Ciji Sinclair’s star is on the rise. As a celebrated interior designer, she’s recently wrapped her first show on CanDo Network. She’s excited to show the world her unique point of view in the world of design, but there’s only one problem… William Preston is one of CanDo Network’s golden children since the show he co-hosts with his twin brother is a linchpin of the network’s success. He’s rattled by the mere presence of new kid on the block, Ciji, and what her show means for the network. Two people who start as antagonists unexpectedly end up finding common ground. Once they get past the initial friction, what blossoms between them is simply beautiful.
Nicole Falls is a contemporary Black romance writer who has taken entirely too long to complete her first project. She's also a ceramic mug and lapel pin enthusiast who cannot function without her AirPods constantly blaring music. When Nicole isn't writing, she spends her time trolling her friends and family while drinking coffee and/or cocktails or checking off yet another of these great United States visited in her quest to see some land! She currently resides in the suburbs of Chicago.
Okay, come through Nicole Falls with this one! It's actually been a while since I've dived into a Nicole Falls book and that's a huge problem considering she is one of the first Black romance authors I started reading. This one is great for those who love HGTV (but make it Black)!
Screwed is the first in the Preston Brothers series and follows main characters Ciji and Will. Will already works for this network that features him and his twin brother. They decide to create a new show that centers newcomer Ciji as she creates personalized "boom boom" rooms for clients. It's clear from the get go that Ciji and Will do not get along and when he attempts to rectify the situation, he continues to stick his foot in his mouth. What follows is a fun and exciting romance!
What I Loved: This was definitely an enemies to lovers with a touch of BDSM. I, like other reviewers have mentioned, adored that there was a role reversal in this book. Ciji took control of every situation and Will was comfortable enough to follow. Even when he attempted to right his wrongs, Ciji wouldn't allow him to half ass his way and demean the work that she was doing. I love a heroine who is headstrong, confident, and takes no bullshit, but also has a sensitive, kind, and loving side for those who mean a lot. There were also some touching moments where readers will see Will revisit his past relationships and define what it means to take a leap of faith. Ciji also showcases Falls' ability to handle real situations in real ways. These two work together and for the same network that has prided itself on uplifting Black creators, business owners, investors, etc. Their relationship is nothing to be taken lightly and I love that we get to see them work through those very important questions.
Overall, this was a fun start to what I'm guessing will be a duology. I'm definitely looking forward to picking up the next book as this one set it up nicely.
They say the third times the charm and it had to be because, Ciji and Will's first two encounters were disastrous. Because he was being unfairly judgmental, Will did not make the best first or second impression with Ciji. Not only was he being judgmental but, he refuse to acknowledge he had a huge crush on Ciji so, he reverted to the adult version of pulling her hair by being rude and dismissive. After multiple horrible attempts at an apology, Will finally gets it right. Ciji rewards him by introducing him to her Boom Boom room and, oh, what an introduction it was. 😏😏😏 I absolutely loved the role reversal in this book. Ciji had no problem taking charge and Will definitely had no problem following her lead. Screwed is just what you expect from an erotica. It was kinky and filthy with just a touch of sweetness. I loved that we had a brief run in with Cienna and Curt. Nice to see she’s still thriving at the CanDo Network. I can’t wait to dive into Wayland’s story. I’m dying to know what he did to get on Kalise's bad side.
Although Will had eyes for Ciji when he first met her, his actions were totally different. He gave her the impression that he didn’t like her….and even with a fumbled apology, he just couldn’t get it together…but, finally a night out to dinner and a real apology….turns into a night to remember.
Cute enemies to lovers with a splash of BDSM! Not going to lie I’m more excited for the brothers book the closer to the end I got because Ciji and Will were good to an extent and it made me ready for what was next.
William Preston went from being a complete a**hole, because he didn’t know how to express his attraction to the beautiful Ciji Sinclair, to BIG PAPI.!!! I loved that Ciji was like a female “Dom” in certain instances, I don’t know if I’ve read a book where the FMC in a sense, introduced the MMC to BDSM before.
Although, I wish we got more on their actual relationship, it was a decent read.!
Whew child! Will and Ciji heated up the pages from go. Even when they were first meeting, their connection was explosive. I cannot wait to read about Kalise and Way though. There is definitely a story there.
I don't know where to start on this review. The roles have been reversed it's usually the male that has his "secret room" not the female. Ciji is out here giving fully grown men lessons in intimacy. She did it with perfection and made a 💰 decorating "secret rooms" for others. Ciji is the person that William needed in his life. She brought out his vibrant personality. She made William seem like the extrovert Wayland is. While I'm mentioning Wayland, I want to know more about his and Kalise's past. It is some thick tension between the two of them. I feel like whatever is hidden it's going to break through on the set of the mega project. I am looking forward to reading their story. It has to be intriguing.
William has an identical twin named Wayland. They have similarities and differences. You will want to indulge because the Preston brothers are interesting. Grab your copy today!
I really didn’t want this book to end, I think Ciji is my soul sister because I’m all for her 🤣. I was like Will why are you being a D-head towards Ciji you almost lost access to the best thing in your life, but that talk with his father, brother and Rachel was much needed. Will and Ciji was so 🔥 together and you can really read the chemistry between the two and not feel like the story was rushed even though this wasnt a long book. This book will have you engrossed from the beginning till the end and you will be wanting more. Now I need to know when Wayland and KK’s story is coming because hopefully they won’t have me stressed out 🤣🤣🤣.
So, this is a novella that I was more or less 50/50 on, because I really liked the not sex parts of the book but the sex writing didn't work for me and to like it more, I think that would have needed to have not been the case. Does the show that the heroine is launching exist because I would kind of like to see it, ngl.
I'm not into some of the stuff this couple chose, but my goodness it sounded like they enjoyed every twist, turn, hip trust and tumbles. The Preston brothers are shaping up to be formidable catches for the right lady. I liked the idea behind the brothers helping an up and coming star shine. Ciji Sinclair was the newby looking to make a name on a network which featured the powerhouse William 'Billy' Preston and his twin brother. Now I caught the fact that Billy Preston was the piano player and singer popular for the song, 'Nothing from Nothing', and basically Billy had nothing to loose but his heart when it came to Ciji Sinclair. The story had a very sexy vibe with a mellow atmosphere, I could feel in my spirit. 5 stars.
This is a cute, fun antagonist to lovers kinda novella. Will has a bad habit of sticking his foot in his mouth, but eventually he figures out how to stop insulting Ciji and communicate their mutual attraction. I really like their dynamic, as well as the dynamics they each have with other characters. Just a fun, light read to brighten the day~
Ahhhhhh I loved the role reversal in this spicy romance story! Ciji and Will are two characters whose story in dire I won’t forget!!! I’m such a fan of Big Sir energy however I lived for the FMC taking the kink lead!!!!
Just devoured "Screwed" by Nicole Falls, my second dive into her work, and it’s confirmed: I'm officially a fan. This novella wasn't just a page-turner; it was a refreshing plunge into Falls' universe with new voices guiding the way. Lauryn Nichols and Midnite Michael? They didn’t just read the story; they were the story, bringing every word to vibrant life. And just when I thought I'd be left hanging with the burning question, "What's the tea with Kalise and Wayland?" I discovered book two is already out. Guess I know what I’m doing next! Hats off to Nicole Falls for making me a part of her literary fan club.
Uggh, this book had so much potential and instead spent more time on trying to be accurate with making it sound hip through the annoying dialogue and “black language” of the characters. So disappointing. As an African American it was insulting to be portrayed in this manner. Maybe it’s a southern thing, but plenty of blacks don’t speak this way and I hate how the characters were trivialized in this matter instead of being the educated charters they were portrayed to be.
I really enjoyed this story, which is not unusual for a Nicole Falls book. The characters were entertaining and I definitely believed their attraction for one another. I love that Ciji had no problem putting Will in his place and making him act right when he came at her sideways. I also really like her dom energy. It was different because usually romance novels make men the doms and introducers/initiators of kink, but the switch up was much appreciated. Unfortunately, I do think it was too short. The ending felt abrupt and I would have liked to see their relationship be fleshed out more so that we could see them Truly get to know each other, fall in love and be happy. I know that the current trend is for novellas, but I really do believe that a full length novel is necessary to accurately tell most stories, and this is not the exception. Nevertheless, it was still enjoyable and I’m looking forward to the second book in the series. 4⭐️
Billy wasn’t ready for Cijii but he was willing to f around and find out, once he got through several disastrous encounters. Who knew a woman could make a man revert back to elementary school! Cijii has just gotten her dream job taken to the next level with a show on a network. She’s so excited and looked forward to meeting the og twins on the network. One of these twins is not like the other once they encounter each other. One she’s laughing with and the other is giving stank face. A series of horrible attempts at an apology, and she is firmly sticking to 3 strikes and you’re out. Good thing there last was a home run! I enjoyed this book and cracked up at a grown man with a crush. He was definitely screwed, but he enjoyed it in the end! She changed his life ok! Great read!
😏 Ohhhh this one was GOOD. Spicy in the best way and just the right amount of friction-to-fire. Ciji Sinclair is out here shining new show on the CanDo Network, talent on ten, confidence on a hundred. Meanwhile William Preston is big mad and bothered because he felt like her show didn't meet his standards… 💅🏾 she’s fine, focused and unbothered by his ego.
Will had major school boy crush energy and it caused some hella tension. Will fumbled that apology twice before finally getting it right on the third try. Well that's after talking to his dad. And just like that growth, accountability and a little vulnerability wrapped in manhood that’s the charm right there.
Once they stripped that tension down and really saw each other desires, the chemistry just erupted. I will forever love a dominant woman easing a man into her world of kinks. Seeing a man trust a woman enough to let go, surrender control and follow her lead!! Yes ma’am, that’s the kind of spice that hits every time.
Short story or not, Nicole Falls delivered a full course meal. I’m definitely falling harder and harder for these little bite sized romances.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
this was a cute little enemies-to-lovers moment, and honestly? the mommy domme dynamic with ciji was the unexpected highlight. i loved how naturally nurturing she was — not in a corny way, but in that “i see you, i got you, let me guide you” way. and will?? that man was respectfully submissive, fully tapped into letting her take the lead, and it worked way better than i expected. their relationship turned out way more touching than i thought it would. the workplace rivalry was fine, but the real magic was in their softer moments — the care, the trust, the switch from “you irritate me” to “i’m lowkey obsessed with you.” cute, warm, and kink-lite in a way that made sense for them. it didn’t hit hard enough to bump past 3 stars, but it was still a fun, sweet, slightly spicy ride.
This was a great story of Ciji and Will. They both worked on a network known for home improvement, but Will wasn't impressed with Ciji or her show. When Will rubbed Ciji the wrong way, he had to apologize, but what came next was unexpected. I loved how they fell into a relationship like adults who communicate and now what they want. I loved how she always called him baby, and he was so receptive to it.
The narrators on this book were top-tier. Midnite Michael and Lauryn Nichol were perfect for this, and their voices just bought this story to life!!!
Wow ok this was definitely a unique take on romance for me, where the woman takes charge more than the man. Let me tell ya, I'm here for it! Our heroine exudes raw power and control in a way that feels so seamless. And our hero is equally dominating in his own way, but learns to give a little of that up and let's the heroine guide them through a lot of their sensual encounters.
As always with this author, she packs all this into a novella length story that gives me just enough and yet also has me wanting more.
This book was the perfect blend of romantic and kinky😝. I wasn’t expecting the turn this book took but Nicole Falls did a good job of creating the perfect mixture for this book! Will and Ciji were a cute couple even with how they first started I always enjoyed their interactions. This storyline was a good one and adding in the past characters and mentions made me smile every time. I’m very interested in Wayland’s story because the nuggets that were dropped have surely piqued my interest.
Always something slightly different with that same familiar flavor of a tried and true friend. Ms. Falls never disappoints and I LOVE this introduction to Ciji and Billy. This topic could be so taboo or done improperly but was handled with skill and finesse intertwining it with the dynamics of their relationship in a way that just works. Beautifully. I hope we see another glimpse of these two later on.
Did I absolutely enjoy this read? Yes. Am I in love with the characters? Yes. Am I wishing CiJi’s show as real? Again, yes. But am I mad af that this ended with out an in-depth description of what happens on that freaking cross? Chile, YES! Temper tantrum aside, it’s a steamy little novella and although I’m sad it ended, I also want to reread it again right now because whew!