I hooked up with my temporary roommate. Now I’ll do anything to claim her for good.
I’m Noah Weston. For a decade, I’ve quarterbacked America’s most iconic football team and plowed my way through women. Now I’m transitioning from star player to retired jock—with a cloud of allegation hanging over my head. So I’m escaping to the private ocean-front paradise I bought for peace and quiet. What I get instead is stubborn, snarky, wild, lights-my-blood-on-fire Harlow Reed. Since she just left a relationship in a hugely viral way, she should be the last woman I’m seen with.
On second thought, we can help each other…
I need a steady, supportive “girlfriend” for the court of public opinion, not entanglements. Harlow is merely looking for nonstop sweaty sex and screaming orgasms that wring pleasure from her oh-so-luscious body. Three months—that’s how long it should take for us both to scratch this itch and leave our respective scandals behind. But the more I know this woman, the less I can picture my life without her. And when I’m forced to choose, I’ll realize I don’t merely want her in my bed or need her for a ruse. I more than love her enough to do whatever it takes to make her mine for good.
Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.
As an only child, Shayla occupied herself by daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and started pursuing a publishing career. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America, her heart was with her stories and characters, so she left her pantyhose and power suits behind.
Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, gaming, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.
There is so much I can say about this story and my love for all things Noah... his dedication, determination, his capacity for love, his passion and compassion, his understanding, his patience, his respect, his love of family, his sexiness, his everything… but to avoid spoiling this beauty, I’m going to keep this brief. More Than Love You was a sweetly romantic and erotic tale that made me ache, swoon, and check my surroundings more than once because HOLY COW these two shared SPARKS!! Told mostly in Noah’s voice, we get the unique perspective to watch him discover something more than the instant gratification from the flesh. We get to see him find love in all of its intricacies and complications; witness his frustration and elation with every triumph and pitfall in his relationship with Harlow; and while Harlow had the tendency to make me so freaking mad most of the time, I found lots of things about her to like as well.
Usually the greatest rewards come from the harshest of hardships and Noah and Harlow could definitely testify to that. This story was about so much more than a cocky retired NFL quarterback conquering a stubborn woman set against opening her heart to him. It was more than just about his persistence to win her over, one day at a time. It was more than just sex or feelings or drama or angst. It was about pain, lies, betrayal, deceit, the price of celebrity, bitter heartache, family, and most of all trusting in yourself and in the ones you love.
Release: Feb. 13, 2018 | Genre: Contemporary Romance | POV: Primarily Hero - 1st person | Heat: 4 out of 5 | Standalone - More Than Words #3 with character crossover
Christian Fox's voice is just pure velvet chocolate.....SMOOTH!!!
Now the story.....well it had a tad too much going on along with the h being a wet rag and H a lovesick puppy including a frustrating amount of inner dialogue. I'm really not sure how it still worked for me, but it did.......maybe it was Christian Fox's voice. Yep,it was!
Noah has just retired from pro football due to some residual effects from the last concussion he received. He's not ready to leave football but he's not sure he can accept the commentary job with the issues he is having.
Harlow found out her fiance was cheating on her with his assistant and has a baby on the way. She breaks off her wedding in the most epic way and needs to hide out for a bit.
Noah comes home to his new house he just bought to find a stunning woman sunbathing poolside and finds out she is the house sitter. There is instant chemistry between the two and while Noah sweet talks Harlow into staying the night, he realizes one night isn't going to be enough.
This book was such a treat for me. It had all my wishlist items. My favorite thing to read is where the Hero chases the heroine. I just don't see that enough in romance books. For once, the heroine was the one that was hesitant to commit.
While Noah is dealing with his speech issues, Harlow is dealing with some major trust issues that date far back. There is some push/pull in this story due to Harlow's lack of trust. I do think she pushes a bit too much, but I don't even care because it just showed how much Noah loved and wanted Harlow in his life. This was just what I was looking for!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of the book.
Noah Weston was unlike any other male lead I've read, especially considering he's a retired quarterback (not that I subscribe to any particular stereotype about athletes). He was so open and in touch with his feelings and so willing to risk so much for the chance of something great. The way he fell for poor Harlow and the way he fought for her and her heart and peace and future was just beautiful. And Harlow - she was strong in the way that only broken things can be. This book was so wonderfully written and I really enjoyed the fact that it's predominantly told from Noah's first person POV. It also contained one of my favorite kinds of angst - that that comes with evil family members! I also REALLY liked the attention paid to the price that pro athletes pay for our entertainment. I'm hoping that some of the developments revealed in this book lead to more books in the series - the Reed siblings are a tough and lovable bunch and I'd love to read more about them. 4.5 out of 5 wine glasses.
** ARC provided by the author for an honest review **
Who knew escaping to paradise would mean finding love? New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shayla Black’s More Than Love You is the third book in the More Than Words series and is quite honestly my favorite so far. I do recommend reading the first two books beforehand to understand the Reed family dynamic and get to know the characters that make appearances.
Scandal has both Noah Weston and Harlow Reed hiding out at a private ocean-front property. Neither is looking for a relationship, but they decide to use their passion and attraction to present themselves as a supportive and loving couple until the scandals pass over. But what happens when the ruse is over, and they realize it more?
This book has the roles reversed. The male character is usually the one shying away from love, but not Noah. No once he realizes what he feels, he then makes it his mission to convince Harlow that she feels the same. But he has a hard road ahead of him with that. Harlow’s outlook on love has been destroyed. She has built the walls surrounding her heart high. But if anyone can break them down or find a way over them its Noah.
I love the inclusion of Harlow’s brothers Maxon and Griff and their wives into the story. It was like visiting family and catching up a bit.
Shayla has written another fully captivating book within this series. As always, I loved it and I cannot wait to see what she gives me next. Five Scandalous stars!!!
This series is Ms. Black at her best, and just keeps getting better and better! This one tore my heart out in so many ways. So many feels and wonderful, heartfelt tears. Absolutely loved it.
More Than Love You is a fun, scorching-hot romance with a layered, powerful love story. Noah Weston is a recently retired football player with a big personality who meets his match with the feisty, complicated Harlow Reed. Their chemistry is instant, and their relationship begins as a fiery physical one. Noah’s been a playboy for years, so he’s baffled when he finds himself wanting more with her than he’s ever wanted with a woman — a relationship. But Harlow just excited a relationship in an extremely public manner, and she isn’t interested in love. They agree to embark on a fake relationship in order to help both of their reputations in the public eye, but the line between pretend romance and real feelings quickly blurs. Noah realizes he wants forever with Harlow, and he commits himself to winning her with all the fierceness expected of a former professional athlete.
Readers will fall hard for Noah, a brash jock with a tender heart. He’s understanding of Harlow’s emotional struggles, and he’s supportive and patient when she needs him to be. Their love story begins as an explosion of steamy sex, but their relationship evolves with a genuineness that makes it satisfying and perfectly romantic. More Than Love You had me laughing, swooning, tearing up and blushing. In other words, it has all the feels and shouldn’t be missed.
Recommendation appeared on USA Today’s Happy Ever After on February 13, 2018. ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
My review of this book is the minority as I see others truly enjoyed it.
I loved the beginning of the book. I thought the chemistry between Noah and Harlow was off the charts. They were each a little broken but were looking for a fun summer.
Their fun quickly ended as fast as it began. This brought out all the drama. The book was overloaded with secret babies, sex scandals, horrible parents, prostitution, etc. . Each time a storyline seemed to end a new scandals was woven into this book. I
It was way too much. I was bored and couldn't wait for it to end.
From all of the More Than Words series, More Than Love You was my favourite by far! I've been a fan of Shayla Black's for quite some time, never really knowing what she'll come up with next - one minute you'll get something cute and adorable, another, suspense. Then you might get something to get your body sweating for so many reasons, and then you get More Than Love You - a book that is a little bit of everything rolled into a story that you probably didn't see coming.
I remember reading about Noah in past books from this series - it's a bit hard to miss the big deal with closing the sale of his multimillion dollar home when it comes to the Reed brothers. And of course we had heard about Harlow. Not too much until now, she was always there during the books, but her identity and who she really is was always more of a mystery. Can i say that this girl rocks? She's confident, neurotic (yeah, i have a penchant for neurotic women, because who in the world isn't?!?! In the real world, we women have a tendency of being everywhere and nowhere on a good day and that also includes myself in this) and she also has a wealth of information when it comes to something that she is passionate about. That you can feel just by reading the book. Noah, as for him, well, he's not the kind of man that you can ignore. How many times have you watched a football or sports game and heard that the athlete has suffered a concussion and wondered what would happen in the long run? The mystery is no longer. While i know that the situation isn't the same with everyone, Shayla Black definitely opened my eyes on the risks, the symptoms and even the long term effects.
It was very well written and engaging, making me more than a little curious to find out what and who else Shayla Black has in store for her next book in this series. For certain, it'll be something to truly look forward too.
I loveee Shayla Black's More Than Words series so much as Maxon and Griff were fabulous in the previous two books. More Than Love you has to be the hottest and my most favorite one yet though. I LOVED Harlow and Noah soooo much. Their chemistry was COMBUSTIBLE and the banter just as hot. I couldn't get enough!
When Harlow Reed and retired NFL superstar Noah Weston first meet, it's Fireworks folks!! Besides the obvious physical attraction between them, Noah was drawn to Harlow right away as she had that "something different" vibe going for her. What results is a mutual beneficial arrangement where Harlow bunks with Noah at his new Oceanside palatial mansion while helping him with some post NFL career issues while also escaping her meddling family and recent heartbreak. But what happens when the King of the Gridiron wants more from his new commitment-wary sexy roommate other than a few weeks of fun?
Gahhh!! This novel was amazingggg and good Lord did this author bring her A-game in the sexytime Olympics - They were CRAZY HOT as Noah was pure fire! I loved him and Harlow together. I loved that she was sassy, opinionated, intelligent, strong minded and not a pushover. She knew what she wanted and went with it and didn't care that she took no prisoners. Likewise I loved that the roles were reversed a bit in that Noah was the one who needed more and into the head of this sexy woman who blew his mind. It was perfectly done and hoestly I never wanted it to end!! Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
The title for Noah Weston and Harlow Reed’s story is quite an interesting one given the nature of how their summer fling starts, their respective relationship history, and the adamant contention on Harlow’s part that she is incapable of romantic attachments and commitments when it comes to the opposite sex.
But it’s not just their expiration date or the fact that Harlow never seems to want to share anything about herself or her past…what’s most striking to me about the title is its paradoxical idea. ‘More Than Love You’ seems quite contradictory…perhaps even possible, but the further readers get into Noah and Harlow’s book, the clearer it becomes that everything that Noah is feeling for Harlow and giving to her in order to build something beyond their insane sexual chemistry and off-the-charts fucking/love making is so much more than love…it’s beyond devotion…beyond adoration…beyond cherishing…it’s all of those feelings and SO MUCH MORE…
NOW, Noah just has to prove that to the beautiful, closed-off, challenging, giving, sassy woman who’s the woman of his dreams and hopefully his future EVERYTHING.
There are a lot of personal issues that Noah and Harlow must sift through in order for the feelings they have for each other to grow into something more. Noah needs to deal with the end of his Pro Football career and the health complications that have posed a road block for his second career opportunity. But more importantly, Noah must prove to those who love Harlow and to the woman herself, that he’s more than up for the job of making Harlow happy for the rest of her life.
Harlow is a bit of a wild card for a number of reasons; every time Noah pushes too much, she shuts down and uses humor or sex to evade any emotional discussions. She’s also tight lipped when it comes to what happened in her past that makes her believe she’s incapable of a forever kind of love. The biggest issue, though, seems to be her non-relationship with her parents and two over protective older brothers who need Noah to prove himself to them as well as finally unearth everything they’ve had to deal with due to their parents’ selfishness and neglect.
It was truly frustrating to not know everything that made Harlow so closed-off, especially because readers aren’t privy to her internal thoughts or her own perspective for almost the entirety of the book. We learn about her past from her brothers, from her brothers’ wives and from the little bit that Harlow reveals through her conversations with Noah, but for the most part, she remains elusive and uses sex as a distraction. Because More Than Love You is told primarily through Noah’s point of view, readers do get to know him quite well and we witness his struggles with his speech issues, his concerns for his second career, his devotion to a woman who revs him up, frustrates him beyond belief, and warms his heart in ways he never thought possible. Shayla Black does a good job of allowing readers into Noah’s head and watch him work hard to figure out how to get through the wall that Harlow’s constructed around her heart so that she never suffers from an unconditional love she knows she’ll never have.
Overall, I really enjoyed Noah and Harlow’s story. They seem to be perfect for one another and because neither of them know what it feels like to be in love…to be invested in someone else to the point that they would willingly sacrifice it all for, they take each day they’re together as it comes and they work toward building something that scares the crap out of Harlow but also something that it’s clear she wants and needs to live a full life.
I’m intrigued by both Noah’s brother and Harlow’s brother, and I’m hoping one of their stories is up next!
LOVE THIS ONE MORE THAN WORDS!More Than Love You is my favorite book in the More Than Words series thus far! Love Noah Weston and Harlow Reed to death. After reading the first two books in the series, I felt confident that I must have the audiobook and purchased both together. Swoon! I do love Christian Fox. Shayla mentioned that she falls to sleep listening to him sometimes. I can’t think of a better way to lull one to sleep his voice is so soothing.
Back to the written word. More Than Love You hit me with all the right punches. I honestly did not want this book to end, and still, want more Harlow and Noah. Like the other books in the series, most of this story is in Noah’s point of view. I expected Harlow’s POV because she is the Reed, but Shayla’s decision to continue with the male POV tells this story impeccably.
From the first moment I met Noah, I feel for him. Noah is a hot jock who played hard on the field and off. But that isn’t the man. He loves his family. He is so sweet and supportive of Harlow, and he has a kind and loving heart. His initial attraction is lust but it doesn’t take but a moment before he recognizes that Harlow is someone special. Noah has an offer to be a sports commentator that he needs at this point in his career. However, he has a secret. He cannot speak when nervous after multiple concussions.
Harlow is house sitting Noah’s new home for her brothers. His unexpected appearance has her rethinking her plans. It isn’t long before Harlow recognizes Noah’s symptoms and offers to help. She can gain experience working with him, and he can offer her a place to hide while she recovers from the very public end of her engagement. Harlow, like her brothers, is dealing with betrayal by her parents. Her upbringing makes it difficult for her to trust.
What I love most about this story is how both the hero and heroine have something the other needs. Harlow has training and connections to help Noah’s physical and emotional disabilities. She can help him out of the public eye. Noah has a stable family foundation that allows him to show Harlow that love doesn't have strings attached.
Keeley is the rope that binds all the siblings together throughout the series. I jump to the music she recommends as soon as they are mention. Maxon, Griff, and Britta again make appearances. The siblings have a sound relationship and stand by one another even if they don’t agree with all the decisions made. I love how Maxon and Griff take to Noah and support his quest to gain Harlow’s trust.
The way Ms. Black took me on this couple’s journey is incredible. The insta-lust quickly turns to love that isn’t easy for them to vocalize. Harlow’s past and the fact that Noah’s indiscretions are very public makes them cautious. Harlow does most of the pushing away, and while it is longer than what I usually like, it is realistic for her situation.
More Than Love You is a must read for romance lovers. It is a perfect romance, fast-paced, a little angst, and two people developing as their relationship grows. While I believe you should read this entire series, if you can only pick one at this time, More Than Love You is my pick. It totally works as a standalone.
If you enjoy audiobooks the audio is wonderfully done and the perfect complement to the e-book.
"I had no idea when I purchased my dream home that it would come with the woman straight out of my fantasies."
FINAL DECISION: My favorite of the series. This one is hot, hot, hot. And perhaps because the character with the secrets and pain (Harlow) isn't the narrator this time, I can understand why the character who is treated badly sometimes (Noah) stays in the relationship. Noah's dedication and caring for Harlow is a highlight.
THE STORY: Noah Weston is transitioning from famous quarterback to retired player and arrives in Hawaii trying to decide whether or not to take a job as a commentator.. Harlow Reed is looking for fantastic sex after ending her engagement in a public manner. The two agree to a three month arrangement...but things get complicated.
OPINION: I quite enjoyed this book because although Harlow is often distant and difficult to understand, it feels like the reversal of the typical romance where the heroine is trying to understand the distant and hurt hero.
Harlow, like her brothers, is hiding a tremendous amount of pain and hurt from her childhood (her parents are terrible people). She is, however, a funny and sexy and strong woman who who has overcome much but doesn't recognize that she deserves more than she is allowing herself.
I really liked Noah who quickly recognizes that Harlow is special to him but has to find a way to keep her from running from him. Harlow clearly fears intimacy and will take any opportunity to flee.
This book is sexy (very sexy) and yet has a sweet undertone to the relationship between Harlow and Noah. There is darkness here, but it isn't overwhelming in the tone of the book.
WORTH MENTIONING: Book told in first person (primarily from the hero's point of view).
CONNECTED BOOKS: MORE THAN LOVE YOU is the third book in the More Than Words series. While this book can be read as a standalone since the couple is separate from the other books, there are overlapping characters.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via the author in order to prepare a review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
I get insta-love because you need to move the story along, but for f sake, can you at least pretend they've known each other more than one week before you say they're in love and pregnant? I mean, even the pregnancy was stupid. Because they had only known each other a short time, you wouldn't have even known you were pregnant. Being together even a month would have been better than this 1-2 week nonsense.
I was mad at Harlow for leaving Noah, while she was pregnant, and not even answering his calls. That was selfish of her and too immature. Her reasons for doing so were weak, at best.
Noah's brother also drove me nuts. He copied Noah too much and played dumb.
The More Than Words series lives up to its name once again with another explosively passionate and emotionally gripping romance. Noah and Harlow are two strong, vibrant characters that readers easily fall for and definitely want to know their story. The romance is full of sizzling chemistry and heated passion that flows from every page as Harlow tries to keep the relationship at a no entanglements and nonstop sweaty sex and screaming orgasm state. The emotional angst and the intense relationship building adds depth to this romance and some snarky and wild attitude keeps things ready to explode in every direction.
The story is steady paced easily keeping readers hanging on to every word of this role reversal situation where the heroine is the one running from commitment. The suspense builds throughout the story as Noah tries to infiltrate the huge wall of super steel that surrounds Harlow’s heart and readers beware the turmoil that makes up Harlow’s walls is quite turbulent and will have tears forming and as readers empathize with her character. Readers find themselves unable to put this mind blowing, gritty and superhot story down once they begin.
Noah Weston is a retired football player, and Harlow Reed was at his house because she was house sitting until he arrived. They clicked, things happened, and she continued living in his home.
This pleasantly surprised me. It's a fun read and both the main characters are loveable. I don't usually read books that are solely in the MMC's point of view, but this one worked well. The dynamic between Harlow and Noah is amazing.
I don't know how to put it into words but this book was great. If only I weren't so busy with school, I would have finished this in one sitting. A definite recommend if you're looking for something light and quick to read.
This hero was refreshingly less douchebaggy than the last two. He was a cinnamon roll who is all in and in a good change of pace the heroine was the one damaged and emotionally constipated. Insta love but nice relationship development and very steamy. I thought the pacing was a little clunky though and there was so much going on. Too many different plots and traumas that it got way to over the top soap opera drama llama for me. The narrator is great and I think he's the only reason why I'm sticking with the series.
Shayla Black really snatched my edges with this series. I love how different each of the Reed siblings are and how they learn to overcome their traumatic pasts throughout their romantic relationships. Beyond the steaminess, there's a lot more depth infused into these books than I ever expected and that makes them 10x better.
This is a terrific book that I very much enjoyed reading. It has a h that is extremely relationship adverse and a H that wants her to be open with him and love him. Eventually there is a HEA after some work on his part, but the h does admit that she loves him and reaches out eventually.
If you like insta-love, then you will like this. Just like all the previous books in the series. If you like a little bit of plot with a lot of smut, you will like this. The previous books had a lot more plot than this one. They all tend to blend into one another with the different siblings' stories continuing into the next. The audio narrator's voice is so sultry to listen to.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review. This is the third book in the More than Words series and I think you need read the others first so you will know what is going on with Harlow's brothers to understand more about their horrible parents. You see a little of Harlow in the brother's stories and a little about her life but this really sheds light on why she is the way she is. Noah Weston is a retired football player and being the famous quarterback, he wants to be a sports announcer. Moving back to his roots, an ocean-front view is what he needs for a little peace and quiet. When he arrives at his new home, there is a sexy woman in a tiny red bikini that fulfills all his fantasies. What he realizes just by talking to this woman is not just beautiful, she is smart, funny, stubborn, determined, wild and doesn't trust easily. Harlow Reed is house sitting until the football star takes over his house. When he shows up early, she doesn't know how to handle the attraction she feels for him. After he has one of his episodes, he mentions they both could help each other. She stays, helps him and they continue to have incredible sex. Harlow is all for that as long as he doesn't fall for her. She doesn't believe in love and that is all because of her sleaze-ball parents. Can Noah show Harlow that falling in love isn't that hard part? Will Harlow be able to tell Noah about her past? Can they make a future together? Will Noah be able to take the announcers job? I loved this story and Harlow and Noah were the perfect couple. They were funny, had their faults and fears and in the end, their story was great. I wanted to reach in and beat her parents with a 2x4 several times, are their real people like that? Anyway, a perfect story and I hope Evan will get his story and a HEA.
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the third book in the series, and I would recommend that you read the previous books first, as they set the scene which starts the book. The previous two books concentrate on Harlow's brothers, but their experiences are keys to understanding why she is as she is.
Although we have met Harlow briefly before, we really have no idea just how badly she has also been affected by her parents' reprehensible behaviour towards their children. And Noah, who finds her housesitting his new home, and employs to help him overcome a health issue, certainly steps on a landmine when he falls for her. To say that they have chemistry is a major understatement - now they just have to break down some huge emotional walls. Luckily he is a patient and persistent man, and with a little bit of help, the readers will get the outcome that they desire - after a few false starts!
The whole story flows beautifully, and gives the loyal follower a good dose of Maxon, Griff and their wives, as well as introducing a new Reed who needs straightening out in a future installment.
Soooo...As a health professional, you can’t sleep with your clients or you will lose your license. Which Harlow wouldn’t have anyway, because she practiced in California, and she’s treating a patient in Hawaii, Where she almost certainly doesn’t have a license. Perhaps you may think I’m being nitpicky pointing these things out, but they really ruined what otherwise would’ve been a very enjoyable book. I very much liked both characters, and their chemistry with each other. But as a health professional myself, I become livid when this most basic piece of professional ethics is ignored. It feels to me like the writer is being sloppy and not doing her homework.
That being said, the book gets three stars because Christian Fox’s narration earns it five stars and my disappointment in the writing earns it two stars. Christian Fox narrates all five books in the series, it’s extremely worth your time listening to him narrate the other four.
Wow, this was an emotional and awesome story. You get to see the character, Harlow, from the previous story and she doesn't disappoint.
Harlow is in a kind of hiding. She's hiding from her life, her family, and the outside world. Running from her past isn't something she's proud of, but it's her life at the moment. When she gets the chance to house sit, she jumps at it. She can hide away, lick her wounds, and catch some sun, all while living in a luxurious home.
Noah is also coming to the island to heal and get ready for his retirement. When he steps into his house, the last thing he expects is a beautiful woman who is as much of a tease as he is. While he is used to women throwing themselves at him, Harlow intrigues him like no woman has before.
Watching Harlow and Noah dance around their feelings for each other is both interesting and funny. Noah, seemingly wanting to have a committed relationship far sooner than Harlow and Harlow, constantly fighting against her feelings.
Then, when you throw in her family, not only do you want to drop kick her parents, but you then turn around and want to hug and kiss her brothers. The twists in this family tree are extensive and I can't wait to see who else will get a story next. I loved how Noah and Harlow's relationship was built slowly; it is not an insta-love story, but rather they both have something in common - a mutual respect – and you get to see their love shape them as people and as a couple.
Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆ This is the third book in the More Than Words series and I think you need read the others first so you will know what is going on with Harlow's brothers to understand more about their horrible parents. You see a little of Harlow in the brothers’ stories and a little about her life but this really sheds light on why she is the way she is.
Noah Weston is a retired football player and being the famous quarterback, he wants to be a sports announcer. Moving back to his roots, an ocean-front view is what he needs for a little peace and quiet. When he arrives at his new home, there is a sexy woman in a tiny red bikini that fulfills all his fantasies. What he realizes just by talking to this woman is she’s not just beautiful, she is smart, funny, stubborn, determined, wild, and doesn't trust easily.
Harlow Reed is housesitting until the football star takes over his house. When he shows up early, she doesn't know how to handle the attraction she feels for him. After he has one of his episodes, he mentions they both could help each other. She stays, helps him and they continue to have incredible sex. Harlow is all for that as long as he doesn't fall for her. She doesn't believe in love and that is all because of her sleaze-ball parents.
Can Noah show Harlow that falling in love isn't that hard part? Will Harlow be able to tell Noah about her past? Can they make a future together? Will Noah be able to take the announcer job?
I loved this story and Harlow and Noah were the perfect couple. They were funny, had their faults and fears, and in the end, their story was great. I wanted to reach in and beat her parents with a 2x4 several times; are there real people like that? Anyway, a perfect story and I hope Evan will get his story and a happily ever after.
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆ This is the third book in the series, and I would recommend that you read the previous books first, as they set the scene which starts the book. The previous two books concentrate on Harlow's brothers, but their experiences are key to understanding why she is as she is.
Although we have met Harlow briefly before, we really have no idea just how badly she has also been affected by her parents' reprehensible behaviour towards their children. And Noah, who finds her housesitting his new home, and employs to help him overcome a health issue, certainly steps on a landmine when he falls for her. To say that they have chemistry is a major understatement – now they just have to break down some huge emotional walls. Luckily, he is a patient and persistent man, and with a little bit of help, the readers will get the outcome that they desire – after a few false starts!
The whole story flows beautifully and gives the loyal follower a good dose of Maxon, Griff, and their wives, as well as introducing a new Reed who needs straightening out in a future installment.
Thank you, Ms. Black, for another fabulous romance.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
More Than Love You by Shayla Black is book three in her More Than Words series. It can be read as a standalone. Characters from previous books do make appearances though. The series itself centers on the Reed siblings: Maxon, Griffin, and Harlow. This book stars the youngest, Harlow.
Noah Weston, a quarterback for ten years, has retired after his last football injury. Needing time to lay low after his injury has left him with moments where he is unable to speak during times of stress and fatigue, he has moved to Hawaii to evaluate his future. Having bought his dream house, he is completely surprised when he arrives early to see the woman from his fantasies lounging by the pool.
Harlow Reed has been housesitting the estate her brothers' just sold for the last month and is surprised when the gorgeous owner arrives early. Instant attraction sparks between them but before things can go further, Harlow notices Noah's speech predicament. Soon she finds herself offering her services as a speech therapist to help him prepare for his interview as a sports commentator. Her new role in Noah's life doesn't stop their attraction though. Instead it gives them both the opportunity to learn more about each other and what follows is a hot and emotional romance filled with drama especially when Harlow's past comes to light, the Reed parents, and a few more surprises that keep the story on its toes.
More Than Love You is a well-written and evenly paced romance novel with complex characters who pull at your heartstrings. This is the first book I read in the series, but after reading about Harlow and her brothers pasts, it makes me want to read the previous books so I can see how Maxon and Griffin got their happy endings too.
Noah and Harlow are great leading characters with great chemistry. I love how Noah is all-in with his relationship and feelings for Harlow from the start. He's willing to do what he can to help Harlow when she needs him. He also doesn't give up on Harlow and their love when she starts to pull away because of her past. I love that.
Overall, More Than Love You by Shayla Black is a romantic and enjoyable novel. I happily recommend.
(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)