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Preston Brothers #2
Hammered (Preston Brothers Book Two_
Kalise Worthington has a lot on her plate. From moving back home to corral the family business and dealing with her father's declining health, she's in the midst of trying to juggle it all and maintain her sanity. Being thrust back into communication with her former best friend, is yet another complication that she doesn't need...
Wayland Preston is desperate to get things back to the way they used to be with his best friend. Completely aware of the missteps he'd made in the past, he's now willing to fight to restore things to the way they used to be. His only problem is getting Kalise on board with this reconciliation.
Two people who were once as close as can be are now faced with not only trying to restore that friendship, but also contend with navigating through recently developed feelings of attraction and not blowing everything up.
Wayland Preston is desperate to get things back to the way they used to be with his best friend. Completely aware of the missteps he'd made in the past, he's now willing to fight to restore things to the way they used to be. His only problem is getting Kalise on board with this reconciliation.
Two people who were once as close as can be are now faced with not only trying to restore that friendship, but also contend with navigating through recently developed feelings of attraction and not blowing everything up.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2022
137 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Falls
64 books548 followersNicole Falls is a contemporary Black romance writer who has taken entirely too long to complete her first project. She's also a ceramic mug and lapel pin enthusiast who cannot function without her AirPods constantly blaring music. When Nicole isn't writing, she spends her time trolling her friends and family while drinking coffee and/or cocktails or checking off yet another of these great United States visited in her quest to see some land! She currently resides in the suburbs of Chicago.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 6, 2022
When her dad gets sick, Kalise moves back home to take over the family business. She’s managed to keep her return a secret from her former BFF until it’s no longer a secret. Due to a rift in their friendship, she and Wayland haven’t seen or spoken to each in over a decade. When I found out what caused their falling out, I wanted to fight him. Like, for real Tony?!!! You actually fell for that manufactured BS?!!! I really wanted to go upside his head for being so silly. Tony is determined to get KK to forgive him so he can get his best friend back and get back to the way things used to be. Wayland’s persistence to reconcile with Kalise was so sweet. He recognized that he made an egregious error and lost the second most important person to him and was willing to give KK the time and space to forgive him on her terms. Hammered was the perfect friends to lovers story. The dialogue was funny and the relationship between the families and friends was heartwarming. I absolutely adored the way Wayland not only loved Kalise but, the way he took care of her parents too. Now, I just need Ms. Falls to give us an update book that includes a wedding for both couples.
August 20, 2024
Tony & KK
This is a really cute short childhood friends to lovers story….Tony & KK grew up together and we’re best friends….an incident in their 20’s made the the two of the fall out and not speak for a few years….returning home to help her father’s fledgling business ignites a hot romance.
2nd Read
Newly Released Audiobook narrated by Midnite Michaels & Lauryn Nichols
This is a really cute short childhood friends to lovers story….Tony & KK grew up together and we’re best friends….an incident in their 20’s made the the two of the fall out and not speak for a few years….returning home to help her father’s fledgling business ignites a hot romance.
2nd Read
Newly Released Audiobook narrated by Midnite Michaels & Lauryn Nichols
March 17, 2023
Entangled souls...
Ms. Falls, how are you going to do us like this? This book is good and I wanted more of KK and Way's story. I felt like it was over too soon. 😔 I have to say I love how KK and Way found their way back to each other. It took some hashing out of the past but their souls have been entangled since childhood. I was rejoicing when KK finally put her foot down about her father's health. Her stepmom was more of a hindrance than a help to him. She was trying to please her man while pushing him to an early grave. KK stepped in and Alma finally listened. Wayland was there every step of the way to support KK. He knew how much of a daddy's girl KK was and how his declining health was affecting her. Wayland is and was always there for KK. He was her lover, best friend, and homie.
This is the second installment of the Preston brothers. It is just as good or better as the first one. You will want to indulge in this series. Ms. Falls has a gift for writing a novella that gives you the full story.
Ms. Falls, how are you going to do us like this? This book is good and I wanted more of KK and Way's story. I felt like it was over too soon. 😔 I have to say I love how KK and Way found their way back to each other. It took some hashing out of the past but their souls have been entangled since childhood. I was rejoicing when KK finally put her foot down about her father's health. Her stepmom was more of a hindrance than a help to him. She was trying to please her man while pushing him to an early grave. KK stepped in and Alma finally listened. Wayland was there every step of the way to support KK. He knew how much of a daddy's girl KK was and how his declining health was affecting her. Wayland is and was always there for KK. He was her lover, best friend, and homie.
This is the second installment of the Preston brothers. It is just as good or better as the first one. You will want to indulge in this series. Ms. Falls has a gift for writing a novella that gives you the full story.
November 28, 2022
I am really sad to say this wasn’t what I was expecting. I was really looking forward to this book from the lead up in book 1, but it just fell flat for me. I felt we were more in the characters head than them actually living out the plot. I also felt we quickly got over the beef of their history and their focus of challenge switched from each other to figuring out her fathers health issues. Also the issue between them also fell flat. I felt we were introduced to KKs ex but not really explained what went wrong there. Some positives for me were the updates on Billy and Ciji. I also feel their may be a book on Rachel which I like her character and would like a book on her.
January 18, 2025
Kalise and Wayland. Nice childhood friends to lovers short story. I enjoyed their story. A misunderstanding from years ago caused them to stop speaking. Kalise’s father’s declining health brings her home. Wayland tries his hardest to reclaim his friendship with Kalise and so much more. Really nice story.
February 1, 2023
3.5 ⭐🤗😢
I really enjoyed this story; I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Check CW
Trope: Black Love, Friends to lovers, guy falls first,
Enjoyment: 3.5 ⭐
Character development: 4 ⭐
Romance: 3 ⭐
Heat\steam: 2.5 ⭐
Intrigue: 3 ⭐
Story\plot: 3.5 ⭐
World Building: 3 ⭐
Enjoy!!!
I really enjoyed this story; I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Check CW
Trope: Black Love, Friends to lovers, guy falls first,
Enjoyment: 3.5 ⭐
Character development: 4 ⭐
Romance: 3 ⭐
Heat\steam: 2.5 ⭐
Intrigue: 3 ⭐
Story\plot: 3.5 ⭐
World Building: 3 ⭐
Enjoy!!!
December 3, 2022
Oh my goodness, this story was terrific.
June 15, 2023
Chile THE BROTHERS
Aight so BOOM! The Preston Brothers check all the boxes, and the tie in is spot on. If you enjoyed the last one this steamy number will not disappoint!
Aight so BOOM! The Preston Brothers check all the boxes, and the tie in is spot on. If you enjoyed the last one this steamy number will not disappoint!
June 7, 2025
I’m a little torn with this one because I LOVE Nicole Falls she’s a phenomenal writer, and her storytelling is usually spot on. But this short story just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It felt like it either could’ve extended book 1 or needed to go deeper.
I get the premise: a fallout from 20 years ago, and now he’s back, begging for forgiveness. But the emotional payoff didn’t land for me. After all that time and all that history, the resolution felt rushed. They fell back into things way too quickly, and it left me wanting more depth, more tension, and more emotional unpacking.
Nicole’s talent is undeniable, but this one just didn’t give me enough.
SIDENOTE (aka “Don’t come for my stars!”):
Just a quick heads-up—my ratings are based on whether I’d reread the book or add it to my personal collection, not the quality of the story itself. So here’s how I roll:
5 🤩 = I’m obsessed with everything—the storyline, the author, and the narrators! I read it yearly and own ALL the copies: physical, digital, and Audible. I can basically recite this book. It lives in my private library.
4 🌟 = Loved the story, the author, and the narrator (if it’s audio). I’d happily reread it when I need a solid comfort read.
3 ✨ = Enjoyed the story, the author, and definitely the narrators. A great addition to my yearly reading challenge—likely to revisit if it’s part of a series I need to refresh.
I get the premise: a fallout from 20 years ago, and now he’s back, begging for forgiveness. But the emotional payoff didn’t land for me. After all that time and all that history, the resolution felt rushed. They fell back into things way too quickly, and it left me wanting more depth, more tension, and more emotional unpacking.
Nicole’s talent is undeniable, but this one just didn’t give me enough.
SIDENOTE (aka “Don’t come for my stars!”):
Just a quick heads-up—my ratings are based on whether I’d reread the book or add it to my personal collection, not the quality of the story itself. So here’s how I roll:
5 🤩 = I’m obsessed with everything—the storyline, the author, and the narrators! I read it yearly and own ALL the copies: physical, digital, and Audible. I can basically recite this book. It lives in my private library.
4 🌟 = Loved the story, the author, and the narrator (if it’s audio). I’d happily reread it when I need a solid comfort read.
3 ✨ = Enjoyed the story, the author, and definitely the narrators. A great addition to my yearly reading challenge—likely to revisit if it’s part of a series I need to refresh.
November 30, 2025
this was a really sweet childhood-friends-to-lovers story, and i liked the heart behind it — but it definitely had that familiar, somewhat flat feeling that kept it from hitting as hard as it could’ve. the storyline flowed, the comfort was there, and kalise juggling her whole life while trying to keep it together felt believable, but the emotional impact just didn’t fully land.
and wayland… oooh wayland. i get the self-inflicted confusion, the mixed signals, the “i don’t know what to do with these feelings” panic — that part was relatable. but how he handled everything with KK? nope. absolutely not. he should’ve given her the chance to defend herself, explain herself, something. you don’t get to ghost accountability and then circle back talking about reconciliation. like sir, please be serious 😭
i am slowly easing into nicole falls’ writing style the more i read from her — the charm is there, the warmth is there — but this one still felt like it was missing that little extra seasoning.
cute, comforting, but not fully all the way there for me.
and wayland… oooh wayland. i get the self-inflicted confusion, the mixed signals, the “i don’t know what to do with these feelings” panic — that part was relatable. but how he handled everything with KK? nope. absolutely not. he should’ve given her the chance to defend herself, explain herself, something. you don’t get to ghost accountability and then circle back talking about reconciliation. like sir, please be serious 😭
i am slowly easing into nicole falls’ writing style the more i read from her — the charm is there, the warmth is there — but this one still felt like it was missing that little extra seasoning.
cute, comforting, but not fully all the way there for me.
December 21, 2022
KK and Tony
Tony made a big mistake - huge and went against a pact/promise that was made with KK breaking their friendship up for years. He has regrets that go far deeper than KK knows.
KK has a lot going on in her life - family business is struggling, pops health is shaky, she had to move back to address those two issues plus she broke up with her man - and she could really use a friend and support. It’s too much to carry and also carrying a grudge against the one person who can be what she needs is too exhausting.
“As long as I’m by your side, you won’t have to bear anything burdensome because as soon as I can alleviate it, I’m doing that, aight?”
She let that get hammered in her head and her heart.
Good read!
Tony made a big mistake - huge and went against a pact/promise that was made with KK breaking their friendship up for years. He has regrets that go far deeper than KK knows.
KK has a lot going on in her life - family business is struggling, pops health is shaky, she had to move back to address those two issues plus she broke up with her man - and she could really use a friend and support. It’s too much to carry and also carrying a grudge against the one person who can be what she needs is too exhausting.
“As long as I’m by your side, you won’t have to bear anything burdensome because as soon as I can alleviate it, I’m doing that, aight?”
She let that get hammered in her head and her heart.
Good read!
December 14, 2025
Hammered by Nicole Falls hit me right in the feelings. Kalise (KK) is juggling everything family business, her dad’s health and then, out of nowhere, she’s forced to deal with her former best friend, Wayland Preston. Talk about an emotional mess waiting to happen.
As a sucker for second chances, I loved watching KK and Way find their way back to each other. The fight, the pain, the silence yeah, it was heavy but holding onto that hurt for years 🫢 Girl, that was too long. They needed that real conversation years ago. Don't get me wrong I’m with KK on this Way should have known better. Even when the “evidence” was right in front of him, deep down he should’ve known that wasn’t her. Instead, he got caught up in his feelings and never backed down from the argument. Way was just too much in his feelings!
Nicole Falls did her thing again, giving us a story about friendship, love and all the complicated spaces in between. If you’re here for messy, heartfelt second chances, Hammered is the one to pick up.
As a sucker for second chances, I loved watching KK and Way find their way back to each other. The fight, the pain, the silence yeah, it was heavy but holding onto that hurt for years 🫢 Girl, that was too long. They needed that real conversation years ago. Don't get me wrong I’m with KK on this Way should have known better. Even when the “evidence” was right in front of him, deep down he should’ve known that wasn’t her. Instead, he got caught up in his feelings and never backed down from the argument. Way was just too much in his feelings!
Nicole Falls did her thing again, giving us a story about friendship, love and all the complicated spaces in between. If you’re here for messy, heartfelt second chances, Hammered is the one to pick up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2022
Yessss we finally have answers to the questions surrounding Wayland and Kalise. This was a good best-friends-to-enemies-to-lovers book. I’m usually for all things Nicole Falls but how these two were acting in book one I didn’t know what to expect. There was a lot to comb through with this couple as well as the hits they were taking as they tried to get back what they had but their journey was definitely entertaining.
I enjoyed getting to know the main characters more and reconnecting with characters from the first book. I would love to see more from them in the future especially to see what’s going on with daddy Preston… he needs a HEA as well. As always this was a fulfilling read with the hilarity, realness, and love Ms. Falls is known for and now I need more!
I enjoyed getting to know the main characters more and reconnecting with characters from the first book. I would love to see more from them in the future especially to see what’s going on with daddy Preston… he needs a HEA as well. As always this was a fulfilling read with the hilarity, realness, and love Ms. Falls is known for and now I need more!
November 29, 2022
Wanted more
This was an interesting introduction to Wayland and KK but I felt like I just completed reading the prologue to their story. So
I’m going to assume there will be a book 3 for the Preston brothers. It was entertaining just way to short
I would like to say that there were a few editing errors and a few word choices that seemed to be used to impress the reader when if anything , just cause me to scratch my head , as retired language arts teacher, and wonder why the writer choose that word.
This was an interesting introduction to Wayland and KK but I felt like I just completed reading the prologue to their story. So
I’m going to assume there will be a book 3 for the Preston brothers. It was entertaining just way to short
I would like to say that there were a few editing errors and a few word choices that seemed to be used to impress the reader when if anything , just cause me to scratch my head , as retired language arts teacher, and wonder why the writer choose that word.
January 7, 2023
I enjoyed the first half, then it started to feel like the story lost its steam as I kept reading.
What I liked
1. The characters were likable
2. The second chance vibes
What I didn’t like
1. The dialogue was given too much slang. I enjoy a nice balance between narration and banter between characters when it comes to slang. Characters talking to each other using slang? I’m here for it. The narration using slang to describe things? Not so much becuz then it goes into doing too much territory for me.
All in all, a nice read. I’m not mad I read it.
What I liked
1. The characters were likable
2. The second chance vibes
What I didn’t like
1. The dialogue was given too much slang. I enjoy a nice balance between narration and banter between characters when it comes to slang. Characters talking to each other using slang? I’m here for it. The narration using slang to describe things? Not so much becuz then it goes into doing too much territory for me.
All in all, a nice read. I’m not mad I read it.
September 28, 2024
Second chances...
KK and Tony were friends since they were young, but when a lie comes in between them in adulthood, that friendship ended. Now that KK has returned home, Tony wants to make things right between them and let KK know how he really feels. Now, giving their feelings a chance, KK and Tony get what they want in each other. This was a great read of friends to enemies to lovers' story. I enjoyed everything about them .
Lauryn Nichols and Midnite Michael delivered an excellent performance of this story, and I couldn’t get enough of them!!!
KK and Tony were friends since they were young, but when a lie comes in between them in adulthood, that friendship ended. Now that KK has returned home, Tony wants to make things right between them and let KK know how he really feels. Now, giving their feelings a chance, KK and Tony get what they want in each other. This was a great read of friends to enemies to lovers' story. I enjoyed everything about them .
Lauryn Nichols and Midnite Michael delivered an excellent performance of this story, and I couldn’t get enough of them!!!
December 13, 2022
This could have been a great book. I loved the two main characters; however, it ended so abruptly that I stared at the page wondering if it was real. I can't suggest either of the two books in this series, because although they started off quite nicely and are written well, they pump the brakes immediately. I don't understand why that decision was made. I read novellas quite often, but these are rushed, not short. There's a difference.
January 6, 2023
Book two was good
I enjoyed reading book two of this series. Wayland and Kalise were of course introduced in book one, so I was anticipating reading their story. Thankfully book two was not a disappointment. Wayland and Kalise had years of friendship leading up to the demise of their friendship. Once they were able to get beyond the initial severance of their friendship, they were able to press for a deeper more intimate relationship.
I enjoyed reading book two of this series. Wayland and Kalise were of course introduced in book one, so I was anticipating reading their story. Thankfully book two was not a disappointment. Wayland and Kalise had years of friendship leading up to the demise of their friendship. Once they were able to get beyond the initial severance of their friendship, they were able to press for a deeper more intimate relationship.
November 27, 2022
Lukewarm
This was an okay read for me. Not nearly as entertaining as the first book in the series. Wayland and Kalise’s love story was predictable, but it had some sweet moments. I was glad that the backstory of their falling out was finally revealed. Wayland’s persistence to reconcile was sweet. The typos in the book were distracting for me, but it was a decent read otherwise.
This was an okay read for me. Not nearly as entertaining as the first book in the series. Wayland and Kalise’s love story was predictable, but it had some sweet moments. I was glad that the backstory of their falling out was finally revealed. Wayland’s persistence to reconcile was sweet. The typos in the book were distracting for me, but it was a decent read otherwise.
November 28, 2022
Love, Love ❤️ 😍 💖
From book one of The Preston Brothers I was wondering what happened between these two. Kalise (KK) and Wayland (Tony) I could hardly wait for their book to come out. I so enjoyed their story. Well worth the wait and wonderful. Always a pleasure reading your books 🥰.
From book one of The Preston Brothers I was wondering what happened between these two. Kalise (KK) and Wayland (Tony) I could hardly wait for their book to come out. I so enjoyed their story. Well worth the wait and wonderful. Always a pleasure reading your books 🥰.
November 28, 2022
Hammered
I enjoyed this story and was happy to see Way and KK make amends and work on being together. These two were cute together and had so much chemistry once they started interacting instead of avoiding each other. I also enjoyed seeing more from Will and Ciji. I look forward to whatever comes next from this author.
I enjoyed this story and was happy to see Way and KK make amends and work on being together. These two were cute together and had so much chemistry once they started interacting instead of avoiding each other. I also enjoyed seeing more from Will and Ciji. I look forward to whatever comes next from this author.
December 6, 2022
Hammered: Preston Brothers Book Two
Alise and Wayton were quite the couple. First they were friends then lovers. I like how Way before KK down and how she didn't want to forgive him, yet did. Was a little slow starting out, however, loved their chemistry and rekindled friendship. Would recommend to my friends because it was realistic and a good read.
Alise and Wayton were quite the couple. First they were friends then lovers. I like how Way before KK down and how she didn't want to forgive him, yet did. Was a little slow starting out, however, loved their chemistry and rekindled friendship. Would recommend to my friends because it was realistic and a good read.
December 19, 2022
Quintessential Nicky. Falls
This series is everything that I love about Nicole Falls’ writing. It’s as hilarious as she is but still deep enough to move you emotionally. You find out quickly about Tony and Kalise and their past which was hint at in book one. Seeing the evolution of their reconciliation and the way he loved her so completely reminds me why I LOVE her work. A+++
This series is everything that I love about Nicole Falls’ writing. It’s as hilarious as she is but still deep enough to move you emotionally. You find out quickly about Tony and Kalise and their past which was hint at in book one. Seeing the evolution of their reconciliation and the way he loved her so completely reminds me why I LOVE her work. A+++
July 28, 2024
Loved
Wayland and Kalise made their way back to each other. They had been friends for over twenty years. And Wayland had been in love with her most of that time. But kept it to himself.
A crazy ex with wild accusations actually had them not speaking for ten of those twenty years.
Now with all of that behind them will they finally admin to loving one another?
Wayland and Kalise made their way back to each other. They had been friends for over twenty years. And Wayland had been in love with her most of that time. But kept it to himself.
A crazy ex with wild accusations actually had them not speaking for ten of those twenty years.
Now with all of that behind them will they finally admin to loving one another?
August 9, 2024
Natural Progression
Well, finally a book that was not hyper sexual. “Hammered: Preston Brothers - Book 2” was a much better read than book 1. KK & Way already had an established history of friendship, accountability & love. People typically evolve from juvenile behaviors to become introspective logical mature adults & suitable partners/mates. This was KK & Way’s journey, a natural progression (along with facing life’s other challenges together)….Their transition to a romantic intimate relationship was plausible. 😊
Well, finally a book that was not hyper sexual. “Hammered: Preston Brothers - Book 2” was a much better read than book 1. KK & Way already had an established history of friendship, accountability & love. People typically evolve from juvenile behaviors to become introspective logical mature adults & suitable partners/mates. This was KK & Way’s journey, a natural progression (along with facing life’s other challenges together)….Their transition to a romantic intimate relationship was plausible. 😊
August 18, 2024
headline
Needed an audiobook to listen to on a drive and decided to pop back into this duology. It definitely had more of an ending than the last one and I liked the characters a lot better. Now I really want a prequel series of the guys’ parents and Kalise’s dad and step mom.
📚 4/5
🌶️ 1/5
Needed an audiobook to listen to on a drive and decided to pop back into this duology. It definitely had more of an ending than the last one and I liked the characters a lot better. Now I really want a prequel series of the guys’ parents and Kalise’s dad and step mom.
📚 4/5
🌶️ 1/5
August 11, 2025
Love Shown
Ms. Falls, wow! I love Wayland and his take charge attitude. I, equally, love Kalise for her allowing it and lowering her edge. After really seeing each other in their grown state and realizing their love for one another had been there forever it came easy to show it. Stepping over to the path of FOREVERMORE is where they are headed. I love it!
Ms. Falls, wow! I love Wayland and his take charge attitude. I, equally, love Kalise for her allowing it and lowering her edge. After really seeing each other in their grown state and realizing their love for one another had been there forever it came easy to show it. Stepping over to the path of FOREVERMORE is where they are headed. I love it!
November 27, 2022
Great 2nd chance book
Loved how Kalise and Wayland worked out their differences over a misunderstanding that paused their friendship. But I want more…I want to know about her Dad and how their relationship progresses. Very good story!
Loved how Kalise and Wayland worked out their differences over a misunderstanding that paused their friendship. But I want more…I want to know about her Dad and how their relationship progresses. Very good story!
November 29, 2022
🥰
Tony finally got it together! Finding out the reason for KK being upset with Way 😲 boy you gotta watch the one that brings the message. Homegirl was jealous & she knew her days were numbered. Big Kenny is so stubborn!
Tony finally got it together! Finding out the reason for KK being upset with Way 😲 boy you gotta watch the one that brings the message. Homegirl was jealous & she knew her days were numbered. Big Kenny is so stubborn!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews