyatt, shy virgin Wyatt, went all sexpert, caveman beast mode on me and I just wasn't buying it. Here I was reading along happy as a lark then I read their first time making love, Wyatt's first time ever and it totally threw me off how amazing he was. I mean no shaking hands, no nerves, no problems with the condom, no fumbling, and he was an expect at oral and the deep stroke. It wasn't believable and it was kinda disappointing. I was looking forward to his shy self discovering the joys of love making and coming out of his shell not being an insta-beast. Other than that this book was great. What I love about Barbara Longley's books are they are feel good, lower angst, sweet reads. I really liked Sam, and Wyatt's sister and I'm looking forward to her book.
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
April 12, 2017
4 - "It took a fire to make it happen." Stars!
Whatever you Need, is the second book in The Haney’s series. This is the first book I have read by the author and it can absolutely be read as a standalone.
He was six foot two and twenty-five years old, yet he blushed like a little girl over just about everything. Worse, he mostly clammed up or mumbled when anyone he didn’t know spoke to him… It sucked to be him.
The blurb was 100% the reason I chose to read this book, I am always looking for a character to be a little different from the standard ones you generally get in your contemporary romances nowadays and Wyatt Haney ticked that box perfectly. Shy Hoodie Guy was adorable from the start to the end of this book, and was the main attraction for me, because I struggled to warm to Kayla and her ‘lead him along until I’m ready’ behavior for most of the book.
His mission – and he had chosen to accept it was to wear down her resistance.
Don’t get me wrong, I understood her issues, in fact the author went ot great lengths and on many occasions to ensure the reasons for her being gun-shy about relationships were fully covered, so much so that it got a little repetitive in the latter stages, especially when it was all then resolved by one specific outburst. This for part of the story, was a woman raising a child, whilst acting like on herself.
"No more avoiding."
But for all of the above gripes, I still really liked this book, the Haney family as a whole is a solid unit, Wyatt’s brother Sam has already had his story told in What You Do To Me; the first book (which I have already one-clicked from Amazon too read as soon as I can). Wyatt himself stole this story and made it what it was though, and I thank the author for giving us a dual POV so we were able to get in his head, and see exactly how certain things affected him as the story progressed.
"You’re like chocolate which happens to be my kryptonite…"
If you are looking for an easy going, predictable, sweet and PG-13 low-drama story then I think Whatever You Need sits proudly in that bracket, yes I had a few issues with Kayla’s characterization, but her son Brady made up for it, and Wyatt stole my heart and the show in general.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Whatever you Need, is the second book in The Haney’s series. This is the first book I have read by the author and it can absolutely be read as a standalone.
He was six foot two and twenty-five years old, yet he blushed like a little girl over just about everything. Worse, he mostly clammed up or mumbled when anyone he didn’t know spoke to him… It sucked to be him.
The blurb was 100% the reason I chose to read this book, I am always looking for a character to be a little different from the standard ones you generally get in your contemporary romances nowadays and Wyatt Haney ticked that box perfectly. Shy Hoodie Guy was adorable from the start to the end of this book, and was the main attraction for me, because I struggled to warm to Kayla and her ‘lead him along until I’m ready’ behavior for most of the book.
His mission – and he had chosen to accept it was to wear down her resistance.
Don’t get me wrong, I understood her issues, in fact the author went ot great lengths and on many occasions to ensure the reasons for her being gun-shy about relationships were fully covered, so much so that it got a little repetitive in the latter stages, especially when it was all then resolved by one specific outburst. This for part of the story, was a woman raising a child, whilst acting like on herself.
"No more avoiding."
But for all of the above gripes, I still really liked this book, the Haney family as a whole is a solid unit, Wyatt’s brother Sam has already had his story told in What You Do To Me; the first book (which I have already one-clicked from Amazon too read as soon as I can). Wyatt himself stole this story and made it what it was though, and I thank the author for giving us a dual POV so we were able to get in his head, and see exactly how certain things affected him as the story progressed.
"You’re like chocolate which happens to be my kryptonite…"
If you are looking for an easy going, predictable, sweet and PG-13 low-drama story then I think Whatever You Need sits proudly in that bracket, yes I had a few issues with Kayla’s characterization, but her son Brady made up for it, and Wyatt stole my heart and the show in general.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
April 7, 2017
This book was really sweet. The hero, Wyatt, has scars from a fire when he was a little boy. He's really shy and an introvert, he blushes a lot and doesn't know how to talk to women. Wyatt notices his new neighbor, Kayla, but is too shy to speak to her. Kayla is a 24 year old widowed single mom who is putting herself through school. Wyatt gets a chance to meet Kayla when her apartment catches on fire and he rescues everyone in the building. This book was a little slow at times but really sweet and it was nice to read about a unique, sweet and non-womanizing hero for a change.
October 19, 2018
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
This was really good! I listened to the first book in the series a few months ago and enjoyed it so I decided to give this second book a try. I ended up liking this book even more than the first one. I ended up listening to the entire book in just two days and hated to set it aside. I really had a fantastic time with this contemporary romance.
I loved the characters in this book. Wyatt was amazing. He was such a good guy who has been through a lot. He is a quiet man who writes comic books and works for his family's construction company. He has also had his eye on his neighbor ever since she moved to his building. Kayla is a widowed single mom. She spends her days going to school to become a dental hygienist and the rest of her time is focused on her son, Brady.
I knew right away that Wyatt and Kayla were going to be really good together. They had great chemistry and seemed to understand each other in a way that others didn't. Wyatt was fantastic with Kayla's son, Brady, and I thought that those interactions really helped to develop their relationship. I loved the fact that Brady played such an important role in the story and I loved seeing all three of them together.
Teri Clark Linden did a great job with the narration of this story. She handled a pretty diverse group of characters without any difficulty. I thought that her delivery added a lot of emotion to the story which was a big plus. I found it easy to listen to this book for hours at a time. I have listened to Teri Clark Linden a few times now and she is quickly making her way onto my list of favorite narrators.
I would highly recommend this book to contemporary romance fans. Wyatt was a fantastic Hero and I loved watching the relationship between him and Kayla develop. These were two people that deserved their happily ever after and it was just a joy to see everything come together. I am looking forward to reading more from this series in the future.
Initial Thoughts
I liked this book. Wyatt was such a good guy and I really wanted to see good things happen for him. Kayla and Brady were a perfect fit for him. The book was predictable at times but I found it completely charming. The narrator did a fantastic job with the story. I am glad I decided to give this one a try.
Book Source: Kindle Unlimited
This was really good! I listened to the first book in the series a few months ago and enjoyed it so I decided to give this second book a try. I ended up liking this book even more than the first one. I ended up listening to the entire book in just two days and hated to set it aside. I really had a fantastic time with this contemporary romance.
I loved the characters in this book. Wyatt was amazing. He was such a good guy who has been through a lot. He is a quiet man who writes comic books and works for his family's construction company. He has also had his eye on his neighbor ever since she moved to his building. Kayla is a widowed single mom. She spends her days going to school to become a dental hygienist and the rest of her time is focused on her son, Brady.
I knew right away that Wyatt and Kayla were going to be really good together. They had great chemistry and seemed to understand each other in a way that others didn't. Wyatt was fantastic with Kayla's son, Brady, and I thought that those interactions really helped to develop their relationship. I loved the fact that Brady played such an important role in the story and I loved seeing all three of them together.
Teri Clark Linden did a great job with the narration of this story. She handled a pretty diverse group of characters without any difficulty. I thought that her delivery added a lot of emotion to the story which was a big plus. I found it easy to listen to this book for hours at a time. I have listened to Teri Clark Linden a few times now and she is quickly making her way onto my list of favorite narrators.
I would highly recommend this book to contemporary romance fans. Wyatt was a fantastic Hero and I loved watching the relationship between him and Kayla develop. These were two people that deserved their happily ever after and it was just a joy to see everything come together. I am looking forward to reading more from this series in the future.
Initial Thoughts
I liked this book. Wyatt was such a good guy and I really wanted to see good things happen for him. Kayla and Brady were a perfect fit for him. The book was predictable at times but I found it completely charming. The narrator did a fantastic job with the story. I am glad I decided to give this one a try.
Book Source: Kindle Unlimited
April 20, 2017
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed Whatever You Need.
From the first page I was hooked, I loved how both characters were with each other and how their relationship developed.
Wyatt was such a sweetheart, he made this book for me.
This was a heartwarming and very romantic read.
Whatever You Need by Barbara Longley is the second book in The Haneys series, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them.
Get your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Whatever-You-N...
*Thank you to Montlake Romance via NetGalley for the advance copy*
I really enjoyed Whatever You Need.
From the first page I was hooked, I loved how both characters were with each other and how their relationship developed.
Wyatt was such a sweetheart, he made this book for me.
This was a heartwarming and very romantic read.
Whatever You Need by Barbara Longley is the second book in The Haneys series, each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them.
Get your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Whatever-You-N...
*Thank you to Montlake Romance via NetGalley for the advance copy*
October 16, 2017
This book was just ok. There was nothing bad about it, but it wasn't very memorable. I enjoyed the dual povs, the relatively low levels of angst, and the completely safe plot. And who wouldn't adore an H who isn't a manho? Just lovely. Unfortunately, there wasn't much going on and the plot was a little too simple.
July 22, 2018
I'm gonna keep this short and sweet and to the point.
I just loved this from start to finish. I was mostly smiles throughout this book.
I just love Wyatt! I was so entranced in this that I read it in less then a day.
it really turned my day around.
I just loved this from start to finish. I was mostly smiles throughout this book.
I just love Wyatt! I was so entranced in this that I read it in less then a day.
it really turned my day around.
April 5, 2017
Loved this!! Wyatt Haney is not your typical romance hero but he is just so lovable you can't help but fall for him. He's wickedly shy, compassionate, and kind. The characters in this entire series are down to earth and feel so very real. I really liked Kayla too. Life has been rough for her but she never gives up. She's a great mom to Brady and has given up everything for him. Now Wyatt just needs to get up the nerve to convince Kayla to take a chance on love with him.
Definitely a recommended read.
Definitely a recommended read.
October 13, 2017
This was a really cute book! If there had been an epilogue, it would've been a 5 star read!!
September 25, 2018
I think I went three months before I got a 4 star book last year. So imagine my surprise when I got into Whatever You Need and realized I was loving Kayla and Wyatt!
Wyatt was so, so great. He was smart, funny, thoughtful, creative... yeah, I dug him. Add his being shy without being beta and I was so hooked. The title is very fitting because he was there for Kayla, whatever and whenever. He loved her how ever she let him and he was great with Brady. Also, his blushing was too much. All he was missing was a pair of Clark Kent glasses.
Kayla was really relatable for me. She was cautious and yet she took risks in order to improve her and her son's lives. I liked how even when she was having a hard time with her feelings she was careful about how she dealt with Wyatt. She never knowingly hurt him and she actually talked to him about why she was gun shy. Her marriage had been a joke and her husband a complete jerk. I thought her wanting to go slow and put men on the back burner was smart. How was she supposed to know that hoodie guy from downstairs was perfect for her, lol?
I don't like single parent romance. I don't like ill behaved children, 5 year olds that speak/act like they are 18 and I don't like drama from the other parent. Thankfully, Brady was adorable, acted his age and affirmed the idea that Kayla was a great mom. Plus, this one had the perfect set up. Brad was dead and no one but his parents missed him. I think I could have been okay if Kayla had loved him but that was not the case. I wouldn't have read this had the shoe been on the other foot. Single dad's with virgins is a not ever for me.
My only knocks on the book were that the big misunderstanding from the beginning doesn't get resolved until a third of the way into the book and this was a slow burn. I usually like a slow burn but they aren't a couple until nearly 80% in the Kindle edition. Honestly, I would have preferred it if most of the stuff with his siblings and job happened off page.
I will skip book 1 (male lead is known for sleeping with most of the women who hire their company) and book 3 ( again, he is a no) but I will look for more from the author.
Wyatt was so, so great. He was smart, funny, thoughtful, creative... yeah, I dug him. Add his being shy without being beta and I was so hooked. The title is very fitting because he was there for Kayla, whatever and whenever. He loved her how ever she let him and he was great with Brady. Also, his blushing was too much. All he was missing was a pair of Clark Kent glasses.
Kayla was really relatable for me. She was cautious and yet she took risks in order to improve her and her son's lives. I liked how even when she was having a hard time with her feelings she was careful about how she dealt with Wyatt. She never knowingly hurt him and she actually talked to him about why she was gun shy. Her marriage had been a joke and her husband a complete jerk. I thought her wanting to go slow and put men on the back burner was smart. How was she supposed to know that hoodie guy from downstairs was perfect for her, lol?
I don't like single parent romance. I don't like ill behaved children, 5 year olds that speak/act like they are 18 and I don't like drama from the other parent. Thankfully, Brady was adorable, acted his age and affirmed the idea that Kayla was a great mom. Plus, this one had the perfect set up. Brad was dead and no one but his parents missed him. I think I could have been okay if Kayla had loved him but that was not the case. I wouldn't have read this had the shoe been on the other foot. Single dad's with virgins is a not ever for me.
My only knocks on the book were that the big misunderstanding from the beginning doesn't get resolved until a third of the way into the book and this was a slow burn. I usually like a slow burn but they aren't a couple until nearly 80% in the Kindle edition. Honestly, I would have preferred it if most of the stuff with his siblings and job happened off page.
I will skip book 1 (male lead is known for sleeping with most of the women who hire their company) and book 3 ( again, he is a no) but I will look for more from the author.
April 11, 2017
This is the second book in the series but my first. I definitely feel like I’m missing some pieces of Wyatt’s background without reading them in order.
Wyatt is a painfully shy (almost to the point of being a recluse), fire scarred, sweet, kind and caring 24 year old electrician in his family’s construction and handyman business. His character came across as very immature. On the side, he creates comic books, where he can get lost in his fantasy world.
Kayla Malone is a 24 year old widow with a 5 year old son. She got pregnant at 18 and both parents forced them to marry. Her husband immediately enlisted and left them both. He was unfaithful and emotionally abusive. After his death, she moves away from her hometown to start over. Because of her past, she doesn’t want to date, wants to try to get back lost time and start a career.
Wyatt has been watching Kayla and her son, Brady, from his window for quite some time. A fire in her apartment gives him the opportunity to actually meet her in person.
Spoilers!
This story was just too sugary for me and in spots unrealistic. He was just too perfect. He seemed to overcome many years of insecurities in a very short period of time. There is no way the sex was incredible the first time if he truly was a virgin. I don’t care how much research you’ve done or how great your imagination. And that whole “pack” thing he kept calling his family and then he, Kayla and Brady? Rolling my eyes. Saw the whole Denny thing coming.
I won’t be looking for any others in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided NetGalley.
Wyatt is a painfully shy (almost to the point of being a recluse), fire scarred, sweet, kind and caring 24 year old electrician in his family’s construction and handyman business. His character came across as very immature. On the side, he creates comic books, where he can get lost in his fantasy world.
Kayla Malone is a 24 year old widow with a 5 year old son. She got pregnant at 18 and both parents forced them to marry. Her husband immediately enlisted and left them both. He was unfaithful and emotionally abusive. After his death, she moves away from her hometown to start over. Because of her past, she doesn’t want to date, wants to try to get back lost time and start a career.
Wyatt has been watching Kayla and her son, Brady, from his window for quite some time. A fire in her apartment gives him the opportunity to actually meet her in person.
Spoilers!
This story was just too sugary for me and in spots unrealistic. He was just too perfect. He seemed to overcome many years of insecurities in a very short period of time. There is no way the sex was incredible the first time if he truly was a virgin. I don’t care how much research you’ve done or how great your imagination. And that whole “pack” thing he kept calling his family and then he, Kayla and Brady? Rolling my eyes. Saw the whole Denny thing coming.
I won’t be looking for any others in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided NetGalley.
July 2, 2017
I loved Wyatt. Who could not? Loved how he thought they were on dates when she did not have a clue. But I did not love Kayla. She was in denial for too long and I felt she took advantage of Wyatt. This was a very NA book but they should have been more mature. It was super sweet and very safe. Her sone was cute - especially with Wyatt. But it was just not right for me.
May 11, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake Romance for making an ARC available to me. I received a free copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
3.5 stars.
I wanted to love this book. Shy, scarred, beta-hero who draws comics?! I'm in 100% Wyatt is my ideal hero. Kayla was a fine heroine too. She has some hangups due to her ex, but she's not super damaged, and she is 100% standing on her own feet and raising her son very well. All things I admire. Bonus points for the kid not being annoying or acting totally age inappropriate. Brady was very much a normal, well adjusted 5 year old and I loved that.
So why only 3.5 stars when I love all the characters?
This book took me FOREVER to read. Nearly a month, not a good sign. It just never kept my interest. I couldn't seem to work up the care to keep reading. I liked Wyatt and Kayla, but the stakes never seemed high enough to really hold my interest. It was too cozy. Too detailed about the things I didn't care about (food preparation and details about his off site job) and not enough about the things I did care about (deeper emotions, reflection about his scars/shyness, sparks between them).
It has a very "day in the life" feeling to it, and that didn't work for me. Also the first chapter over explained Wyatt's shyness. Instead of letting us see it -letting his shyness and the insecurity his scars caused him unfold naturally - it was pretty forced. I think colored my views as I read the rest of the story. I was on guard for "tells" when I was desperate for "shows", because Wyatt is the kind of guy, I wanted to SEE and he remained a pretty blurry nice guy in a hoodie to me through the whole story. But I'm a Show Don't Tell snob :)
If you are in the mood for a cozy story about 2 fairly well adjusted people with some hang ups grow to love each other - then this one is for you.
3.5 stars.
I wanted to love this book. Shy, scarred, beta-hero who draws comics?! I'm in 100% Wyatt is my ideal hero. Kayla was a fine heroine too. She has some hangups due to her ex, but she's not super damaged, and she is 100% standing on her own feet and raising her son very well. All things I admire. Bonus points for the kid not being annoying or acting totally age inappropriate. Brady was very much a normal, well adjusted 5 year old and I loved that.
So why only 3.5 stars when I love all the characters?
This book took me FOREVER to read. Nearly a month, not a good sign. It just never kept my interest. I couldn't seem to work up the care to keep reading. I liked Wyatt and Kayla, but the stakes never seemed high enough to really hold my interest. It was too cozy. Too detailed about the things I didn't care about (food preparation and details about his off site job) and not enough about the things I did care about (deeper emotions, reflection about his scars/shyness, sparks between them).
It has a very "day in the life" feeling to it, and that didn't work for me. Also the first chapter over explained Wyatt's shyness. Instead of letting us see it -letting his shyness and the insecurity his scars caused him unfold naturally - it was pretty forced. I think colored my views as I read the rest of the story. I was on guard for "tells" when I was desperate for "shows", because Wyatt is the kind of guy, I wanted to SEE and he remained a pretty blurry nice guy in a hoodie to me through the whole story. But I'm a Show Don't Tell snob :)
If you are in the mood for a cozy story about 2 fairly well adjusted people with some hang ups grow to love each other - then this one is for you.
August 7, 2022
"Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review"
This book was a sheer delight! Wyatt Hanney is this beautifully written uber-shy and sexy hero and Kayla Malone is the single mom he has a crush on. This story tugged at my heart and I utterly fell in love with these characters, because they’re just great people, lovable and kind, strong yet insecure and imperfect. And when it comes to children’s characters, Brady, Kayla’s son, is in a class of its own.
I loved, loved the hero! He’s an electrician (besides having a creative hobby). His shyness gets better but never goes away and I was really impressed with the character development, showcasing that it was thoughtfully crafted by Barbara Longley. Of course, besides being shy, he’s also tender, solid, dependable, intelligent, witty and so on.
Kayla is also a great character, struggling to be independent, making a life for herself and her son, trying to fight her attraction to Wyatt… and lusting after him all the same. BAM!
I also liked that, since the moment they acknowledge their feelings, their fears and problems are only related to themselves and their own emotional baggages and not to external factors.
The plotline, dialogue, setting and the secondary characters are also great.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Montlake Romance, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
This book was a sheer delight! Wyatt Hanney is this beautifully written uber-shy and sexy hero and Kayla Malone is the single mom he has a crush on. This story tugged at my heart and I utterly fell in love with these characters, because they’re just great people, lovable and kind, strong yet insecure and imperfect. And when it comes to children’s characters, Brady, Kayla’s son, is in a class of its own.
I loved, loved the hero! He’s an electrician (besides having a creative hobby). His shyness gets better but never goes away and I was really impressed with the character development, showcasing that it was thoughtfully crafted by Barbara Longley. Of course, besides being shy, he’s also tender, solid, dependable, intelligent, witty and so on.
Kayla is also a great character, struggling to be independent, making a life for herself and her son, trying to fight her attraction to Wyatt… and lusting after him all the same. BAM!
I also liked that, since the moment they acknowledge their feelings, their fears and problems are only related to themselves and their own emotional baggages and not to external factors.
The plotline, dialogue, setting and the secondary characters are also great.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Montlake Romance, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
February 21, 2019
Only the gentle, tender care of this second Haney brother who thinks he'll have to settle for being alone with drawing his superhero comics and working the family business can be the real-life hero a young, widowed single mom needs just like this generous, friendly woman with a lot of love left to give when she finally takes a chance on being hurt again can make a painfully shy, burned scarred man feel like he's what she and her son need. Wyatt stole my heart right along with Kayla's.
Whaterver You Need is the second book in The Haneys series. It can be read standalone if the reader doesn't mind the mild connection to Sam's story in book one.
As I said, Wyatt is painfully shy- and I do mean the clinical kind who gets physically ill when his shyness is kicking in. He is well aware that others see him as awkward, hoodie guy who can't seem to string a sentence together and blushes like crazy. He lives in an older, rundown apartment building that drives him nuts because of all the building code violations he sees and reports to no avail. He'd move, but he loves the old building and he is crushing on the single mom living in the unit above his own. An electrical fire in her apartment is the catalyst he needs to meet her and her son. Now, if only he can get his tongue untied and he can get past the protective emotional barriers she puts up so she isn't hurt by another man.
Kayla was a teen mom and married her high school boyfriend. Neither of them wanted to be married. He was in the military when he died overseas leaving her alone with their son. She chose to make this a do-over moment. She's in school for dental hygienist and living in the city. She's got a no-man rule and wants to figure out her life before she tries that again. But, sweet wonderful Wyatt who is great with her son throws a monkey wrench into her man rules and life plan.
I spotted this one when Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books reviewed it. I was taken with her description of Wyatt and the romance between this pair. Plus, new to me author and narrator. I didn't start with book one, but chose to leap in with this one. Wyatt was incredible. A shy, virgin and scarred hero who is great with kids, a super handyman and electrician, loving family guy, and incredibly patient with Kayla and her issues caused by her past. She resisted for a long time. I get it. It was rough on her when she got pregnant and was with her first husband and his disapproving parents. She had a bad first experience that burned her on the inside worse than the fire that burned Wyatt on the outside. My impatience for her to get past it was because I knew they would be good for each other and good together. But, for all that, it was not an angsty story. They came together as an adorable little family without even realizing it as Wyatt worked in her apartment and around the building. She got him to go without his hood and he showed her that a second time could be amazing. They eventually come together and he lost his shyness when the clothes came off and the sexy time ensued.
Teri Clark Linden was a great narrator for this story. She did all the voices well and brought Whatever You Need into vivid life. She captured tone and did the alternating POVs between Wyatt and Kayla splendidly.
All in all, I found it engaging and heartwarming. I loved the Haney family and their friends. The average folks and salt of the earth feeling that worked well with the mostly sweet with some sparks contemporary romance. Definitely recommend!
Whaterver You Need is the second book in The Haneys series. It can be read standalone if the reader doesn't mind the mild connection to Sam's story in book one.
As I said, Wyatt is painfully shy- and I do mean the clinical kind who gets physically ill when his shyness is kicking in. He is well aware that others see him as awkward, hoodie guy who can't seem to string a sentence together and blushes like crazy. He lives in an older, rundown apartment building that drives him nuts because of all the building code violations he sees and reports to no avail. He'd move, but he loves the old building and he is crushing on the single mom living in the unit above his own. An electrical fire in her apartment is the catalyst he needs to meet her and her son. Now, if only he can get his tongue untied and he can get past the protective emotional barriers she puts up so she isn't hurt by another man.
Kayla was a teen mom and married her high school boyfriend. Neither of them wanted to be married. He was in the military when he died overseas leaving her alone with their son. She chose to make this a do-over moment. She's in school for dental hygienist and living in the city. She's got a no-man rule and wants to figure out her life before she tries that again. But, sweet wonderful Wyatt who is great with her son throws a monkey wrench into her man rules and life plan.
I spotted this one when Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books reviewed it. I was taken with her description of Wyatt and the romance between this pair. Plus, new to me author and narrator. I didn't start with book one, but chose to leap in with this one. Wyatt was incredible. A shy, virgin and scarred hero who is great with kids, a super handyman and electrician, loving family guy, and incredibly patient with Kayla and her issues caused by her past. She resisted for a long time. I get it. It was rough on her when she got pregnant and was with her first husband and his disapproving parents. She had a bad first experience that burned her on the inside worse than the fire that burned Wyatt on the outside. My impatience for her to get past it was because I knew they would be good for each other and good together. But, for all that, it was not an angsty story. They came together as an adorable little family without even realizing it as Wyatt worked in her apartment and around the building. She got him to go without his hood and he showed her that a second time could be amazing. They eventually come together and he lost his shyness when the clothes came off and the sexy time ensued.
Teri Clark Linden was a great narrator for this story. She did all the voices well and brought Whatever You Need into vivid life. She captured tone and did the alternating POVs between Wyatt and Kayla splendidly.
All in all, I found it engaging and heartwarming. I loved the Haney family and their friends. The average folks and salt of the earth feeling that worked well with the mostly sweet with some sparks contemporary romance. Definitely recommend!
March 21, 2017
I was thoroughly charmed by this one from the start. I loved shy Wyatt and his crush on his neighbor, loved how smitten he was. Kayla was great too, a harried single mother just living her life, one that has been full of hard knocks. Once the two of them actually started to talk I found myself laughing. Both were attracted, both a bit shy, and then there was Kayla not quite understanding a key fact. I loved how she found out and how that she talked about it to Wyatt right away. A great thing as it allowed Wyatt to make his move.
While I hated that Kayla was skittish and pushed Wyatt away, he managed to find a way stay in her life and keep her guessing, the perfect move to make. Yet it wasn't one that was contrived as Wyatt wasn't that kind of person. I loved seeing the two of them spend time together, along with Brady, getting closer and closer.
I even didn't mind the drama with the building as it caused Wyatt to be bold and do something. Just seeing Wyatt step out of his comfort zone was great, better was how receptive everyone was. The ending was perfect, so many happy things happening all at once.
While I hated that Kayla was skittish and pushed Wyatt away, he managed to find a way stay in her life and keep her guessing, the perfect move to make. Yet it wasn't one that was contrived as Wyatt wasn't that kind of person. I loved seeing the two of them spend time together, along with Brady, getting closer and closer.
I even didn't mind the drama with the building as it caused Wyatt to be bold and do something. Just seeing Wyatt step out of his comfort zone was great, better was how receptive everyone was. The ending was perfect, so many happy things happening all at once.
April 6, 2017
***5 ‘Superhero’ Stars***
The opening sentence was the hook, well, not even the full sentence just “Painfully shy electrician Wyatt Haney” was the hook. Why? I honestly don’t know, but I had the need to find out why he was shy and the journey he had to take to overcome his shyness and win the heart of the girl and I wasn’t disappointed. Whatever You Need was such a sweet swoon worthy story filled with heart, humor and good dose of that I didn’t want it end.
Wyatt. OMG. Talk about a sweet, swoony and just a little bit awkward (but not as much as you may think) man! Although he is shy he isn’t totally socially awkward, it’s more of a situational thing, and dear lord does it make him all kinds of adorable and smexy. He has a huge heart and a truly enjoys the simple things in life.
Kayla. This woman has been through the wringer and yet she perseveres. Her son, Brady, gives her the motivation to be more and give him the life he deserves, but she also has her own brand of determination to make life better for the both of them. She is compassionate and has a good heart, but the emotional scars she bears makes her draw lines in the sand that even she may not truly want to draw.
I couldn’t keep the smile off my face with these two. Ok, there were a few growly moments, but overall, I was absolutely smitten with Wyatt and Kayla. I loved how their friendship started and grew to being more, even when one side of the equation fought against it, because each step made them both stronger. Their interactions were fun and sweet and everything about their relationship felt natural and I loved where they ended up once they pushed past their own issues. And then there is Brady, who really was the linchpin in all of this. Had it not been for that sweet little boy neither of them would have truly seen who the other was beneath their walls.
Whatever You Need is my first read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The writing was engaging, the pacing good and the dual 3rd person POV done very well and though I didn’t read the first book in the series, I didn’t feel lost at all. All of the twist and turns were well done and I never felt as if anything was rushed, everything happened as it was supposed to happen. All of the characters were very well written and I adored Brady to death and I am looking forward to seeing what will happen next with Haney family!
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~
The opening sentence was the hook, well, not even the full sentence just “Painfully shy electrician Wyatt Haney” was the hook. Why? I honestly don’t know, but I had the need to find out why he was shy and the journey he had to take to overcome his shyness and win the heart of the girl and I wasn’t disappointed. Whatever You Need was such a sweet swoon worthy story filled with heart, humor and good dose of that I didn’t want it end.
Wyatt. OMG. Talk about a sweet, swoony and just a little bit awkward (but not as much as you may think) man! Although he is shy he isn’t totally socially awkward, it’s more of a situational thing, and dear lord does it make him all kinds of adorable and smexy. He has a huge heart and a truly enjoys the simple things in life.
Kayla. This woman has been through the wringer and yet she perseveres. Her son, Brady, gives her the motivation to be more and give him the life he deserves, but she also has her own brand of determination to make life better for the both of them. She is compassionate and has a good heart, but the emotional scars she bears makes her draw lines in the sand that even she may not truly want to draw.
I couldn’t keep the smile off my face with these two. Ok, there were a few growly moments, but overall, I was absolutely smitten with Wyatt and Kayla. I loved how their friendship started and grew to being more, even when one side of the equation fought against it, because each step made them both stronger. Their interactions were fun and sweet and everything about their relationship felt natural and I loved where they ended up once they pushed past their own issues. And then there is Brady, who really was the linchpin in all of this. Had it not been for that sweet little boy neither of them would have truly seen who the other was beneath their walls.
Whatever You Need is my first read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The writing was engaging, the pacing good and the dual 3rd person POV done very well and though I didn’t read the first book in the series, I didn’t feel lost at all. All of the twist and turns were well done and I never felt as if anything was rushed, everything happened as it was supposed to happen. All of the characters were very well written and I adored Brady to death and I am looking forward to seeing what will happen next with Haney family!
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley ~
April 8, 2017
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to my friend, who kindly recommened it....I love this one, very much!
I was getting really frustrated about not being able to find book, which would catch my interest, but then THIS!
I loved,LOVED shy, geeky Wyatt, even his name is awesome, he was kind, handsome and scarred in the same time, just perfect for me.
I have had hard times to find heroines, who would not annoy me because they are too perfect too whiny and Kayla was not, I liked her, she was , normal´´ woman, with normal body, cute son and crush on her neighbour.
The chemistry was there, but given Wyatt´s shyness, there was slow development, which I liked
Thank you Netgalley and Maria for this one, i highly recommend this one to all lovers of beta heroes who find happiness!
Thanks to my friend, who kindly recommened it....I love this one, very much!
I was getting really frustrated about not being able to find book, which would catch my interest, but then THIS!
I loved,LOVED shy, geeky Wyatt, even his name is awesome, he was kind, handsome and scarred in the same time, just perfect for me.
I have had hard times to find heroines, who would not annoy me because they are too perfect too whiny and Kayla was not, I liked her, she was , normal´´ woman, with normal body, cute son and crush on her neighbour.
The chemistry was there, but given Wyatt´s shyness, there was slow development, which I liked
Thank you Netgalley and Maria for this one, i highly recommend this one to all lovers of beta heroes who find happiness!
April 8, 2017
Whatever You Need (The Haneys #2) by Barbara Longley
5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Burn scars
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This is a super sweet story. Wyatt is painfully shy, but he's also a funny, talented and creative guy. He writes comic stories and when he fist sees his beautiful neighbor, he writes her in to the comic immediately.
Kayla is a single mom who's raising an amazing kiddo. When she's out at the laundry one weekend, there is a fire and her apartment is kind of ruined by smoke and some fire damage.
Wyatt is the hero as he gets everyone out of the building AND puts his family on the job to fix her apartment. While Kayla isn't sure if she's ready for a relationship, Wyatt knows that in order to win her over, he has to take things at her pace - show her that he's there for her without pushing her in to something she might not want.
This is developed slowly, with care and I love that the entire family is involved.
While it's a shorter story and I do wish that they had developed the relationship sooner, I did love all of the things that Wyatt and Kayla did for each other.
5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Burn scars
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This is a super sweet story. Wyatt is painfully shy, but he's also a funny, talented and creative guy. He writes comic stories and when he fist sees his beautiful neighbor, he writes her in to the comic immediately.
Kayla is a single mom who's raising an amazing kiddo. When she's out at the laundry one weekend, there is a fire and her apartment is kind of ruined by smoke and some fire damage.
Wyatt is the hero as he gets everyone out of the building AND puts his family on the job to fix her apartment. While Kayla isn't sure if she's ready for a relationship, Wyatt knows that in order to win her over, he has to take things at her pace - show her that he's there for her without pushing her in to something she might not want.
This is developed slowly, with care and I love that the entire family is involved.
While it's a shorter story and I do wish that they had developed the relationship sooner, I did love all of the things that Wyatt and Kayla did for each other.
August 1, 2025
Cute but it reads so fucking YA it was unbearable (as someone who DOES enjoy YA sometimes). No way the MCs were older than 13😵💫.
MMC - firefighter
FMC - nurse in progress
Neighbors
Awkward MMC
He had crush on her from afar
Sweet
Single Mom
MMC - firefighter
FMC - nurse in progress
Neighbors
Awkward MMC
He had crush on her from afar
Sweet
Single Mom
April 11, 2017
[I voluntarily reviewed this book after the author gifted me with it]
"How could he expect more with her if he couldn't be a friend first?"
Wyatt Hanley is a shy person. He's an electrician by trade, a professional on the job. However, he's never found the right "connection", especially with women. He hides his scars and his fears behind the hooded sweatshirts that keep him insulated from other people.
Kayla Malone, young, widowed mother of a young son,Brady, lives on the floor above his. He's attracted to her, but she's badly hurt from her husband's psychological abuse and angry about how he neglected both her and their son.
This story is about how they both overcome their fearful pasts and begin to mature in their lives. Motivated by attraction, each must move beyond those walls and trust their feelings.
I think, without a doubt, that this is one of the best contemporary romances I have read in years. Not driven by physicality, the intimacy is just part of the story, not built around it. The emotions ring true, the storyline is believable. You want to care for these two lost people as they find their way towards each other. Strongly recommended.5 stars
"How could he expect more with her if he couldn't be a friend first?"
Wyatt Hanley is a shy person. He's an electrician by trade, a professional on the job. However, he's never found the right "connection", especially with women. He hides his scars and his fears behind the hooded sweatshirts that keep him insulated from other people.
Kayla Malone, young, widowed mother of a young son,Brady, lives on the floor above his. He's attracted to her, but she's badly hurt from her husband's psychological abuse and angry about how he neglected both her and their son.
This story is about how they both overcome their fearful pasts and begin to mature in their lives. Motivated by attraction, each must move beyond those walls and trust their feelings.
I think, without a doubt, that this is one of the best contemporary romances I have read in years. Not driven by physicality, the intimacy is just part of the story, not built around it. The emotions ring true, the storyline is believable. You want to care for these two lost people as they find their way towards each other. Strongly recommended.5 stars
April 17, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the second in the series, but the first that I have read. It stood up well to being a standalone, but I plan on reading the first when I get a minute. Ms Longley is a new author to me, but no longer.
The story is very sweet and was the perfect read for a quiet evening. I loved that Wyatt was such a sensitive man, but absolutely stepped up to the task. He proved himself to be honest, faithful and so good. His interactions with Brady are supper cute, and Kayla never stood a chance. Being a party to their growing friendship and blossoming romance is a treat. And once Wyatt overcomes his shyness, he proves that all his learning works very well in practice too!
The Haney family features large in the story, and they are a good bunch, so I am looking forward to future installments of their stories.
This is the second in the series, but the first that I have read. It stood up well to being a standalone, but I plan on reading the first when I get a minute. Ms Longley is a new author to me, but no longer.
The story is very sweet and was the perfect read for a quiet evening. I loved that Wyatt was such a sensitive man, but absolutely stepped up to the task. He proved himself to be honest, faithful and so good. His interactions with Brady are supper cute, and Kayla never stood a chance. Being a party to their growing friendship and blossoming romance is a treat. And once Wyatt overcomes his shyness, he proves that all his learning works very well in practice too!
The Haney family features large in the story, and they are a good bunch, so I am looking forward to future installments of their stories.
July 27, 2017
4.5 out of 5
When I read the outline for this book it got all the checkmarks it needed
I'd read a number of this author's books before and enjoyed them
The hero is blue collar, give me a blue collar hero over white any day. I skip over if the hero is a billionaire but perk up if he does home repairs
The hero is very shy around women. I just adore this kind of hero.
I already 'knew' him from the previous book.
This is another one I read some time ago but I liked it even better than the first book and will be reading this one again I'm sure.
When I read the outline for this book it got all the checkmarks it needed
I'd read a number of this author's books before and enjoyed them
The hero is blue collar, give me a blue collar hero over white any day. I skip over if the hero is a billionaire but perk up if he does home repairs
The hero is very shy around women. I just adore this kind of hero.
I already 'knew' him from the previous book.
This is another one I read some time ago but I liked it even better than the first book and will be reading this one again I'm sure.
April 4, 2019
*3.5 Stars**
Two things I could've done without. First, her friend, neighbor, and fellow single mother, Mariah, stating that Wyatt, the Hero, is hot and if she wasn't already dating someone, she'd pursue him. Keep in mind she then mentions how into Kayla, the heroine, he is. So um, why say what she did? Lastly, she "purrs" about how nice Wyatt would look in a tux. Again, after commenting about him and Kayla, that its obvious he likes her, and Kayla should date him. Second, Wyatt has talked to his siblings, Sam and Josey about Kayla and made it obvious how much he likes her. He then later informs them, and this is after they saw him and Kayla kissing, that she said she can't date him, that she isn't ready yet. Josey then immediately asks if he wants her to set him up with one of his friends. How is that at all helpful when he's talking about caring about Kayla? She just ignores that he's obviously upset and tries to find someone else for him. Like his feelings for Kayla just instantly shut off. I found both that question and Mariah's words tacky and unnecessary.
Two things I could've done without. First, her friend, neighbor, and fellow single mother, Mariah, stating that Wyatt, the Hero, is hot and if she wasn't already dating someone, she'd pursue him. Keep in mind she then mentions how into Kayla, the heroine, he is. So um, why say what she did? Lastly, she "purrs" about how nice Wyatt would look in a tux. Again, after commenting about him and Kayla, that its obvious he likes her, and Kayla should date him. Second, Wyatt has talked to his siblings, Sam and Josey about Kayla and made it obvious how much he likes her. He then later informs them, and this is after they saw him and Kayla kissing, that she said she can't date him, that she isn't ready yet. Josey then immediately asks if he wants her to set him up with one of his friends. How is that at all helpful when he's talking about caring about Kayla? She just ignores that he's obviously upset and tries to find someone else for him. Like his feelings for Kayla just instantly shut off. I found both that question and Mariah's words tacky and unnecessary.
May 24, 2017
Disappointed
## Disappointed in this book. I had high hopes for this hero because for once he wasn't a player who had sex with anyone who was willing. But...he came off as more of a kid. He was kind and sweet. But...Sometimes I could swear he was 15. The heroine was very BLAH. No personality at all. She was polite but that's about it. The spark was definitely missing between these two. All in all, I found this book to be slow and a little too PG for my taste. Unless that's your thing, not worth the five bucks.
## Disappointed in this book. I had high hopes for this hero because for once he wasn't a player who had sex with anyone who was willing. But...he came off as more of a kid. He was kind and sweet. But...Sometimes I could swear he was 15. The heroine was very BLAH. No personality at all. She was polite but that's about it. The spark was definitely missing between these two. All in all, I found this book to be slow and a little too PG for my taste. Unless that's your thing, not worth the five bucks.
April 28, 2019
5/5 Sterne
Ein Handwerker zum Verlieben
The Haneys, Band 2
von Barbara Longley
Amazon Publishing Deutschland
„Ein weiterer gefühlvoller Roman über die Haney-Brüder aus der Feder von Bestsellerautorin Barbara Longley.
Der attraktive Wyatt Haney hätte nur zu gern den Mut, Nachbarin Kayla zu fragen, ob sie mit ihm ausgehen würde, aber seine Schüchternheit kommt ihm immer wieder in die Quere. Und so versteckt er sich lieber unter seiner Kapuze und hofft auf ein Wunder. Und Kayla? Die alleinerziehende junge Frau hat eigentlich keinen Platz in ihrem Leben für eine neue Beziehung, aber sie denkt trotzdem immer wieder an den stillen Mann im Erdgeschoss.
Erst ein Brand in Kaylas Küche bringt Bewegung in die Sache: Wyatt ruft die Feuerwehr und hilft, wo er kann, später besorgt Kayla Pizza für alle. Der heiße Nachbar, so stellt sich heraus, kann nicht nur Brände löschen, sondern auch wunderbar mit ihrem Sohn umgehen. Kayla ist hin und weg und eigentlich könnte alles so einfach sein, wenn Wyatt nicht jedes Mal vergessen würde, was er sagen wollte, wenn er sie ansieht ….“
Ich bedanke mich bei Netgalley und Amazon Publishing für das Rezensionsexemplar des Buches.
Schon im ersten Band der Reihe konnte man mit dem schüchternen und stillen Wyatt Bekanntschaft schließen und ich muss ganz ehrlich sagen, dass er mich sehr gereizt hat und mich angespornt hat mehr über ihn zu erfahren. Daher hat es mich riesig gefreut, dass ich die Chance bekam seine Geschichte zu lesen. Wyatt ist ein sehr sympathischer, liebenswerter und fürsorglicher Typ. Seine Familie geht ihm über alles, denn er liebt sie und steht zu ihnen wie sie auch zu ihm, wie eine eingeschworene, liebevolle Gemeinschaft. Seine heimliche Liebe und Schwärmerei zu Kayla ist einfach nur zuckersüß und niedlich. Durch seine Schüchternheit ist es schwer für ihn sich ihr anzunähern. Doch als er es endlich schafft, ist dies der Anfang seiner Entwicklung zu einem selbstbewussteren und selbstsicheren Mann. Kayla hat mir in ihrer Art auch sehr gefallen, in ihrer Angst vor erneuter Verletzung und ihrer Unsicherheit und Sorge um ihren Sohn. Das war etwas, das besonders Frauen sehr gut nachvollziehen können, denn für ihre Kinder sind sie Löwinnen. Ihr eigenes Herz und ihre Gefühle stellen sie oft hinten an, auch um sich selbst zu schützen. Für beide war es also ein Prozess den sie durchlaufen mussten um zu erkennen was es braucht um sich zu öffnen und sich selbst die Möglichkeit zu geben Liebe zu geben und zu bekommen. Zusammen war diese kleine Familie einfach nur göttlich süß und liebevoll. So wie man sich eine Bilderbuchfamilie vorstellt und wünscht. Ein Mann wie Wyatt, ist genau der Typ Mann, den sich wahrscheinlich jede Frau in ihrem Leben wünscht. Diese zarte und langsame Annäherung der Beiden zueinander und die Entwicklung der Beziehung, ist sehr authentisch und glaubwürdig in meinen Augen und daher kann ich dieser Geschichte einfach nur 5 Sterne geben. Auch die Nebencharaktere, sei es nun die Familie oder die Nachbarn im Haus, sind einfach toll gelungen und haben den Spaß am Lesen des Buches einfach nur noch vertieft. Durch den eingängigen und leichten Schreibstil war es ein schnelles und genussvolles Lesevergnügen. Ich kann das Buch jedem empfehlen, der schöne, sanfte und ehrliche Liebesromane liebt.
#newadult #liebesroman #belletristik #rezension #rezensionsexemplar #roman #bookstagram #barbaralongley #amazon #montlakeromance #bücher #bücherliebe #booklover #reading #bookadict #einhandwerkerzumverlieben #thehaneys #leseratte #bücherwurm #bookworm #bookaholic #lesen #lesenmachtglücklich #instabooks #booknerd #readingtime #ilovebooks #netgalley #netgalleyde #ichliebelesen #buchnerd #ichliebebücher
Ein Handwerker zum Verlieben
The Haneys, Band 2
von Barbara Longley
Amazon Publishing Deutschland
„Ein weiterer gefühlvoller Roman über die Haney-Brüder aus der Feder von Bestsellerautorin Barbara Longley.
Der attraktive Wyatt Haney hätte nur zu gern den Mut, Nachbarin Kayla zu fragen, ob sie mit ihm ausgehen würde, aber seine Schüchternheit kommt ihm immer wieder in die Quere. Und so versteckt er sich lieber unter seiner Kapuze und hofft auf ein Wunder. Und Kayla? Die alleinerziehende junge Frau hat eigentlich keinen Platz in ihrem Leben für eine neue Beziehung, aber sie denkt trotzdem immer wieder an den stillen Mann im Erdgeschoss.
Erst ein Brand in Kaylas Küche bringt Bewegung in die Sache: Wyatt ruft die Feuerwehr und hilft, wo er kann, später besorgt Kayla Pizza für alle. Der heiße Nachbar, so stellt sich heraus, kann nicht nur Brände löschen, sondern auch wunderbar mit ihrem Sohn umgehen. Kayla ist hin und weg und eigentlich könnte alles so einfach sein, wenn Wyatt nicht jedes Mal vergessen würde, was er sagen wollte, wenn er sie ansieht ….“
Ich bedanke mich bei Netgalley und Amazon Publishing für das Rezensionsexemplar des Buches.
Schon im ersten Band der Reihe konnte man mit dem schüchternen und stillen Wyatt Bekanntschaft schließen und ich muss ganz ehrlich sagen, dass er mich sehr gereizt hat und mich angespornt hat mehr über ihn zu erfahren. Daher hat es mich riesig gefreut, dass ich die Chance bekam seine Geschichte zu lesen. Wyatt ist ein sehr sympathischer, liebenswerter und fürsorglicher Typ. Seine Familie geht ihm über alles, denn er liebt sie und steht zu ihnen wie sie auch zu ihm, wie eine eingeschworene, liebevolle Gemeinschaft. Seine heimliche Liebe und Schwärmerei zu Kayla ist einfach nur zuckersüß und niedlich. Durch seine Schüchternheit ist es schwer für ihn sich ihr anzunähern. Doch als er es endlich schafft, ist dies der Anfang seiner Entwicklung zu einem selbstbewussteren und selbstsicheren Mann. Kayla hat mir in ihrer Art auch sehr gefallen, in ihrer Angst vor erneuter Verletzung und ihrer Unsicherheit und Sorge um ihren Sohn. Das war etwas, das besonders Frauen sehr gut nachvollziehen können, denn für ihre Kinder sind sie Löwinnen. Ihr eigenes Herz und ihre Gefühle stellen sie oft hinten an, auch um sich selbst zu schützen. Für beide war es also ein Prozess den sie durchlaufen mussten um zu erkennen was es braucht um sich zu öffnen und sich selbst die Möglichkeit zu geben Liebe zu geben und zu bekommen. Zusammen war diese kleine Familie einfach nur göttlich süß und liebevoll. So wie man sich eine Bilderbuchfamilie vorstellt und wünscht. Ein Mann wie Wyatt, ist genau der Typ Mann, den sich wahrscheinlich jede Frau in ihrem Leben wünscht. Diese zarte und langsame Annäherung der Beiden zueinander und die Entwicklung der Beziehung, ist sehr authentisch und glaubwürdig in meinen Augen und daher kann ich dieser Geschichte einfach nur 5 Sterne geben. Auch die Nebencharaktere, sei es nun die Familie oder die Nachbarn im Haus, sind einfach toll gelungen und haben den Spaß am Lesen des Buches einfach nur noch vertieft. Durch den eingängigen und leichten Schreibstil war es ein schnelles und genussvolles Lesevergnügen. Ich kann das Buch jedem empfehlen, der schöne, sanfte und ehrliche Liebesromane liebt.
#newadult #liebesroman #belletristik #rezension #rezensionsexemplar #roman #bookstagram #barbaralongley #amazon #montlakeromance #bücher #bücherliebe #booklover #reading #bookadict #einhandwerkerzumverlieben #thehaneys #leseratte #bücherwurm #bookworm #bookaholic #lesen #lesenmachtglücklich #instabooks #booknerd #readingtime #ilovebooks #netgalley #netgalleyde #ichliebelesen #buchnerd #ichliebebücher
March 17, 2019
A quick and sweet contemporary romance, Whatever You Need tells the story of Kayla, young single mom, and Wyatt, the shy neighbor who lives in the apartment below her. I picked this book based on Sophia Rose's review at Delighted Reader (she reviewed the audiobook; I read the Kindle edition). I enjoyed my few hours with Kayla and Wyatt and was glad to read a romance that presented real-life, everyday problems while still providing that happily-ever-after in the end.
Kayla and Wyatt have been neighbors for quite some time, but because of Wyatt's shyness and Kayla's busy life (she's raising a son and going to school), they don't meet until an electrical fire in Kayla's apartment leads Wyatt to take a chance and interact not only with Kayla but with all his neighbors.
One of the things I loved best about the novel was the way community played such an important role in the lives of both Kayla and Wyatt. Their family and friends were as important to them as their growing attraction for each other; I love a romance novel that recognizes that love comes in many forms, not just passion. I also thought author Barbara Longley did a fine job of presenting realistic (rather than melodramatic) challenges to Kayla and Wyatt's budding romance. Most of all, I loved that Wyatt was willing to wait on Kayla without pushing her or convincing her she was wrong -- and I was glad to see that Kayla could come to her own decision, not a decision forced upon her by seduction.
I had a few quibbles -- namely, I never fully bought that Wyatt was painfully shy. He was awkward around those outside his close family circle, yes. He had a tendency to blush often, true. But the shyness felt to me a bit like a contrivance created to provide some tension rather than a true internal struggle Wyatt had to overcome. And the happily ever after, while well deserved, was a little too happy (all problems solved by the end, which undermines the significance of the real-world problems the couple face in the beginning). Still, this book was the perfect weekend evening read for romance readers -- easily consumed in one or two sittings, yet substantive enough to be worth your time.
Kayla and Wyatt have been neighbors for quite some time, but because of Wyatt's shyness and Kayla's busy life (she's raising a son and going to school), they don't meet until an electrical fire in Kayla's apartment leads Wyatt to take a chance and interact not only with Kayla but with all his neighbors.
One of the things I loved best about the novel was the way community played such an important role in the lives of both Kayla and Wyatt. Their family and friends were as important to them as their growing attraction for each other; I love a romance novel that recognizes that love comes in many forms, not just passion. I also thought author Barbara Longley did a fine job of presenting realistic (rather than melodramatic) challenges to Kayla and Wyatt's budding romance. Most of all, I loved that Wyatt was willing to wait on Kayla without pushing her or convincing her she was wrong -- and I was glad to see that Kayla could come to her own decision, not a decision forced upon her by seduction.
I had a few quibbles -- namely, I never fully bought that Wyatt was painfully shy. He was awkward around those outside his close family circle, yes. He had a tendency to blush often, true. But the shyness felt to me a bit like a contrivance created to provide some tension rather than a true internal struggle Wyatt had to overcome. And the happily ever after, while well deserved, was a little too happy (all problems solved by the end, which undermines the significance of the real-world problems the couple face in the beginning). Still, this book was the perfect weekend evening read for romance readers -- easily consumed in one or two sittings, yet substantive enough to be worth your time.
March 24, 2017
Whatever You Need is the second book in the Haneys series but it completely stands alone and it *does not* end on a cliffhanger. While you don't have to read "What You Do To Me" (the first book of the series) to appreciate and enjoy this book, I highly recommend it. Not only because it is a great read, but because it gives insight into the Haney family's beautiful relationship and makes their interactions that much more special.
I loved this book. When I was reading this book and had to stop reading it to deal with real life, I found myself thinking about the characters and what was happening when I put the book down. To me, that's the sign of a great book. From the first time that he appeared in Whatever You Want, I knew that Wyatt would wind up being my favorite Haney sibling. Don't get me wrong, Sam and Jo are fabulous and I adore them, but Wyatt...I just knew that he was someone special, and this book was everything that I had wanted for him and more.
Something that Ms. Longley does so incredibly well is write characters who you just like from the start; characters that that are extremely Iikable, hard working, and very realistic, and Kayla Malone was no exception. I loved the fact that Kayla was a single mother (to a great kid) who was just trying to make her way in the world on her own. She wasn't a supermodel or debutante, she was working her way through school and struggling to balance everything. She's the kind of character that could be anybody – the kind of character that a reader could see themselves being friends with. She was also the perfect match for Wyatt. The way that she unashamedly loved her son Brady, and handled Wyatt's shyness with grace and kindness was so beautiful. I also loved the resolution with her former in-laws. I was a little wary about where the “overbearing religious parents” story line was going, but it was handled perfectly and left me with a smile on my face.
And then there's Wyatt. Even just typing his name makes me sigh happily, I like him that much. Wyatt is a blue collar, hard-working, artistic, sensitive, genuinely good guy who unconditionally loves his family (his “pack” - a term that made me smile when he used it) and he absolutely deserved every moment of his happily ever after. Wyatt's shyness is something that I could completely understand and that I identified with – as he became more self-confident, pushing himself out of his comfort zone, I found myself feeling a sense of pride for him. I also loved that he let Kayla see his vulnerability after their night together. I don't want to say any more than that, but that moment was so special that I couldn't help but want to hug him. Every time he took Kayla and Brady out to bond with them, I fell a little harder. I didn't even stand a chance.
The drama in this book is understated and extremely realistic - the kind of drama that could definitely happen in real life. While Kayla struggled with her admitting feelings for Wyatt and pushed him away at times and that was frustrating to me, there was never any breakage of trust (real or assumed) or anything over-the-top that made a reader question whether the main couple really should be together and I very much appreciated that.
I loved this book. I loved Wyatt and Kayla and Brady, the fact that Wyatt never gave up on his dream of expanding his pack, even when Kayla wasn't so sure. I loved the way that the 'drama' was handled, and the solution that was reached (and I'm wondering if there was some Jo foreshadowing in that).
If you enjoy books about two seriously good people who you will want to shove together with your hands from the first moment they speak, and about a beautiful family that you'll flat out fall in love with, you should read this book. This is a five star read.
I was lucky enough to receive and advanced copy of this book via the author and NetGalley and was under absolutely no obligation to write this review, I did so because it is a fabulous book.
I loved this book. When I was reading this book and had to stop reading it to deal with real life, I found myself thinking about the characters and what was happening when I put the book down. To me, that's the sign of a great book. From the first time that he appeared in Whatever You Want, I knew that Wyatt would wind up being my favorite Haney sibling. Don't get me wrong, Sam and Jo are fabulous and I adore them, but Wyatt...I just knew that he was someone special, and this book was everything that I had wanted for him and more.
Something that Ms. Longley does so incredibly well is write characters who you just like from the start; characters that that are extremely Iikable, hard working, and very realistic, and Kayla Malone was no exception. I loved the fact that Kayla was a single mother (to a great kid) who was just trying to make her way in the world on her own. She wasn't a supermodel or debutante, she was working her way through school and struggling to balance everything. She's the kind of character that could be anybody – the kind of character that a reader could see themselves being friends with. She was also the perfect match for Wyatt. The way that she unashamedly loved her son Brady, and handled Wyatt's shyness with grace and kindness was so beautiful. I also loved the resolution with her former in-laws. I was a little wary about where the “overbearing religious parents” story line was going, but it was handled perfectly and left me with a smile on my face.
And then there's Wyatt. Even just typing his name makes me sigh happily, I like him that much. Wyatt is a blue collar, hard-working, artistic, sensitive, genuinely good guy who unconditionally loves his family (his “pack” - a term that made me smile when he used it) and he absolutely deserved every moment of his happily ever after. Wyatt's shyness is something that I could completely understand and that I identified with – as he became more self-confident, pushing himself out of his comfort zone, I found myself feeling a sense of pride for him. I also loved that he let Kayla see his vulnerability after their night together. I don't want to say any more than that, but that moment was so special that I couldn't help but want to hug him. Every time he took Kayla and Brady out to bond with them, I fell a little harder. I didn't even stand a chance.
The drama in this book is understated and extremely realistic - the kind of drama that could definitely happen in real life. While Kayla struggled with her admitting feelings for Wyatt and pushed him away at times and that was frustrating to me, there was never any breakage of trust (real or assumed) or anything over-the-top that made a reader question whether the main couple really should be together and I very much appreciated that.
I loved this book. I loved Wyatt and Kayla and Brady, the fact that Wyatt never gave up on his dream of expanding his pack, even when Kayla wasn't so sure. I loved the way that the 'drama' was handled, and the solution that was reached (and I'm wondering if there was some Jo foreshadowing in that).
If you enjoy books about two seriously good people who you will want to shove together with your hands from the first moment they speak, and about a beautiful family that you'll flat out fall in love with, you should read this book. This is a five star read.
I was lucky enough to receive and advanced copy of this book via the author and NetGalley and was under absolutely no obligation to write this review, I did so because it is a fabulous book.
June 5, 2017
I caved in and read a romance book in the middle of reading a fantasy book The Final Empire but hey i missed my romance it has been too long since i've read the last one ,- too long meaning 3 days- anyways this book was everything i wanted, from our shy hero to kayla loved every second of reading it and let's not forget the grandparents and the whole family too cute i was about to get a sugar rush from all the sweetness of their interactions.
Okay soo first we have Wyatt he's on my fictional boyfriends list for sure. He is the one who made the book speacial for me at least, between his love for comic books and his blushing he made his way into my heart and i am keeping him there forever. The way he grew and flourished throughout the book for the sake of getting the girl was sooo endearing i swooned everytime i read his POV
Omg if someone did half of the thing he did, for me i whould be married right now and i am 19 soo keep that in mind.
we also have kayla who is a single mom at the age of 24 so she is a little bit broken but, oh soo strong and amazing the way she raised her kid was just wonderful and don't even get me started on brady, her son man he was such a bundle of joy i was smiling like a crazy person everytime he started talking but when the three were together i mean did i mention a sugar rush before? because now i am definitly mentioning it.
I don't even know how to finish a review....... yeah just read the book.
That's a good way to finish i guess.
Okay soo first we have Wyatt he's on my fictional boyfriends list for sure. He is the one who made the book speacial for me at least, between his love for comic books and his blushing he made his way into my heart and i am keeping him there forever. The way he grew and flourished throughout the book for the sake of getting the girl was sooo endearing i swooned everytime i read his POV
Omg if someone did half of the thing he did, for me i whould be married right now and i am 19 soo keep that in mind.
we also have kayla who is a single mom at the age of 24 so she is a little bit broken but, oh soo strong and amazing the way she raised her kid was just wonderful and don't even get me started on brady, her son man he was such a bundle of joy i was smiling like a crazy person everytime he started talking but when the three were together i mean did i mention a sugar rush before? because now i am definitly mentioning it.
I don't even know how to finish a review....... yeah just read the book.
That's a good way to finish i guess.
April 11, 2017
I suspect I am the wrong audience for this book, for several reasons. It had a decidedly NA feel to it despite the fact the H and h are in their mid-20s and have each been on their own for a while. It was also a slow-burn romance, like really slow, which I don't care for. The H, Wyatt, was likeable in an awkward big kid kind of way. He was also too perfect. I never quite warmed up all the way to the h, Kayla. It started with the dependence on the "5 minute conversation" misunderstanding trope that drove the first quarter of the book, repeatedly. Then there was the kid. He's cute. He also took up way too much page time. There are a few rare scenes between only the H and h, but the vast majority of their interactions revolve around the little boy.
I won't include spoilers, but there were a few specific scenes that bugged me and took me out of the book. One instance, that is not a spoiler, was the H riding in a truck on a major city street holding the 5-year old in his lap. It was incredibly irresponsible and dangerous, not to mention illegal, and I couldn't believe a current author would include that when the safety of the child could have been addressed without altering the intent of the overall scene in any way.
All in all, this was not a bad book. It had its problems for me, but I can see where other readers might like it much more. It was a sweet story despite the NA drama feel. If slow burn romance and kids are your thing, I recommend the book. If your preferences run similar to mine, there is not a lot here for you.
I won't include spoilers, but there were a few specific scenes that bugged me and took me out of the book. One instance, that is not a spoiler, was the H riding in a truck on a major city street holding the 5-year old in his lap. It was incredibly irresponsible and dangerous, not to mention illegal, and I couldn't believe a current author would include that when the safety of the child could have been addressed without altering the intent of the overall scene in any way.
All in all, this was not a bad book. It had its problems for me, but I can see where other readers might like it much more. It was a sweet story despite the NA drama feel. If slow burn romance and kids are your thing, I recommend the book. If your preferences run similar to mine, there is not a lot here for you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews