Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

What They Want

Rate this book
What They Want by New York Times bestselling author Omar Tyree adds another sexy, scorching novel to his growing list of beloved urban literature.
Successful model Terrance Mitchell had no plans to ever settle down. For what? Being single was freedom, where relationships were binding. Nor did he have any plans for a family, with snotty-nosed kids running around, cramping his style and eating for free. To hell with all that. Terrance loved his life as is. He was a well-traveled, good-looking model in an industry full of insatiable and beautiful women. Women who adored him and were willing to do almost anything to prove it. He liked it that way. And he had become accustomed to it. Then it happened. One of his beautiful women fell over the cuckoo's nest and shattered his peace of mind. From then on, Terrance could never again lead the blind mice with his flute without feeling guilty about it. He realized that women had a purpose for him. They had dreams and aspirations that included his participation. Of course, a man in his position, constantly surrounded by beautiful women, would know this already. But just because he knew what women wanted didn't mean he was capable of or willing to give it to them. Nevertheless, Terrance suddenly felt inspired to try.

432 pages, Paperback

First published July 4, 2006

22 people are currently reading
1235 people want to read

About the author

Omar Tyree

106 books927 followers
Omar Tyree, a New York Times best-selling author, a 2001 NAACP Image Award recipient for Outstanding Literature in Fiction, and a 2006 Phillis Wheatley Literary Award winner for Body of Work in Urban Fiction, has published 16 books and has sold nearly 2 million copies worldwide that has generated more than $30 million.
With a degree in Print Journalism from Howard University in 1991, Tyree has been recognized as one of the most renowned contemporary writers in the literary community. He is also an informed and passionate speaker on various community-related and intellectual topics. Now entering the world of feature films, business lectures, and children’s books, Tyree is a tireless creator and visionary of few limitations.
Tyree is a popular speaker on the university and corporate circuits. In his “Equation for Life” lecture, Tyree weaves together a full-proof formula for attaining lifelong success in business, as well as everyday living. Ideal for innovation, corporate sales and marketing teams, one attendee who heard the lecture commented, “Omar Tyree’s Equation for Life speech made me rethink my whole life - it has given me the focus I need.” The success of the speeches over the last 11 years landed Tyree his first nonfiction book deal with John Wiley, the number 1 business publisher in the world. The Equation: Applying the 4 Indisputable Components of Business Success, is being released in early January 2009.
As an author, journalist, performance poet, songwriter, screenwriter,entrepreneur, innovator of various creations, and an energetic and fiery speaker, Tyree is no stranger to the world of contemporary urban influence. Tyree became one of the dominant literary promoters of the 1990s, leading to offers of publishing deals by a number of influential mainstream book publishers. In 1995, he signed a lucrative two-book arrangement with publishing powerhouse Simon & S chuster. A few years later, Tyree signed an undisclosed long-term contract that established him amongst Simon & Schuster’s top authors.
His journey as an entrepreneur began in his early 20s when he started the book publishing company Mar Productions, to release his earliest works of fiction. Tyree’s entrepreneurial ventures have evolved to include the Urban Literacy Project as a nonprofit organization to inspire reading, writing, thinking,visualization, application and financial literacy skills among disadvantaged youth and adults. He has also formed Renaissance Entertainment Group, a partnership with self-made multimillionaire Arthur Wylie, to produce Tyree’s body of fiction novels into feature films.
Tyree’s articles have been published in the Washington Post, Essence, Upscale, Ebony, TheDailyVoice.com and several other publications

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
546 (47%)
4 stars
308 (26%)
3 stars
223 (19%)
2 stars
56 (4%)
1 star
24 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Tiffany.
Author 4 books65 followers
July 25, 2019
I don't know why I keep giving Omar Tyree a chance. Maybe because he's a best selling author and I expect that to mean something, I guess. But this is the last book for me.

"What They Want" is the story of Terrance, a world renowned model. He is cocky, self-centered, and for the most part a down right a-hole. He goes from woman to woman giving them "what they want" which he believes is him and sex basically. His character to me was so unrealistic. It is the most sterotypical portrayal of a black man with good looks. It begs the question...Why would another black man write an entire book about a black man? I found this book a bit degrading to woman and to men.

It took me a full week to read this book because I had to force myself to read it since I'd spent the full book price for it. This should have been a library find.

I recommend this book to anyone who is a loyal fan to Omar Tyree, otherwise I recommend it to no one. Sorry.
Profile Image for Lanna Minor.
3 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2015
The book was average. It went overboard on character development and could have been about 100 pages shorter if not as much time was spent on all the trysts of the central character. We got the point after the first, second, third one...no need for 4,5,6,7, and 8, ect. It was interesting enough that I finished it but not interesting enough where I never wanted to put it down.
Profile Image for Angella.
93 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2011
It was a great read ..but I did not like the ending I was hoping he would end up with the start up chick.....but out of left flied came this new chick... I knew nothing about. I didn't get to know her so I didn't feel the love at the end.
Profile Image for Shequila Smith.
3 reviews8 followers
May 20, 2011
This book was okay, I had to read it on and off because some part where so boring to me. Meaning, It was a book you would already know the ending to. What they want by Omar Tyree is basically about a young model who has a so-called girlfriend who also in the model industry. So, he realize he is getting paid and his girl is still trying to find her way he end up dumping her too play the field. Soon enough his lesson was learned not to treat woman like shit, end up having to be a man and take care of his responsibilities and let the good life go so he can take care of his child and now wife. There wasn't a lesson learned for me but too the males out here that's not ready to put the boyish things behind and be a man then I think this is the book for you. Ladies If you don't know how you should be treated or how you shouldn't be then I would recommend this book for you. Material things isn't everything.
Profile Image for Kinshasa.
2 reviews2 followers
June 22, 2012
Fairly decent book. Some parts of it were kind of slow but the parts that weren't were steamy and drama filled. I do feel like the story was a bit drawn out. All of the fluff could have either been eliminated or used to [better] show the main character's growth over time - the way that aspect of the book was handled seemed rushed and somewhat unrealistic.
Profile Image for Shanique.
9 reviews4 followers
May 20, 2013
I totally expected something different// I mean after I read the jacket cover I expected this great story of a guy who realizes what he wants in life and works on it. I think that they should have built up the end a lil more. After years of just sexing aroun he's just gonna give that up for a ready made family? I don't think so.
Profile Image for Toni.
710 reviews
May 23, 2014
This I'd not Omar Tyree's best work. The story started out ok, then I started skipping pages because it was boring. Terrance is an ass who thinks he's God's gift to women and thry should do whatever it takes to prove their adoration.
8 reviews
June 17, 2013
This is what happens when a man thinks their ambitious sexual fantasies, paired with stereotypical gender roles and lack of plot,or any advanced writing skills, will make a good story.
4 reviews
July 19, 2010
this is the definition of a hot and steamy book which is obvious just from the cover lol a little too much info at times but still a pretty good read. the man goes through that stage most men go through sleeping with everything with a skirt until comin to the realisation that he can have good sex and a loving relationship and thats were the real troubles begin....
Profile Image for LaTonya.
240 reviews3 followers
January 22, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I was a little unsure about weather I wanted to read the book at first due to all of the mixed reviews, but I'm so glad that I did because it turned out to be a very entertaining read. I'm now definitely looking forward to reading more from Omar Tyree.
6 reviews
August 9, 2007
About a womanizing man...didn't enjoy this as much as I have some of his other works.
Profile Image for Ciara .
17 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2008
Story of a fine ass model with a supposedly great life. At least from the outside looking in.

Has some great twist. I practically fell in love with the main character. Great read!
Profile Image for Jessica Terry.
Author 38 books40 followers
June 7, 2009
I could not put this book down...it made me want to go work on my own books and that's always a sign of a good book for me!
2 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2010
hot read love reading this book.....
Profile Image for Reiko.
41 reviews
July 28, 2010
omg i could not put down this book.we had a lot of late nights together!!!
Profile Image for Neha.
100 reviews
November 16, 2010
Ever need a forensics piece to blow away the judges? Some of the members of my team were considering this. Absolutely amazing work. Great job Omar..can't wait till the movie comes out.
1 review7 followers
Read
February 10, 2011
well i mean i think it is a really good book for people so they wont go throgh what someone else goes through or they could like read it and well aso try to help people
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
33 reviews
August 21, 2012
I loved the ending. glad he stepped up and did what he had to do on the strength of his daughter
Profile Image for Chineka Jones.
Author 1 book17 followers
February 19, 2012
This is a great book. It was excitement with every turn of the page.
Profile Image for Shareka Jackson.
3 reviews2 followers
February 27, 2012
I thought it was ok but I predicted how the story would turn out half way through the book
Profile Image for Iasia.
29 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2012
if a book can keep my attention. then its worth the read
Profile Image for Jessica.
7 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2012
Felt like the book just started dragging on. The end was something I didn't except but its was saved the book.
Profile Image for Nicole.
52 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2013
It was little bit boring at first but when the plot started thinking it began to become juicy and I did kinda guess what was going to happen at the end...But it was good to read a bit long but good
2 reviews
September 5, 2024
There are several steamy sex scenes in this book, including threesomes. So, if you’re into erotica/smut you should give this book a try. “What They Want” is about the life of a thirty-three year-old “player” and model, who is not ready for commitment. No ultimatum, even from his fling, Andre, could get him to budge in terms of settling down. Rather, he enjoys a comfortable lifestyle as a male model, traveling here and there for photoshoots, connecting with fine models, exploring the occasional night life, and putting his “monster” in nearly any and every vagina out there. Despite a few encounters with women who will not take no for an answer or who will not tolerate how he treats them, life is good for Terrance. However, towards the end of the book, his life is forever changed and he is forced to reconsider his ways.

This book explores themes such as breaking generational cycles, celibacy/abstinence, brushes on the idea of what constitutes as consent (there are maybe 3 questionable sex scenes in this book), the feasibility of a platonic relationship between a man and a woman, and the model industry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
5 reviews
December 6, 2018
This was my first read by Omar Tyree and I can say that I enjoyed the book. It was somewhat predictable, but still interesting at the same time. I thought that Terrance was a very typical man. It sort of put you in the mind of a man, if you’re a woman still trying to figure things out or even a male, who needs to realize when enough is enough. The only complaint that I have is that it could have been summarized better to make the book shorter and in return left room for the ending to develop more since there’s no part 2. I still gave a 5 star rating because it was hard to put down!
Profile Image for FlippingThePage (Natalie J).
28 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2018
It was ok. This is my first read from this author and I wasnt impressed. There were too many "he said...she said..I said" etc.The sex scenes were hot. Other than that, the story kind of dragged on. The ending didn't flow with the rest of the story. I just thought it was ok. Meh...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.