Be prepared for heartbreak

Holy wow! I originally read this book this summer when it was released, but this audio?! I think it made me love it even more! Nicole didn’t mess around when it comes to the feels, if you’re in need of heartbreak, I highly recommend this book. The narration was PERFECT for Viv & Ash!

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Beautifully heart breaking.

There’s something about this story. Something by that just digs in abs breaks you. I cried when I read it the first time. Listening to it only makes me cry harder. I don’t know if it’s the realness of the story line or the magical way Nicole create characters but either way this is a gut wrenching beautifully heartbreaking story. Asher is the baby if the family and took the majority of his moms grief after the death of his brother being the only one left at home. He holds so much anger inside for his mom and brother it gets you in all the feels. When a girl from their past shows up (previous book) with a baby belonging to his brother, Asher steps up and becomes the uncle he needs. So why not move in together while both attending the same college. Seriously what could go wrong. This story stayed with me long after I read it the first time. Nicole’s amazing ability to pick the perfect narrators always elevated the story to another level. This is no different. The emotions they pour into the book only add to depth it will pull at your heart strings. Unlike most of Nicole’s story’s this doesn’t end in a hearts and flowers. These two may be my favorite love story of Nicole’s. I have a few more of her books to read but these two they just get me every time! Great narrators, excellent story and characters you will love!

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Vic & Ash

4.5 stars!

Story: This book was so good! I’m not usually big on single parent romances but this one was perfect! I loved the relationship between Ash and Baz. They have such cute banter. Ash has definitely made his way onto my book boyfriend list!
I love that Vivian is a strong independent woman who isn’t afraid to ask for what she wants. She’s struggling to find the balance between being a mom and having her own life. I think she does a great job finding balance.

Performance: 4 stars!
The male narrator sounded perfect for Asher. Although there were a few times I had to check to make sure my speed wasn’t turned up. He tends to read really fast lol The female narrator was good as well.

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Overcoming Restrictions

“I’ve done things the right way, being the perfect girl for most of my life. I’m ready for a little wrong.” Review: This is book 2 in the Sterling series. It picks up right where book 1 left off, but now focuses on Asher. It ends on a cliffhanger. Nicole knows just how to pull on your heartstrings in the best way! Vivienne is a quiet single mom trying to go to college. Her life has not turned out the way she thought it would. Especially not the way her uptight parents planned it to be. After one night when she decided to "not be perfect" and live a little, her whole world changed. Asher is the youngest of the Sterlings and the one left to clean up the aftermath of what happened to his family. Finally deciding he has had enough and wants out. He doesn't believe in love or relationships and has no interest in them, only casual hook ups. Vivienne and Asher have gotten to know each other through Sebastian aka Baz. Asher is Baz' uncle and stepped in to be in his life. He absolutely adores Baz. Vivienne is living in a big house her parents bought her closer to the college campus and Asher wants out of his moms house. Asher suggests they become roommates and he'll help out with Baz. It's the perfect arrangement for both. Asher gets more time with Baz, out of his mom's house and closer to college. Vivenne gets help with Sebastian. Win win for the both of them. What could go wrong? There is an undeniable chemistry between these two, but Asher refuses to cross that line. After all, Vivenne was his brother's. Will Asher finally address the chemistry or will he continue to refuse and push Vivenne away. I fell for Asher so hard. It's always the funny and closed off ones that are the most broken and the most beautiful. I loved the relationship between each of the characters. Especially the relationship Asher and Baz have. I am dying to know how their story continues! I got to listen to this book on Audio by Dash Coleman and Thurlow Holmes, and oh my gosh I think I found my new audio boyfriend! Dash Coleman was THE perfect Asher. He gave a phenomenal performance catching the inflections, swearing and seduction. He nailed Asher. He was 100% believable and felt so real! I can't wait to listen to him again. Dash and Thurlow were new to be, but both did a fantastic job. Thurlow was a wonderful Vivenne!

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OMG

So to really understand this book, you need to read Regrets first as it is the foundation of the story. Asher has so much healing to do after his brother dies. Vivienne and Asher are there to help each other along the way but not in the way you expected, Nicole does an amazing job developing the characters and relationships. I don't want to give away any of the book but you need to read this book!

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Steamy and heartbreaking!

Confession! I read this book before book 1, however it stands TALL as a standalone BUT I highly recommend reading them in order. Have you ever felt gutted by a work of fiction? If your answer is no then proceed with caution. This book gutted me in he best way.

It's no secret the Sterling family is a complicated storm. If you don't know this you will learn immediately as you start to read/listen. Prepare to root for Viv who we get a quick glimpse of in book 1. You'll find yourself having you go girl and same sis moments throughout her character development. Ash is anoher part of the equation that you factor in to make this read passionate and heartbreaking. Now let's sprinkle in the adorable Bas and you have a constant tug on your heart strings feeling that will cause you to devour this read/listen.

We've all been there, the we know it's wrong but it feels sssooo right feeling! That is what this book will cause. Your heart will break for the Sterlings and their tragedy and pain. However you're gonna root for Viv and Ash despite the complexity of the situation. You'll fall in love with Bas and Ash's relationship and it will have you crying like a baby while on a road trip ( this was me) or whatever activity you're doing while reading! BUT more than anything it will make you RUN not walk to get the next book in the series! PS the narrators on this book did an amazing job.........I prefer this duo much more than book 1 narrators!

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Forbidden Romance

This was my first Nicole Dykes's book, and definitely won't be my last. Restrictions is the second book in the The Sterlings Series, and I believe it's better to listen to this series in order. This forbidden romance is a well written, and emotional. Asher and Vivienne (Viv) are both great characters. Vivienne is a great single mom, strong, and independent. Asher is sorrowful, and angry. Their relationship is complex, and emotional. Sebastian (Baz) is such a cute little boy. His dad was Asher's brother, Colt, who died before Baz was born. The family has an important part in this story. Viv's parents are despicable. The Sterlings dysfunctional family is highly intriguing. The storyline is enthralling, filled with grief, sorrow, and angst. I can't wait for the conclusion of Asher and Viv's story, in book 4, Restorations. For now, I am looking forward to listen to the next book in the Series, Restrained, Lola's story. Thurlow Holmes and Dash Coleman did a great job with the narration.

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A sweet hurt/comfort romance!💜

I would recommend you to read/listen to Regrets first before diving into this one, but it can also be enjoyed as a standalone as well.

I loved how Vivienne and Asher were each other's support systems after the loss they faced.
They helped eachother heal emotionally and had eachother's backs.

The characters were likeable and well fleshed out and the writing style was engaging and compelling.

Thurlow Holmes and Dash Coleman performed an amazing audio delivery and narration.

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3 people found this helpful

Bittersweet and Steamy Love Story

Book 2 in the Sterling family series was so angsty and hot , mixed in with some really sweet moments. I am loving this series so much!! Ash and Viv have become close during the last 4 years since Vivian revealed her surprise child. Ash moves in with her to escape from his past and mom. They become an insta family, but both are too afraid to be vulnerable with each other. Attraction is irresistible, feelings are developed and heartbreak is inevitable, leaving us with the ultimate cliffhanger! I
was so excited to listen to Ash and Viv’s story but was left with bated breath waiting for their HEA. Can you say book hangover!? There are two more books in the series, until we get to see what happens with Viv and Ash. Other than that, this story was great! Forbidden romance, single mom, cute kid, tortured hero, strong female, lots of great chemistry and steamy scenes. I would definitely recommend this series, but wait until all books are on audio to get the full experience. Thurlow Holmes and Dash Coleman were perfect for Ash and Viv. This was first time listening to a book narrated by them and it was great!. Cant wait to listen to more!

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Intense and unstoppable

First off I listened to this bk with my husband and I have to say we were both loving this story. Although the books can be read by themselves I think it helped that we listened to the first one before this.

I loved Viv and Ash's story from the first chapter I swear...okay that might be a bit of a stretch but seriously I just knew it was going to be epic And it did not disappoint. There are just so many different emotions you feel when you are listening to this story and I really feel that listening to the story allows you to fill the emotions a bit more than just reading. That might just be a personal thing though, I just feel like the narrator's really make you get lost in the story.

The narrator's themselves I thought did an amazing job bringing everything to life. There voices were a great match for the story.

I really can not wait to listen to more of these books and learn more about this family!

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1 person found this helpful