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Need You by Me

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Courtesy of my controlling father, Marshall and I have been living together for the last couple of years.
Because of his profession, we’d managed to stay out of each other’s way.
His age and respect for my father is what kept him from giving in to my flirtatious advances.
Over the years, we’d managed not to cross that line, until that one slightly drunken night…

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2021

625 people are currently reading
650 people want to read

About the author

Endiya Carter

10 books842 followers

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5 stars
1,571 (65%)
4 stars
586 (24%)
3 stars
206 (8%)
2 stars
33 (1%)
1 star
13 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 377 reviews
Profile Image for WellReadRuby.
533 reviews111 followers
February 20, 2023
Updated to 4.5 lmao I had to reread this and absolutely a book I’m coming back to again and again lol!

UPDATED 4 Stars…. I changed my mind this is a really good story. Different, but definitely a good. I also loved how the author developed her secondary characters almost to the point that I honestly wanted more resolve with certain relationships. I think that's what was missing from my first review. I wanted a resolve with Jaymi and Nya. I wanted a better resolve between her parents. I wanted to see if their was a spark between Amica and Hoops, also what did her mom say about the party? The true back lash from the secrets coming out regarding the pastor? I guess I just wanted more but this story still gave a lot I'm just greedy I guess. Would love a follow up on some of the answers and maybe even a story on Amica and her journey because she has an interesting back story I think.

Previous review....................................................................................................................................
Still trying to figure out how I feel about this book. On the surface you’d look at the story as preacher and deacon children lashing out. Reality it was story of two adults finding their way after being mistreated by The ones who should have loved them the most. The secrets revealed were kind of crazy but made for good drama. The main character Jaymi went through a lot as a child. I’m glad she learned what forgiveness meant in more than one of her relationships. Marshall was a stand up guy and for him to over come his trauma and learn the truth surrounding his mother was everything! Their age difference to me wasn’t as big of a deal since I feel like 25 is old enough to choose who you want to date. Overall this was a good black romance and I definitely enjoyed listening to the audio version of it. Narrators were Trei Taylor and Benjamin Charles. I feel like this story could’ve gave more but at the same time I’m not exactly sure what more I would want. Maybe a better dialogue of what happened after the big ending before the epilogue. Not sure. I’m going to go with 3.5 because this was a good story that kept me intrigued on what would happen next!
Profile Image for Brittany.
136 reviews2,309 followers
November 20, 2025
MARSHALLLLLLLLLLLLL. What a man. And honestly this might be one of the few age gap romances I've ever enjoyed lmao. Whewwwww. The mess that went on in this book. It's always them PASTORS
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,188 reviews414 followers
November 12, 2021
This book had me at hello from start to finish. Need You By Me was so entertaining. The storyline was attention getting right from the start. From the budding romance between Jaymi and Marshall to their complicated relationships with their parents, I was packing my iPad from room to room because I did not want to miss a single moment. The Wynfords were trash. They were horrible parents and did Jaymi dirty damn near her entire life. The pastor wanted her dependent on him and wanted total control over every single aspect of Jaymi's life. Where she lived, where she went to school, what she majored in, what her GPA should be down to the decimal, where she worked, how often she went to church, and who she could and could not be friends with. This man was strangling her soul with all these unnecessary and unrealistic rules for a 25 year old. And, her mama just stood to the side and turned a blind eye because, she was too busy trying to be the perfect preacher's wife. Then, we had Marshall's daddy who manipulated and blackmailed him for 20 years. They were all just so horrible, I honestly can't say who was the worst. But through all the lies, secrets, and drama, Jaymi and Marshall were able to find love. Their shared commonality of difficult relationships with their parents to the passion they had for each other made it easy for them to gravitate to each other. Amika ended up being the real star. Given her friendship (or lack there of) with Jaymi at the beginning of the book, I expected to dislike her. But, Amika turned out to be a really sweet girl who was just misguided by her controlling azz mama. So, I'm campaigning right now for Amika to get her own book. She definitely deserves a HEA. Need You By Me was a great read. It takes you on a fantastic drama filled ride that will suck you in from beginning to end. This is a must read book.
Profile Image for Lette Reads.
248 reviews70 followers
January 12, 2023
MARSHALL!!! What a MAN!! Endiya did it again! What a great book! Marshall was NASTY!!! Whew!! I love love love how he protected Jaymi!! Both of their dads were TRASH!
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,112 followers
June 5, 2022
Endiya!!!!! You did your thing with this book HUNTY! Tempted by Danger was my first read from her and I knew then that I needed more! Jaymi and Marshall were two tourtured souls at the hands of their fathers. Those men truly damaged them. Despite that though, they found solace in each other at just the right time! Loved loved loved their connection! Layana!!! You TRIED IT!! I’m glad Amika ended up being a ride or die… she had me worried for a minute! Great read and I can’t wait to read more of Endiya’s Catalog!
Profile Image for Jordyn.
142 reviews59 followers
January 20, 2021
Jaymi and Marsh 🥰

I love reading Miss Endiya stories and this was no different. I love the complexity of her stories lines and the characters. Jaymi and Marsh was not the traditional couple, and they were definitely tested through out their journey. Always I loved how everything played out. I would def recommend this for your next read.
1,055 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2024
Loved this book. ❤️ it would've been a 5 star read if all of the story lines were completed. Jaymi and Marshall were great together. Not sure what Jaymi's Father was thinking moving his attractive, sexy, young daughter into this single man's home. 🤔 don't know why he didn't forsee them getting together.

Both their fathers were shit. Marshall's father killed his mother and blackmailed marshall into thinking he did it. WTF? Jaymi's Father didn't used his resources to control her every move. They were both living depressing lives. I wish we had an explanation for Jaymi's Father actions. Also wanted more info on the decline of Jaymi's relationship with Nyi. What happened with the truck driver who was arrested? Why did Anika's mom give Marshall the evil eye? What happened to Anika and the church after everything about the pastor was revealed?

Even with questions unanswered, still loved this book. And the sex scenes were hot 🔥 💦 🔥 💦
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,545 reviews99 followers
January 23, 2021
Whew Lawd! Them Wynford parents are a piece of damn work! Their behavior toward Jaymi made me so angry, that I was cussing them out in my head! Jaymi is my girl! Even after all that she had gone through, she still stood tall and walked in her truth. She did not let anyone change her, no matter what the consequences were. Marshall! I felt for him, as he allowed his father to manipulate him for all those years. Jaymi and Marshall was like putting together those last two puzzle pieces! They were a perfect fit! I loved the sexual tension between them as Marshall tried to fight his growing attraction for Jaymi. The ease of their friendship helped them transition into dating. Then it went left quick! That damn Layana with her needy self, and the arrogant pastor! So impressed with Marshall and how he calmly took care of Jaymi, and assured her that they would be fine. He bossed up on his father and the pastor, telling them how things will be going forward. I so enjoyed this incredible journey that this read took me on! Great job! 👍👍👍
Profile Image for Shay Davis.
Author 27 books193 followers
February 1, 2021
Ms. Carter Never Disappoints!!

Marshall Marshall... MARSHALL! The way he loved Jaymi... whew... gave me all the feels!! And I loved how Jaymi never gave in to her family! She didn’t necessarily know what she wanted in the beginning, but she knew what she didn’t want and she didn’t stand for being controlled! I loved it!

The way these two broken souls help heal one another was amazing! I’m a sucker for a strong man that takes charge and a HEA... and Need You By Me delivered that and so much more!

Can’t wait to read what’s next!
Profile Image for Jahda.
1,049 reviews309 followers
January 6, 2023
The story involved two individuals who were struggling to find their path after being misled and mistreated by their parents. Something about it felt unresolved, or perhaps I'm simply thirsty for information.
Profile Image for Sheronda H.
490 reviews4 followers
November 5, 2025
I was hooked from the beginning. Jay had trash parents and Marshall’s dad was no better. Marshall definitely loved and Jay from the foolishness she had to deal with. Absolutely loved this book.
Profile Image for Chassilyn Hamilton.
Author 19 books89 followers
February 25, 2021
A sexy story that dealt with deep issues and how family issues can mold how you see relationships. Marsh was what I call a real man who refused to her anyone run his house or his life. I loved to see it.
Profile Image for Wind.
317 reviews4 followers
December 4, 2025
4.5🌟🎧 This is an age gap romance that I wasn’t mad about. Jaymi and Marshall both have ain’t shit fathers. Jaymi’s dad is the pastor and wants to control her every move. Marshall’s dad did the unthinkable and have him dealing with guilt for 20 years. The mess was spilling out of this book from page 1 cause you know whenever a pastor is involved mess is soon to come.
One advice to Layana if he wanted to he would. Move on sis.
Profile Image for Erika B..
Author 45 books108 followers
January 25, 2021
Whew!!!! 👀 when I tell you I could not put this book down.... I MEAN IT!!! Ms. Carter wrote the heck out of Marshall and Jaymi... like I have no words to form a proper review lol. I strongly say stop what you’re doing and make this your next read... 5 stars aren’t enough, whew!

I read this book in one day, from the first page to the last reality did not exist 🙌🏾💃🏾👏🏾
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,403 reviews158 followers
April 18, 2025
Free to Love

Jaymi a pk (preacher's kid) had been trying to get from under her fathers thumb since she turned 18. Now at the age of 25 he was still the puppeteer pulling her puppet strings and she was sick of it. She had been rebelling but things came ahead when he decided to cut her off. He had forced her to live with Marshall, a 38 yr old Deacon at the church whom was a truck driver and former athlete and was hardly ever home. She had been living with him for years and he paid her no mind, despite her flirting with him. Until one day she began to look different to him...his body began reacting to her and it was downhill or maybe I should say uphill from there. These two were nasty together and I was with it. Marshall said who is old? Because the way he was blowing her back out like a youngin....yesss.

The story around them was all right. The preacher was the typical greedy man that didn't seem to really care for his family. I thought it was odd how they kept mentioning Jaymi's siblings but they were never really on page. I also didn't understand why the relationship with the mother was pushed under the rug. Then Marshall and his father 🥴 like it made no sense for him not to question anything , but I guess trauma. The ending just felt rushed it was like let me resolve these issues in a quick summary. Overall, not bad but I didn't love the pacing or the flow of this book. 
Profile Image for Ayanna First of BourbonStreetBookers.
482 reviews20 followers
April 16, 2021
A Fight to Real Love

This was absolutely perfect to get into. The twist and turns, the hurt and healing, the good and bad was truly everything this story needed to give me as a reader all that was necessary for the absolute best escape. The intimacy shared described so much passion that it could be felt literally! First read by this author & I'm looking forward to more!💯🎊🎉
Profile Image for Q. Moore.
959 reviews38 followers
October 9, 2021
A Must Read!

This is a stop what you're doing, give your undivided attention to this type of read. I feel like this book could be award-winning and made for the big screens. I enjoyed this book just that much. I know it was fiction, but it touched on so many issues that is a sad reality.

Jaymi and Marshall both lives were practically mirrored images, but they just did not know it initially. Once they began to get to know each other more it became so clear how much they had in common. Marshall was that dude though he came through for Jaymi with every curve ball that was thrown at her. I was happy how things panned out between the two. They both deserved it after all of the mess they went through.

This was a magnificent read, I was intrigued from start to finish. I did not care for the majority of the characters besides Jaymi and Marshall. I would like to read a story on Amicka and Hook, would love to know if they become a couple. I know they will surely have some trials and tribulations to go through.
Profile Image for Jahari Dowdy.
869 reviews4 followers
January 26, 2021
Let th church say Amen.

Ohhh chile church ⛪ folks know they cut ✂up!!!!!! Way worse than secular folks. With that. being said, I really enjoyed Jamie and Drex story. Drex was fooling himself if he thought he could resist that young hottie😂👀. Can't wait to see what Ms. Carter writes📝 next.🙌👌👏
Profile Image for Julez.
524 reviews5 followers
February 15, 2021
Not My Thing

“My mannish ass should have carried my ass to church with Layana tonight, but then again, stepping foot inside that church after the thoughts I’d had about the preacher’s daughter would have made my soul catch on fire”. The book made me smile a little but word choices like ‘nigga’ does not do it for me especially from a black author.
Profile Image for LexRead.
283 reviews21 followers
May 14, 2024
I very rarely give 1 stars. This book was an absolute dumpster fire. Would not recommend at all.
Profile Image for Jite.
1,307 reviews74 followers
May 9, 2022
4.5 Beyond Messy Traumatic stars

This book was fabulous in that it wasn’t perfectly-written, or edited, but it was raw and real and heartfelt. Taking non the painful and traumatic theme of being a pk (pastor’s kid) in a church/family that is anything but Christ-like and is borderline abusive, the author wrote Jaymi and Marshall’s story with a lot of heart and a lot of realness that showed a familiarity with her theme.

The premise is that Jaymi is the black ship of her mega-church pastoring family and in constant rebellion against the toxic control her pastor father tries to exert on her. Having put her as a housemate to one of his deacons, Marshall, when no one else will have her, sparks fly between the two even though they are separated by a fairly large age gap. But Marshall is battling family demons of his own that makes it difficult to standby and watch Jaymi go through all that she does without getting involved. Their controlling and manipulative parents however, have other plans.

I thought that the situations portrayed in this book felt incredibly real. Admittedly, many of the processes for getting to the main plot point were a little plot-holey and unrealistic (e.g. Marshall’s mother’s death) but the overall message and the story and the sexiness and heart were really well done. The characters are realistic and imperfect and have faults and are eminently human, yet you can’t help but root for them in a way that made this incredibly hard to put down.

This is definitely not at all Christian romance. But as a Christian myself, I think this tackles a really important theme of what happens when the pastor becomes the god of the church, rather that the servant of God and those who seek him. There was a lot of toxicity and abuse of power that was certainly not in the spirit of being Christ-like but that has marked many people’s exist from the faith and that aspect of the book was incredibly sad, but incredibly pertinent. Even though I was suitably mad at the villains, I thought the resolution of this book was pretty poignant and definitely not how I thought it would be.

This book is potentially highly triggering for anyone who has felt abuse or toxicity or gaslighting or judgement rather than love from a religious establishment but I also think it is a hopeful rendition of the fact that healing is possible. This is my second book by this author and much like the first, emotionally, I’m blown away by the mix of drama, sexiness, messiness and pertinent real estate this author brings and I’m obsessed. Can’t put her books down and can’t wait to check out something else from her.
Profile Image for Ray.
192 reviews7 followers
May 30, 2024
Honestly, this book is a 4.75 stars ⭐️

I’m going to be honest, I love them as a couple. Age gap romance is one of my faves. Jaymi was top tier fr. She was authentically herself. I hate that she didn’t have a relationship with her sister, cousin and brother. I love that her relationship with her grandfather was A1. I love Marshall as a whole, even though he was older than Jaymi, he stuck his guns until he fell in love with her. Marshall was just a great character and the perfect book boyfriend. The whole relationship was a roller coaster, but I’m glad she got her happy ending. Nya turned out to be a trash friend, and I hated that for Jaymi. And when amika came back into her life, Nya was doing too much. I think lowkey had a crush on Jaymi.
Profile Image for Pookie.
144 reviews11 followers
December 24, 2025
Jaymi x Marshall

I randomly stumbled across this book and honestly…why isn’t everyone talking about it more?! Whew, it was that good! I loved it so much I immediately ordered a physical copy as a trophy. In true Endiya fashion, she delivered the laughs, the mess, and just the right amount of spice.

Jaymi and Marshall were already tangled in each other’s lives as roommates, both carrying the weight of their fathers’ manipulation and just coasting through life. When they finally stopped fighting their connection, they discovered the comfort, protection, and love that they both needed had been right in front of them all along.

This was an immersive reading experience and the narrators brought this book to life! Chef’s kiss….highly recommend!
Profile Image for Symone .
339 reviews12 followers
November 12, 2025
Jaymi, a preacher's daughter, finds herself bound by an agreement with her father that forces her to live with Junior Deacon Marshall. They get along well as roommates especially since Marshall stays on the road for the most part. But when he gets back home for some time, walls began to come down and they start to find peace in one another's company. This definitely ruffled some feathers and things started to get a lil messy. It was a great read. There was a great amount of spice but it was balanced with other things that were going on which I love. The only reason I knocked off a star is because I wanted a lil more meat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Monique.
421 reviews16 followers
November 21, 2025
Loved the chemistry and tension between the two MCs. Marshall was a Fuh-reak🤣 & Jaymi definitely matched his energy. I like how protective he was over her. And I feel like she matured as the book went on. Because she definitely was giving early 20’s rebel PK vibes at first lol. The story certainly wasn’t short on drama! But I do feel like the end was pretty anticlimactic. All of these people have been terrorizing yall for the whole book and they essentially either go away or do better lol. Idk I wanted to see them actually get their karma because their fathers were trash.
Profile Image for DeWanna.
300 reviews9 followers
January 19, 2021
Ms. Carter, Ms. Carter this was a fantastic fictional ride. I loved the mini stories within the main plot. Thoroughly enjoyed the story of Jaymi and Marsh! Both characters are held hostage by being human and not allowed to be free to mature without the association to the connection to the "Church". I look forward to your next selection and more from Miss J!
41 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2021
All I can say is Wow!

From start to finish this book had me on the edge of my seat. I never knew what was coming next. Who needs enemies when you have family like that? Jaymi and Marshall had an uphill battle but it was worth it. I'm going to check out the rest on Endiya's catalog.
Profile Image for Whit.
3,639 reviews51 followers
November 6, 2025

WOW!!!!!!! What Jaymi and Marshall suffered under super sinner, Pastor Wynford's evil doings, was absolutely despicable. He needs to go straight to HELL, along with all those other Holy Roller church members, who looked the other way, instead of stopping him!

Still shaking my head at that ungodly crew!!!!
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