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Happily Ever Asher #1

When Red Cried Wolf

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Asher Williams is obsessed with love.
It’s probably one of the reasons he makes such a fantastic matchmaker, love guru, and romance expert. And now that he’s in college, it’s finally his turn to shine.

Asher’s relationship advice column in the school newspaper is his strongest matchmaking instrument, especially when it comes to helping hopeless romantics find their soulmates.

But like every heroic quest, there are a few bumps in the road and dragons to slay.
There’s a damsel in distress Asher’s best friend thinks is a psychopath, a handsome prince Asher can’t stop drooling over, and a huge, mysterious roommate Asher can’t help but pester.

It doesn’t matter though. Nothing will stop Asher when it comes to helping people find their true love.
He’s absolutely positive everything will work out in the end.
Because love is always like a fairy tale…right?

* * *

The main romance arc spans across all three novellas. When Red Cried Wolf contains little romance but sets up for the rest of the series.

When Red Cried Wolf is a slow-burn romance with over-the-top characters, fairy tale references, ridiculous texts, and eventually, a happy ever after.

115 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 9, 2019

49 people are currently reading
1128 people want to read

About the author

Nash Summers

19 books576 followers
Nash Summers rarely has any idea what she’s doing. But when she likes to pretend, she pretends by writing stories at the pace of drying paint. As if that wasn’t exhilarating enough, Nash also enjoys absolute silence, general politeness, and waiting her turn in line.
Needless to say, she’s a bona fide hell raiser.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nash.summers...
Nash also has a super cool newsletter which can be found here: http://eepurl.com/boD5TP

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5 stars
266 (30%)
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395 (44%)
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184 (20%)
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28 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
Profile Image for Snjez.
1,013 reviews1,022 followers
January 1, 2024
Although this is just a 1/3 of the story, I loved it.

Asher is totally adorable. I loved everything about him. He's sweet, innocent, funny, full of energy and sometimes oblivious in the cutest way possible.

I liked all the side characters as well, and I like where the story is going so far. I'm glad I waited for the other two books to come out, because I can't wait to see what happens next.

*********
Re-read 1/2021: I wanted my first read in the new year to be something positive and fun, and this is exactly that. Loved it. 😊
Re-read 1/2022 I just love this author's writing style and humor. I could read this over and over again.
Re-read 12/2022
Re-read 1/2024
Profile Image for Judith.
724 reviews2,938 followers
June 5, 2019
4.5


Super cute!!







I want an Asher in my life,with all his sass and meddling and innocence.





The course of true love never did run smooth
True love always encounters difficulties.









-well,that's a quote Asher doesn't want to believe.And even if that is the case for some people,that's what Asher's here for.....





Love guru or matchmaker,call it what you will-Asher doesn't mind because he has the gift.He's a hopeless romantic,no casual hook ups for him thank you very much.He wants hearts and flowers and the full romantic experience and while he's waiting for his happy ever after and his knight in shining armour to sweep him off his feet he's more than happy...in fact it's his mission...to solve any problems with romance or dating people have.





This is just delightful! Asher is just too adorable for words.He's almost oblivious to the unfolding situations around him.I cannot wait for the next instalment in this charming story.



Who's the big bad wolf??? I've got my theory...



Highly Recommended.


Review copy.
Profile Image for ☆ Todd.
1,438 reviews1,581 followers
July 3, 2019

Okay, this story was just too totally adorable, and I'm so glad that I have all three of these books in hand already. Since I rock at being patient and shit. Allegedly. ;- )

This was only really the intro to All Things Asher, alerting us to the fact that he was kind, sweet, funny, quirky as hell, and way more than a little bit naive.

Picture this same author's "Life According to Maps" series, but with the MC being obsessed with love, instead of science experiments. Ish.

We also met some of Asher's friends, along with his gruff, jock roommate, Morgan, who did not seem to be up for dealing with Asher's particular flavor of "special" at all. At least not to begin with.

I'd rate this first part at around 4.25 stars and I'll definitely be digging into the next book immediately.


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Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~.
3,560 reviews1,104 followers
June 28, 2019
I struggled with this story, mostly because Asher is so young and so naive. I was never sure what he saw in Chris and couldn't get invested in a character who's essentially a child (I'm 40, so yes, a 19-year-old is a kid to me!).

This book serves as an introduction to the series, except none of the characters has a strong backstory.

I'm definitely in the minority with my opinion, so I'd say this is a case of It's-Not-You-It's-Me.

P.S. I enjoyed the second book much more!
Profile Image for Nash Summers.
Author 19 books576 followers
Read
May 27, 2019
Coming June 11th, 2019!


* * *

The main romance arc spans across all three novellas. When Red Cried Wolf contains little romance but sets up for the rest of the series.

When Red Cried Wolf is a slow-burn romance with over-the-top characters, fairy tale references, ridiculous texts, and eventually, a happy ever after.
Profile Image for Anyta Sunday.
Author 111 books2,734 followers
June 5, 2019
OMG, So Much Fun. Totally Over-The-Top, but in an awesome funny way. Asher. What a character!

The romance spans over three books and there is a definite build-up in this story.

Smart, succinct, sassy writing. Nash Summers knows her craft! <3

I'm gonna say one thing thing: Wait till all three books are out and then go nuts, otherwise, you'll go nuts waiting for the next installment. ;-) (she says, going nuts for book three)
Profile Image for Ele.
1,319 reviews40 followers
June 5, 2019
*4.5 stars*


Red Cried Wolf is one of the most romantic books I have ever read. And there is not even a hint of romance in it. Does this make sense? It will, when you read the book.

The story is told from Asher’s POV. Like all characters made by Nash Summers, Asher is very…unique. And all kinds of OTT adorable. You see, Asher comes from a family of matchmakers and now it’s his turn to shine. He is a freshman in college and managed and writes a relationship advice column, helping out people who struggle in their love life.

But what about Asher’s love life? He might be young but he 's always on the hunt for the one, who isn’t anywhere in sight. The only person he is into is taken (sort of) and his blind dates end up awkward and without any chemistry whatsoever…
“Ted?” Asher asked, walking up to him.
“Um, yep. That’s me. You’re Asher?” Ted asked.
Asher nodded in reply and reached out to shake his hand.
They locked eyes. And both just . . . stared.”

Or straight up weird…
“Red’s set me up before,” he said.
“Really? How’d it go?”
“Good, good,” Ted replied earnestly. “He ended up having a dick thicker than a table leg.” Asher spat coffee all over Ted.
By accident, of course."

Yes, Asher is lonely. Not to mention that his roommate is a grumpy football player who grunts instead of talking.

There are more people introduced in this novella that I’m positive will play a big role in the next book. Hell, we don’t even know who Asher will end up with although I have my hopes suspicions. And I think that the wolf in this story is definitely big and bad….

To me, this book solidifies how versatile Summers’s writing is. Funny YA (Maps), gut wrenching May-December contemporary (Arrows Through Archer) and now this light-hearted NA. There is a reason I adore this author's work and I'm definitely not a YA reader.

I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!

P.S. Please keep in mind the author's note before picking up this book:
The main romance arc spans across all three novellas. When Red Cried Wolf contains little romance but sets up for the rest of the series.

When Red Cried Wolf is a slow-burn romance with over-the-top characters, fairy tale references, ridiculous texts, and eventually, a happy ever after.
Profile Image for Amina .
1,304 reviews22 followers
September 6, 2023
✰ 4.25 stars ✰

“As in I find true love for people, or offer relationship advice, or help in all matters of the heart. I’m like a love guru; a prince of matchmaking.”

Full of love and full of laughs - writing that is so light - it makes you feel like you're walking on air - with a helpful helping of handsome suitors - and a delightful tale that sets his match-making schemes into action, Nash Summers once again stole my heart with her whimsical writing that literally feels like a cloud of rainbows in When Red Cried Wolf. Her soft writing soaks into my feelings with such levity and sweet fun-ness (that's not a word, I know - but that's just how it is). The flow of her story-telling is ridiculously endearing and engagingly quirky and so very airy that it felt like I'm in a fairy-tale of a love story. 🥰🥰

3aafa42982034076ccf6c87094207d46

Nineteen-year-old Asher Williams is no quitter - going head-first and head-strong into every situation is his forte. 'A fountain overflowing with romantic knowledge' he has his eyes set on one goal for his freshman year in college - starting his very own matchmaking column, 'Happily Ever Asher'. This is the kind of book that you can't help but have a joyful grin plastered across your face, because of how pleasantly wholesome the story and characters are - how they gravitate so seamlessly with each other. It's a premise so silly yet sweet, that I soaked up every little comical gesture and thought Asher had on all his varying situations! 🥲 🥲

From bad blind dates to unsuspecting friendship bonding moments - I couldn't help cheer for him - ever hopeful that he will find his own version of true love. 💘💘 He's so ridiculously adorable - so very determined in his own match-making skills, he fails to see his own potential - that he, too, can gather attention and earn a crush of his own.

“Of course! Love can happen anywhere, at any time. Especially when I’m around. Nana Jo says I’m like a good- luck, good-love charm. People just seem to fall in love all around me.”

As it is the first installment to the series - the scene is very much being set up as we're introduced to all the potential love interests that 'quite literally' barreled into Asher's way on his first day at college. The joy of uncertainty as I waver over who will eventually steal his heart is my pride and joy and current determination of not hopping over to read the blurbs of the next books - just so I can see who makes all of Asher's romantic notions come to life. 🥹🥹 Asher has so much love to give - even if he considers himself ordinary - there's so much to like about him - so much he has to offer in his way of lending a helping hand - wanting to find his chance at true love - the way his entire family has been blessed with. 🥺🥺

I liked seeing how smitten Asher was towards Christopher, I loved seeing Morgan open up more with Asher, I enjoyed Randy and Asher's time as bffs, I even appreciated his first ever client Red, someone as passionate about love and romance as he was - and how she helped bring Asher and Randy out into college life and be more interactive. 💓💓 It's such a fun, engaging mesh of characters that I wholeheartedly welcomed the warm fuzzy feelings that enveloped me as Asher slowly but surely allowed himself to feel the the 'thunk, thunk, thunk' that fluttered in his chest 'down a flight of stairs - so foreign that Asher actually put a hand over his heart. Weird.' 😅

Weird, indeed? 😏😊
Profile Image for Jessi ❤️ H. Vojsk [if villain, why hot?].
819 reviews1,023 followers
July 20, 2019
I want to be as positive and as absolutely adorable as Asher ♥️

I really adored this cute lgbtq story, but I think the three books could’ve easily been one book.
(But I have kindle unlimited for three months, so here we go)
Profile Image for Lelyana's Reviews.
3,409 reviews400 followers
May 31, 2019
OMG Asher was so full of himself, confident about his ability to matchmaking people, and consider himself as a love guru. He's the best, or so he thought.
But while he can be really successful being a matchmaker, he forgot about his live life. Or look around, and find himself a date, romance like he always dreamt of.
Or he actually didn't look very clearly, and closer, like looking at his roommate, Morgan.
While Asher's busy with his Happily Ever Asher and matchmaking Red and Chris, he forgot that someone maaaybee had a crush on him.
Someone close, someone like...Morgan?

Asher and Morgan were so adorable when they're together.
I really cannot wait this slow-burn, friends to lovers to grow in the near future.

When Red Cried Wolf ( I believe Wolf is pointed yo Chris Wolf) ended with a cliffhanger, a sweet one, not an angst or whatsoever. But still, I just have a very low patience waiting. Because... adorable!

Recommended!
Profile Image for Bookreader87(Amanda).
1,168 reviews44 followers
June 25, 2019
Asher Williams has a personality that draws you in immediately. Like me, he is in love with love. He believes that he is a great match maker and knows everything there is about love. When he sets off for college he has a goal of being the best matchmaker out there and also to find love himself.
This is book 1 in the series and, for me, it was a good start. I look forward to reading the next.
Profile Image for Sheri.
1,418 reviews195 followers
June 12, 2019
I told myself that I wasn't going to do this anymore...
Serials or (connected torturous cliffhanger) novellas require extensive patience, which I find excruciatingly difficult to muster when I become a needy greedy reader. *guilty look*
BUT!
This is Nash Summers and all rules go out the window.
So,
here I am...
*dangling by a thread*
DESPERATE for the next one.
Asher is adorable and maddening.
Yep, he's a delightfully exasperating matchmaker up to no good or lots of good if you ask him.
And I guarantee you will fall victim to his charms as well.
I loved Red.
I loved Wolf.
I loved Morgan.
I just can't wait to see all of them sailing off in the sunset with their happily ever after.
But...who's meant for who?
Gahhhh! I think I know...and I'm making my predictions...will I hit the bullseye?
Ahh, no matter...because I know Nash will.

* 4 gimme-gimme-more stars*
Profile Image for Johnny.
442 reviews44 followers
June 4, 2019
I need the next book asap 😭😭😭

#arc
Profile Image for .Lili. .
1,275 reviews275 followers
June 10, 2019
This is a difficult book to review and rate because-

1. This is only one-third of the story.

2. And because this is only the first part, there's not really any romance in the traditional romance novel kind of way.

Anyhoo, When Red Cried Wolf by Nash Summers is adorable, and over the top, it's the story of matchmaker extraordinaire, Asher. He is sassy, funny, and confident in love matchmaking ways but he's so busy matchmaking everyone around him he's missing something/someone right under his nose. I loved seeing the world through his eyes; he's so innocent and sweet.

I'll be honest; I had no idea this story would be told over three books. When I love an author, I tend to request without reading a blurb- dumb, I know, had I known I probably would've waited. I'm impatient when it comes to sequels. While this does end in a cliffie, it's not an angst full one, but I do need book 2 ASAP.

If you're looking for a sweet read that will have you smiling from ear to ear then definitely give this a go — total chicken soup for the soul.

4.5 Stars

Profile Image for Ami.
6,230 reviews489 followers
July 4, 2019
3.75 stars rounded up

Happily Ever Asher, Act 1

Basically the set-up, in which we get to know Asher and his dreams of becoming the best love guru, the prince of matchmaking. Also, we are introduced to possible love interest -- the gorgeous Christopher Wolf and the quiet roommate Morgan King.

Even if it's only a set-up, I feel charmed already. It's a classic romantic comedy situation, and Nash Summers seems to use all the stereotypical plots. And no, I don't use that word negatively. I enjoy typical romcom situation, and I can't wait to see how Asher realizes his true love, is actually the one he doesn't even consider before.

(and yes, I waited until all three novellas were available!)
Profile Image for Sandra .
1,973 reviews348 followers
June 21, 2019
Please note: This is the first book in what will be a trilogy, so there's no HEA at the end of this book, but there's also not a massive cliffhanger.

Asher is a freshman in college, determined to find true love while there, and also very much determined to live up to his self-appointed title of Love Guru, seeing how he comes from a family of successful love match makers. He's also utterly adorable, sassy, and seemingly always happy.

In the hands of anyone else, he might have turned into a twink caricature, but Nash Summer is not anyone. When not writing books that make me cry (Arrows Through Archer, OMG) Nash writes quirky and lovable characters, whose quirks make them stand out in a sea of uniformity, and who bring more than just sass and quirkiness to the table. Of course, to some, Asher might seem OTT and maddening and bothersome, but I just adored this young man with his happy smile and his eternal optimism. He's in love with love, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Asher's roommate is a grumpy, grunty football player named Morgan, who is seemingly trying hard to live up to his father's legacy and who, I feel, has a big secret that might come out in the next book (or so I hope).

Asher is sort of enamored by another guy whom he engaged to play fake boyfriend to one of his new friends, and who I think might be the big, bad wolf of the title... but we shall see.


This is a brilliant start to this trilogy and I for one can hardly wait for the next book. Gimme it!!



** I received a free copy of this book from its author in exchange for an honest review. **
Profile Image for BevS.
2,853 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2019
Asher seems to be the eternal optimist, and believes that everyone deserves to fall in love at some stage in their life [preferably with his help as a matchmaker 😉]...and who am I to argue?? Love is Love people!! 😍😍😍

This is book 1 of the trilogy, and I'm rooting for a HEA for both Asher and Morgan, his roomie...may be even together, she says hopefully 😊.

Not sure this is my sort of read really...it's cute, crazy and completely OTT, but as all of my recent reads have had heaps of the A [angst] word in them, I was definitely up for it. I am on Nash's list of ARC readers [thanks Nash!! 😘].
Profile Image for Gabi.
704 reviews112 followers
June 13, 2019
If you like romantic comedies, don't hesitate to pick this up. It's really funny and cute, light and fluffy, a breath of fresh air. Absolutely angst-free.

Asher is in love with love itself. He's a romantic at heart. And he wants everyone around him happy and with hearts in their eyes. He's very good at what he’s doing... or so he thinks. But he himself is unlucky when it comes to finding the one. He's lonely.

Asher's journey to finding love has began with this novella. I'd say slow-burn romance is guaranteed, coz he seems to be a liiittle bit clueless when it comes to the matters of his own heart.

I really liked it, can’t wait for book 2.
Profile Image for Tess.
2,194 reviews26 followers
June 12, 2019
5 stars

LOVED!! This was funny and sweet with awesome characters. How can you not love Asher!? It definitely has a bit of the Maps vibe which is a very good thing for me.
Profile Image for Ariana  (mostly offline).
1,676 reviews94 followers
July 17, 2019
In the author's own words this is ...

"a slow-burn romance with over-the-top characters, fairy tale references, ridiculous texts, and eventually a HEA"

If you keep that in mind, you'll totally enjoy this piece of fluff, rather than rolling your eyes at Asher!

Great fun! One for total relaxation and when in need of a smile.
Profile Image for oshiiy.
412 reviews56 followers
November 12, 2021
4.5 stars ⭐️ Oh my god, Asher is such a cutieeeee. I can't stop loving him. He is different from what I've thought of him initially. I want to be his best friend. 🤩

I love how carefree and sweet he is. I'm so happy to find that I have another two books to read about Asher. I hope Asher would find his love in the second installment (Fingers crossed)
Profile Image for Lau ♡.
571 reviews596 followers
July 3, 2022
Disclaimer: since the three books of this trilogy have around 110 pages each, I’m reviewing all them together as they were one.


Happily Ever Asher tells the story of Asher, a ridiculously funny man who loves love. He is a matchmaker -a family gift-, and spends his days helping others to find and conquist their kindred soul. He was as hilarious as endearing, which made reading this book an experience close to watching your favorite rom-com.


“It’s perfect!”
“I can’t breathe.”
“Who needs to breathe when you look that good?”



The first book has loads of love, because that’s what Asher breathes, but barely nothing of his own romance. I didn’t mind, slow burn and a great main character is all I need to be happy, but if you are looking for something more centered in the love story, this is not a series for you.


“How bad is it?”
“Bad.”
“Illegal bad?”
“What?” Asher shot his dad a look. “No. Of course not.”
“I love you, Asher. I’ll help you bury the body. But we can’t tell your mother.”



My only critique is that I wasn't a fan of the drama in the third part (book) and it left wanting more of them together as a couple. Still, I highly recommend Happily Ever After if you want a fun reading that doesn’t have a lot of depth, but has the power of brightening your day a bit.


“I want love. I want to fall in love and be loved. But more realistically, just… I want a spark. I want to wow someone. I want someone to know me better than I know myself. () I want to make someone’s day, every day. I want… a perfect kiss from someone who adores me.”


↬ Happily Ever Asher series:

1. When Red Cried Wolf: 4 stars
2. Golden Boy and The Two Bears: 4 stars
3. A King in Wonderland: 3 stars

Profile Image for Alisa.
1,894 reviews202 followers
June 14, 2019
I didn't read the blurb on this before I started it. This author is one of my favorites and I've liked everything I've read of hers so I just signed up to review it. For the first chapter or two I was thinking I might have made a mistake. I wasn't too sure about Asher. He's a bit scattered and a bit naive and I wasn't sure how I felt about him.

As it turns out, I had no reason to worry. Before I knew it I found myself totally entertained by his machinations. He was pretty funny and I found myself laughing in a few places. (I think I'm going to laugh even harder when he finally figures out his own love life.) His confidence and kindness really came out and I adored him by the end of the book.

Asher completely believes in love and he thinks he's a "love guru" which leads him to meeting Red, which leads him to the other key events in this story. The books moves at a good pace and I was done before I knew it.

There are a few side characters and all of them were written very well and added a lot to the story. I especially like Asher's best friend.

As the blurb says, this is a slow burn romance and this book serves as the set up. There is no cliffhanger though so I recommend you read this now (although it definitely left me eager to read the next book). It's charming and entertaining and I think you'll enjoy Asher and his group of friends as much as I did.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,030 reviews100 followers
June 17, 2019
This is book #1 in a trilogy. It's kind of hard to rate the storyline because we've only just begun. But if this is headed where I think it is, I think I'm really going to like it.

I love Asher and his over-the-top personality. He just loves love. He loves hearts and flowers, grand gestures and romance. He's not into random hookups or friends-with-benefits, which makes him a great guy in my book. I'm enjoying the side characters as well, but I really want to know what's up between Morgan and Christopher. I can't wait for the rest of the story!!
Profile Image for Zuzu.
1,062 reviews34 followers
June 23, 2019
As many others have said, this is so cute. I usually don’t read NA but am glad I read this.

Asher and his obliviousness is so funny.

On to Book 2.
Profile Image for Calila.
1,178 reviews102 followers
May 31, 2019
*Received A Copy To Review From The Author*

This is a quick read since it's a novella. It's cute, but oh my you know it's going to end in disaster for Asher. It's the type of story, that if I was watching on TV or a movie I'd be watching through my fingers because the second hand embarrassment is guaranteed to be coming. This isn't a bad thing, at all. Asher is a good guy, he's just convinced himself he's incredible at matchmaking and he categorizes and writes people off with such certainty that you know his learning that people aren't what they always seem is going to be a hard journey. (If it goes where I figure it's going). I love Asher's friends so far. Yay for likable female characters! There's no romance in this first installment, but the groundwork is laid and I can't wait. I think they'll be great together when it happens. Really enjoyed this.
Profile Image for Lost in a Book.
137 reviews106 followers
September 10, 2019
Rating for overall series: 4.25 Stars

When Red Cried Wolf is a great set-up to this series. The characters are all very likable, especially Asher. Asher is absolutely adorable and I just want to put him in my pocket. He has this unapologetic all knowing (especially in all things romance) attitude that doesn't allow anything to get in his way (so far). There are nerds, jocks, awesome secondary characters, and a budding friendship relationship (even if it's mainly grunts and other noises from his roommate) that I think will be so sweet as we continue on this journey. I can't wait to see where these characters take us.

Recommended.


Copy provided for honest review.

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