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Nights #2

Promised Nights

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I’ve been in love with Luke Daniels since, well, forever.
As his sister's best friend, I’ve spent over a decade living in the friend zone, watching from the sidelines hoping he would notice me, pick me, love me.
I want the fairy tale and Luke is my Prince Charming. He’s tall, with shoulders so broad he blocks out the sun. He's kind with a smile so dazzling he makes me forget everything that’s wrong in the world. And he's the only man that can make me laugh until my cheeks hurt and my stomach cramp.
But he’ll never be mine. So I’ve decided to get on with my life and find the next best thing.
Until a Wonder Woman costume, a bottle of tequila and a game of truth or dare happened.
Then Luke's licking salt from my wrist and telling me I’m beautiful. Then he’s peeling off my clothes and pressing his lips against mine.
Then what? Is this the start of my happily ever after or the beginning of a tragedy?Promised Nights is a standalone with no cliffhanger.
Parisian Nights is Jake and Haven's story.
Indigo Nights is Beth and Dylan's story.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 11, 2016

546 people are currently reading
1334 people want to read

About the author

Louise Bay

77 books7,498 followers
International, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes contemporary romance novels that make you laugh - the kind she likes to read.

Ruined by the bonk-busters of the eighties, Louise was inspired by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins, but wants to be Emily Henry when she grows up.

Louise loves the rain, RHOBH, London, days when she doesn't have to wear make-up, hanging out with her kid, elephants and champagne (not necessarily in that order).

She loves to hear from readers so get in touch!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
Profile Image for Jayme.
430 reviews465 followers
November 29, 2015
It's not you, it's me. ...no, really, do not get discouraged my opinion. I think that this book is well written and certainly it has something, most ratings end up being favorable. It's just not for me. But I feel that I should write why, so I will.

I usually like reading books where there is some angst and anxiety in which direction it all goes, and cause in me a lot of emotion. But here it frustrated me to the point that I could not catch contact with any of the characters, and finished properly disliking them. They both have their share in what's going on here.

I did DNF at 62%. And I know that I stopped reading in the turning point, when he finally goes to his senses. I know this because, of course, after a pause, I went back to the book, just read parts of it to the end. But for me, it was already too late. This has gone too far. I have not been able to get closer again to the characters. Seriously just I do not understand them. My thinking about the world, relationships, simply does not agree with it and reading about it annoyed me.

But of course I finished the book, I hate don't do this, and I can say that they have a lovely happy ending. And it's not like that I dislike it. It just was not for me. Although much more I got to like secondary characters. I know that Haven and Jake have their book - What the Lightning Sees - and I could give them a chance, which probably at some point will do.

So for whom is the book? I think that for those who like a lot anxiety in relationships, for those who like characters who are just discovering what they want, and for those who can read about heroes who are in relationships during the book with others than they should be. But there is no cheating (although it sure depends on your own sense of it, ), it is just a lot of mess.

After a time to think about it, I will give this 3 stars.

***

*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

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Profile Image for Tink Magoo is bad at reviews.
1,291 reviews250 followers
January 9, 2016
I loved The Empire State Trilogy by Louise Bay and I liked the start of this series but then Ashleigh LITERALLY DID NOTHING BUT WHINE LIKE A LITTLE BITCH!! and do you know what, it was all her bloody fault!

I just wanted to reach into the book and slap her round the face with a wet kipper!

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I loved Luke, Haven and Jake. The banter between them all was good and the first part (Calling Me) was a 5 star for me. Then I just kept wanting to do this

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It may just have been my hormones .... no actually it wasn't. The writing was as good as it always is from Ms Bay and it won't put me off reading her other books ( unless they involve Ashleigh - if that's the case I'd rather chew my own toenails).
Profile Image for Sophie.
590 reviews479 followers
November 4, 2015
The Calling Me Series is a sweet, sexy and sensual ride through a beautifully brilliant friends to lovers adventure.
Louise Bay is a brand new author for me but thoroughly grabbed my attention and heart with this story. As a whole, the series flows impeccably and was very hard to put down.
The series follows Luke & Ashleigh, their intense love for one another and making a relationship for lovers after being friends for so long.
I instantly fell in love with Luke, he was perfect in every way. So sweet and seductive, dirty and HOT!
I have to admit Ashleigh annoyed me at different points due to her worrying and inner issues. I wanted her to just throw caution to the wind and go for it as Luke is perfect for her, but on the other hand I did understand some of her issues.
Louise perfectly wrote the scenes between the two to involve just the right amount of angst to build the tension in turn ensuring that when the two came together is was explosive and a pleasure to read!

4.5 perfectly poignant stars!!
Profile Image for Carlene.
1,027 reviews277 followers
April 28, 2016
Ashleigh Franklin wants the forever type of romance, complete with marriage and kids. She's been in love with her best friend's brother since she was a child, but she knows she can't have him and she's looking for the next best thing.
Luke is single after a 3 year relationship, he doesn't want to be married or have kids, he sees his sister and her best friend in his future, nothing else. When he realizes that those feelings are kicking in, for his sister's best friend, Ashleigh, does he have what it takes to show her he can be serious? That he wants her forever? Will she even give him the chance to?

Calling Me: The Complete Series was a funny and cute friends to lovers romance, the kind you can read on any given day and find a smile on your face. The friendship between Ashleigh, Luke, and Haven, as well as her husband and his sister, was hilarious. They're the kind of friends you picture at your dinner table, making jokes and being the people you turn to when you need to be serious. All were really relatable and the book followed true to how friendships work. Luke was a great guy, the kind of guy girl's would leap for. When he started making personal development changes in his life I was swooning right alongside Ashleigh and every other female character. His relationship with Ashleigh wasn't a unique story line, but it was fun to read. Their interactions were sometimes awkward, sometimes really steamy, and sometimes just like friends usually are. I liked how the characters overcame their differences, facing them as individuals in order to find eachother.

While the story was at times predictable, it was still very enjoyable to read. I found myself growing tired of Ashleigh's meltdowns and her lack of faith, but I understood what they did for the story. Told in three novella parts, the complete series is definitely something I am glad I read all in one sitting rather than waiting for each individual novella to be published. While each section doesn't have a major cliffhanger, they do leave you wanting for more, a lot more.

Calling Me was definitely a feel good kind of read and I really enjoyed sitting down and entering the lives of Ashleigh, Luke, and their family and friends. If you're looking for a shorter read with all the emotions, from angst to fluffy love, this is it.
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,394 reviews622 followers
August 30, 2018
What I loved most about this friends to lovers story is that it was slow and steady. The progression from friends to lovers happened in layered realizations. In other words, it was more of an ah ha moment than anything else for both Luke and Ashleigh. Luke because he'd never looked at Ashleigh in that way their whole lives .... until he did :) And Ashleigh because she had looked at Luke like that their whole lives until she stopped ... but then she did :)

This was truly an fantastic story from beginning to end. I just loved everyone. I loved the fun and the twists and the romance and just everything!
Profile Image for Brandi.
1,159 reviews148 followers
April 13, 2020
Best Friend's Brother.
Sister's Best Friend.

However you look at it, Ashley and Luke are absolutely perfect for each other. And as soon as they both realize it, the real fun begins.

I don't know how familiar you are with Shane East, but holy moly this book is dirty and hearing his amazing voice whispering such naughty words in my ear...well, this book is a #onehandedread (if I were holding a physical book) if I've ever read/heard one.

Super hot, fun, flirty, and one of those reads you just can't put down. Promised Nights is exactly what you need.
Profile Image for Lisa :).
191 reviews
May 22, 2019
I really liked the first half until the heroine turned into whiny little thing who couldn‘t make up her mind. Kinda ruined my enjoyment of the whole thing.

Promised nights is well written story telling wise but I almost DNF‘ed because Ashleigh aggravated me so much.

3 stars because I really liked the book until Ashleigh had the most stupid idea for them to break up and was really hard headed about getting back together.
Profile Image for Laura McMillin.
256 reviews8 followers
November 30, 2015
Calling me back!
I absolutely loved this friends-to-lovers, best friend's brother story!
Ashleigh, who has been in love with Luke for 15 years, is trying her best to move on and get past her unreciprocated feelings. Distancing herself from him, dating a good man, and skipping Sunday family dinners. Ashleigh's boyfriend, Richard is a good man - doctor, good looking, adores her, and treats her well. However, there is no spark and the sex is mediocre. She keeps hoping it will become more but when Luke and Richard meet, there is just no comparison.
Luke has been with his girlfriend, Emma for 3 years. He likes their arrangement and feels like things are fine.... until she starts talking about marriage and children which sets him in a panic! Luke turns to Ashleigh for advice knowing things always feel better when she is around! He calls her last minute to have her lunch break with him and during that, her boyfriend shows up and it churns something inside Luke. After talking with his sister, Haven and her husband, Jake (which I love his answer), he decides that he can't stay with Emma and give her what she needs.
Luke, who always counts on Ashleigh, invites her to an awards ceremony for his company. When he sees her come in with her red dress, it's finally like the blinders have been lifted from his eyes. From there, it's a wild, fun, and sexy ride!!
Calling me away!
Whew... what an emotional roller coaster! While I can understand Ashleigh's point of view, my heart just ached for the both of them. At points in the story, I was screaming in my head (Oh no, you can't do that!) and (What is he/she thinking?). Ashleigh is one very strong woman and she sticks to her guns, all while going through turmoil but she is hoping for the best in the end. Luke is distraught over Ashleigh's decision, but eventually he understands where she is coming from. So, he sets out and is determined to do everything he can to prove to Ashleigh that she is who he wants, forever! There are some bumps in the road, which makes things all the more intriguing but the heart wants what the heart wants!
Calling me home!
A beautiful ending! Luke and Ashleigh are finally together and things are going great! Luke is over the moon for Ashleigh, however Ashleigh thinks they are moving to fast. She finally relents and sees that she was worried over nothing. She is constantly wearing and a smile and is the happiest she's ever been. When a situation arises that she knows is what Luke didn't want, she plans on doing what she thinks must be done. What she didn't count on was Luke's reaction and what she really means to him!
Luke will make your ovaries burst in this third installment! A beautifully written story that will make your heart burst
Profile Image for Romance Readers Retreat.
2,346 reviews225 followers
November 9, 2015
I really enjoyed this boxset of the Calling Me series, a set of three books that delivers a lovely story of lifelong friends moving on to a relationship together. I’m so glad I waited for the complete series before reading as I’m sure the cliffhangers between each book would have been torturous.

Calling Me Back
We meet Luke and quickly learn that he has issues with making the big commitment of marriage but is that just because he hasn’t met the right person yet…..or has he? Luke and Ash are lifelong friends that are already more than friends, they are family and as his sister’s best friend Luke doesn’t see Ash as anything different. Ash though has long since accepted her love for Luke will remain unrequited. When Luke’s current partner throws down a relationship ultimatum his life begins to spiral and he questions everything he thought he knew and wanted in life as he begins a new phase. Ash is there to help Luke through and suddenly things change as he realises she means more to him than just a friend but can he act on his thoughts. A drunken night out ends with a rather hot night of passion and Ash is left feeling that she may have made a mistake in being Luke’s rebound.

Calling Me Away
Ash makes the decision that as much as she loves Luke that moving on to a relationship may not be the best for the friendship they share and especially her friendship with his sister. So she tells Luke he has to take the time to find himself before jumping into another relationship. This book had me on edge as I wanted these two to work things out and every step they took further away from each other had me wanting it more. Ash had me so frustrated with her back and forth thoughts and she started to do the damage to the friendship’s herself that she feared a relationship with Luke would. However, it was good to see Luke discover himself as a person and realise the things that had been holding him back. I was happy to see he realised that he was as mad about Ash and ready to fight for what he wanted.

Calling Me Home
This was a perfect ending to this series as Luke and Ash begin to develop their relationship together. I loved how different Luke was as a character from the first book and his obvious love for Ash. As the relationship suddenly changes and Ash once again questioned if Luke was ready for the next step he was fantastic in showing her that he was.

A great read and my first by this author and I look forward to catching up on the rest of her work.
Profile Image for Melissa.
652 reviews18 followers
October 22, 2015
An Amazing, Thrilling, Terrific Series!
I absolutely love this series, from the moment that I began book 1, and throughout the series, I was totally hooked. I have just been so captivated by everything, the plot, the characters, the love and laughs. Before I began reading book 1 Calling Me Back I had not had the opportunity to read this author, so I wasn't sure what to expect, I am so glad I was presented the opportunity to read and review this series. I have to say that I totally love the author's writing, her creativity and wit are really terrific. There is a series previous to this one, that I have been meaning to go back and read called the White Lightning Series which, I definitely will be going back to read that series now that I have finished this amazing series. It is my understanding that we will get to know even more about the characters from that one. Each book in the series needs to be read in order and books two and three pick right up where the previous one leaves off. Even the ending, though it is always sad to see a great series end, is just the absolute perfect ending to the series, it is so romantic and heartfelt. I just cannot recommend this series highly enough! The story is just so amazing and I was drawn right in to each and every volume, and read each one straight through, I just could not put them down! I loved the love and laughs, and intense heat and smoldering passion. This series just has everything and though I am sad to see it end, as I said it ended awesomely . I can't wait to read more from this very talented author. I was generously given a complimentary copy of this series for an honest review.
Profile Image for louise lee.
8 reviews
October 30, 2015
Wow

Three books in the space of 32hours. The story of Luke and Ashleigh is like a real life fairytail that will leave you hanging for more. Fantastic read strongly recommend
Profile Image for Maru González Lorente.
724 reviews19 followers
November 12, 2023
2,5/5

Segunda parte de la serie Nights.
Ashleigh es enfermera, sus padres viven muy lejos y Haven es su mejor amiga, lleva toda la vida enamorada de Luke, el hermano de su mejor amiga.

Haven, Luke y Ash son una familia, la que ellos encontraron y tienen la tradición de cenar todos los domingos juntos.

Luke es abogado, exitoso y puede que le hagan socio muy pronto. Su hermana es su mundo y está muy orgulloso de ella por todo lo que ha conseguido, Ash es alguien con el que se entiende enseguida, un pilar fundamental en su vida.

En el libro anterior ya sabíamos que Luke tenía pareja, en esta las cosas empiezan a no ir bien y además Ash empieza a salir con alguien para intentar olvidar a Luke.

La historia es un Friends to lovers, dos personas que se comprenden con solo mirarse, se conocen muy bien y son personas importantes para el otro.

Mi problema con la historia es que la he visto precipitada, una vez que están los dos libres se lanzan a algo de repente, sobre todo por parte de Luke que hasta ese momento no sentía nada por Ash me costó entender por qué ahora, y se pasa de nada a cien y volvemos a nada. Creo que todo lo que pasa entre ellos es muy precipitado, me ha costado entender sus sentimientos y lo que, sí que me han sobrado algunas escenas de sexo, entiendo que ellos son fuego.

He leído muchos libros de Louise Bay y este es el primero con el que no he terminado de conectar con la historia, en algún momento tenía que pasar. Lo que sí es cierto es que la autora escribe muy bien.

Veremos a personajes que ya conocemos que me ha encantado ver como van sus vidas y con ganas de conocer la historia de Beth.
Profile Image for ItaPixie.
1,273 reviews148 followers
April 28, 2020

I had this book on my reader for a long time but it never was the right moment to get to it, in the meantime I’ve read and appreciated all Louise Bay’s works, but yesterday it seemed it called me so I turned the first page and finished it in a few hours.

Louise Bay words gave me all the comfort and the joy I did need and while I was reading I felt like I was reunites with some old lost friends.

I've really enjoyed to follow Ashleigh and Luke’s journey from friends to lovers, it was’t easy for them to risk their friendship for something so unpredictable like love but their trust in each other helped them to take that jump.

I thoroughly recommend it if you want a nice spicy read.

Profile Image for Ariadna Basulto.
924 reviews64 followers
April 20, 2020
You Can never go wrong with a Louise Bay novel and Promised Nights was all that plus Shane East. Yum. I love Louise Bay stories because they always center around a fab female lead and a swoony af hero. This time the heroine wasn’t my favorite, but by god our hero, Luke, is all the things! The romance and amazing writing was still there so I enjoyed it.

Shane East and Clare Corbett narrate and do a wonderful job. I mean, you cannot go wrong with Shane East and Clare was a great as well. My first audio from her and I hope I get to listen to more. 4 stars.
Profile Image for Elle Christensen.
Author 70 books1,231 followers
September 3, 2016
Calling Me Back- 5 Stars

I always love Louise Bay’s novella series, and this one lives up to the rest. I was so excited to get Luke and Ashleigh’s story! I loved them as secondary characters in Jake & Haven’s books.

I was surprised that Calling Me Back actually started with Luke and Emma still together. Luke really is oblivious to the world around him. Having his world rocked by the loss of his parents so young, has made him wary of change. He wants things to simply stay as they are.
He’s completely blindsided by Emma’s announcement that she wants to get married. Now, let’s just hash that out for a second, it’s clear in The Lightening series that Luke and Emma practically live separate lives. Then in Calling Me Back, Luke even points out that they give each other freedom, and don’t really have a life together outside of the home they share. So, I have to say, I’m with Luke on this one. I would have been somewhat shocked too. But more than anything, I’m sitting here and thinking, how in the world could Emma possibly get the idea of marrying and having children with Luke? What kind of marriage would they have when they barely spend any time together, barely speak, don’t know each other’s friends and family, etc etc etc.
I was actually pretty annoyed with Luke too. The fact that he even considers marrying Emma is ludicrous. But then, he’s lost to his aversion to change. Anyway, when he finally makes the right decision, it’s not long before he is clobbered over the head with the fact that Ashleigh has always been the one for him. And the hot scene that ensues….oh my, oh my.
In the light of day, and the influence of others, Ashleigh is faced with doubts. How could Luke go from 0 to 60 in a split second? Her fear at this point is somewhat justified, but I still wasn’t happy about it. As always, I want to strangle Louise for leaving me on a cliffhanger! However, it was expected…. So, I’ll get over it.
Loved the start of Luke and Ashleigh’s story, and I can’t wait for the rest!

Calling Me Away- 4 Stars
Louise Bay left me hanging after Calling Me Back, but that’s pretty typical of her, so I’ve learned to expect it! It doesn’t stop me from reading the first book and torturing myself though. So, when I could read Calling Me Away, I was able to breathe a sigh of relief. And, the cliffy on this one isn’t bad, it just left me wanting more of Luck and Ashleigh.
I was pretty captivated through the first novella in this series, but the author almost lost me on this one. I grew to love Luke more with the turn of every page, to admire him, and drool over him. Panty-melting hot, that one.
I can’t say the same for Ashleigh. Her reasons for taking a step back and away from each other for a while are valid in the beginning. But she takes it way too far in my opinion. For a while there, I despaired of her every getting over her own roadblocks. She kept saying Luke had to choose her, but every time he tried, she wouldn’t let him. I was afraid she would create a self-fulfilling prophecy, pushing Luke away until he had had enough and moved on.
It eventually becomes clear that after the beginning of their time apart, it became about Asheligh’s fears and insecurities, instead of Luke’s need to grow a little before stepping into a permanent relationship with her.
I had to have faith that the author wouldn’t let me down, so I kept reading, holding back my need to slap Ashleigh across the face so she would wake up and realize she was ruining the one thing she’d always wanted.

Calling Me Home – 4.5 Stars
So finally Luke and Ashleigh are together. Hallelujah. These two as a couple are really adorable and I like their witty and sexy dynamic. However, once again, I was frequently peeved at Ashleigh for being so stubborn and obtuse. She’s playing the “I know what’s best for you” card and it’s frustrating. The thing is, she’s doing it to her own detriment.
You know what they say about assuming…well, Ahsleigh makes that cliché a reality. She doesn’t want Luke to replace Emma with her, and yet, she holds on to beliefs and ideals that Luke expressed while with Emma. She wanted him to change, and yet she is the only who can’t let go of who he was.
Just as with the last book, Luke becomes more and more a dream, making me fall so completely for him that I was ready to challenge Ashleigh to a duel! He certainly helps to make up for my irritation with her. The way he loves her is like a fairytale. I understand his reluctance to talk to her about his plans for the future, but I can’t help sitting back and saying, couples problems always stem from communication. Rather than being wary and trying to predict the other’s reactions, try talking about it and working through it.
It’s no surprise that this novella is HOT! This author always brings the steam between the characters.
None the less, I loved series, I will definitely re-read it in the future. I loved catching up with Jake and Haven again and I can’t wait for Beth’s story! Excellent job as always Louise!
Profile Image for Ashley S..
610 reviews26 followers
October 29, 2015
4.5 swoon worthy stars for this ultra romantic series! Ms. Bay certainly knows her audience and, once again, gave us the ability to fall in love with yet another amazing H. I knew that I was going to check the yes box as soon as I read the first page. I love book boyfriends with hang-ups and relationship phobias!

Calling Me Back:

Yep, it’s official. I am obsessed with yet another one of Louise Bay’s Heroes! Wow, was Luke the hot sexy alpha male that I love in this genre. He started off with one woman and ended with another. There isn’t anything better than that, well as long as he chooses the right girl! This one happens to be his sister’s best friend and a part of their unofficial “family.” Luke and Ash were great together. You could feel the chemistry right away even though neither of them actually acted on it. Well, that’s not exactly true. Our poor h has been desperately in love with Luke for the past 15 years and is now trying to move on with her life. Good thing he needed a date for a black tie gala because it was the perfect time for them to come together. And it was absolutely worth the wait! Probably one of the hottest sex scenes I’ve read. I seriously need more!

Calling Me Away:

This second novella had me chewing my nails and holding my breath on numerous occasions. The scenes, once again, were hot as hell and the chemistry between the H and h was undeniable, but then, of course, Ash gets spooked and thinks she will not only lose Luke, but also her best friend, his sister. She tells him to take some time and figure out what he really wants, what he really needs. This was frustrating, but I still loved Luke in this book and how he found himself and only got better. Ash, not so much. She was whiney and depressed for most of it, which I found somewhat annoying since she was the one who caused the situation. Fortunately, for her, Luke’s love for her was strong and he found his way back. I’m just not sure if she deserved him at that point. Luke, by far, was the star in this novella and his character is what will keep me coming back for more.

Calling Me Home:

Loved it! This last novella had me falling hard for the amazing Luke and his Ashleigh (no longer just Ash). He was romantic and so swoon worthy that I couldn’t get enough! Now that they have found their happiness, I just wish that we had more. Hopefully these two will show up in another one of Ms. Bay’s series because that would certainly be a highlight for me. The ending was perfect for these two characters and how the author brought us back around full circle with the tree was beautiful. Overall, I really enjoyed this series and can’t wait to get my hands on the next one!

*I received an ARC from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,812 reviews41 followers
October 20, 2015
This is all three books in one! I loved it since I got to read all the stories back to back with no cliffhanger!

CALLING ME BACK starts with Luke and Emma who have been living together for 3 years and Emma is ready to move on with a wedding and kids. This is a kick in the gut to Luke who is content with their separate lives where there is no pressure. Ashleigh is totally in love with Luke, but knows he sees her as a sister so she is trying to settle for the perfect Doctor, Richard, but there is just not a spark for her. Luke realizes that it is best to cut it off with Emma so she can get on with her dream of a family and when his does so he finally realizes that Ash may be the perfect girl for him.

CALLING ME AWAY picks up right after Luke and Ash realize they may be more than best friends, but Ash is afraid that what Luke feels is not real. Since she has developed her feelings for him over many years, she does not believe he truly wants her, but that she is convenient. She pushes him away and tells him that he needs to find himself, get on with his life, and find out if he still wants to be with her. This is the most heart breaking part of the story….she is so afraid of getting hurt when he realizes she was just a place holder, that she tortures both of them to make him prove that he wants her.

CALLING ME HOME is where Ash and Luke finally realize they are meant to be together, but Ash is still unsure of telling their friends and family. He is so in love with her that he wants to marry her, but he is afraid of pushing her to fast. Then Ash is again hit by fears of not being what he wants in life and tries to push him away so that she won’t be rejected by him.

This is an amazing story and I was so glad I got to read all 3 parts back to back! I loved the characters and could not put it down. It had the perfect HEA!

An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lana.
414 reviews15 followers
January 3, 2016
I received a digital ARC copy via Netgalley for the purposes of providing an unbiased review.

Ashleigh and Luke have been friends for a long time - he's her best friend's brother. For much of that time, Ash has been in love with Luke, while Luke has never shown more than friendly interest in Ashleigh. From her perspective, he's a lost cause, and she's made an effort to date other men, even feeling like anyone else will be settling for second best.

Then Luke's longtime live-in girlfriend starts talking marriage and children. He thinks maybe there's something wrong with him, because the very idea gives him the heeby-jeebies. He's never even taken her to Sunday dinner at his sister's, for crying out loud. It doesn't take Luke long to realize he doesn't feel the same way his girlfriend does, and he breaks it off, starts spending more time with his sister and Asleigh.

Luke fairly quickly cottons to the fact that he actually *enjoys* spending time with Ashleigh, and the idea of marrying her doesn't make him want to run screaming from the planet. It takes a LOT more to convince Ashleigh Luke's sudden-seeming turnaround is for real.

The move from friends to lovers is satisfyingly slow, and even after they've become lovers, Ash and Luke's core relationship remains solid - their affectionate bickering and sarcastic sniping keep right on going, and they continue to have fun with each other.

This book is the second in a series - the first one being Luke's sister's story. The base relationships, though, were easy enough to get into, and I didn't feel like I missed anything by not having read that one first.

Calling Me was a hit for me, an unexpected one, and I'll definitely be checking out Louise Bay's future works. And finding that first book. :)
Profile Image for Shayay.
2,797 reviews54 followers
December 24, 2015
I really loved this, but I went down a rating because the whole 2nd book was so annoying! Luckily these books are fairly short because I was getting tired of the events in the 2nd book. I just found Ashleigh's choices to be ridiculous, and because of her choices I felt things went too far off the path of Ashleigh and Luke connecting. So I was just frustrated with her, and also with a choice she made towards the end of the third book. I loved the chemistry between Ash and Luke; there are some really sweet scenes with them, and their sex scenes were definitely spicy and well-written. Luke was adorable, and I loved how he seemed like an actual guy; he seemed real. I definitely suggest buying all the books because you'll want to finish the story, and this series is really more like 1 book. I don't totally love the ending because I don't enjoy when things end with a certain thing, but I didn't lower my rating because it happens in tons of books, so I've just decided to put up with it. There is sweet romance and I the story was heart-warming. I haven't read any other books by Louise Bay, but some characters from this book seem to have had a story of their own before, and I really liked those characters, so I'll have to check it out. Although I did find Haven and Jake's questions in the beginning of the 3rd book of this series odd because it felt very insensitive of them to ask about Fiona and Richard at the Sunday dinner; Haven and Jake seemed more sensitive in the other books, but I still liked both of them. Overall, I was loved the connection between Ash and Luke, and that's what made this book for me!
Profile Image for Megan Fields.
Author 7 books89 followers
October 16, 2015
Calling Me Back



Well it's no secret that I LOVE Louise Bay!! I'm an official stalker and she knows it!

I loved What the Lightning Sees and knew as soon as I read about Luke and Ash and the relationship that the 3 of them have that I wanted to read more.

Calling Me is the series I've been anticipating and the first book does not disappoint.

You will love the dynamic between Luke and Ash, Ash and Haven, Haven and Luke... Plus the other characters that make an appearance. It's a well thought out story and I couldn't put it down.

Louise has smashed it out the park again with a romantic read that will leave you wanting more!



Calling Me Away



This one is my favorite out of the Calling Me series. I love how Luke goes away and lives for himself. Lives to prove to Ash that he is the right man for her. It tears me apart that they are not together, but I get why Ash needs to know that Luke is really in love with her. A beautiful story written beautifully.



Calling me Home



An incredible ending to an amazing series. Louise Bays writing always leaves me wanting more. I love how descriptive she is and how she makes you feel like your apart of the story.
Luke and Ash have finally realised they are right for each other and I love how this book shows them working together to build an amazing future. There are still some problems they have to overcome, but isn't that true for all relationships? It's never plain sailing.
A 5 star series from a 5 star author
Profile Image for Katie Battaglia.
76 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2015
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review!

The Calling Me series follows the story of Ashleigh and Luke. Ashleigh has been in love with Luke forever, but Luke never saw her as more than a best friend or like a sister. Ashleigh grew up being best friends with Luke's sister Haven. The three of them were always like a close knit family. When Luke breaks up with his long term girlfriend however, he begins to see Ashleigh as the beautiful grown woman that she is. Will they be able to make things work without messing it up? They must learn to trust each other and have faith in their closeness.

I absolutely fell in love with this series! I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read it. I fell in love with both characters, especially Luke. I loved the side characters as well and am looking forward to going back to read Haven and Jake's story as well. I thought the whole series was beautifully written and I can't wait to read more from this author. I loved the storyline and how it played out. I thought it was wonderfully done. I'm such a sucker for romances where best friends fall in love and this one surely didn't disappoint. Overall, I loved every second of this series and I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Keep Calm Novel On.
469 reviews72 followers
November 28, 2015
NetGalley provided a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Louise Bay’s novella trilogy Calling Me is a contemporary romance full of sizzle and sparks galore.

Ashleigh has been in love with her best friend’s brother Luke for forever. When Luke’s long-term relationship dissolves he really notices Ashleigh and is drawn to her. She is reluctant and worries that their friendship will be jeopardized if they become involved. They really should be a forever couple. Luke is certain of his future with her and he must patiently convince Ashleigh. He is determined to win her over.

This character driven novel is well written and draws the reader into their world quickly. The novellas are told via Ashleigh and Luke’s point of view. They reveal their true feeling via their words and actions. There is such natural chemistry and compatibility between them—convincingly written by the author. The primary and secondary characters have strong and distinct voices as well.

The Calling Me novellas are a delicious read.
Profile Image for Caroline F.
2,397 reviews52 followers
October 3, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this friends-to-lovers romance.

Ashleigh has been in love with Luke pretty much all her life. Luke has been in a relationship with Emma for three years, but when she gives him an ultimatum about marriage and family, he realises that it’s not what he wants. Luke is really close to Ashleigh. He, Ash, and his sister, Haven, have been a family unit since they were kids. However, he’s never seen Ashleigh as more until….the blinkers suddenly fall off and he can’t stop looking at her as more. She quickly becomes everything he never realised he needed.

Ashleigh is afraid to trust that Luke isn’t just on the rebound. And, why would he suddenly be all in with her when he’s never seen her as more? Is it because she’s convenient and familiar? She wouldn’t be able to bear it if things fell apart and she ended up losing both Luke and Haven in the process.

This novel was full of good feels, angst, and passion. Loved it!
Profile Image for The Books and me.
506 reviews64 followers
November 17, 2023
¡No podemos estar juntos!.. o si🫨😉

✅Enamorada del hermano de su mejor amiga
✅Friends to lover
✅Escenas súper hot
✅Lectura en menos de 4hr
✅Personajes del libro “Noches en París”

✨Una historia que la encontré muy profunda💞, Luke y Ash están en relaciones donde no son ellos mismos, una relación de costumbre y otra para sacar un clavo con otro clavo🥲sin darse cuenta que se tienen en frente🥰
✨Me ha gustado mucho la dinámica de sus personajes, su psicología y los sentimientos encontrados que demuestran y que hacen que conectes en algún punto con ellos😌😕😍
✨Es una trama ligera pero profunda, amigos que son familia, risas y dudas, diálogos entretenidos y emocionantes en muchos sentidos🥹🥰 y por supuesto las chispas y escenas hot que nunca pueden faltar en un romance😏🔥

“Si vas a bailar con alguien, debería ser conmigo.”
Profile Image for mikaela.
222 reviews
June 25, 2020
it took me months to finish and i finally realized i didn't want to read it anymore. at first i kept skipping chapters hoping luke and ashleigh would finally warm my heart, but they didn't so i dnf. actually luke was ok, but ashleigh ... hated her from start to finish. i don't know why she kept pushing luke away when he was her childhood crush and he realized he loved her ... that she was the only woman for him. because of her insecurities (plus she's a masochist) she forced luke to find love somewhere else. wth? just love the guy! he's your childhood crush, why delay? you're an adult w/past relationships, not some innocent non-worldy woman. smh!!!
Profile Image for Mariel Hoss.
689 reviews6 followers
January 26, 2018
*ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

A friend to lovers story with a slightly different twist. The 3-parter showcased the evolving relationship between Ashleigh and Jake with friends and family as a backdrop. I like the complicated route that they took but it did get a little bit exasperating and annoying at junctions when Ashleigh's doubts became a little too front and center...and when Jake became too "Mr. Relationship" after being the total opposite in his previous relationships. Otherwise, a good read.
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