Welcome to Preto Village, a beautiful black community where everybody knows your business and has no qualms about sharing it…
Pulled back to Preto by a request from her grandfather, Imani Sparks just wants to handle his affairs well and make him proud. Some town’s people and family members don’t think she’s capable due to a bit of cloudiness. Especially not while running around town with her new friend. Elias Brewster is in town for just a little while. He’s looking for restful time off and somebody to spend it with. The catch is once he’s gone, he’s gone. With things being so cloudy, can they clear the way for a little romance?
I'm just a girl in love with literature. My love affair with romance novels started with I was 13 and has flourished into an obsession. I've always been a writer. Even when I was a little girl, I always had a pen and a notebook poised to let something out. You Make Me Better is my first project that will be published and I am STOKED. My goal is to write stories surrounding positive black love, with a little humor tossed in.
Imani has moved back to Preto Village to help out her grandfather after a medical scare. Her grandfather happens to be our favorite town roaster, Mr. Ollie. After his heart attack, Mr. Ollie realizes he’s gettin’ up in age and not movin’ around like he use to so, he chose to make Imani and her brother conservators over his personal and business affairs. This decision does not go over well with the rest of the Sparks family. Imani is a lovable but, odd character. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think she was a high functioning autistic person. Imani is an introvert who stays in her lane and minds the business that pays her. She doesn’t pay attention to things going on around her, conversations tend to go over her head, and she takes what’s said to her quite literally. My girl is the true definition of being oblivious and not seeing what’s right in front of you. Because Imani has this oddball personality, her family likes to label her as dumb and tries to bully and take advantage of her.
Elias is a traveling PA and he’s just wrapped up his last assignment. Since he has four months to kill until his next job, he heads to Preto Village to help his parents get moved into their new home. While he’s out at the diner, Elias sees Imani and he’s immediately smitten. Now, of course, our oblivious darling doesn’t realize the new resident hottie is feelin’ her until Charadee, Maali, Neriah, and even Mr. Ollie has to tell her. See?!!! Oblivious. 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️ You’ll definitely need to pack your patience with this character. Imani was sweet but, frustrating as hell. Her cluelessness irked my last damn nerve but, when sis’ light bulb finally goes off, she stood on business and got her man. Cloudy with a Chance of Romance gave me all the rom com small town feels and I ate every bit of it up. I loved the updates we got on Charadee, Keegan, Maali, and Neriah. We even got an if you blinked you missed it cameo from bitter azz Margaret and Janet and, yes, they’re still miserable. A good time is always had when we get to pull up to Preto Village and I look forward to our next visit. Fingers crossed. 🤞🏾🤞🏾
Now we all know by now that Preto’s very own Mr. Ollie has always been sharp as a tack and unfiltered af but being 95 years young has finally caught up to him and after a health scare, is in need of some help around the store and with his day to day finances. His baby girl and granddaughter Nani Pu is the apple of his eye, so putting her in charge of his estate is a no brainer. We also know that Mr. Ollie don’t care one bit about what anybody thinks so despite Nani’s reservation regarding the potential family and towns blowback, he knew he made the right decision.
Elias’ parents are the newest residents of Preto Village! As a traveling Physician’s assistant he is in between contracts and is using his time in Preto to help his parents get settled and see what this small town is all about! He had no idea that what would start out as a mutually beneficial “no strings attached” arrangement would blossom into something that would knock him on his 🍑!
I loved me some Nani but baby girl was clue👏🏽less👏🏽 😩Nani was a different type of character than I’m used to and while I really liked her introverted quirky personality, she wasn’t a convincing love interest in the book. Baby girl couldn’t buy a vowel if Vanna White whispered it in her ear herself! Imani was very literal in her thinking. If you didn’t draw the poor girl a map and guide her through each twist and turn she would certainly end up lost.
I honestly didn’t feel any chemistry between these two. I often confused Nani for a young 20 something year old and not 33. She was way too old and educated by her and Papa’s own admission to be such an airhead! The 3rd act break up gave me more feelings than the actual “relationship”!
The trip to Portland? Not needed because it was summarized and added no value to the story. What did they do, how did they connect? They were off to Portland and next thing we know they’re being upgraded to First Class on the flight home 🫤
Elias’ mooching sister? Also an unnecessary part of the story. I would’ve rather read about their experience in the caves and the waterfall 🤷🏽♀️
Overall I enjoyed the trip back to Preto but this story didn’t touch me behind the ribs like the others.
This was a cute short visit back to Preto Village with Imani and Ellias! Imani is the granddaughter of Mr Oli and runs the grocery store, while Ellias is staying with family and is a travel PA. Imani worked my nerves soooo badly you all! Like omg, she could not see what was right in front of her too oblivious for some of the most obvious things! Ellias gave her some balance but still, it took her a bit tooo long to get it 😭😂. Like Ellias was too patient lol Overall cute country small-town love story and I loved all the updates on all the couples from the series!
Does this little town feel like it's real to anyone else? I can not tell you how much I laughed, frowned, laughed some more, and then repeated. Mr. Ollie always makes me happy with his truth telling antics. He is actually Preto Village. The way the one scene in the car unfolded,I was ready to cry. No spoiler... I knew nothing would take out Mr. PV. What I loved about this story was the way Papa loved Nani. Imani was what my grandparents used to say were really smart but had no common sense. Then there was the visiting PA named Elias, who came to town and shook up Imani's cobwebs. What chapped my butt and had me wanting to lay hands, all included Papa's greedy kids and grands. Let me say this, you will love getting back to PV for another grand adventure. The love story was another quirky, cute tale from this author's treasure trove of goodness. Go get yours now, and thank me later. 4.85 stars....
Cute little story however, Imani tapped danced on my very last nerve. Sis was stuck on stupid and didn’t get a clue until 93% in. It’s one thing to be a little naive but Imani was seriously obtuse throughout the entire book.
Nani Pu and Ellias were such a blast to read about! It was refreshing to see a different side of Mr. Ollie, especially how he adores and dotes on his grandbaby. When Nani returned to Preto to manage Sparky's, her grandfather's store, things got interesting with the family dynamics. Ellias, temporarily in Preto, lent a hand as a PA and connected with Imani (Nani) while doing his rounds. Together, they concocted a plan for a summer fling. Their fling plan was a hit, but then real feelings got in the way. AshleyNicole's knack for humor in her stories is just awesome! It's always a treat when I'm in her catalog.
It was so nice to visit Preto Village again. Having Mr. Ollie be front and center as well, was a treat. Mr. Ollie 95? When that happen? 😂 No matter his age, he still raising hell, cussing people out, and gettin' it in? 👀🤯 This man loves his granddaughter something serious, and only wants the best for her. Nani is the only one who knows and understands Sparky's as well as he does, so she deserves to run it for him. He doesn't give a damn what anyone says!
Imani "Nani" is a sweet girl, with great business sense, loves her papa, but lawd does she live in the clouds. I ain't run across a person so oblivious in my whole life! Why at yo big age, people still have to spell everything out to the letter for you to get it? Girl, get your head out of the fog! 😤
Elias, came to Preto to help his parents settle in. In between jobs, and not sure what to do, he sticks around for a bit, and ends up helping Keegan at the clinic. Meeting Nani was unexpected, and he was immediately drawn to her. Maybe staying in Preto won't be so bad after all. After making a "summer plan" with Nani, all systems are a go, and they are living their best lives. Until plans change.... My heart broke for Elias after that conversation. 💔 Damn, Nani you still don't get it do you? Ughhh....🤬 She really got on my nerves, but I would love to visit Preto again.
This was cute. Glad Mr. Ollie was prominent in it. Although strongly hinted, I thought it was interesting that no one ever assumed that Imani was on the autism spectrum...not even Elias. I really expected that she would get diagnosed and give clarity as to why "she always spaced out." But, it wasn't done that way. Not a big deal, I just thought it was interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3.5 I missed this town!!! But Nani at 33 had me a little worried. Mr.Ollie has to live forever Nani and I agreed on that much. Please read if you enjoyed the rest of the series.
I didn’t know that I was a fan of small town romances until I was introduced to Preto Village. This book gave me an opportunity to visit one of my favorite book destinations. Mr. Ollie was hilarious like always. His relationship with Imani was the sweetest thing ever. She worked my nerves a little bit, but I was still rooting for her to find happiness. She just needed to get out of her own way. Elias was quite lovable. He was patient and compassionate. I really enjoyed getting to know him. Their courtship started off with unconventional rules, but love overruled all of that. I really enjoyed embarking on this journey with this couple.
Elias & Imani!!! I love the folks of Preto Village!! Elias & Imani caught me by surprise, and it was so sweet. Elias was looking for Ms. Right now, no heart or strings attached. Imani was a woman who loved a good plan and yet clueless to the subtext. You will laugh out loud. Great story! I want a lavender field.
AshleyNicole is a fav of mine and I know she will always give me a good read! Imani and Elias were definitely a trial for me but they got it together in the end!
Such a perfect small town romance. Imani and Elias had such a great love story. Lawd she was so clueless. But it was cute. Mr. Ollie was a riot, as usual. I really enjoyed this book.
Imani Sparks was frustrating as hell. I kept trying to give this character grace but by the end of the book I hated her. I felt like I knew more about Ollie, the grocery store and The Sparks family than I did Elias. Very little was spent on the developing romance between Elias and Imani which for me made this the worst book in the series. I’m not sure if this was the final Book but if it isn’t I will not be revisiting Preto Village. I’m over the town and the people.
Imani Sparks is not the most confident, but she is definitely capable. Elias doesn’t intend to fall in love with Imani (or Preto), but he can’t help it when he does. Can the two of them figure things out together?
I don’t know if I have ever identified with a character as much as I do with Imani Sparks. Her ability to only deal with what’s important and leave the rest is too much like mine. I enjoyed seeing a version of myself, though I know the author doesn’t know me from Adam.
I was too happy to read that AshleyNicole did another Preto Village novel. It was well worth the wait.
So, if you like Small Town Romance, No Strings becoming All The Strings, and Family Drama, then this is for you.
Lord don't let Mr. Ollie ever die. Loved this story about his grand daughter Nani and a traveling Dr. , new to Preto, Elias. Nani is a little slow socially but great at running Sparkys and taking care of Mr Ollie who has entrusted her with the store and all his money. Elias falls in love with her but she has a hard time accepting her feelings and has listened to what others in town this of her and her tendency to have her head in the clouds. Elias is patient and helps her get to where she needs to be. Can be read as a stand alone but just read them in order- it's totally worth it. I hope there are more books to come in this series!! I have inhaled it over the last couple of weeks. AshleyNicole has catapult to the top of my fave authors list!
Never understand estimate the power of “O” …fill in the blank (s)😮🤭🤷🏾♀️‼️ Thereafter, “Cloudy With A Chance of Romance: A Preto Village Novel” was a great read. …with the exception of the ghetto a$$ lazy annoying relatives (unfortunately, we can’t avoid those blood thirsty leaches even in literary fictional work 🤦🏾♀️🤬). Nevertheless, Imani & Elias’ summer situationship was a peculiar arrangement for two 30 plus year old adults, but I guess stranger things could/have happened. Their story was minuscule, compared to Mr. Ollie’s. “…fifteen minutes is all you need, son. Anything longer, and you’re showing off.”🤣😂‼️ Ooo!…Ok!…Oh!…Oh My! etc. (my recurring responses the entire book) LOL!👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽
This was such a good story. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Imani definitely kept her head in the clouds and was book smart but lacked when it came to reading between the lines. It took for Elias to help bring her back down to earth. I thought they were an adorable couple and I loved how he encouraged her. Mr. Ollie was a breath of fresh air with his jokes and I loved to see how he doted on Nani and encouraged her to see just how brilliant she was despite what others said about her. It was nice getting a bit of an update from the Preto Village crew. This book was a nice addition to that series.
It’s always nice to visit Preto Village, but it was even more of treat to learn more about Mr. Ollie’s family. Nani was as sweet as she could be, but she was the most aloof person ever. There were several times through out this novel where I thought she was a little too naive, but later I realized that she was just socially awkward x10. Elias was a good fit for her because he was patient and understanding. I was so happy when she finally figured out what was happening around her because she almost lost her man with her “cloudiness”. Until next time Preto!
Why do I want to go to Preto Village? Ok we are back this time with Elias and Imani. Elias’ parents have just moved there and Imani has lived there all her life. They meet and decide to have a fling for the time he is there since he is a traveling nurse. What starts out as casual turns into something more. Omg, Imani was so oblivious but I can totally relate. But the real star was Mr. Ollie! I love how character and spunk. AshleyNicole, you have another winner on your hands! Truly enjoyed this book!
I just love me some AshleyNicole novels and A Preto Village on at that we got a lot of Mr. Ollie I love the relationship him and Nani have it made miss my grandfather made me think what our relationship would have been like me as an adult now about Elias whew he was so patient with Nani her head was so in the clouds but I'm guilty of that as well I loved the storyline and I didn't want this story to end can't wait to read what's next from my best friend in my head lol maybe A Mason Family novel (hint, hint)
Let me start by saying I love me some Mr. Ollie! He is, by far, my favorite character in the entire series. That man said, “She minded her business so much she was blind to the rest of the world.” I felt that on a spiritual level lol Imani was truly one of a kind & Elias had more patience than any man I’ve ever encountered. It was a long walk for my girl, but she got there when she was supposed to.
I loved revisiting this small, nosy, hilarious town once again. It’s an emotionally stirring experience every time. ✨Highly recommended✨💕
I love Preto village I need to talk to Nye about some real estate….as always this was a good read a little slower but still good Nani knew what she wanted and went for it even though she was a little slow about reading a room, context clues but she was smart as a whip….she just minded her business…now Elias was looking for something for the moment but Preto and Nani grew on him real quick so b B w
All I could think about throughout this book was that the FMC is slow. She was really an oblivious mess and sis had me shaking my head quite few times. At first i wasn’t really feeling the MMC , but he grew on me. Mr. Ollie is a dang on fool per usual . I could read a whole book with just him and Miss Mae fighting. lol Although book 3 is still my favorite. This was a a nice addition to the Preto Village series.
This was not your average romance but I did like the plot. And getting more time from my favorite small town people. Imani was ditzy as they come, but I'm glad she got it together in the end. I didn't feel a strong chemistry between her and Elias, but I did like their companionship. I think more interaction with Charadee, Keegan, Dion, Zach, Maali, and Neriah early on would have done the relationship some good.