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Just a Friend

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Oh baby, you…
Being the only girl in a group of guys is hard work. It’s the equivalent to having multiple fathers who think they can dictate every detail of your life.
Harlowe’s been dealing with it for years, but as of late, she’s been wanting to venture out and find love. As expected, the guys think this is a terrible idea. That’s all well and good, but Harlowe is going to do it anyway.
Before she can, one of her guys starts looking at her differently, and she can’t help but look back.
Will they transition into lovers, or will he remain just a friend?

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2021

298 people are currently reading
395 people want to read

About the author

AshleyNicole

64 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
1,228 (75%)
4 stars
314 (19%)
3 stars
74 (4%)
2 stars
10 (<1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,196 reviews418 followers
May 1, 2022
**SPOILERS**

This book was sooooooooo good! I would even say Just a Friend is probably the best book I've read in 2021. AshleyNicole knows she put her foot and right elbow in this book. It grabs your attention from the first line in the epilogue to the very last page. Harlow is a very lucky young lady. She happens to be besties with four overprotective alpha males. It's almost like she, Demmy, Ghost, Country, and Tuck are in a polygamous relationship because, they do EVERYTHING together. Well, everything except have sex. Their relationship truly is platonic. Harlow decides it's time for her to be in a real relationship with someone other than her boys so, at the demand of her boss, she gets dolled up and goes out for girls night with the Hale sisters. When the fellas pull up on Harlow to see who she got dressed up for something clicks for Ghost and, all of a sudden, he starts to see her as an actual woman. Ghost is having a hard time coming to terms with his new feelings for Harlow and she's completely oblivious to said new feelings. It was actually adorable and hysterical watching them try to understand what they were feeling for each other and if they should act on it. Once they worked out the growing pains of their new attraction to each other, it's on and poppin'. Ghost and Harlow had some serious chemistry. Whew chile, they had some pearl clutchin' filthy sex and I was here for it! As with every new relationship, there has to be some drama. Considering how this book started, I just knew Demmy was going to be the friend Harlow ended up with. So, it's not surprising he was secretly in love with her. I get why Demmy was angry and hurt when he found out about Ghost and Harlow. Ghost knew he was in love with Harlow so, of course, he felt betrayed by his best friend. But, his anger towards Harlow was entirely irrational. Closed mouths don't get fed boo and you can't get mad at her because you were never honest about your feelings. It really broke my heart how things ended with Demmy and how he cut everyone off. I really wanted him and Ghost to repair their relationship and become friends again but, Demmy was just too angry. I had hoped the author would give us more books on these characters but, the epilogue says that's a hard no. She pretty much brought everything full circle with everyone. Just a Friend was an amazing friends to lovers romance. I laughed, I cried, and I even cursed. Harlow and Ghost's road to love was absolutely beautiful. If I could give this book 20 stars I would because, it was well deserved.
Profile Image for Bookishrealm.
3,248 reviews6,428 followers
July 24, 2021
Honestly, if I ever want to read a romance book that's going to make me laugh and I mean genuinely laugh out loud then I know that I should just pick up a Ashley Nicole book.

I forget where I saw that Ashley Nicole had a new release, but I instantly checked it out and got really excited when I found out it was a friends to lovers story. Just a Friend focuses on Harlow and her four best guy friends: Ghost, Country, Demmy, and Tuck. They literally do everything together, but Harlow feels like she's missing the companionship associated with a relationship. After a night out it, it's clear that Ghost begins to look at Harlow differently and the two have to decide if they want to follow their hearts and risk the relationship they have with Country, Demmy, and Tuck.

First and foremost, Ashley Nicole is a comedian. There isn't a book that I've read by her that hasn't made me laugh hysterically. The relationships between her characters are always fun and it's no different with the relationship that Harlow has with her "boys." It's clear that they all love her in their own way, they do everything for her, and they feel like it's their duty to protect her. It definitely feels like a tight knit family of siblings until Ghost and Harlow begin to see each other differently. Their chemistry is apparent from the beginning even before they realized they had an attraction. I was able to pick up on it quickly which is a sign of Ashley Nicole's writing ability. Chemistry has been and will always be a huge thing for me in terms of whether I think the romance between the characters will actually work. Their friendship was a great insight to how effective their romance would be. They didn't have to spend a great deal of time getting to know each other. It allowed them to take their connection to a deeper level and that even showed in the bedroom. Ya'll their sexual chemistry was off the chain and the steamy scenes were *chef's kiss.* By the way, there are A LOT of steamy scenes which I greatly appreciated. As the two face their ups and downs, readers can't help but to root for them.

The plot was interesting, extremely interesting. It was obvious that Harlow and Ghost were going to struggle with telling the rest of the guys that they were considering each other as more than friends; however, there's a plot twist that Ashley Nicole throws into the mix and surprisingly it made me feel for Harlow greatly. When her heart broke I was almost in tears on her behalf. I didn't expect certain characters to act the way they did, but by the time readers get to the end of the novel everything begins to make sense. While this is supposed to be a standalone, I hope that one day Ashley Nicole gives us the opportunity to learn about the other men in the friend group. We got a glimpse of where their love lives are towards the end, but I would absolutely love another installment that focuses on them.

This was another great book from Ashley Nicole. I definitely recommend checking it out.
Profile Image for Jahda.
1,065 reviews315 followers
May 31, 2023
Really liked this book. I really enjoyed reading about the development of the relationship between Harlowe and Ghost from platonic friends to lovers when Harlowe goes out one night. You got the group dynamic of the four males and their amusing interactions with one another. Closed mouths don't be fed, and I thought Tree should have known/done better than to make the Pact they did.
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,413 reviews155 followers
February 25, 2023
More than friends

Harlowe was a kept woman for six years without even having a man. I know, it was wild. After the crazy chance meeting with Demmy they became fast friends. Demmy eventually introduces her to his bff Ghost and after a couple of years he makes her apart of his crew of boys which adds includes Tuck and Country. These boys loved them some Lo Lo. They not only took care of her, but had forged a great relationship with her mom as well.

As time passes Lo Lo loves their friendship, but she is ready for a real relationship. Out of nowhere the vibe between her and Ghost shifts. He does everything to avoid it, but Lo Lo wants all the smoke and she sets out to get it. They are concerned about the nature of their friendship, boys club if you will shifting because Lo Lo was supposed to be off limits.

Needless to say their chemistry was off the chain and they already had a crazy connection, it made sense that loving each other came naturally. Unfortunately, jealousy of their situation came right along with that too. Not all of the boys take it well and they find themselves fighting for their friendships.

This was a good read as usual, but it moved a little slow for me. I appreciated witnessing the relationship though. Character development was also A1.
Profile Image for Dawn Higgs.
Author 1 book26 followers
July 4, 2021
F Dem!!!

Ashley Nicole never disappoints!!! Another great story that kept you invested and laughing the whole time. Boots and Ghost were so good together. I was rooting for their happily ever after, it was great that they didn't let the one monkey stop the show!!! Would love to see the boys, (except him whose name I will not type) get their own books... Another 5 🌟 project by one of my absolute faves!!!
Profile Image for Kameel.
1,065 reviews295 followers
June 1, 2022
I Really Enjoyed The Camaraderie

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 Stars

I enjoyed the group dynamic immensely….when the five of them got together, you better believe someone was going to say something silly as hell…I really cracked up during this story….I also enjoyed the change of Harlowe’s relationship with Ghost….I enjoyed their developing love story, but I really hated the fact that it cost them a friendship….I really really didn’t see that coming…I thought Demmy would have come around.
Profile Image for Dahyana.
695 reviews87 followers
October 8, 2021
Harlowe Ɛ Ghost

Growing up, my mom always tells me boys and girls can't be platonic friends. 👀👀 could she have been right??
I loved this story. It was hilarious, like laugh out loud, hilarious. Ghost was everything in this story. Sorry Demmy. But, tbh, I kinda understand him being upset, but it doesn't justify his behavior. Always shoot your shot, bro. I need a story on Demmy, cause I need to know how he heals and moves on from that. Harlowe and Ghost were nastyyy. Literally couldn't keep their hands off each other, I loved it.

This was a really good book. I love that I got to see a bit of the Hale ladies. They're always fun.
Definitely seems like my mom may have been on to something, cause those friends to lovers stories are tripping me up.
But definitely read this book. Super well written, super good.
Profile Image for Erika B..
Author 42 books108 followers
January 8, 2022
Just a Friend

Lovely story 😍 I absolutely loved Ghost and Harlowe. Her determination and his resistance was too cute. This author has a way with words that pull the reader in from the first page. Most of the book was spent with me saying ‘awww’ and ‘oh snap’ lol. A great read for sure! Happy reading 💖
Profile Image for Cassie W.
25 reviews5 followers
November 1, 2023
Loved , loved, loved this book. I laughed so hard and I can only imagine how it would be with having all male friends. But I more than likely will be reading this one again.
Profile Image for wybie lovat.
51 reviews3 followers
May 15, 2024
this was really good and super enthralling i genuinely couldn’t put this book down. im in LOVE with ghost and the way he loved harlowe
Profile Image for Angelica.
77 reviews13 followers
March 30, 2023
4 Best friends…all men. How in the hell did Harlowe have a platonic relationship with each one for so many years? How?! They loved her, protected her, car maintenance, yard work, I mean everything a man should do she had times FOUR

I’m at my desk laughing out loud and smiling my ass off

I love Kaspar. I knew it was going to be him who fell from jump lol. Loved him and Boots together 🤎

I felt for Demmy for a 🤏🏾 quick second. I was hoping he wouldn’t just let years of a friendship go. But like he said he’s shallow and childish.

I enjoyed this read and I’ll continue making my way through AshleyNicole catalog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ray.
196 reviews7 followers
October 22, 2023
Okay.

I loved Lo and Ghost! I knew they were going to like each other when she said he was more affectionate. I really liked their relationship and how he wanted more than sex. I don’t usually like friends to lovers but this was done so good.

Lo was so sensitive but was all about her male best friends and was platonic fr even when people didn’t think she was. They were so cute in the end but Demmy did too much over a girl that was never going to be with him- he should’ve spoke up if he wanted her fr.
Profile Image for martha fountain.
838 reviews18 followers
July 15, 2021
Ghost and Boots!

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I love how this author gives you the right dose of sexiness coupled with comedy. I loved the chemistry between Harlowe (Boots) and Kasper (Ghost). Seeing the friendship between Harlowe, Tree, Ghost, Tuck, and Country, I was surprised how long their friendship lasted before it got complicated. The twist at the end was a surprise that the author hinted where it was not going to be a smooth reception by all. Whew, this book reminded me that I need to read more from this author's catalog because she delivered with this one.
Profile Image for Ada Bailey.
Author 2 books4 followers
October 25, 2021
I've never read a story like this with relationship dynamics set up like this. It was hilarious and heartwarming at the same time.
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,562 reviews100 followers
July 8, 2021
OMG! This read had me laughing out loud! Ashley, I just can’t with you! How Harlowe ended up with four male best friends after that disastrous blind date is just crazy as hell! Those men are certifiably nuts, all of em’! Loved catching up with the Hale sisters! Still love Joey and all her crazy!
How on all of God’s green earth had Harlowe been platonic friends with these fine ass men, all of those years, and never caught feelings? She was a good one. I loved how all the guys took care of her and protected her. They “literally” did everything together! Then…… a rogue look by Ghost changed the whole game son! 😂 It was adorable as well as hysterical, following Harlowe and Ghost as they first tried to understand what they were feeling, and how to act on said feelings. Their road to love was so beautiful, as their friendship was already solid. Who knew Demmy would be so damn selfish? I was thoroughly disappointed in him, but his loss! I really hope we hear about the rest of the guys at some point. Great work! 👍👍👍
Profile Image for Qiana.
350 reviews63 followers
July 21, 2021
Harlowe is best friends with four guys, automatically giving her her own personal security team. But when she decides she's ready to look for love, her guys get upset, only to find out one of them may already have been checking her out.

This book was cute, romantic and funny. One of the best books I've read all year. There's a splash of drama to keep you entertained as well. I think I'm starting to like these books where the female lead has multiple male options.
Profile Image for Ashley B.
38 reviews24 followers
July 17, 2021
They say he’s just a friend….

This is how I like my romance. Sexy, stressful, exciting and fun! Can a girl be friends with four guys and not one of them fall for her?? Apparently not!! This complicated love drama is just how I like em!! Messy! Love this one.
Profile Image for WellReadRuby.
539 reviews112 followers
February 12, 2023
That pact was stupid as hell!

I love this friend group and hate that it was started upon a stupid pact of them not dating Harlowe (Boots/Lo/Lo-Lo). Harlowe first met Demetrius (Tree/ Demmy) after they were both avoiding bad blind dates and from there she met Kasper (Ghost), Country and Tuck. These 5 did everything together and one night out where Harlowe gets dressed up and the guys see her out things change between her and Ghost. That was actually the surprise I waiting on which was which friend would she end up with because AshleyNicole builds the story giving you insight to her dynamic with each of the guys. Once we find out it’s Ghost I was intrigued because he was the most affectionate with her! The fallout of the group after the big revelation was bittersweet because they finally could live in their truth but the group would never be the same. So I won’t spoil which friend blows up the friend group but I will say he was trash and his intentions were never good to begin with! Once everything came out I knew this guy was on weirdo time. Smh I loved the funny banter in this book! AshleyNicole will give us jokes ok! I loved their getaway trip and the epilogue was sooo sweet! This story felt complete and I loved every second of it! Definitely recommend and hate that I’m so late to this 5⭐️ read!
Profile Image for Kim Knight.
481 reviews15 followers
July 6, 2021
Youuuuuu got what I need

Honey this was so good!! Friends how many of us have them!!! What happens when Harlowe becomes friends with some good men? You must read this to find out and get some nuggets in the process. This was one of my favorite authors I discovered during the pandemic I was so happy to read this one.
Profile Image for Angelia Rhodes.
1,651 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2021
Friendly

Don't know were to start. Will contain spoilers. Let me say this first, Demmy, get out yo feelings. You snooze you loose. Ghost spotted that beautiful and couldn't contain himself. This was a true friend's to lovers romance.
Profile Image for Crimson.
609 reviews4 followers
May 13, 2025
Hilarious

I laughed myself to tears!!! This was a cute story and I really enjoyed it. I loved how it started and how it ended. Y'all just read the damn book.
Profile Image for Robin.
59 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2024
5⭐️- This is a Friends to Lovers/Forbidden Love (with a balance of seriousness & comedy) trope that has me in a CHOKE.HOLD‼️

📖Harlowe is the bff to her male-only friend group of 4 guys. For six years she’s been like the lil sis/homie, whom these guys protected & looked after (she would be annoyed at them sometimes for being overprotective, but it was actually really sweet☺️)
➡️The Friend group was perfect until one of those friends caught feelings, and well…she caught them too😉🫶🏽

Throughout this book 📕 we are taken on the journey to how these two navigate their complicated relationship/friendship in the midst of hiding it from the rest of the guys.
✨This hiding thing had my anxiety sky high😅 But I absolutely 💕LOVED💕the chemistry and relationship that Harlowe and Ghost had together. With them already being best friends, their comfortability with one another was so refreshing & made them falling “in-love” that much easier.

🎭Unfortunately there was one person out the friend group who wasn’t okay with their relationship- and it got U.G.L.Y💔 (you’ll have to read the book to find out-not gonna lie, this part hit deep). Nevertheless, Ghost and Harlowe still stayed down for each other🤞🏽🥰

❤️Shout out to the author for writing a book that kept me laughing and fully engaged from beginning to end! Literally had me “laughing out loud” 😂
This was such an AMAZING, original, sweet story, that I’m so pleased with. I will definitely be reading more books by Miss AshleyNicole!
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,135 followers
April 5, 2022
***Possible Spoilers***

Ashley Nicole!! You just may be my favorite author! She does not miss with her books. The way she writes just speaks to the soul and is so relatable. I don’t think I laughed so much reading a book! I mean really laughing from my gut. The way the story was written had me easily feeling like I was sitting around the table or in the living room with Harlowe and her boys. What’s better than one best friend? Try 4. Harlowe had it made and I’m high key jealous. Her boys loved her and they had the best platonic relationship that one could ask for.

Even with the heavy moments that eventually transpired in the book it was such a great story about love and friendship. Ghost was so loyal to the group and he really did try to do what was best for everyone but at the end of the day the heart wants what the heart wants.

This story was a clear example of closed mouths don’t get fed and I’m really disappointed in Demmy. He acted like a whole …… I would have loved to see him come to his senses and make amends but by his own admission he was childish and shallow. I am really glad to see that Country and Tuck knew what it was and still held the crew down.

Ashley’s books always leave me wanting more and yet so full at the same time. Bravo!
422 reviews2 followers
July 4, 2021
Great Book!

This book started off so funny, that whole first scene was hee-larry-us!😂 And I have to say, I couldn't immediately tell which friend was about to become more. And who I was expecting it to be it wasn't... although my guess wasn't completely off as I learned later on.😒 Was not expecting the blowup to be so permanent.😳 That part kinda threw me off and at the same time made the story more realistic. I loved the friendship between everyone, their dynamic was fun and authentic. Which is why Harlowe and her homie-lover-friend had such great chemistry and a strong foundation. And the sex scenes...🔥🔥🔥*fans self* yes Lawd!!!!!🙌🏾 This was a really enjoyable read! (s/n I loved the nod to past fave books with Bea's nail salon and Harlowe working for Joseph, Reggie and Logan at their construction firm!💕)
Profile Image for LaToya Brooks.
2,978 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2021
Great read

It sucked about demmy, but I’m glad everything else played out the way it did. I just knew he was the one she hooked up with but nah
Profile Image for Jaliesa.
183 reviews11 followers
April 3, 2025
It will have you hooked from page 1. Ghost & Boots for the win! 😍

This is one those stories you have to read it keep you engaged from the beginning to the end . When I read the reviews I said ohh yess I have to read this now knowing how good it actually IS , If you looking for a perfect balance of laughing , friendship mix with a lil drama and love story this the one for you.

Ghost & Boots I was with it , the first scene with them it was just something about him that spoke through the pages . I knew it would be them!!

I love the friendship lo had with her boys & how they protect and rock her . & they were in general & with mommy omg!!

Demmy pmo ( cause what) but anyways!

I recommend the read!
Profile Image for Mrs Tee Booktique.
952 reviews14 followers
July 20, 2021
Friend zone

I love this story!!!!!!! I laughed so hard throughout! This crew of friends are awesome! So much packed in this story. Harlowe, Demmy, Ghost, Country, & Tuck were full of entertainment and the plot twist was bitter sweet. This is definitely a RomCom that did not disappoint. Harlowe and Ghosts growth was awesome and Demmy lost out cause he slept on his opportunities to be loved being shallow and childish, because of his past.
Profile Image for Lovie247.
199 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2021
Boots aka LoLo and Ghost

This was a quick read. I really enjoyed the friendship between the characters in the book. Every girl should have good strong men that look out for her like Harlowe did. I wish the friendships with all players could have remained in tact-or at least been repaired-but either way, I enjoyed the book.
Profile Image for Regina Ricks.
220 reviews26 followers
July 25, 2021
The best situations start out as friends...

The idea of a woman having four male best friends was different and enjoyable. The laughs that I had reading this book kept me coming back for more. With the closeness they shared without being blood related one of them were bond to notice LoLo and that's when things got interesting. The way this storyline flowed and the different emotions we saw were raw and made the story feel so real. From beginning to end I was invested and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great read as always.
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,011 reviews110 followers
July 4, 2021
Just Fun

The story was delicious. Boots and Ghost, I loved their nicknames. And the way the group interacted was so much fun. Mommy, Country, and Tuck kept me laughing at the way they cut up. Poor Demmy. Friend to lovers stories are always my favorite. This one was extra dope.
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