Last First Kiss by Nicole Falls

Last First Kiss by Nicole Falls

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Blurb:

Despite her own dumpster fire of a love life, Calista Franklin is a hopeless romantic. Unfortunately, her life is filled with an amount of busy that precludes her from dating and finding Mister Right. Her best friend’s sudden nuptials, however, place an unexpected opportunity for love within arm’s reach. 

Kirk Langley is suddenly thrust into being a single parent upon the untimely demise of his brother and sister-in-law. Balancing caring for his six-year-old niece in addition to running his own business leaves little time for dating. But when his closest friend drops the bomb that he’s getting married, Kirk’s forced to spare some time to get to know the maid of honor. 

Neither were looking for love, but their close proximity during the wedding planning process draws Calista and Kirk close, allowing them to find in the other what they didn’t know was previously missing.

Review + Rating
4 out of 5 stars

From book to book, the one thing you can count on with Nicole Falls' books is that they will make you laugh. First Last Kiss was no different. From the first page to the last one, humor is the star of this romantic comedy.

Calista is what I imagine Nicole to be in real life. I could feel more of Ms. Fall's voice in Calista's character. Outspoken, but oddly coy, funny in an unintentional way--and extremely down to earth.

Calista wasn't looking for love but found it in the arms of a man named Kirk. Despite carrying the name of a man we all know to be trifling--that is if you watch Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, and there is no need to pretend you don't. Kirk is suave and attentive, and an all-around stand-up guy.

Taking on the responsibility of raising a child that's not his--and so hands-on, is definitely an admirable trait. Together the two, Cali and Kirk fought the inevitable--and the reader gets to enjoy the journey.

That is one thing Nicole specializes in, bringing two people together despite the circumstances and keeping them together in spite of them.

Calista's best friend is getting married to a man she seemingly just met. Although it catches Cali off guard, she's thrilled for her bestie--and is in full on plan mode--when she's thrust into Kirk's company more often than she intended--because Kirk is her bestie's fiancee's best friend. (Whew, that felt like a mouth full.)

I enjoyed the overall relationships in the novel because if you are an avid reader, you know that secondary characters are just as important as our MC's.

From the outspoken bestie, the not so well physically Mama, to the unassuming but funny fathers, they all played a crucial role in the progression of the story.

I love a good solid black family, and there was no shortage despite the interesting circumstances.

It was a treat to watch it all happen.

Note, this is not a quick moving read by any means, it all happens in real time movement. That is until you get to the end, where things are sped up, and completed with a realistic and smile-inducing HEA.

This is typical Nicole Falls romance, humorous, realistic--and pro-black. I love what she does for black romance, and in black romance. Y'all already know I love me some Nicole Falls. So, do what you know needs to be done--and grab yourself a copy of her latest read--because you know I would never steer you wrong.

Road To Love Nicole Falls- Road Tripping to Family Drama and Black Love

Road To Love by Nicole Falls

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Blurb:

Emerson Parker is a walking ball of stress. Still reeling from the untimely demise of a relationship that she thought would last forever, work strain, & longstanding family drama, she is in dire need of respite. A freak occurrence coupled with a little bit of desperation to get away from it all leads her on an adventure—a cross-country road trip back to her hometown of Ragston, MI. At the end of the long road home, Emerson hopes to find peace in more ways than one.

Roosevelt Ashe is in desperate need of a new start. Still reeling from the loss of his grandmother, he heads back home to Chicago to settle her affairs and jumpstart his life. The only problem? Home is where the heart of his drama lies.

A chance meeting between these two strangers as they traverse the country with similar missions sparks an undeniable connection.


***AUTHOR'S NOTE*** Books Two and Three in this series are forthcoming, but not written by me. Book two will follow Roxanne and will be written by Te Russ. Book Three will follow Charlene and will be written by Bailey West. 

Review + Rating
4 out of 5 stars

As you may have already come to know, Nicole Falls is my girl. She's my sister-friend in my head.

She just gets what I'm looking for in a book, without even knowing it. Of course, she didn't write this book specifically for me--but it always seems like between her and Christina C. Jones--they know exactly what I'm looking for when I need it.

Road To Love was different for Ms. Falls--but it contained the typical humor, and swoon-worthy romance, I've grown to know her for.

Emerson's life is just stressful. Sis, is skressed. In an attempt to alleviate her stress--she takes a break from work, to visit her family. Her older sister although overbearing will be the reprieve she's seeking--along with her niece, whom she adores.

It's just the parental unit, that she could do without seeing.

Roosevelt aka Ro is on the precipice of his grief over the loss of his grandmother--and too, finds himself heading back home--and dealing with his family, even though he'd rather be doing anything but that.

Deciding to drive home, and Emerson forced to drive home--the two meet in a "chance," kind of way--and the two find something in the other, they weren't even looking for.

This book has the typical Nicole Falls style, but, it's heavier and meatier--than what I've grown used to from her.

This is not a complaint, but more of a notice. I see you, girl.

Emerson as well as other characters like her, give me life--because they get me, unintentionally. Who doesn't love a book that makes you feel seen?

Emerson's internal struggles and even familial struggles are familiar, and I enjoyed seeing how she dealt with it all.

While Roosevelt shared a similar experience-- his was a bit more painful with the loss of his grandmother.

But the two of them together--was so effortless and cute. It was typical Nicole Falls, cute throwback goodness.

I love all of those little moments where we music from my past is brought up in the form of reminiscent moments. It puts me in a happy black space. Thanks for that. I don't think I've said that before, but thanks for recognizing the real.

I don't want to give away too much of the book. I know I typically don't, but sometimes it's hard to restrain myself because I want to rant about it in full disclosure--but I want you all to enjoy the experience without all of the spoilers.

This is another amazing read from Nicole--I mean did you expect me to say anything different?

Humorous, while serious, emotional, and at times light--Road To Love is the perfect summer romance--and you deserve this book.

PSA: If you didn't bother to read the blurb in its entirety--there will be other books in this series. NOT WRITTEN by Nicole Falls. I won't lie and say I'm not disappointed because I am. But, I'll be checking them out of course.

OH, and Nicole if you're reading this, is we getting more of Emerson or nah? I feel like I'm owed a little more. Just sayin.'

A Holliday Sisters Novellette Series Review

Noelle the First by by Nicole Falls

Blurb:
Despite sharing a birthday with the holiday, Christmas just wasn't Noelle's thing. As a kid she had been in love with the holiday, but adult Noelle just saw it as another day to get through. 

Jay has moved back home after a breakup and is looking to reconnect with his childhood bestie. Cooking up a scheme to get her in the holiday spirit with her sisters, he's determined to bring back to the old Noelle. 

With a combination of nostalgia, Christmas magic and a little bit of mistletoe, Noelle the First is a tale of old friends finding their way back to each other and more. 

Brave Hearts by Nicole Falls

Blurb:
Despite sharing a birthday with the holiday, Christmas just wasn't Noelle's thing. As a kid she had been in love with the holiday, but adult Noelle just saw it as another day to get through. 

Jay has moved back home after a breakup and is looking to reconnect with his childhood bestie. Cooking up a scheme to get her in the holiday spirit with her sisters, he's determined to bring back to the old Noelle. 

With a combination of nostalgia, Christmas magic and a little bit of mistletoe, Noelle the First is a tale of old friends finding their way back to each other and more. Faced with the possibility of losing one of her closest friends, Valora Holliday finds herself 
In the very unique position of offering a solution to his problem and a way for her friend to remain in her life. 

Francisco Mora is blindsided with a clerical error that places life as he knows it in the balance. When Valora offers the perfect solution to get him out of this jam, he’s hesitant, thinking it’ll ruin their bond. 

But, what's a little marriage between friends, right?

Started From a Selfie by Nicole Falls

Blurb:
Despite sharing a birthday with the holiday, Christmas just wasn't Noelle's thing. As a kid she had been in love with the holiday, but adult Noelle just saw it as another day to get through. 

Jay has moved back home after a breakup and is looking to reconnect with his childhood bestie. Cooking up a scheme to get her in the holiday spirit with her sisters, he's determined to bring back to the old Noelle. 

With a combination of nostalgia, Christmas magic and a little bit of mistletoe, Noelle the First is a tale of old friends finding their way back to each other and more. Faced with the possibility of losing one of her closest friends, Valora Holliday finds herself 
In the very unique position of offering a solution to his problem and a way for her friend to remain in her life. 

Francisco Mora is blindsided with a clerical error that places life as he knows it in the balance. When Valora offers the perfect solution to get him out of this jam, he’s hesitant, thinking it’ll ruin their bond. 

But, what's a little marriage between friends, right?

Review + Rating
Series: FOUR OUT FIVE STARS

I am once again completely blown away by this author's works. It's not easy to squeeze depth, romance--true romance, and quality into novellas. It's like trying to get your point across on Twitter--sometimes it takes more than one tweet. But, Falls manages to do so, so effortlessly--that I'm left trying to figure out what sorcery she uses, to pull it off. Because, sis has that juice.

 In book one, Noelle The First, Noelle is the Grinch--hating the holidays--but suffering through them for family, much to her own chagrin. The traditions she once enjoyed, seem lackluster--with both of her parent's now gone.

Unbeknownst to her, her sisters devise a plan, including her long lost friend, Jay to bring back the joy of the holidays--in a twelve days of Christmas-esque way.

 I love the holidays--I think I'd probably remind you of one of the Who's if you'd see me during that time. The decorations, the stores, the lights, the music--all of it--I just love it. So this novel, although not timely--put me in holiday spirit.

It will work for now, even though it's not the holidays. I don't know about you, but, I tend to keep holiday novels for the winter--but this was a pleasant read--in spite of that.

 Because I'll be reviewing three books in one post, I'm just going to talk about the things I liked in the novels, and then give a roundup.

 Noelle--cracked me up, because she kind of reminded me of myself. A hard ass, but sometimes unnecessarily so--questioning things that need no questioning, and struggling to just go with the flow--but all the while keeping a semblance of an open mind.

 She didn't jump into anything quickly--but her apprehension didn't deter the romance that quickly developed.

 Jay was a grown man--but inside was a child that was still crushing on his next door neighbor--but it was really cute. He romanticized the holidays--and I'm still swooning after the finish.

 I think readers will really enjoy getting to know Noelle--her sisters, and watching the romance develop between Noelle, and Jay. Between the nicknames--which by the way are adorable--and the way they interact--you'll be grabbing for book two---before you even finish book one. A solid novella--with all the things you'd look for in a lengthier book.

 Book Two:Brave Hearts Ya'll, what is my beating, bleeding heart? This read really quickly but I absolutely loved it. Valora is about to lose one of her closest friends due to a clerical error on his Visa paperwork. He's at risk of losing his residency in the United States, and on a whim Valora offers marriage as an escape.

When two friends who have never been romantic--find themselves in a romantic situation--all kinds of things happen.

 In a blast to the past, type of story-telling, Valora relays for her sisters the truth behind her and her husband's marriage--and what ensues is both laughter, reality--and down right swooning--at least for me. I swooned.

 It's so easy to imagine you would never marry someone for a green card--but I think the decision would be harder--if you didn't want to lose the person. For Valora--it was that simple.

He was her friend, and she didn't want to see him lose all he worked so hard for.

I absolutely loved getting a peek into how they met, and how they wound up getting married. I don't have much to say on this one, but it was a solid and quick read.

 Book Three: It Started With A Selfie If I had to choose, this was my least favorite of the three--simply because unlike the other novellas, the ending felt a incomplete. I wanted more of their story--I felt like there was more to give.

 Ms. Falls, can you give us a little more of the third Holliday sister?

 I will say I loved how they met. I think I would love being the person that someone finds on social media, hunts down--and falls in love with. I think it's a form of modern day romance.

 This is exactly what happens with the third Holliday Sister, she sees this guy out in public--takes a picture with him in the background--with a hashtag, and gets caught in a simmering media frenzy. The two meet and it's nothing short of romantic.

Of course--it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows--but by the end, despite the fact that I wanted more, I was pretty happy with the story.

 The series as a whole, is humourous, familial, romantic--and all around good reading--but Falls has not failed me yet, so I'm not surprised.