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Ava and Alana Diaries #1
Thirsty
I wasn't supposed to run into her. I watch her play all the time, but when my friend Beverly pushes me out of my comfort zone, I run into Ava Williams, star basketball player of the women's basketball team. I've been thirsting over this woman since high school. When the opportunity arises, I take it, because finally I get the one thing I've always wanted, and that's Ava. Beautiful Alana nearly knocks me off my feet when I first lay eyes on her. She's the most beautiful creature I've ever seen. But karma's got a funny way of showing up when you least expect it. I bullied her in high school, now she's the one woman I can't live without. I'll do anything to keep her and I mean anything.
96 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2023
About the author
Jenna Kent
60 books155 followersSteamy Lesbian Romance Author-fast-paced instalove romance. Expect them to be over-the-top, absurdly ridiculous–but always with a happy ending.
You can find me on instagram @jennakentauthor
You can find me on instagram @jennakentauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 16, 2024
Beverly is not a friend. She is not even a good acquaintance. I feel for you Jodie but at the same time you had to known that treating Alana like that was wrong. Then the fact that Jodie has a book, oh my. I will read it but I surely hope she is different than how she was within this story. Other than that, I liked reading about Ava and Alana in this quick read. "Yeah, I have a bad habit of building my TBR pile when I haven't read the books I already own". Me too girl but I wouldn't call it a bad habit exactly 🙈I'm working on it though because I certainly own this book.
February 12, 2024
okay. ooooookay. the fact that this has 22 5-star ratings is fucking BEYOND me.
where the last jenna kent novella i read was laughably bad, this one was just plain bad. but at least it was all in one tense this time!! (it does seem like kent discovered semicolons directly prior to writing the novella, if the fact that they're placed in nearly every other sentence despite grammar rules is any indication.)
this book is just red flag after red flag, and the instalove pushes it all over the top. ava basically turns into alana's stalker within 24hrs of meeting her again (which: couldn't we have SOME differentiation between the names??? there were zero dialogue tags whatsoever, so i was already constantly trying to piece together who said what, then you throw similar names on top of that???).
i lost count of how many times ava threatens to kidnap alana (or her cat), calls herself a monster or stalker, or follows her to a new location, whether by foot or in her car. the morning after they hook up, ava follows alana (on an hour's drive!!) home because "the roads are still bad" and she wants to make sure alana "makes it back safely," and when they arrive at alana's home, ava proceeds to follow alana upstairs and nearly forces herself into alana's apartment. like!!! girl i'd be throwing punches and pulling some spy shit to get her off my tail!!!
kent has written ava to be sooooo manipulative and controlling and i was actively disturbed and uncomfortable the entire time reading. it all felt very "lesbians written by men" and i hated hated hated it. i felt bad for alana the whole time!! it felt like i was watching a friend get into a relationship with a toxic and abusive older man. a protective or possessive streak can be really hot when done right, but this was done so, soooooo wrong. i hate that i have to shelve this as wlw.
also, alana struggles with disordered eating and finds it near-impossible to eat in front of others. so, in response, ava force-feeds alana and threatens to kidnap her and her cat if she doesn't finish a meal. not really the supportive, encouraging partner you hope for when in ED recovery!!! but it's clearly depicted as romantic and as someone who's struggled with an ED, this was so fucking disgusting i can't even put it into words.
just. this is so bad, y'all!!!
there were a few laughably bad moments that kept me reading just to see what the fuck kent cooks up next. at one point ava bites alana's fupa and i actively ijbol-ed. ava bought a ring after about 2wks and alana said yes 2mo later. alana doesn't want ava to drive while stressed and emotional so, naturally, she gives ava a shot of liquor. the dirty talk was cringey and bad as always, and their DTR discussion started with ava yelling, "That's it! We need to talk NOW!" like what the fuck alskdfjlskd
the wildest bit, though was the very ending holy shit y'all. alana has such a fat, juicy ass that ava refuses to let her go to the bookstore alone (which is gross objectification). when alana insists on going (as she should!), ava and her best friend, jodie, decide to follow her around like bodyguards and jodie GRABS A LOADED GUN to presumably threaten anyone who??? looks at alana??? hits on her??? who knows!!! it's fucked either way!!!
this is not a romance. this is a hostage situation.
there was also this weird recurring bit where alana just blurts out whatever's on her mind with zero filter??? like she blurts out that she'll marry ava AFTER THE GUN/BOOKSTORE SITUATION and has a "oh no, not again!" moment before it alksjfkld like y'all i couldn't make this shit up!! bc someone already did!!
i cannot fathom giving this more than one star. can't even give the "two stars for experience" treatment that i gave zara. yikes. thank goodness i got this for stuff your kindle day bc i wouldn't want to spend even a single penny on it.
this is probably the messiest review i've ever written, but i was just so enraged after finishing the novella that i had to get this out there.
where the last jenna kent novella i read was laughably bad, this one was just plain bad. but at least it was all in one tense this time!! (it does seem like kent discovered semicolons directly prior to writing the novella, if the fact that they're placed in nearly every other sentence despite grammar rules is any indication.)
this book is just red flag after red flag, and the instalove pushes it all over the top. ava basically turns into alana's stalker within 24hrs of meeting her again (which: couldn't we have SOME differentiation between the names??? there were zero dialogue tags whatsoever, so i was already constantly trying to piece together who said what, then you throw similar names on top of that???).
i lost count of how many times ava threatens to kidnap alana (or her cat), calls herself a monster or stalker, or follows her to a new location, whether by foot or in her car. the morning after they hook up, ava follows alana (on an hour's drive!!) home because "the roads are still bad" and she wants to make sure alana "makes it back safely," and when they arrive at alana's home, ava proceeds to follow alana upstairs and nearly forces herself into alana's apartment. like!!! girl i'd be throwing punches and pulling some spy shit to get her off my tail!!!
kent has written ava to be sooooo manipulative and controlling and i was actively disturbed and uncomfortable the entire time reading. it all felt very "lesbians written by men" and i hated hated hated it. i felt bad for alana the whole time!! it felt like i was watching a friend get into a relationship with a toxic and abusive older man. a protective or possessive streak can be really hot when done right, but this was done so, soooooo wrong. i hate that i have to shelve this as wlw.
also, alana struggles with disordered eating and finds it near-impossible to eat in front of others. so, in response, ava force-feeds alana and threatens to kidnap her and her cat if she doesn't finish a meal. not really the supportive, encouraging partner you hope for when in ED recovery!!! but it's clearly depicted as romantic and as someone who's struggled with an ED, this was so fucking disgusting i can't even put it into words.
just. this is so bad, y'all!!!
there were a few laughably bad moments that kept me reading just to see what the fuck kent cooks up next. at one point ava bites alana's fupa and i actively ijbol-ed. ava bought a ring after about 2wks and alana said yes 2mo later. alana doesn't want ava to drive while stressed and emotional so, naturally, she gives ava a shot of liquor. the dirty talk was cringey and bad as always, and their DTR discussion started with ava yelling, "That's it! We need to talk NOW!" like what the fuck alskdfjlskd
the wildest bit, though was the very ending holy shit y'all. alana has such a fat, juicy ass that ava refuses to let her go to the bookstore alone (which is gross objectification). when alana insists on going (as she should!), ava and her best friend, jodie, decide to follow her around like bodyguards and jodie GRABS A LOADED GUN to presumably threaten anyone who??? looks at alana??? hits on her??? who knows!!! it's fucked either way!!!
this is not a romance. this is a hostage situation.
there was also this weird recurring bit where alana just blurts out whatever's on her mind with zero filter??? like she blurts out that she'll marry ava AFTER THE GUN/BOOKSTORE SITUATION and has a "oh no, not again!" moment before it alksjfkld like y'all i couldn't make this shit up!! bc someone already did!!
i cannot fathom giving this more than one star. can't even give the "two stars for experience" treatment that i gave zara. yikes. thank goodness i got this for stuff your kindle day bc i wouldn't want to spend even a single penny on it.
this is probably the messiest review i've ever written, but i was just so enraged after finishing the novella that i had to get this out there.
February 9, 2024
i was gonna make a joke like it doesn't matter that the book is bad if the author clearly needs this but then the final chapter showed the mascs friend BRINGING A GUN TO A BOOKSTORE. BECAUSE THE FEM PROTAG HAS A FAT ASS. A GUN. TO A BOOKSTORE.
November 27, 2024
I want to give this a 1 star but I usually save that for problematic bad books (not books with problematic stuff in it; but that are problematic themselves) but looking over my notes, and from what I remember, I don't see anything thats problematic. I just didn't like it. At all.
So right off the bat I was not really liking the plot or the writing. Its a weird bully romance with odd pacing, basically a lot is going on but none of it is fleshed out really well, and I felt zero chemistry between the characters; which is really sad since I was excited for a black sapphic romance.
The insta-love didn't feel right and overall I just did not enjoy this book. (I end my notes with "hated this!!" sooo.. yeah. But that feels harsh now that time has passed..)
So right off the bat I was not really liking the plot or the writing. Its a weird bully romance with odd pacing, basically a lot is going on but none of it is fleshed out really well, and I felt zero chemistry between the characters; which is really sad since I was excited for a black sapphic romance.
The insta-love didn't feel right and overall I just did not enjoy this book. (I end my notes with "hated this!!" sooo.. yeah. But that feels harsh now that time has passed..)
October 11, 2025
Instalove at the Right Time
Cute story. It was interesting, and fast-paced! I loved the way this second-chance romance was realized. Ava and Alana’s chemistry practically jumps off the page. Alana’s insecurities were frustrating at times, but they felt authentic, and I could feel the depth of her emotions, it’s a testament to how well the author wrote her. The instalove and intensity are balanced with real stakes, and the story reflects a lot of realistic WLW relationship dynamics. While some of the darker elements might feel intense, they fit the story and possibly how the next installments move forward. Overall, a spicy, engaging romance that left me curious for what comes next.
Cute story. It was interesting, and fast-paced! I loved the way this second-chance romance was realized. Ava and Alana’s chemistry practically jumps off the page. Alana’s insecurities were frustrating at times, but they felt authentic, and I could feel the depth of her emotions, it’s a testament to how well the author wrote her. The instalove and intensity are balanced with real stakes, and the story reflects a lot of realistic WLW relationship dynamics. While some of the darker elements might feel intense, they fit the story and possibly how the next installments move forward. Overall, a spicy, engaging romance that left me curious for what comes next.
December 29, 2023
This is a super-steamy series that follows Alana as she reunites with her old high school rival, Ava, at a WNBA game. The author promises instalove and a lot of steam and she delivers exactly that! The series follows the couple as they reunite, fall in love, and walk through their challenges with passion and a LOT of feeling. If you're interested in a quick read with a lot of steam this is a great contender!
March 23, 2025
Incredible
I am so glad I stumbled upon Alana and Ava. The story is spicy and unexpected. With both having their own personal struggles, enjoy the results of a chance meeting at courtside. Jenna has a gift of character development.
I am so glad I stumbled upon Alana and Ava. The story is spicy and unexpected. With both having their own personal struggles, enjoy the results of a chance meeting at courtside. Jenna has a gift of character development.
July 6, 2024
Utter garbage.
May 21, 2024
this is so unserious
January 19, 2026
Love That Starts the Wrong Way
** Spoiler warning ‼️
Ava’s instant interest in Lana and the possessive way she acted really threw me off. I was not expecting that at all. I connected a lot with Alana and her social anxiety, and I loved how that was shown in the story because it felt real and not played down. What bothered me was how Ava kept pushing her, like trying to make her eat and forcing her into situations when she was clearly uncomfortable. I was not a fan of Ava for the most part. She bullied Alana when they were younger, and now she comes off aggressive and bossy, even if that is supposed to show interest. Reading of Alana crying when she was forced to eat in front of her really hurt to read. It definitely felt like a U Haul lesbian situation, moving fast and intense. There was some love there, but it started in a way that did not sit right with me. So the author did a great job with the tension.
** Spoiler warning ‼️
Ava’s instant interest in Lana and the possessive way she acted really threw me off. I was not expecting that at all. I connected a lot with Alana and her social anxiety, and I loved how that was shown in the story because it felt real and not played down. What bothered me was how Ava kept pushing her, like trying to make her eat and forcing her into situations when she was clearly uncomfortable. I was not a fan of Ava for the most part. She bullied Alana when they were younger, and now she comes off aggressive and bossy, even if that is supposed to show interest. Reading of Alana crying when she was forced to eat in front of her really hurt to read. It definitely felt like a U Haul lesbian situation, moving fast and intense. There was some love there, but it started in a way that did not sit right with me. So the author did a great job with the tension.
January 6, 2024
Yup - Thirsty! 🥰
Absolutely a whirlwind romance, but if you take into account the history that Ava and Alana share, it just makes sense. Past bully, high school crush, childhood trauma - it all makes their connection all the more intense! I love how Ava just claims Alana, yet takes such sweet care of her...that's hott! I'm so happy that there are 2 more books in the series... I feel we've only scratched the surface of this couple.
Absolutely a whirlwind romance, but if you take into account the history that Ava and Alana share, it just makes sense. Past bully, high school crush, childhood trauma - it all makes their connection all the more intense! I love how Ava just claims Alana, yet takes such sweet care of her...that's hott! I'm so happy that there are 2 more books in the series... I feel we've only scratched the surface of this couple.
December 29, 2023
3 stars. Definitely the best book I’ve read from this author but man the writing needs work. It’s just so clunky and awkward. However, the characters of Ava and Lana were great. I really liked them both as individuals and their romance was fast, sexy, and intense. They had great chemistry and the sex scenes were really good. I’ll continue on with the series because the romance has me intrigued.
December 13, 2023
I felt for Ava and Alana. Both have issues and both need their opposite number to bring the issues to the surface so can build a relationship. They only needs a gentle push. Love to hear more from these two souls.
January 3, 2024
One down
I love books that characters have immediate chemistry. Ava and Alana have it in spades. I loved the back story and how they connect right away even with their spotted past. Can't wait for the next book.
I love books that characters have immediate chemistry. Ava and Alana have it in spades. I loved the back story and how they connect right away even with their spotted past. Can't wait for the next book.
February 16, 2024
As promised
In reading the authors bio, she says she writes dramatic world wind romance tales, we’ll my good people she delivers as promised. Ava and Alana are certainly in world wind romance and I’m enjoying reading their love story. Looking forward to book two in this series.
In reading the authors bio, she says she writes dramatic world wind romance tales, we’ll my good people she delivers as promised. Ava and Alana are certainly in world wind romance and I’m enjoying reading their love story. Looking forward to book two in this series.
June 12, 2024
Truly it’s 3.5 for me but rounded up. I liked how the sex scenes were written. I liked the pacing. There’s nothing I feel strongly about critiquing in this book, I think it did what it set out to do.
February 6, 2025
the characters and plot are very poorly developed, and given how similar the characters' names and narrative styles are, accompanied by the lack of technical expertise in knowing when to add a paragraph break during dialogue, the story is confusing at point.
September 10, 2023
I have thoughts. Review to come.
February 22, 2024
Steamy! Not my usual cuppa but a good read for sure!
March 16, 2024
Really short, quick read. I could use more character development.
May 27, 2024
I can't handle bullying... but I most definitely can't handle bullying as in Fat-shaming.. I can't handle that. I always feel like a part of me inside is shrinking. So, no.
July 6, 2024
Loved the fast pace romance - quick read and nice one to cleanse your palette before moving onto another book. Wish the story line wasn't as fast pace though.
September 10, 2024
bored at page 23
October 26, 2024
This story is easy to read the spice is a plus 🌶️🌶️🌶️ this is the first book I read by this author I will be reading more.
December 22, 2024
Bffr. Ava was obsessive, pushy and a huge red flag.
Alana…. It’s giving Stockholm Syndrome. Tough read.
Alana…. It’s giving Stockholm Syndrome. Tough read.
March 1, 2025
Whew, Chile, a page turner
This was short, but definitely a page turner. I'm so happy for both Ava and Alana, and their live for each other
This was short, but definitely a page turner. I'm so happy for both Ava and Alana, and their live for each other
Read
April 10, 2025was this made with ai?
June 27, 2025
Smut city! Not what I was expecting. Couldn’t even finish it.
November 16, 2025
Very straight to the point
I love a good love story but this one is the cutest, sweetest, slightly reminds me of my own relationship in certain aspects story I've read this month!
I love a good love story but this one is the cutest, sweetest, slightly reminds me of my own relationship in certain aspects story I've read this month!
April 3, 2026
passionate lesbain romantic
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews