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Take me to Church: A Preto Village Novel
Welcome to Preto Village, a beautiful black community where everybody knows your business and has no qualms sharing it…
I’ll worship like a dog at the shrine of your…thighs?
Neriah grew up in the church under a philandering pastor. In search of a new place to worship, she stumbles upon Preto Baptist. It’s a cute little church with great energy and a beautiful man for a pastor who’s looking for a secretary. Neriah offers her assistance but keeps her eyes open in case Pastor Henry’s intentions are less than holy.
Dion’s life consists of faith, family, and dealing with the town’s foolishness. It’s been years since he’s looked at a woman, and unfortunately, he doesn’t see that changing…Until his new secretary invades his space and senses.
They ignore their attraction for as long as possible, but some matches are made in heaven, and you can do nothing to stop them. Can they avoid the obstacles in their path to make it to the altar, or will strong personal convictions halt their love before it ever gets started?
This is a SLOW BURN novel.
I’ll worship like a dog at the shrine of your…thighs?
Neriah grew up in the church under a philandering pastor. In search of a new place to worship, she stumbles upon Preto Baptist. It’s a cute little church with great energy and a beautiful man for a pastor who’s looking for a secretary. Neriah offers her assistance but keeps her eyes open in case Pastor Henry’s intentions are less than holy.
Dion’s life consists of faith, family, and dealing with the town’s foolishness. It’s been years since he’s looked at a woman, and unfortunately, he doesn’t see that changing…Until his new secretary invades his space and senses.
They ignore their attraction for as long as possible, but some matches are made in heaven, and you can do nothing to stop them. Can they avoid the obstacles in their path to make it to the altar, or will strong personal convictions halt their love before it ever gets started?
This is a SLOW BURN novel.
300 pages, Paperback
Published June 28, 2022
138 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
AshleyNicole
66 books805 followersI'm just a girl in love with literature. My love affair with romance novels started with I was 13 and has flourished into an obsession. I've always been a writer. Even when I was a little girl, I always had a pen and a notebook poised to let something out. You Make Me Better is my first project that will be published and I am STOKED. My goal is to write stories surrounding positive black love, with a little humor tossed in.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
November 20, 2022
I’m a impatient Type A chic so, slow burns are not my jam. But, I absolutely looooooooved Take Me to Church! Neriah and Dion were a match made in heaven. While it took them a good minute to actually come together as a couple, I loved their courtship. We get to see them fall in love with one another organically and it was the sweetest thing. Their attraction and chemistry were just so stinkin’ cute. Even though he's a man of God, Dion didn’t expect Neriah to be anyone other than true herself. He accepted her flaws and had no problem checkin’ the townsfolk of Preto Village when they got out of line with her. My heart just broke for Neriah. Her parents were trash. Bose and Piccola Kimball were the epitome of church goin’ hypocrites. That shyt they pulled on her wedding day had me ready to pull up and fight. Their actions were so unnecessarily vindictive and petty. For Bose and Piccola to purposely hurt their daughter like that was just shameful. Kudos to Neriah for finally walking away from her toxic azz parents. She didn't need that kind of negative energy in her new marital life. I was over the moon with happiness for Maali and Zach! I was literally in my room cheering when I read the epilogue. They so deserved their blessing. Once again, Mr. Ollie showed up and showed out. He was a little tamer in this book but, none the less, still hilarious. Take Me to Church was a phenomenal read. It was sweet, loving, and funny as hell. Neriah and Dion took us on a slow but, enjoyable journey and I so enjoyed the ride. I’m keeping my fingers crossed this isn't our last road trip to Preto Village. We have to get the youngest Henry sibling boo’d up with someone and I think that someone should be Chelsea. I’m just puttin’ it out there.
November 16, 2022
Mkay Pastah!!!!! I loved loved loved looovvvvvvved this story!!! OMG Dion was everything!! I thought Maali and Zach were my favs but these two took the cake!
Dion is the “Pastah” in Preto and is definitely the example of what a man of faith should be. He is next up in line of high value men in Preto after Charadee snatched up Keegan and these women in Preto have no shame. They show up all time of day and night vying for his affection and have even gone as far as coming in this man’s house unannounced. He needs help fast to tame these women and refusing some normalcy in the church and his new assistant is right on time!
Nariah is a pastors kid herself and has spent the past year watching Preto’s church services on line. She is looking for a new church home after her father and his blatant infidelities have embarrassed her for the last time. After taking on the assistant position at the church she helps Dion regain some order and he is forever indebted to her.
These two and the way their love bloomed right before our eyes was so beautiful to witness. The courting and the dates and movies and swims at the falls were everything!!! 🥰🥰🥰
Where did these parents come from?!? Outside of Elder Henry and Charadee’s parents, everyone is trash! Maali’s mama, Keegan’s mama even Zach and Dion’s mama!! 🗑 Nariah’s mama takes the cake though and she needs to be drop kicked in the chin.
Mr. Ollie will forever be a fav and he should be protected at all cost!
I really hope we get to see more from this group! I wouldn’t even be mad at a story from Joah and or Chelsea! AshleyNicole 👏🏽does 👏🏽not 👏🏽miss
Dion is the “Pastah” in Preto and is definitely the example of what a man of faith should be. He is next up in line of high value men in Preto after Charadee snatched up Keegan and these women in Preto have no shame. They show up all time of day and night vying for his affection and have even gone as far as coming in this man’s house unannounced. He needs help fast to tame these women and refusing some normalcy in the church and his new assistant is right on time!
Nariah is a pastors kid herself and has spent the past year watching Preto’s church services on line. She is looking for a new church home after her father and his blatant infidelities have embarrassed her for the last time. After taking on the assistant position at the church she helps Dion regain some order and he is forever indebted to her.
These two and the way their love bloomed right before our eyes was so beautiful to witness. The courting and the dates and movies and swims at the falls were everything!!! 🥰🥰🥰
Where did these parents come from?!? Outside of Elder Henry and Charadee’s parents, everyone is trash! Maali’s mama, Keegan’s mama even Zach and Dion’s mama!! 🗑 Nariah’s mama takes the cake though and she needs to be drop kicked in the chin.
Mr. Ollie will forever be a fav and he should be protected at all cost!
I really hope we get to see more from this group! I wouldn’t even be mad at a story from Joah and or Chelsea! AshleyNicole 👏🏽does 👏🏽not 👏🏽miss
September 8, 2023
Neriah x Dieon (Pastah)
This was an amazing and refreshing read for me. It brought back lots of memories because I was a church intern.
The way Pastah courted Neriah before dating her and the boundaries practiced in this book was absolutely everything. Dion was such a gentleman and a gentle man. He exuded so much sexiness without even trying.
He covered and guarded Neriah so well. Protecting her became his mission, and he did it so beautifully. Against the church Mamas, his mama and most definitely her family. That man...swoon 🥰
Then there’s Miss Neriah. She had beauty, brains, and sass. Because of her past, she was trying to dim her light in the relationship with Dieon. But, not on his watch, and I loved it. I love that he always encouraged her to unapologetically be herself. Potty mouth and all. I was surprised that Neriah didn’t let church hurt turn her away completely. She was still very faithful in her attendance and her walk.
I enjoyed the hell out of this book and I loved the update from the previous characters. Ms. Ashleynicole gave us a full realistic story that was well developed with some loveable characters. The story definitely had some laugh out loud moments in it, and Mr. Ollie was the real MVP of this book. I didn’t want the story to end. Loved it. Ashleynicole is a beast!!
This was an amazing and refreshing read for me. It brought back lots of memories because I was a church intern.
The way Pastah courted Neriah before dating her and the boundaries practiced in this book was absolutely everything. Dion was such a gentleman and a gentle man. He exuded so much sexiness without even trying.
He covered and guarded Neriah so well. Protecting her became his mission, and he did it so beautifully. Against the church Mamas, his mama and most definitely her family. That man...swoon 🥰
Then there’s Miss Neriah. She had beauty, brains, and sass. Because of her past, she was trying to dim her light in the relationship with Dieon. But, not on his watch, and I loved it. I love that he always encouraged her to unapologetically be herself. Potty mouth and all. I was surprised that Neriah didn’t let church hurt turn her away completely. She was still very faithful in her attendance and her walk.
I enjoyed the hell out of this book and I loved the update from the previous characters. Ms. Ashleynicole gave us a full realistic story that was well developed with some loveable characters. The story definitely had some laugh out loud moments in it, and Mr. Ollie was the real MVP of this book. I didn’t want the story to end. Loved it. Ashleynicole is a beast!!
October 31, 2023
Please don't tell this series is over... I LOVED LOVED LOVED this series, especially this book. I need more of these people and this messy town. ESPECIALLY Mr. O!!!
February 27, 2023
I really hope that this is not the last installment for Preto Village I would love to see Joah and Chelsea (not necessarily together) get an HEA. This latest book in the series was a slow burn compared to the others. The slow pace was worth it though. This book actually ended up being my favorite and not because of the couple but the because of the story and the way it played out.
Dion Henry II, the oldest son of Dion Henry Sr. and a preacher's kid was groomed to follow in his father's footsteps. Dion intentionally sowed his wild oats in the early stage of life because he knew the calling on his life. He knew that once he started his journey to become a pastor, he would take it seriously. Even though the town wants the good Pastah to settle down with one of Preto's own, Dion has no plans to oblige. He decides if he doesn't meet someone outside of Preto that he will be satisfied with being single. The church has a need for a part-time secretary and Neriah who lives in another town applies for the job. Neriah has past trauma and trust issues stemming from her adulterous father and abusive mother. Can Neriah overcome her past trauma, fears and the woman of Petro Village to get her HEA?
I don't understand how the parents of Preto could be so messed up and raise such model kids. They really needed JESUS, Bless their Hearts! Mr. Ollie didn't have as much airtime in this one but just as funny in the parts that he did.
Dion Henry II, the oldest son of Dion Henry Sr. and a preacher's kid was groomed to follow in his father's footsteps. Dion intentionally sowed his wild oats in the early stage of life because he knew the calling on his life. He knew that once he started his journey to become a pastor, he would take it seriously. Even though the town wants the good Pastah to settle down with one of Preto's own, Dion has no plans to oblige. He decides if he doesn't meet someone outside of Preto that he will be satisfied with being single. The church has a need for a part-time secretary and Neriah who lives in another town applies for the job. Neriah has past trauma and trust issues stemming from her adulterous father and abusive mother. Can Neriah overcome her past trauma, fears and the woman of Petro Village to get her HEA?
I don't understand how the parents of Preto could be so messed up and raise such model kids. They really needed JESUS, Bless their Hearts! Mr. Ollie didn't have as much airtime in this one but just as funny in the parts that he did.
November 28, 2022
Dion & Neriah
I love the development of their relationship and Dion’s patience….Unfortunately, growing up, Neriah witnessed her father’s negative behavior and she suffered as a result of her mother’s embarrassment….it took Dion coming along and trying to help her with her unresolved issues….I love how he loved, defended and just plainly took such good care of her.
I love the development of their relationship and Dion’s patience….Unfortunately, growing up, Neriah witnessed her father’s negative behavior and she suffered as a result of her mother’s embarrassment….it took Dion coming along and trying to help her with her unresolved issues….I love how he loved, defended and just plainly took such good care of her.
February 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this series. If you have not read about the messy townsfolk of Preto Village, do so immediately.
April 22, 2022
I never want to leave Preto!! I was skeptical about this book because I usually don’t do well with slow burns but whewwww I was wrapped from the first page and understood immediately why this was a slow burn! She had to build that bond and dynamic between Dion and Neriah! I’m trying to narrow down my favorite part but there’s too many to count from pink promises, defending Neriah (won’t spoil from who), to their first time having sex, or just the dates/casual dialogue they had! Which brings me back to this dialogue is everything for me and Ashley is platinum standard at it! The epilogue was so special and for sooo many reasons I won’t spoil BUT I’m excited to see where this series goes and hope we get another book soon!!! I definitely recommend this book and the other two in this series! I thought book2 was my fav but this trumps that!
May 9, 2022
I love this series
I’m usually not a big fan of slow burn romances but this book stole my heart. I love how the author weaved the stories in this series together. It feels like you’re apart of the town. It was so sweet watching the relationship blossom between “Pastah” and Neriah. I enjoyed all of the sides of Dion—him as a pastor, as a lover, and as a man. I love how he handled Neriah as they transitioned from coworkers to friends to lovers. Dion is so comfortable and secure in his faith and who he is as a person and didn’t allow anyone to impose their thoughts on him or Neriah.
I loveeeee a man that is a true protector and that exactly what Dion is. I’m looking forward to the next book.
I’m usually not a big fan of slow burn romances but this book stole my heart. I love how the author weaved the stories in this series together. It feels like you’re apart of the town. It was so sweet watching the relationship blossom between “Pastah” and Neriah. I enjoyed all of the sides of Dion—him as a pastor, as a lover, and as a man. I love how he handled Neriah as they transitioned from coworkers to friends to lovers. Dion is so comfortable and secure in his faith and who he is as a person and didn’t allow anyone to impose their thoughts on him or Neriah.
I loveeeee a man that is a true protector and that exactly what Dion is. I’m looking forward to the next book.
May 3, 2022
This is a cute slow burn romance book. I love Preto, even though it's inhabitants can be frustrating at times. Dion is Pastor Bae!!
April 25, 2022
miss ashleynicole eats every damn time omg
August 24, 2023
What a laugh out loud, heart-tugging and crazy crew, page turner.
First, I didn't realize this was the 3rd book in the series.
Next, I realized I could never live in a town with folks, who think it is okay to be all up in your business, because it is not!
Dion and Neriah were perfect together and I loved how Dion "went to war" for Neriah when her disgusting parents ganged up on her. How her sleazy father is still a pastor of a church is beyond belief.
Nevertheless, awesome story!
May 8, 2022
Whew! The people in Preto are a hot ass mess, but I love it there! The people are opinionated and nosy as hell! I mean will walk up in your face and tell you what "they" feel you are doing wrong in their town! Miss Neriah! Being a pk is not easy, especially in the Kimball family! Her parents were TRASH! I could not believe how Mrs. Kimball allowed her husband to behave in that manner, and disrespect her that way! Then she had the nerve to take out her frustrations on Neriah, because YOUR husband was the community pastor! Pastor Kimball was just blatant with his actions, and expected everyone to turn a blind eye! Ughhh...... 😡 Dion Henry! Groomed to take over Preto Baptist early in his life, he knew the end game of his journey. However, he also knew that his wife was not in Preto, and was satisfied if he ended up alone. His church family loved him, but they also took advantage of his kindness. Neriah meeting Pastah Henry was sweet. Their easy going friendship, and slow burn connection made my heart smile for them! I loved how Dion accepted Neriah just as she was, and did not want her to change anything to be with him! Once things got serious, Dion did not play about his woman! He was quick to get people together, when the came at her wrong! Anybody could get it, his mother included! 😂 So glad that Mr. Ollie made an appearance, as you cannot come to Preto and not get some laughs from him! That ending....... I love that for them, as no one deserves it more! Sooooooo, what's up with Joah? He is going to have to calm down and find him a wife next! Great read! 👍👍👍
April 30, 2022
Exceptionally good!!!
This didn't even feel like the slow burn that was advertised. I was so engrossed in all things Preto, I felt like I was in the diner having rice pudding watching everything unfold. The story left me fulfilled with every page. All 331 of them🙃🙃🙃
Ashley Nicole did such a great job of her depiction of Dion. His spirituality was strong but his humanity was never hidden. I found that Neriah's challenges with her family and church folk were perfectly addressed and I'm certain it speaks to many of us on a personal level.
I have read every single Ashley Nicole book and I continue to be in awe of her growth and talent. Take Me to Church was yet another example of her many layers as an author.
5⭐s Highly Recommend. Ashley Nicole NEVER misses! Can't go wrong diving into her catalogue!😍😍😍
#BeachReadsTCI #AvidReader #BlackRomance #BlackLove #BlackLoveStories #BlackLoveStoriesMatter #BlackAuthors #AllBlackEverything #BeautifulByNature
#TCIStrong
This didn't even feel like the slow burn that was advertised. I was so engrossed in all things Preto, I felt like I was in the diner having rice pudding watching everything unfold. The story left me fulfilled with every page. All 331 of them🙃🙃🙃
Ashley Nicole did such a great job of her depiction of Dion. His spirituality was strong but his humanity was never hidden. I found that Neriah's challenges with her family and church folk were perfectly addressed and I'm certain it speaks to many of us on a personal level.
I have read every single Ashley Nicole book and I continue to be in awe of her growth and talent. Take Me to Church was yet another example of her many layers as an author.
5⭐s Highly Recommend. Ashley Nicole NEVER misses! Can't go wrong diving into her catalogue!😍😍😍
#BeachReadsTCI #AvidReader #BlackRomance #BlackLove #BlackLoveStories #BlackLoveStoriesMatter #BlackAuthors #AllBlackEverything #BeautifulByNature
#TCIStrong
October 27, 2022
couldn’t love it anymore
What a surprising twist, I didn’t have high expectations. I was just looking for something opposite of what I’ve been reading lately. And 👏🏾LOOK 👏🏾AT 👏🏾GOD👏🏾!!
This was PERFECTION! It was the light, yet angsty, messy, and beautiful story I needed.
I’m ready to do a deep dive into this author’s catalog. Because hunty… the people of Preto were a whole mess and I have a feeling it was even more so in the previous stories (since I’m reading the series out of order).
Slow burns can be hit or miss for me. But this one was perfectly paced. I loved how the sensitivity of him being a religious figure was handled. And the way this man loved on this woman. Teaching her things she thought she knew or wasn’t aware of. Beautiful. So freaking beautiful.
I simply loved this!
What a surprising twist, I didn’t have high expectations. I was just looking for something opposite of what I’ve been reading lately. And 👏🏾LOOK 👏🏾AT 👏🏾GOD👏🏾!!
This was PERFECTION! It was the light, yet angsty, messy, and beautiful story I needed.
I’m ready to do a deep dive into this author’s catalog. Because hunty… the people of Preto were a whole mess and I have a feeling it was even more so in the previous stories (since I’m reading the series out of order).
Slow burns can be hit or miss for me. But this one was perfectly paced. I loved how the sensitivity of him being a religious figure was handled. And the way this man loved on this woman. Teaching her things she thought she knew or wasn’t aware of. Beautiful. So freaking beautiful.
I simply loved this!
October 11, 2022
Ok, so this book shocked me. Hands-down my favorite of the series. I absolutely loved Dion and Neriah. Not going to lie, I was a bit skeptical because of the church aspect of things, and whether it would be done tastefully or not, but I was not disappointed. It’s crazy how much I related to both characters. I come from a very small town, and I am basically a PK lol. Walking the walk of celibacy, loving God, but still 100% human. Standing tall against the confines of “tradition” or religious optics. It’s so sad how you don’t even realize how wrong the way you grew up was or could be triggering, and I’ll leave it at that and allow y’all to read the book for yourselves. I don’t know if this would be a 5 star read for everyone, but I really did love it. I wouldn’t even call it is a slow burn because, I actually enjoy a book that doesn’t have a lot of sex in it. But for those of you who like spicy, when it did happen, the heat was definitely turned up lol.
I’m starting to realize I like nonproblematic characters who are mature, but not boring, so this was right up my alley. I’m gonna call it a cozy read.
I’m starting to realize I like nonproblematic characters who are mature, but not boring, so this was right up my alley. I’m gonna call it a cozy read.
April 25, 2022
So Much Fun. 4.95 stars
Book three almost took me out. The nosy people of Preto really should be ashamed of themselves. The town gives new meaning to doing too much. And Pastah Dion did not expect to find his whole heart at church, yet he found it and more.
Neriah had so much going on with a cheating father who was a minister and a mother with significant issues with her head in the sand. Dion and Neriah had much in common with people trying to run their lives. The townsfolks were nutty. Mr. Olli is the only one I liked in that bunch of silly seniors. On another note, this slow-burn love story heated to the right temperature... It was alright with me.
Book three almost took me out. The nosy people of Preto really should be ashamed of themselves. The town gives new meaning to doing too much. And Pastah Dion did not expect to find his whole heart at church, yet he found it and more.
Neriah had so much going on with a cheating father who was a minister and a mother with significant issues with her head in the sand. Dion and Neriah had much in common with people trying to run their lives. The townsfolks were nutty. Mr. Olli is the only one I liked in that bunch of silly seniors. On another note, this slow-burn love story heated to the right temperature... It was alright with me.
February 16, 2023
Too slow and boring
I only made it to 11% of the book and unfortunately I can't finish. I wanna like it because its different, but its entirely too slow and boring. All the descriptions is too much for me, I don't care what the inside and outside of the office the character is going to be working looks like. Nor do I care what the pastor's office looks like. There is no edge to any of the characters, and I'm not talking about thugs and bad B-words. Anyway its too boring for me.
I only made it to 11% of the book and unfortunately I can't finish. I wanna like it because its different, but its entirely too slow and boring. All the descriptions is too much for me, I don't care what the inside and outside of the office the character is going to be working looks like. Nor do I care what the pastor's office looks like. There is no edge to any of the characters, and I'm not talking about thugs and bad B-words. Anyway its too boring for me.
March 5, 2024
This was my first romance where the MMC was actively a minister/preacher and I can only describe it as precious! I absolutely loved the old school courting with chaperones. It felt very southern Baptist, like they’d be the cuddly grandparents sipping ice tea on their matching rocking chairs one day. It was that level of wholesome and I am obsessed with it!
They were both so open and honest with each. It was a slow burn in a church setting so you experienced the two of them experiencing each other on a deeper level. When it came down to it Dion was husband first as it should be! The man said he always had the time and energy for all the smoke about his wife and that’s on Mary’s precious lamb!
Mr Ollie had me hollering!! The special sauce and the burger. Passing the pecker more than the collection plate. Put the ho in holy. The man had one liners for days and they were hysterical! Mrs Beulah trying to send her husband on to glory multiple times. I know it’s not supposed to be a rom-com but the whole town was crazy. When I say I was cackling.. honey!
They were both so open and honest with each. It was a slow burn in a church setting so you experienced the two of them experiencing each other on a deeper level. When it came down to it Dion was husband first as it should be! The man said he always had the time and energy for all the smoke about his wife and that’s on Mary’s precious lamb!
Mr Ollie had me hollering!! The special sauce and the burger. Passing the pecker more than the collection plate. Put the ho in holy. The man had one liners for days and they were hysterical! Mrs Beulah trying to send her husband on to glory multiple times. I know it’s not supposed to be a rom-com but the whole town was crazy. When I say I was cackling.. honey!
November 9, 2024
4.5
I am not a Christian fiction fan but I am an AshleyNicole fan so I gave this a try and was not at all disappointed. This is a slow burn but was necessarily so since we had us a pastah on our hands. I was a fan of Dion in his brothers story Lets Get Married and wondered how the pastah was gonna find love. Neriah was so perfect for Dion. I enjoyed the progression of their relationship, sometimes it did seem a bit rushed but I had to keep in mind they weren't just a regular couple. Neriah’s parents were a trip. I felt for her especially her relationship with her father and how he never stepped up for his daughter. But pastah Henry got them right on together about his woman. I was glad her brother came around and she atleast had him. I loved that Mr. Ollie made an appearance with his funny self.
Ashley Nicole does not miss!
I am not a Christian fiction fan but I am an AshleyNicole fan so I gave this a try and was not at all disappointed. This is a slow burn but was necessarily so since we had us a pastah on our hands. I was a fan of Dion in his brothers story Lets Get Married and wondered how the pastah was gonna find love. Neriah was so perfect for Dion. I enjoyed the progression of their relationship, sometimes it did seem a bit rushed but I had to keep in mind they weren't just a regular couple. Neriah’s parents were a trip. I felt for her especially her relationship with her father and how he never stepped up for his daughter. But pastah Henry got them right on together about his woman. I was glad her brother came around and she atleast had him. I loved that Mr. Ollie made an appearance with his funny self.
Ashley Nicole does not miss!
April 22, 2022
Never a dull moment!
You pen games never fall to amaze me. I so love that you allow this book to be a slow burn
, not taking away the human aspect of pastors. Showing that some have principles and will try to live out what they preach every Sunday, but yet they've human and have feeling and desires just like the rest of the world. Great book.. Now who's going g to slow baby brother down.
You pen games never fall to amaze me. I so love that you allow this book to be a slow burn
, not taking away the human aspect of pastors. Showing that some have principles and will try to live out what they preach every Sunday, but yet they've human and have feeling and desires just like the rest of the world. Great book.. Now who's going g to slow baby brother down.
April 23, 2022
And now I want to marry a Pastuh!
I can't remember ever reading a book that made my heart melt so completely. This was a real romance. Although it was a slow burn, it was so worth it! I loved everything about the courtship between Neriah and Dion. But that Dion made me fall in love with the idea of being in love and being a wife. Kudos to AshleyNicole because of all the bookbaes I claim, none of them have made me want to be a wife.
I can't remember ever reading a book that made my heart melt so completely. This was a real romance. Although it was a slow burn, it was so worth it! I loved everything about the courtship between Neriah and Dion. But that Dion made me fall in love with the idea of being in love and being a wife. Kudos to AshleyNicole because of all the bookbaes I claim, none of them have made me want to be a wife.
May 6, 2022
I loved this book!
I love this book! I read it slow to savor it. It was nice yall. Read it. I liked the other books but I loved this one. Read it on breaks and all! Great job.
I love this book! I read it slow to savor it. It was nice yall. Read it. I liked the other books but I loved this one. Read it on breaks and all! Great job.
June 10, 2024
3.5⭐️s
April 24, 2022
Pastah
This was truly a slow burn romance and I really enjoyed it. Dion was everything I thought he would be and I'm in love. I'm low key thinking about plotting on a pastor for my self lol
This was truly a slow burn romance and I really enjoyed it. Dion was everything I thought he would be and I'm in love. I'm low key thinking about plotting on a pastor for my self lol
December 17, 2022
Really, really good
Neriah and Dion's story was so good. All the Preto Village antics had me cracking up. I enjoyed their love story. I enjoyed checking in on characters that I loved from the other two books.
I hope we get to visit Preto Village again.
Neriah and Dion's story was so good. All the Preto Village antics had me cracking up. I enjoyed their love story. I enjoyed checking in on characters that I loved from the other two books.
I hope we get to visit Preto Village again.
May 1, 2022
That hidden commitment....
Ms. Ashley, you did this. I am fully invested in this Presto village series. I am looking forward to more stories that develop in Presto.
This slow love romance was perfectly written. Presto being the small messy town that it is, Dion and Neriah had to date pretty much on the "down low." It was a few select people that actually knew they were a couple. The strength and restraint displayed by Dion and Neriah were straight honorable. Dion was quoting scriptures as if he was preaching daily to try to stay on the straight and narrow. Either one of their parents knew nothing about the commitment they were building. Speaking of parents I thought the "Pastah" was going to have to lay hands, not in a spiritual sense during the dinner table scene. The way he stood up and protected Neriah was commendable. He proved then that she had his heart. Neriah's parents were unbelievable with the amount of physical, emotional, and mental abuse they inflicted on her because of their indiscretions. Uncle Lars was her saving grace and the parental figure she needed in her life. Neriah and her brother's relationship is a work in progress. I can tell he finally saw the light concerning their parents. It took the wedding fiasco but it opened his eyes. I love to read about growth and it most definitely occurred in this book.
This book is magnificent, Ms. Ashley killed the plot. I am anticipating the next novel in this series. I am so intrigued and wondering who is next. Is it Chelsea, Rusty, or Joah or are we getting a new surprise couple? Whomever it is I will be partaking in the reading of it. I love the direction this series is going. The people of Presto are a handful however they are learning boundaries. Zach and Dion both have grown a backbone toward their mother and that is admirable. The elderly ladies of Presto including their mother will chew you up and spit you out if you allow them. Mr. Ollie is still the same comical old man that shells out wisdom every opportunity he gets. If you haven't got into this series, I strongly recommend you do.
Ms. Ashley, you did this. I am fully invested in this Presto village series. I am looking forward to more stories that develop in Presto.
This slow love romance was perfectly written. Presto being the small messy town that it is, Dion and Neriah had to date pretty much on the "down low." It was a few select people that actually knew they were a couple. The strength and restraint displayed by Dion and Neriah were straight honorable. Dion was quoting scriptures as if he was preaching daily to try to stay on the straight and narrow. Either one of their parents knew nothing about the commitment they were building. Speaking of parents I thought the "Pastah" was going to have to lay hands, not in a spiritual sense during the dinner table scene. The way he stood up and protected Neriah was commendable. He proved then that she had his heart. Neriah's parents were unbelievable with the amount of physical, emotional, and mental abuse they inflicted on her because of their indiscretions. Uncle Lars was her saving grace and the parental figure she needed in her life. Neriah and her brother's relationship is a work in progress. I can tell he finally saw the light concerning their parents. It took the wedding fiasco but it opened his eyes. I love to read about growth and it most definitely occurred in this book.
This book is magnificent, Ms. Ashley killed the plot. I am anticipating the next novel in this series. I am so intrigued and wondering who is next. Is it Chelsea, Rusty, or Joah or are we getting a new surprise couple? Whomever it is I will be partaking in the reading of it. I love the direction this series is going. The people of Presto are a handful however they are learning boundaries. Zach and Dion both have grown a backbone toward their mother and that is admirable. The elderly ladies of Presto including their mother will chew you up and spit you out if you allow them. Mr. Ollie is still the same comical old man that shells out wisdom every opportunity he gets. If you haven't got into this series, I strongly recommend you do.
May 1, 2022
Sanctified Love
I fall more and more in love with Preto Village with each book. This was a lovely slow burn that didn't have any dull spots. It was Heavenly!
I liked Neriah. She was a prechers kids (PK) that was wrongly mistreated and abused by her mother, the First Lady. Neriah figured that seeing her father, the Pastor, being intimate with women other than her mother, was wrong and was whooped and slapped by her mother for asking questions, beginning at a very young age. Her father and mother were quite despicable. Her brother, Lashawn was too, yet he was only feeding off his parents. I like that Neriah had sense enough to leave home and never return. She wanted her family to accept her and they treated her so badly. I love that she had her friend Chelsea, Her Uncle Lars and Aunt Harleen. Then, once she started dating Dion, Pastor Henry, she had his friends and family too. I like that she respected Dion and kept things professional when at church. They both had a longing for each other and I like how they progressed and naturally fell for each other. Once they were married, all bets were off and the intimacy that had built for almost a year was on overdrive 😏.
Pastor Dion Henry, II was great to read about. I like how he wanted to respect his position as Pastor, yet still be seen as a man. He was ducking those Preto ladies advances left and right and I'm sure, any other man who was abstinent for 8 years would've had his share in each of those women's beds. But not Pastah🤭. I like that he held all his hunger for Neriah until after they married. He showed pure strength and determination to NOT cross that line with her, yet it took all his resolve to do it. I love how not only did he want her, he wanted to protect her too. He was not playing with those women, young or old, in Preto Village about his wife😏. He was setting folks straight left and right about his. Including his mama. Gon' head Pastah😜.
I love that the whole gang was around during this read. I'm glad Maali and Zach got their baby and I hope in the next book, we get an update on Charadee and Keegan possibly starting a family. I'm guessing the next book will be about the youngest Henry Man, Joah, so I look forward to that. Mr. Ollie is still a hoot and I love that he's still around being HILARIOUS.
Preto Village is the place to be and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Great read. Highly recommend.
I fall more and more in love with Preto Village with each book. This was a lovely slow burn that didn't have any dull spots. It was Heavenly!
I liked Neriah. She was a prechers kids (PK) that was wrongly mistreated and abused by her mother, the First Lady. Neriah figured that seeing her father, the Pastor, being intimate with women other than her mother, was wrong and was whooped and slapped by her mother for asking questions, beginning at a very young age. Her father and mother were quite despicable. Her brother, Lashawn was too, yet he was only feeding off his parents. I like that Neriah had sense enough to leave home and never return. She wanted her family to accept her and they treated her so badly. I love that she had her friend Chelsea, Her Uncle Lars and Aunt Harleen. Then, once she started dating Dion, Pastor Henry, she had his friends and family too. I like that she respected Dion and kept things professional when at church. They both had a longing for each other and I like how they progressed and naturally fell for each other. Once they were married, all bets were off and the intimacy that had built for almost a year was on overdrive 😏.
Pastor Dion Henry, II was great to read about. I like how he wanted to respect his position as Pastor, yet still be seen as a man. He was ducking those Preto ladies advances left and right and I'm sure, any other man who was abstinent for 8 years would've had his share in each of those women's beds. But not Pastah🤭. I like that he held all his hunger for Neriah until after they married. He showed pure strength and determination to NOT cross that line with her, yet it took all his resolve to do it. I love how not only did he want her, he wanted to protect her too. He was not playing with those women, young or old, in Preto Village about his wife😏. He was setting folks straight left and right about his. Including his mama. Gon' head Pastah😜.
I love that the whole gang was around during this read. I'm glad Maali and Zach got their baby and I hope in the next book, we get an update on Charadee and Keegan possibly starting a family. I'm guessing the next book will be about the youngest Henry Man, Joah, so I look forward to that. Mr. Ollie is still a hoot and I love that he's still around being HILARIOUS.
Preto Village is the place to be and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Great read. Highly recommend.
October 12, 2022
i never got tired of this book. between the romantic suspense, the humor, the characters, their story and the mess, i was hooked every step of the way. i will admit though that the mess did get cloying after a while because it’s like these GROWN folks need to leave these two GROWN folks alone
i understand why preto’s ladies were on “pastah” like moths to a flame because he is sooo fine, romantic and a protector. dion is one of the most interesting and unconventional characters i’ve read this year. i loved him
neriah my little passionate, hilarious, romantic cookie baker🫶🏾. i love her down but she’s stronger than me because i would’ve whooped everybody’s ass in that town😭. especially bethanie (who by the way needs to get a job and go outside and touch grass. she was doing that bullshit from book one. boooooooo🍅🍅🍅🍅, loser)
books with no third act breakup rly eat, although that town did enough to genuinely cause a rift between the two, dion was not abt to let neriah slip away from him because of outside noise and i rly loved that
i also loved the continuity in the storyline. the little callbacks to earlier convos and events were a very nice touch
the book did end a bit suddenly. i mean there was an epilogue but i feel like it could’ve been a bit meatier
other than my few gripes, this book hit every single beat it needed to hit for me. chewed through it in one day and boy did i eat good😁
i do i wish i read the other books in this series first because although this was a standalone, these stories flow into each other. it just would’ve been the more sensible thing to do. my stubborn self wanted to read this one first though and i just couldn’t help myself🥴
i understand why preto’s ladies were on “pastah” like moths to a flame because he is sooo fine, romantic and a protector. dion is one of the most interesting and unconventional characters i’ve read this year. i loved him
neriah my little passionate, hilarious, romantic cookie baker🫶🏾. i love her down but she’s stronger than me because i would’ve whooped everybody’s ass in that town😭. especially bethanie (who by the way needs to get a job and go outside and touch grass. she was doing that bullshit from book one. boooooooo🍅🍅🍅🍅, loser)
books with no third act breakup rly eat, although that town did enough to genuinely cause a rift between the two, dion was not abt to let neriah slip away from him because of outside noise and i rly loved that
i also loved the continuity in the storyline. the little callbacks to earlier convos and events were a very nice touch
the book did end a bit suddenly. i mean there was an epilogue but i feel like it could’ve been a bit meatier
other than my few gripes, this book hit every single beat it needed to hit for me. chewed through it in one day and boy did i eat good😁
i do i wish i read the other books in this series first because although this was a standalone, these stories flow into each other. it just would’ve been the more sensible thing to do. my stubborn self wanted to read this one first though and i just couldn’t help myself🥴
May 15, 2022
ok now pastah - you betta!
This the one! My absolute favorite book in the series!
Two people with two different upbringings and experiences as pastors kids were everything the other needed as ordained and created by God.
Beautifully and wonderfully written with a much needed slow burn that allowed the story to build and breathe. This one hit close to home on so many levels with them being pk’s, but also everything that came with it and growing up in church period. I felt every emotion as if it was me or I was at least apart of it in some way. I appreciated the steps they took regarding dating and communicating their feelings. A great example of courtship.
My reviews usually include Mr. Ollie’s crazy self, but I can honestly say I appreciated the jewels of wisdom he dropped this time versus his cutting up.
Lastly, Pastah is my man! I’ve been a minsters kid and grew up in the church and I’ve always said I never wanted to be with a man in ministry. But he is like Pastah, then I’ll be his secretary!
Amazing read and I love Preto Village! Joan is next and I can’t wait!
This the one! My absolute favorite book in the series!
Two people with two different upbringings and experiences as pastors kids were everything the other needed as ordained and created by God.
Beautifully and wonderfully written with a much needed slow burn that allowed the story to build and breathe. This one hit close to home on so many levels with them being pk’s, but also everything that came with it and growing up in church period. I felt every emotion as if it was me or I was at least apart of it in some way. I appreciated the steps they took regarding dating and communicating their feelings. A great example of courtship.
My reviews usually include Mr. Ollie’s crazy self, but I can honestly say I appreciated the jewels of wisdom he dropped this time versus his cutting up.
Lastly, Pastah is my man! I’ve been a minsters kid and grew up in the church and I’ve always said I never wanted to be with a man in ministry. But he is like Pastah, then I’ll be his secretary!
Amazing read and I love Preto Village! Joan is next and I can’t wait!
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