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Release Some Tension
It was always supposed to be a temporary thing.
Ayumi Richards and Lewis Upton both desperately needed respite from the high stakes drama of their professional lives. A chance encounter at a local watering hole not only helped them find solace in each other, but forge a connection that defied any so-called logic to which they’d both previously ascribed.
Ayumi Richards and Lewis Upton both desperately needed respite from the high stakes drama of their professional lives. A chance encounter at a local watering hole not only helped them find solace in each other, but forge a connection that defied any so-called logic to which they’d both previously ascribed.
103 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2020
306 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Falls
62 books547 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 118 reviews
December 20, 2020
This was so funny, sexy and messy in the best way. We love a confrontational protag 😂
June 24, 2020
OMG, Release Some Tension was so good! For this book to be a novella, the author really developed these characters. Yumi and Lewis were perfect for one another. Their witty banter was hilarious and intoxicating. I literally LOL from beginning to end. Yumi refused to have a serious relationship with any man until Lewis stormed in her life and broke down her steel barriers. Corny I know but, that's what he did. At times, Yumi was so exhausting but, Lew was patient and made her realize they were meant to be together. I'm sure Yumi's mama played a huge part in her fear of relationships. Jo Beth was a piece of work. Lets just say, I wouldn't want to have her as my mama. Her BFF Keia is the type of BFF we all need in our lives. Keia consistently had to talk Yumi off her emotional ledge and made sure she reigned in her inner Sasha Fierce at the right times. Oh, but she let her read that heffa Casity. If don't come for me unless I send for you was a person, it would definitely be Yumi! When I tell y'all she read Chasity's azz for filth! Whew chile! In the end, you get to see Yumi mature from this woman with a hard core she's built around herself to become a woman who accepting of love. Release Some Tension was a phenomenal read. It was a humorous, sweet, and relatable love story. This was my first book by Nicole Falls and I look forward to reading more from her.
February 5, 2023
Oooohhhh this was really good. Even though it's a novella the characters were developed, funny and I cared about what would happen to them. I wish it was even longer, but it's also a perfect length because everything managed to fit. I'll definitely be checking out more books by this author.
August 31, 2022
a super fun novella which begins with the titular tension relief, a quick dopamine hit of "good girl" and great friendship dynamics. No third act breakup, makes a perfect evening treat of a read.
May 6, 2022
This was a sexy cute short story of Yum & Lew's occasion tension release session to falling madly in love and making each other their forever. I loved Ayumi's quiet strength...although she had a lot of issues that derived from that crazy ass mother of hers...Lewis was a well established put together brother that any woman would love to have...the two of them together were perfect......
August 17, 2021
Yum & Lew
I loved this story. Ayumi was in an "entanglement" with Lewis, until they both caught feeling. But boy was Yumi stubborn and such a skeptic. But, let me tell you. Lewis was perfect for her. That man was patient, patient and so patient. He loved Yumi's crazy ass soo well and so beautifully. Never once failed to show her how much.
This was a great love story with lots of laugh. This is my second full length book by Nicole Falls and I was not disappointed.
I loved this story. Ayumi was in an "entanglement" with Lewis, until they both caught feeling. But boy was Yumi stubborn and such a skeptic. But, let me tell you. Lewis was perfect for her. That man was patient, patient and so patient. He loved Yumi's crazy ass soo well and so beautifully. Never once failed to show her how much.
This was a great love story with lots of laugh. This is my second full length book by Nicole Falls and I was not disappointed.
March 28, 2021
There were a few things regarding some side characters that I didn’t particularly like how they went down but overall it was enjoyable and easy to read.
January 15, 2021
This was a super fun and quick read, heavy on the sweetness and the drama 😂 Will be reading more from Nicole Falls!
September 22, 2024
I love when the sneaky link catch feelings 😏😌💕😈
February 24, 2021
Contemporary Romance Novella : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Firstly. This was messy as hell BUT in the most realistic and understanding kind of way.
Ayumi was in a word. Exhuasting. She had a lot of thoughts and feeling and boy did she voice them (sometimes in a bad way). Honestly she was amazing though; a hard working, smart, loving, all or nothing kind of woman with a big heart. Love her. And Lewis was just...every ladies dream man.
A fantastic first read for me from Ms Falls. I look forward to more.
#BLACKATHON2021
Firstly. This was messy as hell BUT in the most realistic and understanding kind of way.
Ayumi was in a word. Exhuasting. She had a lot of thoughts and feeling and boy did she voice them (sometimes in a bad way). Honestly she was amazing though; a hard working, smart, loving, all or nothing kind of woman with a big heart. Love her. And Lewis was just...every ladies dream man.
A fantastic first read for me from Ms Falls. I look forward to more.
#BLACKATHON2021
June 12, 2024
The nicknames were HILARIOUS.
Idk about the novella itself though
Idk about the novella itself though
August 31, 2022
Short, sexy, surprisingly tender, and I loved the friend group. It was just really cute and charming, with a side bonus of “good girl” thrown in.
April 30, 2022
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶
Tropes: hookup to lovers
TW/CW: 18+
Representation: black romance
Favorite quote:
Thoughts: no thoughts just vibes
Tropes: hookup to lovers
TW/CW: 18+
Representation: black romance
Favorite quote:
Thoughts: no thoughts just vibes
May 14, 2020
Ayumi and Lew are definitely witty with a dash of spiciness! Lew is the absolute man hands down! Ayumi is one ☝️ of my faves! I absolutely loved the journey of the relationship as well the friendships! It’s nothing like knowing you have ppl in your corner that have your back! Nicole you did it again shorty!
May 25, 2021
Some things were just off with this story that it falls in my Did Not Really Read category coz I tried reading it fully for over 3 weeks, then I just got frustrated and skimmed through.
Ayumi had so many tones of voice. Then, her character is set up where one minute she is from the streets, the next she is up market barbie, then she has Veronica...like pick a struggle.
Then we have the whole Chastity debacle. If our energy constantly collides, guess who I'll not be having mimosas with or breaking bread with? Bitch, homegirl, it's so fucking simple. Doesn't matter that I have this connection with your friend and essentially you're in the relegated team at brunch.
Then, the whole reason we even have a story is because homegirl doesn't know how to communicate (my greatest pet peeve in books) and jumping to conclusions, and taking out her miscommunication on the wrong parties, with the guy she's falling in love with. Zeke calling here succubus was just the truth.
In short, Ayumi's character needed, still needs even up to the epilogue, a whole world of growth, counseling and learning how to communicate.
Ayumi had so many tones of voice. Then, her character is set up where one minute she is from the streets, the next she is up market barbie, then she has Veronica...like pick a struggle.
Then we have the whole Chastity debacle. If our energy constantly collides, guess who I'll not be having mimosas with or breaking bread with? Bitch, homegirl, it's so fucking simple. Doesn't matter that I have this connection with your friend and essentially you're in the relegated team at brunch.
Then, the whole reason we even have a story is because homegirl doesn't know how to communicate (my greatest pet peeve in books) and jumping to conclusions, and taking out her miscommunication on the wrong parties, with the guy she's falling in love with. Zeke calling here succubus was just the truth.
In short, Ayumi's character needed, still needs even up to the epilogue, a whole world of growth, counseling and learning how to communicate.
July 5, 2020
Lovers to Real love
I loved everything about this story! Lew was head over heels for Yu before she even allowed herself to want more from their situationship. Yu was hard working, stubborn, guarded, with a beautiful spirit. Lew was hard working, caring, sweet, and a little sensitive. Physically they had an amazing connection. They had somewhat of an agreement to not move past the physical stage, but Lew was over that and had started moving them into a new phase. I could feel their happiness, their connection. The way they freely joked, jumped to conclusions, but took the time to communicate. It was a sweet short love story.
I loved everything about this story! Lew was head over heels for Yu before she even allowed herself to want more from their situationship. Yu was hard working, stubborn, guarded, with a beautiful spirit. Lew was hard working, caring, sweet, and a little sensitive. Physically they had an amazing connection. They had somewhat of an agreement to not move past the physical stage, but Lew was over that and had started moving them into a new phase. I could feel their happiness, their connection. The way they freely joked, jumped to conclusions, but took the time to communicate. It was a sweet short love story.
June 30, 2022
Here For It!
I read this a couple of years ago, but failed to write a review. I enjoyed it both times, but it felt so much more personal this time. I could totally relate to Ayumi’s feelings about relationships and being entangled with someone. In addition to that, her relationship with her mom mirrors my own in so many ways. I felt seen in this story. As always with a Nicole Falls book, there was plenty of humor. The chemistry between Lew and Yumi was so sweet. Lee’s affection for Yumi is absolutely goals. This is such a fun read.
I read this a couple of years ago, but failed to write a review. I enjoyed it both times, but it felt so much more personal this time. I could totally relate to Ayumi’s feelings about relationships and being entangled with someone. In addition to that, her relationship with her mom mirrors my own in so many ways. I felt seen in this story. As always with a Nicole Falls book, there was plenty of humor. The chemistry between Lew and Yumi was so sweet. Lee’s affection for Yumi is absolutely goals. This is such a fun read.
June 12, 2022
This was a cute read! The releasing tension developed to be more than what I originally thought. I really do wonder if Chasity and Kiara knew who Lewis was before Ayumi ever said he was her boyfriend. Hmmm 🤔 Either way so happy for HEA and ayumi letting herself be open to love from Lewis. Lewis never gave up on her and I love me a man that’s not to proud to beg! Lol overall great short read and I would definitely recommend
August 14, 2021
Very relatable
Very cute, low angst and funny. A lot of it felt so relatable. I could have done without the wig portion because it made her seem very petty. But I can be honest and say there was a time I would have said the same things. So many of these moments felt so familiar to me.
Very cute, low angst and funny. A lot of it felt so relatable. I could have done without the wig portion because it made her seem very petty. But I can be honest and say there was a time I would have said the same things. So many of these moments felt so familiar to me.
June 27, 2022
Enjoyed this short read of Ayumi and Lewis. How their relationship came about was cute even though I was worried in the beginning whether Yumi was gonna acknowledge her feels towards Lewis. I wonder how Chasity knew about Lewis … did she see Yumi name
in his phone during game night we will never know.
in his phone during game night we will never know.
December 20, 2020
A spicy protagonist that will drag you and tell you exactly how it’s gonna be? Check. A love interest who knows exactly what he wants? Check. Spice and steam? Check check. Basically this checked all the boxes
July 29, 2020
I’m overwhelmed. I never thought a 100ish pages novella could do this to me but DAMN, this $hit was soooo freaking good.... funny, sexy and too damn sweet UGH
August 8, 2022
Even though this was a shorter story, it left me satisfied. Very good read!
June 13, 2024
3.5
It was fun!
It was fun!
May 14, 2020
Ayumi and Lewis were so good together. I liked that Yumi was flawed and had issues with committment. I liked that Lew was just a good guy with no ulterior motives. Lew was so patient with Yumi. Chasity was a hater and deserved that verbal lashing at game night. The conversations were everything in this story. I loved the dialogue and interactions between each character. I was holding out and hoping that Yum's mom would show up to the wedding but I also liked how the story ended too. Overall this was a good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2020
This was a cute story full of witty banter, crazy crazy chicks, and a love so pure. I was giggling the majority of the book. I loved the main relationship but I also liked the relationship between the friends. To me those were so influential to the relationship. No one held their tongue, and just gave it to em real rap raw which they both needed. They were both doing a little much and just weren’t communicating, but once they started it turned into something beautiful. The character development was good as usual. Painting the picture of every character with their individual quirks. It’s a good quick read.
December 3, 2021
Understandable drama
What a cute, bite sized story with just enough of everything to keep you invested the entire time!
Ayumi was a fun character to read. She’s intelligent, beautiful, knows what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. And what she wants to “tension relief” from Lewis, a man she met a while back and has enjoyed guilt free sex with. No relationships for this girl!
Lewis is steady trying to change her mind. He knows Ayumi is skittish. He repeats her boundaries but he’s also clear on what he wants and what he wants is to be with Ayumi, out in the open, without restrictions.
How Ayumi and Lewis get to their HEA is a good, dramatic time. I loved their friends, the banter between all of the characters was funny and the sexy sexy times were HOT.
Side note: proof that sometimes all it takes is a good cover because it was the stunning picture with all that gorgeous skin that drew me in!
What a cute, bite sized story with just enough of everything to keep you invested the entire time!
Ayumi was a fun character to read. She’s intelligent, beautiful, knows what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. And what she wants to “tension relief” from Lewis, a man she met a while back and has enjoyed guilt free sex with. No relationships for this girl!
Lewis is steady trying to change her mind. He knows Ayumi is skittish. He repeats her boundaries but he’s also clear on what he wants and what he wants is to be with Ayumi, out in the open, without restrictions.
How Ayumi and Lewis get to their HEA is a good, dramatic time. I loved their friends, the banter between all of the characters was funny and the sexy sexy times were HOT.
Side note: proof that sometimes all it takes is a good cover because it was the stunning picture with all that gorgeous skin that drew me in!
May 15, 2020
Love Is Patient
While Ayumi was judging Zeke and Faye's PDA to Lewis, she ended up meeting and falling in love with the man that she would have her HEA with. I like the fact that T’Keia was a true friend to Ayumi unlike Kiara who showed snakelike tendencies like Chasity who wanted Lewis but Ayumi had his nose wide open. I like how Faye shut down Chasity and Kiara coming to anymore game nights because she saw that they were all about mess. I'm not even going to acknowledge Ayumi's mom by name because she was just uhhhhhh.
While Ayumi was judging Zeke and Faye's PDA to Lewis, she ended up meeting and falling in love with the man that she would have her HEA with. I like the fact that T’Keia was a true friend to Ayumi unlike Kiara who showed snakelike tendencies like Chasity who wanted Lewis but Ayumi had his nose wide open. I like how Faye shut down Chasity and Kiara coming to anymore game nights because she saw that they were all about mess. I'm not even going to acknowledge Ayumi's mom by name because she was just uhhhhhh.
June 26, 2020
Ayumi and Lewis when passion collides
How do you know that you must get out of your own way and allow yourself the love you deserve? That's what we have with the strong, independent, alpha female which is Ayumi.
Lead by a man who just had to get out of his own headspace and actually go after what he wanted, Lewis .
But more than watching Lewis and Ayumi figure out that they wanted more from each other is the supportive friends that they had. Because you need friends who will call you on your stuff and have you really look inwardly to get your stuff together.
How do you know that you must get out of your own way and allow yourself the love you deserve? That's what we have with the strong, independent, alpha female which is Ayumi.
Lead by a man who just had to get out of his own headspace and actually go after what he wanted, Lewis .
But more than watching Lewis and Ayumi figure out that they wanted more from each other is the supportive friends that they had. Because you need friends who will call you on your stuff and have you really look inwardly to get your stuff together.
July 29, 2020
Not your average single lady
Well Ms. Falls has done it again Lewis and Ayumi are a great show of love from the person that is meant only for you. I truly enjoyed seeing them go from hook up to forever love and in true Nicole Falls form the female lead character Ayumi had to find her true self in order to receive the love she always longed for and deserved. Lewis was that dude all women want, patient, successful, sexy, strong, and loving. Once he found his future he made it his mission to have her forever.
Well Ms. Falls has done it again Lewis and Ayumi are a great show of love from the person that is meant only for you. I truly enjoyed seeing them go from hook up to forever love and in true Nicole Falls form the female lead character Ayumi had to find her true self in order to receive the love she always longed for and deserved. Lewis was that dude all women want, patient, successful, sexy, strong, and loving. Once he found his future he made it his mission to have her forever.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews