What do you think?
Rate this book
A Locked Heart: A Hale Girls novella
Friends and lovers. Lovers and friends. The only thing that matters, is that they’re together in the end.
- GenresFriends To Lovers
Unknown Binding
Published March 21, 2020
80 people are currently reading
73 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 7, 2021
This series just gets better and better. A Locked Heart was so good! I loved me some Reggie and Cru. That man had the patience of Job. He had to to sit by and watch the woman he love get married not once but twice then, wait 20 years to finally profess his love for her. Reggie being the calm one out of the "fellas" was a little slow to see Cru had feeling for her but, when he finally confessed, I was glad there was no long drawn out scene for us to deal with. Cru gave Reggie time to think about the changing dynamics of their relationship and allowed her to work through those new feelings. When they finally did come together romantically, there was none of that dreaded awkwardness Reggie expected. It was just another aspect of their friendship to explore. While A Locked Heart was not as funny as the first book, it was still an excellent read. Now, I get to finally figure out why Logan has been such a bytch to Reed. On to book three!
April 1, 2020
I am slightly disappointed in this book! The first book of the series was awesome and funny. This book had a lot of typos and just didn’t flow well. The funniest part was GiGi. Reggie and Cru should have had more fire and passion since they where already friends and in love with each other. I’m sick of Logan’s BS dragging on.... WTH
March 24, 2020
I wasn’t just laughing out loud, I was screaming with laughter. Reggie and Cru were sweet with the perfect amount of hilarity. That Joey might be tied with Gigi for most funny. I look forward to Logan & Reed’s story.
April 14, 2020
One of the very first book I ever read that made me laugh out loud!! Loved it
January 3, 2022
Friends that became lovers after everything....
Yas, Ms.Ashley keeps them coming. This was another great hilarious read with the Hale sisters. Joey is vestry blunt, outspoken, funny, and has no filter. Reggie was quite entertaining as well talking about the two guys she dated that was laughing until you cry moments.
Reggie has finally got her happily ever after with her best friend Cru. She most definitely deserves it after her two unsuccessful marriages. Her and Cru seem to be made for each other. Cru's parrot Gigi it's really no words for how smart and just expressive he was. He was definitely a showstopper.
Another great read, looking forward to finally getting to the bottom of Logan's attitude in the next novella. I want to know why she pushed her husband away. I am also wondering is any marriage proposals are on the horizon for Joey or Reggie.
Yas, Ms.Ashley keeps them coming. This was another great hilarious read with the Hale sisters. Joey is vestry blunt, outspoken, funny, and has no filter. Reggie was quite entertaining as well talking about the two guys she dated that was laughing until you cry moments.
Reggie has finally got her happily ever after with her best friend Cru. She most definitely deserves it after her two unsuccessful marriages. Her and Cru seem to be made for each other. Cru's parrot Gigi it's really no words for how smart and just expressive he was. He was definitely a showstopper.
Another great read, looking forward to finally getting to the bottom of Logan's attitude in the next novella. I want to know why she pushed her husband away. I am also wondering is any marriage proposals are on the horizon for Joey or Reggie.
June 25, 2020
A Locked Heart
So Cru and Reggie was always real best friends not that mess men and women come up with so there is no commitment. I loved that they were friends and even after a long time they were able to.fall back into the space of best friends. I honestly think even if they wouldn't have expressed feelings for each other I believe it would have happened anyways. They spend too much time around each other to not see the qualities they are looking for in a mate. This made me laugh as well as made me smile. Really smooth to the point story... on to Logan's story. I have a feeling this will be a little more intense
So Cru and Reggie was always real best friends not that mess men and women come up with so there is no commitment. I loved that they were friends and even after a long time they were able to.fall back into the space of best friends. I honestly think even if they wouldn't have expressed feelings for each other I believe it would have happened anyways. They spend too much time around each other to not see the qualities they are looking for in a mate. This made me laugh as well as made me smile. Really smooth to the point story... on to Logan's story. I have a feeling this will be a little more intense
August 23, 2020
This book had its funny moments (thanks to Joey) but I struggled to connect with this book. It is a friends to lovers sorry, but I could not for the love of me even force myself to believe that they actually belonged together or had any romantic feelings for each other. It seems to me that Reggie decided to give the relationship a try because deep down she knew he wouldn’t hurt her and I just refuse to subscribe to anyone settling in a relationship. I definitely didn’t buy Cru just leaving without any notice because he felt that he was a hinderance in her relationships? Like are y’all best friends or not? Friends do not behave this way AT ALL! When they finally made the decision to try a relationship, the story because very boring. It was a whole lot of “talking”and not enough “doing”. Plus, Reggie annoyed me with the way she was behaving toward him in regard to sex. Like girl, stop. Overall, this wasn’t an enjoyable addition to this series. I expected something more engaging and exciting but I am look forward to reading the last story because of the buildup of Logan and her husband Reed’s issues.
March 27, 2020
I enjoyed this book and love 💘these sisters... It was full of laughs, growing and a bit of sexiness. I can't wait for the last sisters story and hope all will be well with her. I love way the sister are close it reminds me of my own sisters. Read it you will enjoy it.
March 28, 2020
Hale to the Chief.... This author gave readers another Hale to warm our mushy hearts. Now we need to fix Logan.....
December 20, 2021
We Belong Together
I liked getting to know more about Cru and Reggie. I always like a 'friends to lovers' story.
There was great humor and an overall great storyline. Not too much to write about; boy and girl are school friends, boy loves girl, yet doesn't tell her, girl is oblivious to how boy feels and has bad luck in her relationships and marriages, boy leaves yet comes back to get his best friend and girl back, girl finally opened eyes to fine best friend, they fall in love and live that way until the end of their time. Basic😏.
I did like that it was the girl in this friendship that had trouble in her relationships. Many times, it's the guy, so that was interesting to read. I'm not sure why Taj, Reggie's ex husband, had such control issues, yet I wish Cru would've set him straight. He seemed really off🤨.
I'm getting very irritated with Logan and her treatment of her husband Reed, whom really Loves her, so I'm hoping I like their story in the next book.
Joey was still hilarious in this book and I'm glad she's still going strong with Shane.
This was another good read by AshleyNicole. Now, into the last book in this series.
I liked getting to know more about Cru and Reggie. I always like a 'friends to lovers' story.
There was great humor and an overall great storyline. Not too much to write about; boy and girl are school friends, boy loves girl, yet doesn't tell her, girl is oblivious to how boy feels and has bad luck in her relationships and marriages, boy leaves yet comes back to get his best friend and girl back, girl finally opened eyes to fine best friend, they fall in love and live that way until the end of their time. Basic😏.
I did like that it was the girl in this friendship that had trouble in her relationships. Many times, it's the guy, so that was interesting to read. I'm not sure why Taj, Reggie's ex husband, had such control issues, yet I wish Cru would've set him straight. He seemed really off🤨.
I'm getting very irritated with Logan and her treatment of her husband Reed, whom really Loves her, so I'm hoping I like their story in the next book.
Joey was still hilarious in this book and I'm glad she's still going strong with Shane.
This was another good read by AshleyNicole. Now, into the last book in this series.
April 6, 2020
A Locked Heart (Hale Girls #2) by AshleyNicole is a novella about restoration architect Reginald “Reggie” Hale and fireman Cru. This is a friends to lovers story, which I love. It was sweet read, the transition of friends to more is hilarious. Their friendship is so solid despite their time apart, they had the right foundation to build something more. Cru is really patient with Reggie but when she gives him the okay to take charge he does just that! It was great seeing Joey again, that girl is cray but I love her antics. That Gigi the parrot is a mess! P.s. I really need to know what’s going on with Logan and Reed, bring on book 3!
February 8, 2022
Friends to Lovers Love
Really good story.
Friends to lovers is my second favorite romance trope. I’m enjoying this series and how each sisters’ dilemma keeps me anticipating the next story. Great cast of characters, family closeness, and their matching love interests.
The dynamic of friends to lovers, for me, has a intriguing uniqueness because these two people are falling for the one person who knows them through the good bad & ugly. probably the most challenging situation because one, or both, has to overcome of the fear of familiarity breeding contempt and losing the friendship and the other has to be confident enough to believe that they’ll make it. Watching that unfold is what keeps me coming back again and again.
Reggie & Cru were made for each other.
2/3 complete. Logan & Reed…I’m coming for you, next. 🖤❤️🖤❤️
Really good story.
Friends to lovers is my second favorite romance trope. I’m enjoying this series and how each sisters’ dilemma keeps me anticipating the next story. Great cast of characters, family closeness, and their matching love interests.
The dynamic of friends to lovers, for me, has a intriguing uniqueness because these two people are falling for the one person who knows them through the good bad & ugly. probably the most challenging situation because one, or both, has to overcome of the fear of familiarity breeding contempt and losing the friendship and the other has to be confident enough to believe that they’ll make it. Watching that unfold is what keeps me coming back again and again.
Reggie & Cru were made for each other.
2/3 complete. Logan & Reed…I’m coming for you, next. 🖤❤️🖤❤️
March 25, 2020
I know that this is Reggie's story, but that damn Joey is hilarious! Oh, I hollered a lot! Wow! Reggie really knows how to pick em don't she? Crazy a$$ Taj, and then the crybaby just took me out! OMG was that funny! Reggie was the most calm out of the "fellas", but still had her own bit of crazy! Cru! Where they make men like that? He made all of his decisions based on what he thought would be best for Reggie. Awwww...…. To love her that long, and be so calm and collected while she decided what she wanted to do regarding their relationship. He has some saintly patience! Loved them together, and believe they are in this for the long haul. Now, what the hell is up with Logan? Cannot wait to see what happens there. Congrats! Laugh out loud funny, and the Hale family is it!
December 18, 2020
Weird vibes from Logan
Ok, this book didn't catch on for me as the authors other work. I am not feeling the constant out burst from Joseph because I'm too busy laughing and can't take her serious. But the weird vibes from Logan I can't take or understand. I honestly don't see her role at all in this second part of a love story series, talk about Debby downer. I wouldn't even be mad if he let go of that run it's course marriage. Gigi and falling in love with Cru was the best part. It wasn't even enough details for me to enjoy Cru, one sex scene and the end. This story could have been better, I gave four stars for Joseph and that crazy bird. It was as if Shane and Joseph story picked back up.
Ok, this book didn't catch on for me as the authors other work. I am not feeling the constant out burst from Joseph because I'm too busy laughing and can't take her serious. But the weird vibes from Logan I can't take or understand. I honestly don't see her role at all in this second part of a love story series, talk about Debby downer. I wouldn't even be mad if he let go of that run it's course marriage. Gigi and falling in love with Cru was the best part. It wasn't even enough details for me to enjoy Cru, one sex scene and the end. This story could have been better, I gave four stars for Joseph and that crazy bird. It was as if Shane and Joseph story picked back up.
March 28, 2020
Reggie & Cru's story was really cute. Cru's patience was impeccable. Jospeh came with the jokes and didn't disappoint. Her quotes, "Get the butt and the nut", and "Bust it open for a real nigga" had me cracking up! I loved how Reggie didn't rush into a relationship with her best friend. I liked that she really took her time to come to terms with exploring a genuine relationship with Cru. I loved how they just ended up being perfect for one another. I really enjoy this series. The Hale sisters are so much fun to read about!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2023
Gigi MVP…Trumps Everybody
I absolutely adore friends/best friends/lover transformational romance story. Although “A Licked Heart: A Hale Girls Novella (The Gale Girls - Book 2) was just as hilarious as book 1.. and likewise was an excellent read with great characters and plot development & storyline. Thereafter, yes I enjoyed Cru & Reggie’s journey to a romantic relationship and banter too. However, all activities, experiences and or prior boyfriends comedic recollections all pale in comparison to Gigi and his antics. …🤣😂too funny 😁! Gigi was the MVP of book 2‼️
I absolutely adore friends/best friends/lover transformational romance story. Although “A Licked Heart: A Hale Girls Novella (The Gale Girls - Book 2) was just as hilarious as book 1.. and likewise was an excellent read with great characters and plot development & storyline. Thereafter, yes I enjoyed Cru & Reggie’s journey to a romantic relationship and banter too. However, all activities, experiences and or prior boyfriends comedic recollections all pale in comparison to Gigi and his antics. …🤣😂too funny 😁! Gigi was the MVP of book 2‼️
March 23, 2020
Humorous
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2020
Format: Kindle Edition
I absolutely love 💕 a friends to lovers book! You can’t go wrong with this one ☝️! Cru and Reggie friendship was purely platonic until Cru came home! This was the best thing ever for Reggie! This book is full of laughter and humor! Make sure you have your depends on for this one, Joey is the worst kid sister you could ever have! On another note, that cliffhanger though! I can’t wait 😊 for the next installment!
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2020
Format: Kindle Edition
I absolutely love 💕 a friends to lovers book! You can’t go wrong with this one ☝️! Cru and Reggie friendship was purely platonic until Cru came home! This was the best thing ever for Reggie! This book is full of laughter and humor! Make sure you have your depends on for this one, Joey is the worst kid sister you could ever have! On another note, that cliffhanger though! I can’t wait 😊 for the next installment!
March 25, 2020
Ashleynicole has done it again. She does in a novella what some authors can’t do in a series. She is able to build characters and their relationships and allow the reader insight into all of that. Not to mention the comedy aspect. Reggie and Cru are cute and have been best friends forever. Now one is ready to take it to the next level but how do you safely transition friends to lovers without losing what you have and is it worth it?
April 7, 2020
I absolutely love Reggie and Cru together and the friendship that they've always had. That strong friendship laid the foundation for them having a strong relationship. I'm glad that Reggie finally learned the truth and was open to explore them being in a relationship. I'm glad that Joey and Shane are still going strong. Logan finally pushed Reed to far and I can't wait to see what happens next with them.
May 1, 2020
This was good. I liked it better than the first book of this series, but only gave it four stars because Reggie got on my goddamn nerves acting so childish. Like girl, you're 33 years old! TF is you doing? Anyway, I'm glad I was able to knock this book out in less than 48 hours and end my reading for the month of April. That goddamn parrot Gigi had me cracking up though! Honey I would evicted that sucka a long time ago. :-)
June 4, 2020
What a man
Goodness! Where in the hell is my version of Cru huh?! Father God if you hear me I would love a version of Cru as my husband please and thank you! Lol. Lbvs! Cru held that crush for decades, watched his love get marry not once but twice then FINALLY get his Reggie all to himself. And Reggie...how dare she miss out on all of that man. What a man..what a man..what a mighty good man.
Goodness! Where in the hell is my version of Cru huh?! Father God if you hear me I would love a version of Cru as my husband please and thank you! Lol. Lbvs! Cru held that crush for decades, watched his love get marry not once but twice then FINALLY get his Reggie all to himself. And Reggie...how dare she miss out on all of that man. What a man..what a man..what a mighty good man.
June 13, 2020
A Locked ❤: A Hale Girls novella (The Hale girls Book 2)
After reading 📖 one, Joey Leeanne (sp?) Hale's story with her time enough man Shane, I thought things couldn't get much better. But, yes it did with sis Reggie and her childhood best friend Cru. He finally admitted he was in 💘 with her since middle school days. This novella was si cute...Four 🌟 🌟 🌟 star from page one till the end. Keep up the good work AshleyNicole!
Next reading: A Loyal Heart Book 3.
After reading 📖 one, Joey Leeanne (sp?) Hale's story with her time enough man Shane, I thought things couldn't get much better. But, yes it did with sis Reggie and her childhood best friend Cru. He finally admitted he was in 💘 with her since middle school days. This novella was si cute...Four 🌟 🌟 🌟 star from page one till the end. Keep up the good work AshleyNicole!
Next reading: A Loyal Heart Book 3.
April 18, 2020
This book was as good as book 1 but I could not give it a 5 because of the numerous typos and misspelled words. This must have been a rush job. I can usually forgive a few typos or misspelled words in a book but this was excessive. For the love of all goodness, get a good editor and proofreader. Maybe it is just the professor in me coming out. 🤷🏽♀️
May 31, 2020
Sweet
Friends to Lovers will always be my favorite trope. Reggie and Cru have been besties for most of their lives. He’s so patient and protective of her thoughts and feelings. Reggie over analyzed a bit but I get it; no one would want to ruin their friendship with relationship drama. Great story!
Friends to Lovers will always be my favorite trope. Reggie and Cru have been besties for most of their lives. He’s so patient and protective of her thoughts and feelings. Reggie over analyzed a bit but I get it; no one would want to ruin their friendship with relationship drama. Great story!
June 21, 2020
Great Book
I think we all should have a best friend of the opposite sex and realize that we are in love. Well I would like that, I thought Cru was a great guy, and Reggie was a great match for him. It's funny how the people around you can see what's happening to you better than you. Mistakes were made by both, Cru now knows closed mouths don't get fed.
I think we all should have a best friend of the opposite sex and realize that we are in love. Well I would like that, I thought Cru was a great guy, and Reggie was a great match for him. It's funny how the people around you can see what's happening to you better than you. Mistakes were made by both, Cru now knows closed mouths don't get fed.
June 3, 2021
Reggie & Cru
I so enjoyed Reggie and Cru. Cru was soo sweet, so patient. His love for his best friend was so pure. Reggie's skepticism was so understandable after her past. Joey was rotten mess, but I loved her and Gigi stole the show. I have a feeling Reggie and Cru are going to be my favorite out of the three sisters....Still waiting to find out wth is going on with Logan.
I so enjoyed Reggie and Cru. Cru was soo sweet, so patient. His love for his best friend was so pure. Reggie's skepticism was so understandable after her past. Joey was rotten mess, but I loved her and Gigi stole the show. I have a feeling Reggie and Cru are going to be my favorite out of the three sisters....Still waiting to find out wth is going on with Logan.
July 18, 2023
CTFU 🤣🤣🤣
Again, this continuance fell right in line. I enjoyed reading every bit of it along with Reggie and Cru’s journey. I love that the characters keep their personalities, bonds and love for each other and family. this was hilarity and the comedic hits don’t miss. I’m worried about Gigi though, he talk too much and I hope he make it…IYKYK🤣🤣🤣🤣
Again, this continuance fell right in line. I enjoyed reading every bit of it along with Reggie and Cru’s journey. I love that the characters keep their personalities, bonds and love for each other and family. this was hilarity and the comedic hits don’t miss. I’m worried about Gigi though, he talk too much and I hope he make it…IYKYK🤣🤣🤣🤣
March 23, 2020
The Hales Sisters are an experience! Joey is still the ringleader but Reggie is an adventure in her own right. I loved her and Cru! But the one who stole the show was GiGi. I’m still weak from the last scene that he had!!!!
March 24, 2020
Another great friends to lovers story! AshleyNicole always come through with heat and laughter!
Reggie and Cru were so perfect for one another!
I cannot wait to find out what's going on with Logan! Sheesh.. I have a feeling that's going to be crazy!
Reggie and Cru were so perfect for one another!
I cannot wait to find out what's going on with Logan! Sheesh.. I have a feeling that's going to be crazy!
April 1, 2020
I love a good friends to lovers tale, and this one had a few twists thrown in the mix. Of course there was plenty of humor as well, and I can't wait for Logan and Reed's story to wrap this series up with a bang!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews