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A Sweet Heart: A Hale Girls novella

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Showing up to a meeting late is the easiest way to get on her hit list. Insulting his masculinity is the quickest way to get on his. They both come out swinging, but get hit with something neither was anticipating: Love

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2020

356 people are currently reading
142 people want to read

About the author

AshleyNicole

66 books805 followers
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.

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5 stars
497 (70%)
4 stars
135 (19%)
3 stars
56 (7%)
2 stars
10 (1%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,196 reviews422 followers
February 7, 2021
This book was awesome! A Sweet Heart was hilariously entertaining. It was the perfect enemies to lovers story. You couldn't help but fall in love with Joey and Shayne. I say this about a lot of couples but, they were truly were meant from each other. Shane is exactly what Joey needs. He lets her be her complete self without judgement and makes her feel secure with him leading. Joey is a hot mess but, in a good way. I loved her ratchet sense of humor, and her slick mouth She's the contractor working on the renovations on Shayne's house and, lets just say, their first meeting was less than pleasant. While they disliked each other almost from the start, they also had an instant attraction to one another. After that interesting encounter Joey and Shayne had in the back of his house, they were pretty much inseparable. I loved the development of their relationship. It was natural and organic. While I love me some Shayne, he really pissed me off when he broke up with Joey. Had my girl brokenhearted and stress out. I was feelin' some type of way when she practically had to beg Shayne to take her back. That put a bad taste in my mouth but, I guess you gotta do what you gotta do to get your man back. I love the family dynamics and how close the Hale sisters were to each other and to their parents. This family has no filter what so ever. They have absolutely no problem saying anything to or about each other. A Sweet Heart was the perfect black romance. It was funny, romantic, sweet, and sexy. I can't wait to see what's in store for the other sisters.
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,565 reviews100 followers
March 3, 2020
Yes Hale Family!

OMG! I haven't hollered like that in such a long time. The entire Hale family is a trip! I will never look at lotion the same again. 😃. That damn Joey is a whole mess! I loved her sense of humor, and her ratchet mouth. The relationship she had with her sisters is enviable. Shane, a brilliant sexy man with scars. He immediately liked Joey, as she made him laugh, and could match his intellect. They were so great together! How they could tease back and forth, but still respect the other, while falling was everything! Loved this, and can't wait for more! Hope Logan is next, so we can see what her deal is. Great work! 👍👍👍
Profile Image for Jordyn.
142 reviews60 followers
February 3, 2021
Hilarious

Ash has become one of my favorite authors. This book was so cute and funny. Joey and Shane relationship anything but traditional but was so cute. In true Ash fashion this book was pretty funny. I would definitely suggest this as your next cute little romance book.
Profile Image for Whitney.
556 reviews81 followers
November 30, 2020
Definitely wished I enjoyed this more. While there were some hilarious moments with Joey and her family, the romance portion just sort of fell flat for me. Toss in the issues between Shane and his dad and....idk it just didn’t work for me, but I’m so glad other readers enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Erika B..
Author 42 books108 followers
May 8, 2022
A Sweet Heart

This was a cute novella. I truly enjoyed the silliness between Joey and Shane. This book had me laughing out loud and almost in tears. 🤣
This author does it again 🙌🏾
Happy reading 💖
Profile Image for Nette Fields.
1,225 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2020
Truly sweet

They were so cute
Joey and Reggie kept me DFL!!!
Love the family dynamics
Really enjoyed this read
Can't wait for the other Hale sisters
Profile Image for Dahyana.
695 reviews87 followers
October 6, 2021
Joey & Shane

Joey was a hot mess, with a slick mouth..but she was so relatable in so many ways. I enjoyed reading about her family and her theatrics. I wanted more from Shane, but it worked out in the end. This was a fun little read. No chaos, no drama....yet. Gotta find out what's going on with Logan. But if you're looking to kill some time, give this a go.
Profile Image for Q. Moore.
970 reviews39 followers
January 4, 2022
Intelligent love....

Ms. Ashley has done it again, started a new series but with sisters. I was a little confused at first with the boy names for each sister but as I read it became clear. The three sisters are really close and I am looking forward to Logan and Reggie's story. I want to know what's going on with Logan and who is Cru, Reggie's friend.

I knew Joey could relate to Shane because she molded and melted into him too quickly. They both were very intelligent and as educated as to the other. I am looking forward to seeing how their relationship progresses over the next two novellas. I hope Shane finally gets his father-son relationship issues resolved.

This is another great download and quite hilarious. You will most definitely enjoy.
Profile Image for Marshall Thompson.
412 reviews
March 3, 2020
AshleyNicole what I say!

Girl you had me cracking up and on the verge of crying about Joey and Shane! Those two are perfect for one another! I can’t wait to read the next installment!
Profile Image for ADDIE GOVAN.
121 reviews
March 21, 2020
Awesome Read

As always Author Ashley Nicole has given us another awesome read. I love the characters, especially their initial meeting which grabbed my attention from the start. Ready for book two
Profile Image for Castina.
210 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2025

3.5 Stars

Really enjoyed the beginning of this story. Great banter and spice. The conflict came out of left field although towards the end.
Looking forward to Reggie book.
Profile Image for Katheryn.
219 reviews
February 25, 2020
Laugh out loud funny and eye hearts cute😍

This book had me crying laughing! It was also super cute and after I dried my laugh tears I just “awwed”🥰 at this couple’s connection. I’m super excited to read the other sisters’ stories too!
Profile Image for Olubunmi Akinadewo.
537 reviews2 followers
February 28, 2020
So funny and really nice

This story is so funny, entertaining and just so full of love. I totally enjoyed it and I laughed so much, almost fell of the elliptical. So enjoy!
244 reviews4 followers
July 17, 2023
Nerds Rock

Listen, I will take a fine azz intelligently nerd on any given day. The characters were sexy, fun and sounds like people I’d want to be around. The comedy between the characters was some of the funnies conversations I’ve ever read and I love how the author takes complexities of everyday life and brings resolution showing humility and that love conquers all…of course a lil bit of cute self indignity and an apology to get your man back helps too. The family dynamics, closeness, bonds and openness was beautifully depicted and the show of femininity and confidence was refreshing.
This story was sexy, funny, entertaining and I absolutely loved it.
Profile Image for Alvina.
747 reviews23 followers
December 20, 2021
Give Me Your Heart

Shane Lykes and Joey (Joseph) Hale were Hilarious. One thing you'll more than likely get from an AshleyNicole book is tons of humor. This woman Definitely will keep you HOLLERING and your side hurting from laughing so hard while reading her books. This one didn't disappoint in that area.

I Loved how close Joey was with her family. The fact that her dad wanted boys, yet only had girls and gave them boy names, was so unique. I enjoyed when they had Sunday dinners and basically tortured their dad with "girl" issues or problems. Their mom was a trip and I loved it.

I like that Shane was comfortable enough to be himself with Joey. I didn't quite like how his insecurities kept coming into play, yet if they didn't show up so early, maybe it would've hurt the relationship later on down the line, so I guess in hindsight they were right on time. I loved that he was a nerd, yet I get it. Being smart is not usually the sexiest thing for a man his size to be, yet he was who he was. He was bold with Joey and I really liked how well they clicked.

I like that we got a glimpse into the other 2 Hale sisters, Logan and Reggie (Reginald). I'm excited to read their stories. Let me get to the next book then.

Great read. Highly recommend.
422 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2020
Such a Fun Story!

First, let me say, I love me some Hale Family! They are hilarious! From mama and daddy on down! LOL! The end of Chapter 2 had me laughing so hard, I had to put my Kindle down for several minutes until I could stop cackling.😂 That Joey is a spitfire. Not surprising since she's the baby of the bunch. But clearly Shane is exactly who she needs. He lets her be her complete self, yet makes her feel secure with him leading. I loved the sister dynamic of the Hale Girls even if Logan made me roll my eyes most of the book.😑 I loved Shane and Joey's connection, it was some 🔥hot, passionate scenes. Overall, they were a Fun couple and I really enjoyed their story. Can't wait to read the other sisters stories!
1,212 reviews3 followers
March 18, 2020
Those girls momma need a back bone instead of letting that man name them boy names and call them fellas. If I was his daughter I’d be offended thinking he didn’t love me as much bc i wasn’t a boy

It’s foul that everyone co-signing that nerd calling her nappy headed. Self hate in full effect

Joey went off! And she deserved to.

Damn I didn’t expect Reggie to blow up joey’s spot like that 😂

I was like aww Shane and Joey are so cute then he went and acted like a lil bitch bc of his daddy issues. I really hate that she was sweating him.

The Hale sisters are a riot. Can’t wait to read the other books
Profile Image for Brianna.
135 reviews6 followers
May 24, 2020
So Freaking Cute!

This book was surprisingly refreshing. Not only were the two main characters descriptions different from the norm but their banter was hilarious and super sweet! It's not often that I burst out laughing while reading but I did that several times during this book. I love the relationship between the hale family and it was nice to see the male character Shane struggle with something other than the drug game or street life, which is a norm in urban romance novels. Overall this book was a great reading and I can't wait to see what the other sisters have in store!
Profile Image for NubianJoí .
2,121 reviews10 followers
August 9, 2023
Warm & Tingling Vibes

No pretense I adored the Hale sisters, their family, this new Shane & Joey relationship 🥰🤎…warm & tingling vibes‼️Meanwhile, I don’t know how I miss this series around Valentine’s Day. … but better late than never. “A Sweet Heart: A Hale Girls Novella (The Hale Girls - Book 1) was hilarious by & entertaining from prologue to epilogue. Great characters, storyline, plot development & an overall fantastic read. Thereafter, the comedic bantering between everyone was the equivalent of def comedy jam, kings/queens of comedy on steroids. Congratulations to Ms. AshleyNicole 📚👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽🥰🤎‼️…One down two remaining 🚕🍿‼️
Profile Image for Shay Davis.
Author 27 books197 followers
February 25, 2020
OMG! The Hale Girls! Love them already’

This book was so funny!! From jump, had me straight giggling! The Hale family is hilarious and I can’t wait to read about Logan and Reggie!

Joey and Shane were amazing! I loved their interactions from the rip! They were both bold in their pursuant (gotta say Shane came out on top with his pursuit)! Just overall well balanced couple!

I love how AshleyNicole writes these amazing funny stories and even though there isn’t heaps of drama, you stay engaged from beginning to end, surrounding a beautiful love tale!

Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,014 reviews111 followers
February 25, 2020
A Hale Heart

A great start to a new series is how I feel about this novella. In the story, three ladies had Male names because their dad was determined to have sons. Joey was the star of this sitcom with her co-star super nerd Shane. Their relationship had me laughing so hard I could not breathe. And the other sisters Logan and Reggie evoked much the same level of oh my goodness in this story... I feel bad for poor Reed, I hope we get to the bottom of the issue with Logan... I'm ready, so bring in the Halestorm!
Profile Image for Tina Jackson.
615 reviews11 followers
February 28, 2020
Ended too soon

This story ended way too soon for me. I was feeling this story from beginning to end. Shane and Joey were totally crazy and sweet together. Along with the great love story this book also delivered two messages, 1. Don't he he a book by it's cover , meaning don't judge a person by what you see in the outside and 2. Words have the power to really hurt, so be mindful of what you say to people ( even in fun). I loved the relationship between the entire Hale family and can't wait for Logan and Reggie' s story.
Profile Image for Sassha Reads❤️❤️.
2,053 reviews20 followers
March 5, 2020
Good Start

I'm really liking this new series with Logan, Reggie, and Joey also known as Fellas. I'm glad that Shane and Joey hooked up because they were both attracted to each other from the start. I don't like how Joey's dad harasses him thinking that he's gay just because he's very smart and intelligent. I can't wait to see what's really going on with Logan and Reed especially her thinking that Reed's cheating on her without any proof. I'm also trying to see what's up with Reggie and Cru too.
Profile Image for Juaquita.
42 reviews
November 9, 2020
Aha, just 😕

This book had forced “funny” scenes. The maturity level of the couple was lacking. What really did it was when the guy threw a whole tantrum over a phone call that really had nothing to do with his girl but took it out her, then broke off the relationship. I was like 🥴. They got back together I guess after a week later (lost interest at this point) after she chased him down Then the side story of the sister that the author kept alluding too. Really wasn’t a good read and I won’t continue the series.
Profile Image for Shahtia Gay-hairston.
3,447 reviews26 followers
February 26, 2020
Hale Girls♥️

The Hale family is so hilarious. I love their banter back and forth and the unique way these girls with boy names drive their dad crazy😩 Joey turned out to be perfect for the nerdy love connection. I really am curious to see and read about Logan and Reed! I want to get to the bottom of their problems and I also wants to know why Reggie is out of the dating game. Great great novella!
1,717 reviews7 followers
March 5, 2020
I couldn't stop LOL 🤣🤣🤣

This was a wonderful love story. If you enjoy humor with your love story then this is the book for you. The Hale family is a close-knit family. This story is about Joey(the baby girl) and Shane. I don't want to give anything away because I believe everyone should read this book. You will not be disappointed it's a hilarious and loving story about how two people fall in love 😍. Definitely another hit like the Madison family.
Profile Image for Bunny Robinsonfuller.
85 reviews9 followers
February 27, 2020
Oooh wow

This is how you write a novella. Let me start by saying I love AshleyNicole's body of work. I have read everything she has published. This book she delivers a funny, touching and well written novella. The Hale sisters are smart, witty, sarcastic and loveable. Great read. Bravo AshleyNicole Bravo
25 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2020
Laugh out loud funny!

I really enjoyed this story! At times it was hilarious but sexy at the same time. The Hale sisters are obviously close and tell each other just about everything. The baby of the bunch, Joey, is a complete mess!! Shane is nerdy but all man and the perfect match for Joey. Loved their story!
Profile Image for Kynita Grady.
58 reviews
February 28, 2020
LOL!! So freaking cute!

Why did I start reading this book at work!! I was at my desk quietly cracking up I loved this novella I need a a whole 300 hundred page book on them! Great job AshleyNicole love the family dynamics can't wait to read the next one hopefully we don't have to wait forever 🤣♥️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews

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