He’s my brother’s best friend, my boss, and frenemy…And I think I love him.
Tragedy struck when I was five years old that created an unbreakable bond between us. He’s the one I go to for everything… before my brother, my friends and absolutely before my parents. When I was little, I stated I would marry him one day. But, after my sixteenth birthday he stopped taking my calls and texts like he used to. Creating another hurt, I just didn’t want to face.
In the end, I tried to let it go. After all, every time someone got close, they ended up hurting me.
A couple years later our parents die, causing the rollercoaster that is our relationship to start up once more. He is there, again, as if nothing had changed. When trouble hits my door, he’s the one there to bail me out.
He hired me at his growing business. As time goes on the tension between us grows. What I never counted on was him to act on the subtle looks he had been giving. Never expected him to give into the tension that had been growing between us.
But then he does and it is explosive. Yet, the only thing he won’t do is kiss me. Won’t admit that there is more to us, than attraction. Long ago he made a promise to my brother. One he refuses to break… even at the expense of breaking my heart.
I’m sick of it all.
When an opportunity drops in my lap, I take it and run away.
Now I can’t help but wonder… Will he follow me? Or will he be like everyone else and break me?
Nicole Abrams is best known for her debut contemporary romance novel, Finding Caroline. Born in Georgia, she moved frequently with her military family, finally settling back into her home state as an adult. Always an avid reader, she eventually started journaling and writing short stories, which led to the creation of her first book. Nicole is a breast cancer survivor, beating her diagnosis in 2021 after undergoing surgery and radiation. She has an unhealthy obsession with the TV show Friends and when she is not writing you can find her spending time with the man of her dreams and their son.
Lincoln and Ansley is the best book ... I absolutely loved the story line and the resolutions.. please make sure you read finding Caroline first so you'll Know who all the characters are. The spice is good and goes with the storyline . Some people might want to check TW, I thought it was a great book especially if you read some darker stuff and need a lighter book to cleanses the palette with
Ansley and Lincoln grew up together being next door neighbors and Lincoln was her brother’s best friend. Ansley and Lincoln have always been really close or fighting. Ansley works for Lincoln and the attraction keeps getting more intense, but Lincoln made a promise to Dwayne. Will Lincoln choose her ? Great characters and storyline. Highly recommended Amazing book. I absolutely love Ansley and Lincoln relationship and the supporting characters are amazing.
These two are trauma bonded from an incident in their childhood that caused edits between them and their parents. Not to mention Lincoln made a pact with Ansley’s brother (his best friend) to never kiss his sister.
Lincoln is harsh and hiding behind the pact he made so he doesn’t act on the feelings he very clearly has for Ansley.
Ansley has felt nothing but rejection from Lincoln since she was 16. She’s feisty and loves nothing more than to rile Lincoln up.
When they finally give into the passion between them, the spice is off the charts! Lincoln “punishes” Ansley when she’s a brat and she lets him push her boundaries! I loved the relationship that developed between these two and I can wait for more!
Brothers best friend Friends to lovers Workplace romance
Losing Ansley is the second book in the Coming Home series.
Ansley has been attracted to her brothers best friend since she was 16. Lincoln made a promise to her brother that he will not break.
Ansley is feisty and loving. Lincoln omg is an alpha male, dominant and caring. They both have shared trauma from their past that has bonded them closely.
I loved that Lincoln was willing to do anything to help Ansley. Watching their relationship build and getting to watch their happiness grow 🥰.
The spice was so hot❤️🔥! I mean I loved Sebastian (from first book in the series Finding Caroline) and still do but Lincoln was a whole other level 🫠!!
"If you ever want anything from me, all you have to do is ask. I'll give you the fucking moon, sweetheart."
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
A brother's best friend get's me every time, and in Nicole's latest book, it'll get you, too. Not only do Linc and Ansley have incredible chemistry and banter, but the trauma they shared as kids bonded them for life and truly are each other's better half. Trigger warning: child abuse, child death, sh, all of their struggles were handled delicately and with care, but still sting because our two MCs don't understand or know unconditional love, and breaking down those barriers and realizing found family are safe spaces is at the heart of this book -- and with the personalities of our two MCs and our side characters, I think every reader will find a person who they relate to and cheer on, which isn't always a given in a book like this.
Be warned, there's a Chad, and welp, he's a Chad...but rejoice! There is no third act breakup, just personal growth. I can't wait to see the rest of the fam's HEAs and Nicole's growth as an author.
I devoured this book much like Lincoln devoured Ansley.
There is a dom/sub tone with terms like “brat” and “good girl” also the way Lincoln is immediately like “that’s mine” after they’ve had sex one time. Ansley eats this up but I did like that she can also think for herself and make hard decisions. I can relate to her character because she keeps her life private and tries to fix her own problems (only to ask for help when it’s almost too late).
I've read worse. The author definitely did one of those writing workshops where they're told to make sure there's action in the first ten pages.
Favourite quotes: - I'm not sure why I'm following his instructions so easily other than I'm emotionally exhausted and need something. - This is why I'm leaving. I can't keep doing this. I need more. I deserve more. - I want to scream. I want to scream until my voice is hoarse. - “Your dad?” I ask, and he nods. I rub at the spot on my arm my mom grabbed earlier, and his eyes zone in on it. He gently grabs my arm and pushes my sleeve up. He exhales through his nose at the bruise on my arm and touches it gently. “Your mom?” He asks, and I nod. He lets my arm go and adjusts my sleeves so it’s covering my arm again, pulling me into a hug. “Happy birthday Lincoln,” I whisper. - Look, all Ansley wants is for Lincoln to choose her. You haven't done that completely from listening to this entire conversation. I don't know what kind of promise you two had, and I understand that Ansley is your little sister and all, but she's a grown woman now and can make her own decisions. - "You know I always appreciate your effort to look like this. I also love how you look in pajamas, a tank top, and no makeup on. Whether you're all dolled up or not, you'll always be the most beautiful woman in the room. Always." I lean in and kiss her just below her ear. "I'd kiss you on those pouty lips, but I don't want to ruin all the work you just went through putting your lipstick on." Her hands come up to grab at my hips, and she melts into me. - "You've changed since moving here." He states, and my mouth pops open. "What?!? No, I haven't!" "Come on, Ans. You're not as argumentative or snappy. Even in front of Liv and Caroline, you'll do it a little but not as much as you used to." He replies. I plop down on the couch, rubbing my hands over the fabric. "You always seem so frustrated when I get snappy with you." I express, and he arches an eyebrow. "Yeah, maybe a little. But then I always wind up fucking you because it turns me the hell on. I love it when you challenge me and tell me to fuck off when I get too controlling." He exclaims, and I bite the inside of my cheek. "I feel like I'm losing the Ansley I fell in love with." He states, and I blink back the tears. "I was just trying to be perfect for you," I explain, my voice shaking. "You were perfect just the way you were, and I never asked you to change."
Funny moments: - "My tombstone will say death by orgasm." - She turns on the TV and pulls up Hulu. "Want to watch The Golden Girls?" - I snap at him, and he takes a step closer, his eyes darkening. I've always loved doing this with him. Pissing him off is one of my favorite pastimes. - “What do you want, Lincoln?” I’m at a loss. Usually, she’s her bratty self, and I can banter back and forth with her, or we do our flirting but this. This is out of my element. - Me: What the hell? I don't need you paying for my girl's night anymore. Lincoln: Got you to finally text me, though, didn't it? - "I was just going to grab my pajamas so I didn't distract you anymore," I tell him, and he grunts as he buries his nose in my hair. I chuckle and hold him close.
Annotations that I thought were funny looking back on: - My parents are dead. My parents and Lincoln's parents are dead. (Trauma bonding on page one yippee) - "You'll come to stay at my place." (Obvs like every book ever) - It's Sunday night, and I'm sitting on his deck, drinking a glass of wine and watching him swim laps in his Olympic pool. (who the fuck casually has an Olympic sized swimming pool) - He pulls me to the outdoor sofa pushing his swim trunks down as he sits on the couch. "Ride me." He demands. (WHY is EVERYTHING so SUDDEN)
Smut moments: - He wraps one arm around my waist, and his other hand slides up my spine into my hair, gripping it tightly and adjusting how he wants me. Then his mouth is on mine. I tense, in shock that he just broke his rule. He coaxes my mouth open, and then the dam breaks. He begins licking and exploring like he's a dying man and I'm his only saving grace. - "I want to experiment with you." He whispers. And I stare at him, my eyes wide. - "Two days ago, when my cock was buried inside you, made it my business, and I bet if I slip my hand into your panties right now, you'd be drenched for me." He says in a low voice, and I have to control myself from reacting to his words. - His hand moves from my throat to my neck and slips into my hair, gripping it and pulling it, causing a chain reaction in my body. - "You look so good with your skirt around your waist and my cock inside you." - "Mission accomplished," I hiss and yank her head back further. She moans but doesn't fight me. I bite down on her neck and suck. "What would he say if you came back to the table with my mark on you?" She gasps as I suck harder. - "Make a mess, sweetheart. I want to feel you drench my hand. I want to taste you even after washing you off me." - I grunt at the sting but remember quickly I need to count. "Two." He massages that spot, dips his fingers back into my pussy, and moans. "Such a dirty girl. You love this, don't you?" He asks, and I can't stop from pushing back into his fingers. He pulls his fingers out and spanks me again. Each time he spanks me is in a different spot. "Answer the question." - Page 102, 129-131, 187, 194-195 & 197-198
Heat level: 3/5. This is the first book I've read by this author and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book. This is a great childhood friends/brother's best friend story. One of my favorite elements of this story is that this relationship goes through stuff together and we're able to see that. It's not your typical "will they/won't they, HEA/HFN, the end" story which I absolutely love. And even though they've known each other their whole lives, we're still able to see a relationship change, come together, and go through obstacles as a couple. Thank you for the refreshing change of plot points hit. I am totally adding the first book of this series to my TBR list.
I already loved Ansley from book one and I'm a sucker for enemies-to-lovers so my opinion here may be biased, but this book was great.
The chemistry between Ansley and Lincoln was 🔥🔥🔥 and the spice was hot and heavy from the start thanks to their lifetime warm/cold (but never hot - until now) relationship. They were both stubborn mules, but I was so happy Ansley insisted she was put first.
I have no clue which characters will be the next book but im hoping for Liv because I am dying for her backstory.
I really enjoyed the story line, the trauma that they both shared was interesting. It was definitely super spicy. I did feel like sometimes the actual storyline was a little rushed just so the spicy could be front and center. But all in all I enjoyed the story.
Ansley & Lincoln — need I say more? The spice, the story line, everything about this was everything I needed and more. I knew I loved Ansley from the first book, but I loved her even more in this book. I wanted to finish this in one night, but sleeping told me otherwise. I need more on ALL the characters.
“Losing Ansley” by Nicole Abrams is a love story about two people who have been thrown together in life from the time they were kids.
This book was everything I wanted it to be and more. I loved the banter between the two main characters. And we all know I have a soft spot for dominant cinnamon roll men. 🫠
"If you ever want anything from me, all you have to do is ask. I'll give you the fucking moon, sweetheart."
I absolutely loved Lincoln and Ansley’s story. This was a quick easy read. I read it in a couple hours and it held my attention the whole time. A story of people who were bonded since childhood through trauma. I loved the friendships in this story so much too. I’m crossing my fingers that we get Dylan’s story soon ❤️
If like secret lover, brothers best friend, or frienemy stories with spice, Losing Ansley has got you covered. I loved this story and the spice was just right! It will make you blush in some spots, for all the right reasons! Go get it!
First off I will say I received this early copy to give my honest review.
I love this series and can't wait for the story of the next couple. But as for this one.... I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!
In Choosing Caroline you already think you have an idea of who these 2 characters are, but you are only seeing the surface. The trauma that these 2 have been through together is heartbreaking. I will say I would have liked a little bit more of their past to get into their heads more (but I love angst and feeling anxious throughout a book).
This book was by far an amazing read, I just love Ansley and Lincoln so very much. They have belonged together since they were kids. Hands down a 5 star read.i definitely recommend this book if you love friends to lovers! I believe their past honesty makes them a better couple in the end.
Frienemies Ansley and Lincoln had known each other all their lives Lincoln is her brothers best friend and her literal life saver bound by trauma as children Ansley has loved Lincoln for years and while Lincoln makes it clear he wants her he won’t kiss her because of a promise he made her brother when they were little Ansley sick of being a secret give’s Lincoln an ultimatum “choose her and tell her brother or lose her forever” can Lincoln let go and keep the woman he loves?
This story was angsty, dramatic, romantic, and spicy with a lot of ups and downs
This book was so wonderful! I would suggest reading the books in order to get background on all the characters, but the book is complete. It does not end in a cliffhanger! Brothers' best friend, frenemies to lovers, and spicy! I can not get enough of this series! Give us more!!!
Let me start by saying this book makes you feel so many emotions ranging from serious lows to unbelievable highs. Ansley is in love with her brother's best friend Lincoln, who will protect her from anything and everything. All while Ansley's brother Dylan is oblivious to everything life has thrown at them. Learn what happened when they were all kids. Then, watch the tension build and get sassy and spicy. This is the second 5 star book in this series, and I hope all the characters get books of their own! Great book!! I highly recommend taking the time to submerge yourself into their story to see where life takes them.
Want a feel good read with just the right amount of spice? You've got the book I absolutely loved Ansley and Lincoln's story. I love the connection these characters have together perfect chemistry, the switches between their past and the present flow together and I loved getting a look into their backstory together as well as their exploration of new things together, couldn't put it down.
We love a good trauma bond love story! Did I just stay up till 5am because I COULD NOT put this down? Absolutely. You know when you’re thinking, dang did I finish this already because it’s going smoothly for them, but then you look and notice you’re only at 40ish% so you KNOW something’s about to happen. This kept me on my toes! I did not think it was possible to love a pairing more after reading Finding Caroline, but I think Ansley and Lincoln may have just surpassed them. I can’t wait for the future of this author and hoping that all these little breadcrumbs she leaves of other couples will open the door for more books for me to devour in the future.
Andddd the 🌶️ is a solid 9.5/10!
Thank you again to Nicole Abrams for providing an ARC for an honest review. 🖤
Ansley and Lincoln are imperfectly perfect together. When reading Ms. Abrams debut novel, Finding Caroline, I felt it in my soul that there was more to these two characters. I am so glad that there was. They are two souls that need healing, and it was clear they wanted to heal together.
Ansley is a headstrong female who went through trauma at a young age. Lincoln is a male who likes control, and know the pain in which Ansley feels. The two bonded over the traumatic event and the aftermath of it. Their story is one full of emotions that range from sadness, to pain, to anger, to "Woo I need a cold shower." The ups and downs of their relationship feels so real, that it sucks you fully into the story.
There are many characters that show again, and some you get more time with, from Finding Caroline (Ms. Abrams debut novel). While Losing Ansley is a stand-alone, it is the second novel in the Coming Home Series and I would definitely recommend picking up Finding Caroline to see how some of these characters connect.
One of my favorite things about Ms. Abrams' writing is that she makes such amazing friend groups that are supportive at all times. They know when to push and when to step back and wait until the other person is willing share. Though, at times this can be a problem; which we see in Losing Ansley. This also adds to the realism that is created within Ms. Abrams' stories.
There is a level of spice within this novel that we didn't see in the first novel of this series. I would definitely put it near the four-chili-peppers out of five-chili-peppers scale (please be aware what may be a four to me could be more of less to you.) There are some light notes of BDSM, with the use of toys, and praise throughout; among other elements. This isn't a deep delve into that lifestyle, but there are some scenes, and with Lincoln's need for control it shouldn't be too surprising.
Ansley and Lincoln will definitely grab hold of your heart, and never want to let it go. Ansley will give you all the goals of how you want to grab life by the b**ls and chase after your dreams. Meanwhile, Lincoln bumps some of your book boyfriends off the list with the hotness that he brings to the table. This was a story you didn't know you needed, but absolutely do.
I would recommend this novel, and this author to anyone looking for a new author to read. This was definitely one of the times reads this year, and Ms. Abrams has been added to my one-click instant buy list indefinitely!
I was graciously provided an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
I loved this one! The spice hit me out of nowhere and I was NOT disappointed! I loved the relationship between Ansley & Lincoln as well as the relationships they had outside of each other with friends and siblings. This book made me cry, laugh, smile and squeeze my legs together once or twice.
Ansley and Lincoln have been each others rocks since traumatic events that happened when they were kids and young adults. They shared a bond that was indescribable and after years of fighting their love and feelings, they finally caved.
I also really loved the fact that there wasn’t a third act break up or easily avoidable misunderstanding. Ansley and Lincoln’s story is a top tier good read. Great work, Nicole!
I really really wanted to love this book. I love the trope and adding in the boss factor I was super excited to get started on this. I also received an ARC copy and was so excited to help support Nicole. Unfortunately I just couldn't get into it. They went 0-60 really quick and while I get they've known each other for a long time and the tension builds in finding Caroline but whoa. They do acknowledge that they went 0-60 but then it was like they went straight back to 0. I didn't connect with Ansley and Lincoln like I thought I would and like I wanted too which is a bummer. If you like the back and forth of a non-relationship then this book will be right up your alley. Unfortunately I just didn't love it. It took me a long time to get through because I wasn't into it which is unusual for me.
I absolutely loved this book. Most novels I have read lately, once the FMC and MMC get together, the book ends. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to read more of their relationship and how they dealt with their past together, making them closer and a stronger bond formed. I will definitely be recommending this book to others and will be reading more from this author in the future!!