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You Make Me Better
Interior Designer Kallie Swanson just landed the biggest job of her career. Things are definitely looking up. She has her own business. She has the love and support of her family and friends. There’s no man in her life and hasn’t been for months, but that’s a non-issue. All that matters, is that her business is moving in the right direction. She is on cloud nine. Contractor Nathan Stemble is a grouch of a man with a horrible attitude and a huge chip on his shoulders. He has neither the patience nor the time for companionship and even less time for life’s physical pleasures. People in general are a pain to deal with and if that person just happens to be a woman, multiply that pain by ten. It’s been a year since he’s dealt with one and the way it’s going, it will be another year before he even considers it. All that changes the day he meets Kallie. After a not-so-pleasant introduction and even less pleasant early interactions, they find themselves on the best date of either of their lives. A night of passion and a bunch of confusion begins their journey towards love. Nathan needs a lot of healing that only Kallie can provide. Through it all, she forges through, forcing him to deal with his demons. He might not have wanted a woman before, but he definitely needs Kallie to help guide him through issues he’s refused to deal with his entire life. If she can get him to face his problems head on, maybe-just maybe, she can make him better.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2015
178 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
AshleyNicole
64 books805 followersI'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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
June 9, 2022
I had to sit with my thoughts for a good minute because, initially, I was on the fence about this book. I was upset at the way I thought the domestic violence was being addressed but, I got ahead of myself. I really thought Mary was going back to Nicholas and I was hot as fish grease! I was ready to pull up and fight but, the author did a really good job with how she handled Nathan’s parent’s marital problems. In the beginning, I was not a huge fan of Kallie. She came off as very childish and immature at times. When she ghosted Nathan after their first date, I wanted to go upside her head but I absolutely loved how she quickly became his peace. Nathan was mean, surly, bad tempered, and rude but, he had a complete personality change once he and Kallie got together. She helped him get past the anger he had for his mama and they were finally able to have a much better relationship. Kallie really was the catalyst to them working through their issues. I adored Nathan. This man just wanted to keep his mama safe from his dad and take care of her. When he told her, “You want a house? I’ll start building you one today. If there’s one you already want, I’ll go buy it. As long as you’re safe, I’m good.” I was a blubbering fool. Now see, this is the kind of mama’s boy I can get down with. I just loved how much Nathan loved his mama. I almost gave up on this book but, I’m really glad I stuck with it. While I didn’t really care for Kallie or Nathan in the beginning, both of them eventually won me over. Her sassiness and his bad attitude were a bit much to take at times but, it worked for the two of them. You Make Me Better was a really sweet rom-com with the perfect mix of humor and drama. The ending was absolutely adorable. I highly recommend this book.
December 9, 2015
DNF at 46%. Kallie slept with Nathan on the first date. He called her a few times after that but she didn't answer the phone because she felt like a hoe and thought he was calling to tell her she's a hoe and doesn't want to see her again..really?!?! Why would he do that when you're not in a relationship. If he was disappointed with you he wouldn't call MULTIPLE times. Sorry I can't waste my time when I have so many books on my TBR list.
May 6, 2023
Kallie x Nathan
I love a grumpy man being softened by love. Nathan was grumpy AF. He and Kallie were a match made. They both were equally aggravating, and they both worked my nerves. Kallie was an interior designer, and Nathan was a contractor. After running into one another…literally at a job site, the attraction was immediate. But with them two, bickering and fighting and making up became a cycle. Especially the making up part cause they couldn't stay away. Nathan came with some pretty traumatic bagages that could get in the way of he and Kallie's love affair. Though they both got under my skin, and I side eyed Kallie a lot in the book, they won me over towards the end. Especially after seeing Nathan's effort. Their HEA was absolutely, blush-worthy beautiful🥰
3.7⭐️
I love a grumpy man being softened by love. Nathan was grumpy AF. He and Kallie were a match made. They both were equally aggravating, and they both worked my nerves. Kallie was an interior designer, and Nathan was a contractor. After running into one another…literally at a job site, the attraction was immediate. But with them two, bickering and fighting and making up became a cycle. Especially the making up part cause they couldn't stay away. Nathan came with some pretty traumatic bagages that could get in the way of he and Kallie's love affair. Though they both got under my skin, and I side eyed Kallie a lot in the book, they won me over towards the end. Especially after seeing Nathan's effort. Their HEA was absolutely, blush-worthy beautiful🥰
3.7⭐️
April 20, 2023
Wow! Lots of drama, twists and turns!
Kallie Swanson, interior designer, has just run into Nathan, the meanest contractor ever. What is his problem? Oh, other than Nathan's father has been beating Nathan's mother and breaking her bones, a situation that is slowly killing Nathan inside.. Yet she refuses to leave him, to the point that Nathan is about to murder his abusive father! So Nathan takes out his frustration on everyone around him.
Kallie is a calming influence on Nathan but this situation seems to be bigger than all of them. Should Kallie stay and fight for her man or run far, far away?
April 23, 2023
The grump got his sunshine 🥰 3.5⭐️!
Kallie saw the grumpy man was attracted to him at first glance even with his attitude. For Nathan, it was the first interaction when she went off on him for how he was talking to their client. Kallie is an interior designer and Nathan is a contractor, their first encounter was at their client's home. From that first encounter, every bump into one another was a step in their love story but baby both of these two were stubborn! Kallie was so silly for how she reacted after their first date and I’m glad Nathan didn’t let her go after they bumped into each other at the gala. Even after the blowup in his office, I’m so glad they came back around. Nathan had a lot of family drama he was dealing with and didn’t want that to be at the front of his relationship with Kallie. Kallie also had to realize what Nathan was dealing with in the beginning was none of her business and she can’t be mad at him for not sharing or handling it how he chose to handle it. He eventually did let her in because just like he was his mom's light Kallie brought light into his life and made him want more! I loved the friendship between Shayla and Kallie and Shayla's daughter also brought sweet moments onto the page! The story written in the third person wasn’t my favorite because it became a lot of personalities to keep up with. I loved the epilogue and it gave me everything I needed! Can’t wait to read more from AshleyNicole!
Spoiler/TW: Domestic Violence is discussed on the page and briefly detailed on the page by Nathan and his mother.
Kallie saw the grumpy man was attracted to him at first glance even with his attitude. For Nathan, it was the first interaction when she went off on him for how he was talking to their client. Kallie is an interior designer and Nathan is a contractor, their first encounter was at their client's home. From that first encounter, every bump into one another was a step in their love story but baby both of these two were stubborn! Kallie was so silly for how she reacted after their first date and I’m glad Nathan didn’t let her go after they bumped into each other at the gala. Even after the blowup in his office, I’m so glad they came back around. Nathan had a lot of family drama he was dealing with and didn’t want that to be at the front of his relationship with Kallie. Kallie also had to realize what Nathan was dealing with in the beginning was none of her business and she can’t be mad at him for not sharing or handling it how he chose to handle it. He eventually did let her in because just like he was his mom's light Kallie brought light into his life and made him want more! I loved the friendship between Shayla and Kallie and Shayla's daughter also brought sweet moments onto the page! The story written in the third person wasn’t my favorite because it became a lot of personalities to keep up with. I loved the epilogue and it gave me everything I needed! Can’t wait to read more from AshleyNicole!
Spoiler/TW: Domestic Violence is discussed on the page and briefly detailed on the page by Nathan and his mother.
November 16, 2015
I was just gonna take a peek at it, cause she's a friend of a friend...... and then I was 50% in. So I thought... well I might as well finish it!
Really good read, excellent first novel. Funny and sexy. Nathan is a mean ass but Kalli had him under her thumb from jump. I liked their bickering (I really can't stand sweet sappy romances)... it kept the story going for me. Loved the B story with Nathan's parents, great handling of a serious subject.
And the epilogue was great, too! Wonderful job!
Really good read, excellent first novel. Funny and sexy. Nathan is a mean ass but Kalli had him under her thumb from jump. I liked their bickering (I really can't stand sweet sappy romances)... it kept the story going for me. Loved the B story with Nathan's parents, great handling of a serious subject.
And the epilogue was great, too! Wonderful job!
January 6, 2016
I was told by one of my reading twins... lol that this was a phenomenal book.... Well she was absolutely correct... I Loved it.... and can't wait to read more of this author.
February 1, 2016
Super cute story with a little more depth than I expected. Not a bad place to start for a new writer. I'll be following this one.
January 17, 2016
There was a little disconnect with the characters and the connection and passion between them felt almost manufactured. Things moved really fast and was constantly all over the place between these two: kissing, then sexing, then mad at each other, then not speaking...... I mean the cycle was repeated over and over until somehow they ended up married! Their unstable relationship cycle made Nathan and Kallie unlikable. I really wanted to love this story, but I thought it was just OK.
Shayla, Mick and Mickayla were a great addition to the story and I found myself wanting to know more about them!
I really appreciated the effort of the author and this book read like a debut novel. I'm willing to read more from this author as she grows in her craft.
Shayla, Mick and Mickayla were a great addition to the story and I found myself wanting to know more about them!
I really appreciated the effort of the author and this book read like a debut novel. I'm willing to read more from this author as she grows in her craft.
December 2, 2015
I loved this I don't even remember how I came across this but oh how happy I am that I did. This was so much fun to read the banter between the two leads was something that just made me smile the entire time. Then the underlying story of the mom was written so well I know it can be hard to express that situation well and this was done expertly. It was just a really good read and who doesn't need that in their life.
January 17, 2016
Sweet Romance
I really enjoyed Kallie and Nathan's story. This story flowed together nicely and kept me intrigued. I finished in a couple of hours.
I really enjoyed Kallie and Nathan's story. This story flowed together nicely and kept me intrigued. I finished in a couple of hours.
April 14, 2020
Still understand how I missed all this books!
Nathan really needed Kallie in his life. She just made everything better for him. He also loved her just as much. She him something that the always wanted, a family. I beyond happy his mother never went back to Nicholas.
Nathan really needed Kallie in his life. She just made everything better for him. He also loved her just as much. She him something that the always wanted, a family. I beyond happy his mother never went back to Nicholas.
January 5, 2016
I don't remember how I came across this novel but I'm glad I did. This is apparently the author's first novel, however, it did not cross that way. I would have thought this author was had written several books because it was just that good. This novel was not about a wealthy hero and heroine that had money to burn. It was about two everyday individuals that were hardworking, own their own businesses, and trying to take their businesses to the next level. They were also individuals that had their own issues to deal with in their life that made them guarded, and in the case of the hero angry.
The heroine (Kallie) has finely landed an interior design job that will take her business to the next level and because of this she doesn't feel she needs any man that will just get in the way of that. Until Nathan! The hero (Nathan) seems angry at the world and he hasn't been involved with any woman in over a year; because he doesn't feel it will bring him nothing but trouble. Where does this anger come from with Nathan? Has his heart been so broken or is there something even bigger that causes Nathan to have this much pent up anger that he yells at his employees and gets on Kallie's bad side the moment they meet?
When these two get together what an explosive relationship they have, but will it last? Will Kallie be able to heal Nathan's anger or is it too deep-rooted even for her? Can Nathan make Kallie realize that she needs more than her work in her life?
For a first novel the author truly did a great job. The characters had depth and felt like real people that someone could relate too. The biggest plus was the storyline flowed from beginning to end. I would definitely read another book from this author.
The heroine (Kallie) has finely landed an interior design job that will take her business to the next level and because of this she doesn't feel she needs any man that will just get in the way of that. Until Nathan! The hero (Nathan) seems angry at the world and he hasn't been involved with any woman in over a year; because he doesn't feel it will bring him nothing but trouble. Where does this anger come from with Nathan? Has his heart been so broken or is there something even bigger that causes Nathan to have this much pent up anger that he yells at his employees and gets on Kallie's bad side the moment they meet?
When these two get together what an explosive relationship they have, but will it last? Will Kallie be able to heal Nathan's anger or is it too deep-rooted even for her? Can Nathan make Kallie realize that she needs more than her work in her life?
For a first novel the author truly did a great job. The characters had depth and felt like real people that someone could relate too. The biggest plus was the storyline flowed from beginning to end. I would definitely read another book from this author.
March 17, 2016
Nathan is ornery and forever mad at the world. No one is exempt from his wrath and the chip on his shoulder is massive. Well, that is until he encounters Kallie. Working together puts them at odds, but finding pleasure in each other sets them on fire. Will Nathan's past destroy what they have found in each other?
This was the first book ever written by this author, but I read all of her other works first. I can def see growth since this first project. The characters were well developed and realistic. Kallie and Nathan are like oil and water but even in that, readers can find a unique coupling that is enjoyable in its unfolding. The back story added conflict to the plot and helped me to understand why Nathan was the way he is. The title surely suits the storyline because Kallie def made him better! The storyline didn't grab me in the beginning but as I got more into the characters, the story seemed to be ending. In this, the pacing was a bit off for my liking. Would have loved more dets on their culmination as a couple and the new tenants and how they came about.
This was the first book ever written by this author, but I read all of her other works first. I can def see growth since this first project. The characters were well developed and realistic. Kallie and Nathan are like oil and water but even in that, readers can find a unique coupling that is enjoyable in its unfolding. The back story added conflict to the plot and helped me to understand why Nathan was the way he is. The title surely suits the storyline because Kallie def made him better! The storyline didn't grab me in the beginning but as I got more into the characters, the story seemed to be ending. In this, the pacing was a bit off for my liking. Would have loved more dets on their culmination as a couple and the new tenants and how they came about.
December 5, 2015
Pleasantly Surprised
I don't have a problem with a light, fun, mindless read. Sometimes it's what I prefer after a tough week at work or some other activity where I had to think more than I wanted to. That's what I was expecting when I decided to read this book, and that's what I thought I was getting until I got a little over half way through it. I was thinking to myself that the story seemed to be progressing kind of fast, but little did I know that was because Ashley Nicole was settings up to dig into these characters a bit. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Nathan evolve and help his mother do the same. And I loved to see Kallie be there to guide them through it. You Make Me Better really is a beautiful story, and the fact that I laughed out loud so many times while reading it was just the icing on the cake. Truly a job well done on this first outing.
I don't have a problem with a light, fun, mindless read. Sometimes it's what I prefer after a tough week at work or some other activity where I had to think more than I wanted to. That's what I was expecting when I decided to read this book, and that's what I thought I was getting until I got a little over half way through it. I was thinking to myself that the story seemed to be progressing kind of fast, but little did I know that was because Ashley Nicole was settings up to dig into these characters a bit. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Nathan evolve and help his mother do the same. And I loved to see Kallie be there to guide them through it. You Make Me Better really is a beautiful story, and the fact that I laughed out loud so many times while reading it was just the icing on the cake. Truly a job well done on this first outing.
February 4, 2016
Nathan/Nicholas is a sexy contractor with a temper out of this world. Kallie is a sexy designer who thinks Nathan is soooo cute. However, these two seem to mix like oil and water. However, their chemistry is muy caliente. Kallie has a fiery temper like Nathan. I had questions whether they could have a solid relationship. Nathan carries a two by four on his shoulder because of things from his past. Kallie witnesses his situation up close and personal. Kallie knows that she has to help Nathan..
Good read from an author that I am reading for the first time. Love the characters..the issues the hero faces is one that many households keep hush hush. Quick read ..will look forward to other works from Ms.Nicole..
Good read from an author that I am reading for the first time. Love the characters..the issues the hero faces is one that many households keep hush hush. Quick read ..will look forward to other works from Ms.Nicole..
January 14, 2016
Awesome Love Story ❤️
I love reading books where the characters are complex. I actually read her other book first where she makes a brief appearance and states that she mellows Nathan out. Not only were the two main characters Kallie and Nathan good but I loved Shayla being the voice of reason. I totally understood Nathan's anger/frustration. Like Shayla I wanted to tell Kallie to butt out. The scene in the office. I think Kallie could've handled it better also that's what makes Nathan love her more. Great story's you root for the characters and just want to push them a couple times.
I love reading books where the characters are complex. I actually read her other book first where she makes a brief appearance and states that she mellows Nathan out. Not only were the two main characters Kallie and Nathan good but I loved Shayla being the voice of reason. I totally understood Nathan's anger/frustration. Like Shayla I wanted to tell Kallie to butt out. The scene in the office. I think Kallie could've handled it better also that's what makes Nathan love her more. Great story's you root for the characters and just want to push them a couple times.
December 10, 2015
Nathan is an Alpha with a capital A and Kallie is a fierce, force of nature made for him to be partnered with. Enjoyed the male version of Taming the Shrew. It touched on domestic abuse in a way it's not really portrayed in books. Although with all he witnessed and lived through, it seemed Nathan would be the exact replica of his father. Which I'm glad it showcased a different outcome, instead of Nathan resenting his life because it wasn't what he dreamed. A bit bummed there wasn't more on Kallie's family life. Worth the read nonetheless.
December 6, 2015
Nice Surprise
I always love a book that includes unexpected depth along with its lighthearted approach to love. You Make Me Better does that quite nicely. I had no idea how Nathan was going to possibly become a likable character after his deplorable introduction. But the author made it happen in such a believable and captivating manner. I really enjoyed all of the characters in this book. There was a really nice balance in plot, character development and spice. Very enjoyable read.
I always love a book that includes unexpected depth along with its lighthearted approach to love. You Make Me Better does that quite nicely. I had no idea how Nathan was going to possibly become a likable character after his deplorable introduction. But the author made it happen in such a believable and captivating manner. I really enjoyed all of the characters in this book. There was a really nice balance in plot, character development and spice. Very enjoyable read.
July 3, 2019
You make me want to read!
This was a nicely told love story. A great start to what I hope will be a new series. The subject matter was not pretty. There is nothing pretty about . However, the way the story dealt with this issue was palatable. Ashley Nicole told a lovely story about the inadvertent consequences of a son living with an abusive father and a mother he loved to a fault. The other issue was his inability to form lasting relationships until he met Kalli. Kalli changed his life. Their story was realistic and made me want a little bit more..
This was a nicely told love story. A great start to what I hope will be a new series. The subject matter was not pretty. There is nothing pretty about . However, the way the story dealt with this issue was palatable. Ashley Nicole told a lovely story about the inadvertent consequences of a son living with an abusive father and a mother he loved to a fault. The other issue was his inability to form lasting relationships until he met Kalli. Kalli changed his life. Their story was realistic and made me want a little bit more..
January 31, 2016
You'll love it
This was a great story! Full of laughter, VERY lovable characters and a great storyline. The conflict wasn't too, too over done. It was very believable. I love Kalli's sass. It was not too over done with a typical "bad" attitude, eye-rolling, I'm a "b", cookie from Empire black woman attitude. If she was real, I think we would be friends.
There were a few problems with the grammar but not enough to detract from the story. I would read this author again. She was a very good storyteller.
This was a great story! Full of laughter, VERY lovable characters and a great storyline. The conflict wasn't too, too over done. It was very believable. I love Kalli's sass. It was not too over done with a typical "bad" attitude, eye-rolling, I'm a "b", cookie from Empire black woman attitude. If she was real, I think we would be friends.
There were a few problems with the grammar but not enough to detract from the story. I would read this author again. She was a very good storyteller.
November 20, 2015
Well done.
Kallie and Nathan were so perfect for each other. The book started out a little shakey for me, I couldn't feel their connection, but this author quickly fixed that. They were so realistic in there dealings with each other.
They had good times and bad, but you as a reader never stopped routing for them to make it, and they did. I just love the tittle , because I think that's what we all want is someone to make us better.
Kallie and Nathan were so perfect for each other. The book started out a little shakey for me, I couldn't feel their connection, but this author quickly fixed that. They were so realistic in there dealings with each other.
They had good times and bad, but you as a reader never stopped routing for them to make it, and they did. I just love the tittle , because I think that's what we all want is someone to make us better.
December 11, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed the story.that ran between the explicit erotic scenes. This is one case where I felt the erotic content, while good, got in the way of a very good story. Quick wrap up.... this is a developing love story between a strong, independent woman and a loving but emotionally scarred man who grew up in a home protecting his mother from an abusive father. Its a story of family relationships, recovery, self discovery, liberation and deep love. Well worth the read.
February 24, 2016
I'm so emotional right now! In a good way!
Where to start, first l loved, loved, loved this book! Oh my, Nathan was hurting so bad and so unhappy, until he met Kallie! She stood toe-to-toe with him and take none of attitude or crap! He fell head over heels in love because she stood up to him. Together, they were good for each other. This was a great book and it touched on a sensitive subject with loving solutions.
Where to start, first l loved, loved, loved this book! Oh my, Nathan was hurting so bad and so unhappy, until he met Kallie! She stood toe-to-toe with him and take none of attitude or crap! He fell head over heels in love because she stood up to him. Together, they were good for each other. This was a great book and it touched on a sensitive subject with loving solutions.
December 11, 2015
Awwwww
I didn't like the fact that Kallie was somewhat abusive her darn self. Other than that, the book was good. I like that the book dealt with domestic violence and the affect it has even on an adult child. Letting go, healing and love were displayed nicely. Good read indeed.
I didn't like the fact that Kallie was somewhat abusive her darn self. Other than that, the book was good. I like that the book dealt with domestic violence and the affect it has even on an adult child. Letting go, healing and love were displayed nicely. Good read indeed.
December 2, 2015
Loved it
Absolutely wonderful love story. From the start with nate being so mean and Kallie giving everything back to him double time was hilarious. They fought, they joked and they laughed, and they fixed a broken family. Talked about real life situations and how to heal from the damaged cause be abuse. Good read.
Absolutely wonderful love story. From the start with nate being so mean and Kallie giving everything back to him double time was hilarious. They fought, they joked and they laughed, and they fixed a broken family. Talked about real life situations and how to heal from the damaged cause be abuse. Good read.
December 8, 2015
I LOVED their relAtionship, it reminded me so much of me and my fiancé! It was amazing to see a couple that was REAL, not something that is fairytale like! This is something that you are likely to see on day to day. I was so drawn into this book, if it wasn't for my stupid job I would have finished this in a day.
December 12, 2015
I really enjoyed reading about the grumpy mean contractor Nathan and the sassy smart mouth Kallie. The reason for his sour demeanor runs deep with unimaginable family issues. The dynamics with the main and sub characters keeps the story fun and interesting. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
January 30, 2016
Confused!!!!
I really don't know how to describe this book, it's good but, it isn't a clear cut story but it is....by that description you can tell, I'm confused as stated; Some parts were to fast, some were dragging, some were perfect.... Just Confused!!!! The star rating could go up to a 4, if they did halves, I would split the difference!!!!!
I really don't know how to describe this book, it's good but, it isn't a clear cut story but it is....by that description you can tell, I'm confused as stated; Some parts were to fast, some were dragging, some were perfect.... Just Confused!!!! The star rating could go up to a 4, if they did halves, I would split the difference!!!!!
December 24, 2015
I have to say I really enjoyed this book. For a first book this is a great start for this author. Yes there was spice and romance, but there was also an amazing message in this story. Looking forward to reading more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews