Tali couldn’t care less about finding a man. Phone is getting cut off tomorrow. Rent is due next week. There are more important things to stress over. It’s high time something good happened to her, and an unexpected phone call offers just that. Les is out here living his best life, making money and forgetting faces. There’s nothing he wants that he can’t have, and once his eyes land on her, he wants Tali. A relationship is the last thing either is interested in, but once they fall in, fighting is pointless. Dark points from both of their pasts make it difficult to get on solid ground. She’s damaged, and so is he. Can they piece each other together enough to make this work?
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.
I was big mad because I did not know this was go be a 2 part series. I like to wait till all books are out first. This was a good read. Tali irked me to no end. I'm like just talk. Is that so hard. Stop.holding stuff in, especially with her mom. Les I like but he also need to see that what happened with his mother is hurting him in the relationship also. Waiting on part 2
I don't even know where to begin. This book is on a whole another level. Yes it has the author's hilarious wit and chemistry. But it was so much more. Les and Tali are complicated, frustrating, lovable characters. I can't put my finger on it but this story was a rollercoaster read and I did not want to get off. She gave us character development, wit, chemistry, a great storyline and drama. My goodness this book was good heck it was better than good it was excellent. The ending leaves your heart in your stomach but I am soooooo please that I will have to get over it. Do yourself a favor and get this book. Bravo Ashley Nicole Bravo!!!!
Tali is going through rough times financially. Broke as a joke, she is surprised when an old client calls in a favor that could lead to financial freedom. Les, a producer, writer, and director, is exhausted with the industry life. Work, travel and sleep mixed in with a night with the woman of the moment. No relationships for the kid! Proximity brings them into each other's life and proximity changes their view on relationships
I really like Tali and Les together even though they both come from troubled past I could sense that it would only make them stronger for each other. Tali definitely needs to seek some professional help. I’m so frustrated with Les because he could have avoided all the drama. I can’t wait to dive into part 2
I wasn't expecting this ending. I'm rooting for Les and Tall. He made a mistake but he needs to show her how much she mean to him and how it won't happen again.
Great Read!! This author writing is getting better with every book. A lot of character development and the story was believable.. can't wait too read more.
I am so dissapointed right now. I rarely write a review. This book is a CLIFFHANGER. No where in the description did it even hint at it. When I went back and read the reviews it was in there. But, I didn't read the reviews. Sometimes I get caught up in the reviews and don't read the book because of it. A couple of times after talking to my sister who read that particular book and going back and reading it I really enjoyed the book. Which led me to stop reading the reviews first. I'm so sorry I did this in this case. If it wasn't for the unknown cliffhanger I would have given the story 4 stars. But I can't do it. The last book that this happened with I never went back and read the next part. I don't know what will happen this time. At this point I would strongly not recommend this book. I was going to recommend this to my sister but, now I will absolutely not.
Okay, let me first start by saying that this rating is more so for Tali than for the book & the writing. As usual, anything AshleyNicole pens I'm gobbling it down.
Tali LEGIT worked my nerves. At firsf, I was really feeling her. Especially when she was just so humble & going thru what she was going thru in the beginning of the book. Even feeling like Cellie was overpaying her really spoke to me about her character because she valued integrity over money. But then when she started doing the dance she was doing with Les, I was ready to strangle her. Like two hands, around her throat own up to the mf crime strangle her. She was so difficult for no reason & she really was wishy washy. She needed some serious therapy to work on her issues. Especially because all of her issues are because of her mom. I can just tell. The way she gets so annoyed with her, how she ducks & dodges her & only making herself accessible to her for a short period of time. Tali just really had me looking at her like get it the fuck together. Now Les wasn't an angel, but he was straightforward & laidback. I thought a lot of the issues the two of them would encounter would be from him. Due to him simply liking to sample women with no string attached I just knew he'd have a taste of Tali get addicted but still want to be free to do his own thing. I just knew he was going to break her heart because he couldn't committ to monogamy. Boyyyy was I wrong. But ultimately Tali was the issue for me & them.
I hated that this book ended on a cliff hanger & I hate even more the thinks that led up to this event. I hope they both get some therapy because they both need it. & Tali need it REAL BAD.
It’s when you’re not checking for someone that they’ll show up and that was Tali’s story. Les on the other hand was use to getting what he wanted and wouldn’t stop until he had her. Tali and Les were total opposites yet they brought us the perfect mix of what we desire in a couple. The problem with keeping it together is fear of the unknown and bitter chicks from the past not wanting to let go. As always Ashley brought us hilarious commentary from her characters while penning a relatable book that kept you wanting more. New relationships have a funny way of slowly getting off the ground but it’s the miscommunication that causes enough drama to keep them there. This book left us hanging (literally) and ready to see if these two will be able to make it work. Studio Sessions to me is Ms. Ashley’s game changer. She brought us her usual wit and imagination that allows a reader that perfect escape but something in her voice changed creating a different type of hunger and need to see what she’d say next. I’m looking forward to this next installment to see what it is!! Reread and ready for book two.
Tali has had a rough life almost homeless until she gets the opportunity to be a new up and coming singers traveling hairdresser. Tali is focused on working and making her money. Everything changes when Tali meets Les on a the set of her boss's new video. They both agree to having a one time hookup but that all changes after one night.
I really enjoyed this book until we're about the 75 percent mark. I wasn't completely confused about the shift in the relationship or how Les viewed the relationship. He set the rules for what he wanted and Tali went out of her way to not form an attachment. Les catches feelings and wants a relationship. We see them get together but you don't really see this disconnect that Les feels until the end of the book. It actually threw me off because It wasn't played out throughout the book until the end which made you feel like you missed a portion of the book. It's odd being the reader and feeling like you missed a portion of the book. His actions at the end despite being intoxicated seemed to be justified due to his perceived feelings.
This could have been a five star but the end threw me off so I'm rating this a four stars.
I liked Les, and I liked Les and Tali together…until she started to get on my nerves. I don’t condone what Les did but I did like that he took accountability for what he did.
I thought the story was going to be a proper close to a relationship after the cheating. I also thought it would be an interesting way to end the book because like in real life, some relationships just come to a close for one reason or another. But as I was reading the last page, my eyes jumped ahead and I saw “to be continued”.
Also, I think we could’ve done without Asia’s storyline. Like I get it. She was there to add to Les’s stress but tbh, her and the kids didn’t really interact with anyone else in the book besides Les and Jol so it wasn’t really needed. Les’s extra stress could’ve just been brought on by one of his many business ventures instead. The storyline about his mama could stay though since that had such a significant effect on him.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, but stop reading after they break up
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
And I think I feel that way because I went into this completely blind. Meaning I didn’t expect the turn the story began taking AT. ALL.
I had no idea this wasn’t a standalone until I realized it seemed a HEA wasn’t looking promising in this story. Which is basically 45-50% in, it just seemed to be too many layers for things to wrap. And man when things really started unraveling, I really got into it.
My heart hurts for Tali. I saw some of the reviews and I know some readers found her annoying and frustrating. I think I empathize with her, because she doesn’t recognize fully how she impacts others. For example, when she called Les an inconvenience or at least treated him that way. She seemed completely surprised that others thought her reaction was insensitive. And it seems Les sees that.
As for poor Les, bless his heart. He read tf out of his sister and Nomi. But somehow failed majorly with his oopsy (trying to avoid spoilers). I can’t wait to jump into the conclusion.
Let me start by saying that I had no idea this was a two part story. I knew it was a series of two, but not that it was a continuation of these two characters love story.
Talia is a personal hair stylist for a popular singer, and Les is a big time music producer. Their romance was a slow burn that quickly sizzled and then caught fire. They both have childhood trauma, which I've found is a regular theme in AshleyNicole books. Many family issues were addressed that I expect will be really addressed in the second part of this book.
For the next book, I hope the following things will be delved into:
- Talia has emotional issues, therapy is hopefully in her future - Talia and her mother need to face their past trauma - What did Les do to Sam? - Will Nomi be a problem in their relationship
Since this is a romance novel, I'm not wondering if Les and Talia will end up together. I'm sure they will.
I didn’t hate this book until the end. I love duets! That wasn’t the issue. It’s the cheating I wish would have been disclosed. I liked Les, however; I get his feelings were hurt by what Tali said BUT mad enough to go out and cheat with a woman who he had just told he was in a relationship and that they needed to able to do business only. So, it was ok for him to just go out and give mixed signals. I didn’t hate Nomi because she was sleeping with Les before Tali came into the pic. She had no right to do it after knowing he was in a relationship but why was she suppose to be the bigger person when Les was so cold hearted towards her. Yes they were simply sleeping together when they could but maybe Nomi was waiting for him to feel something for her. Idk but maybe a little warning if there is cheating so people could brace themselves 😂😂😂 Definitely a good storyline! I’ll definitely read more!
I love Ashley Nicole's writing style. So usually I enjoy her books. But this....
Once I started reading I realized that Les, was the Les from Dash and Seselie's story so I'm cool.
Les was laid back, straight forward and about his business. He didn't hold back with his words and you definitely knew what it was with him. His childhood was traumatizing so you would think he would me more......angry? His own momma tried to legit kill him.
Tali was likeable in the beginning, then she got on my nerves real bad. When she told that man he was an "inconvenience" I threw my kindle down. I didn't understand why she didn't want to be around her mother. Their interactions didn't seem bad. I think Tali deep down did blame her mother but felt guilty about it. She really need to treat Les wayyyyy better.
I won't be reading part 2. I know Les was wrong but I still feel like he deserves better than Tali. So I don't want their happy ending.
I liked the first part of Les and Talis' story. Talis' moodiness and Les' inability to show any type of emotion really is frustrating me. I wish they would just stop bottling in their emotions and talk to one another! Hopefully both of them can realize that their mommy issues really plays a part in how they respond to different circumstances in their relationship. I knew Nomi was gonna slither her way in and mess things up. I could tell from the first time Tali saw Nomi in the studio and Nomi served her all that attitude. Les was wrong for cheating but his rejection from his mother and Tali's rejection really got to him. The long distance relationship seems so exhausting. I'm ready for part 2!
Ashley Nicole this book came right on time. It turned my boring Saturday into a beautiful day! Thank you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I've been a fan for quite some time now. I knew AshleyNicole was good, however, this story is on another level. It pulled me in, grabbed me by the throat, and left me panting for more. Now, I'm going to turn into a troll, waiting for the rest.
There are social issues at play in this story that are dear to my heart. As a mother of a child with kidney disease, I can relate to Les. As a sister to one with crazy mad mood swings and possible disassociative disorder, I have whiplash from Tali.
Both characters are strong, beautiful and flawed. I loved the pace of this story that left me totally hung over. I could not put it down. I hope the rest of the story drops sooner, rather than later. I'm stuck in my feelings right now. I may even write a little fan fiction during the wait.
SINGS: Up in the studio where music is made or you can make lovewith the Dj...ok so I don't know why that popped in my head. This was my first read by Ashley Nicole and I enjoyed every bit of it. I was randomly going through titles on Kindle and found it. Crazy thing is someone brought up this book in a group and I was already reading it. Anyway to my review...This story was a straight come up. Like the poor girl who's at her wits end and then God opens heaven and all things are possible through him. Yea like that. Even the love was heavenly, but yet too good to be true. One disagreement and everything turns into dust. I was so dang on heartbroken, and pissed. I had fallen in love and stuff then that. Im ere for more and the rest of her series. It was suggested to read the Mine series, I'm on it.
I love the relationship between Tali and Les. Both keeps it real and are blunt as heck. Both needs counseling because even though they are connected, their pasts have left them disconnected from their emotions and feelings. They claim to be over their pasts but fail to see how it truly is affecting them in the present. Now, ill decisions may have wreck a relationship that they both need, even if they may not recognize it. Looking forward to reading more about them.
Les and Tali meet and have an instant attraction that turns into love. The couple travels all over the world but still they try to find time for each other. Then issues from the past come to light and the two start to see each other differently. But they are in love, so what happens next??? A cliffhanger which Is the only reason I gave 4 stars. I like books to be complete or the option to buy number very quickly after. But I loved this couple can’t wait for the rest of their story.
I love ashley I have become a fan since the Mine series. But this book here did me in! And I pray we dont have to wait long for part 2. I'm not a series girl i prefer a stand alone but i just can't say no to Ashley. As usual she brought the drama, the jokes, and heartache in this book. I'm praying hard Les and Tali get it right in the next book. I loved them and their blunt honest but funny communication. Ashley I'm bout to have to find a way to stalk you for part 2.
Man...Tali and Les are everything! To broken people that crash into each other and 💥. They both have some healing to do but they don’t realize it, and the feelings that develop between knock them both off of their feet. I didn’t know that this was a cliffhanger, but I don’t mind. I can say that I pray the next book comes out quickly because I need their conclusion!
Firstly let me say congrats to Ashley Nicole. This is an awesome book that just showcases your development as an author. The character development in this book is great. I was fully invested by chapter 2... As always humour was a major component of the story. Ashley has me snorting and crying at 46% (you will know what I'm talking about when you get there). Awesome book girl. I'm impatiently waiting to continue the journey.
5 stars and don't keep us waiting to long for the conclusion. With all of their emotional issues ( both Les and Tali had issues) these two were perfect for each other. His sister was a complete trip and a hot mess and don't get me started on his mother, she needs a complete beating and fed an antifreeze cocktail 3 times a day. Nomi no words for that trick Led was not innocent in the act but she new exactly what she was doing.
At times Tali and Les made me so mad because they didn't always speak on how they made one another feel, especially Tali. It's like she was always holding back from Les. He was wrong for cheating, especially with Nomi but I understand why he resorted to his old ways. I really hope they make it because they honestly are made for each other!! I hope part 2 of their story is just around the corner!!
Another masterpiece!!! Ashley always write where everything is so relatable. Hurt people hurt people and Les and Tali have definitely been hurt and broken in their life. This author always takes time to build her characters and not just have them fall into relationships. By showing their flaws, this makes all her characters so much more real. Can’t wait for more of their story.
Excellent read, I loved the storyline and characters. Les and Tali are great together. They both have emotional baggage, they haven’t fully dealt with. I loved this book. My only disappointment is it to be continued. I can’t wait for the next installment and hopefully their won’t be another. I’ve read all of Ashley Nicole’s books and recommend this one. Happy reading.
I have read so many books by AshleyNicole, I decided to read some of her earlier work. My feelings were hurt. Don’t get me wrong, it was well written, but why the drama. Why is it when a couple hits a rough patch, the authors answer is to cheat? Please stop making all Black men look bad. I will finish book 2, because she isn’t done with Les and Tali. The drama determined my rating not the writing.