Spinnin' The Block

by Aubreé Pynn

Years ago, before Elijah was thrusted into the spotlight, he made a promise to always be there for Olivia when she called. With a solid friendship and missed opportunities to be lovers, Elijah’s number is up, and it is time to put his money where his mouth is.

Olivia has assumed responsibility for the well-being of her father and the expenses that come with an ailing parent. Choosing his well-being over hers has left her feeling like she’s running out of time to have what she wants.

When Elijah returns home to help his best friend to acquire WSV, he’s face to face with all of his empty promises. Can Elijah reconnect with Olivia once and for all or will their wants, needs and love only be a dream left in the shards of a broken promise?

Genres: African American Romance, Romance

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2023

Reviews

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright AP! I was mad as hell at Elijah, cause why sir? I get that you were feeling some things, and it was hard to go back to the Hills to face the music. But this is Olivia we talkin' about! How dare you do that foul ish to her! 👀🤬 You will have to pull out the big guns to smooth this over. Ughhh..... 😤

Olivia held it down the best she could considering all that happened. Dealing with her loss, Elijah's selfishness, and her dad's health, it was a wonder she had the strength to handle it all! 💔 But handle it she did, until it just became too much! Then guess who brings his ole raggedy ass back to town? Mmmhmmm.... Olivia is excited to see Elijah after all this time, but she is also soooo angry with him, for how he treated her. She is ready to give him the business. Well, she tries, but her love for him is so strong that it doesn't take long for him to break her down.

I did appreciate how Elijah swooped in and rescued Olivia from her circumstances and gave her all the love she has been missing. But I'm still giving him a bit of the 👀, cause it ain't take you that damn long to get yo self together!! Nonetheless they were a beautiful couple, and deserved all the success and happiness life has to offer. Enjoyed another visit to the Hills. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[Mrs. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spun the block

Yes, I spun the block a few times with this couple. I was hating Elijah for his shiggity shoo with the way he treated his go-to rider and friend. The three blackateers became one when Elijah's promises became empty words to Olivia. Seven freaking years man.. I could not make E's decisions make sense. I needed Olivia to let Elijah grovel for much longer. I hoped upon all hope the ending would be just as sweet. I am satisfied, completely.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐😍👰😋

I really enjoyed this story; I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

Trope: Black Love, Childhood friend to lovers,

Enjoyment: 4 ⭐

Hero: 4 ⭐

Heroine: 4 😍

Character development: 4 ⭐

Emotional: 3 ⭐

Sweet: 4 ⭐

Romance: 3 ⭐

Heat\steam: 4 ⭐

Intrigue: 4 ⭐

Action: 1 ⭐

Violence: 3 ⭐

Story\plot: 3.5 ⭐

World Building: 3 ⭐

Enjoy!!!

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny how I started off wanting to fight DJ Eli only to want to…nevermind. The point is Aubree was in her bag with this. We went on a journey of grief, love and healing all set in the backdrop of our favorite place: Ganton Hills. Despite the years that kept them apart, Eli and Livi had a bond that couldn’t be erased. One of my favorite things about this story, other than how nasty these two were lol, was the fact that even though they wasted very little time getting into a relationship, Livi didn’t make it too easy for Eli after he messed up and their relationship didn’t fix all their problems. They still had to work and communicate with one another to not only make their fallen bestie’s dream come true, but also commit to the love they had for one another.

[Sip then Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sip Approved ✅

Let’s Set the Mood Right Quick:

Spinnin’ The Block (Ganton Hills Romance Series Book 4) by Aubree Pynn

Drink: Fuego Mocktail

Music: On Everything by LaToya London ft Anthony Hamilton, Saved by Jac Ross

Elijah: If, “I’m here now,” was a person it would be Elijah. My man was ready to make good on all his promises.

Olivia: If, “you gonna have to show me” was a person it would be Olivia. Words mean nothing to her at this point.

Fuego: If, “hood legend,” was a person it would be Fuego. His dream was to carry his neighborhood on his back.

Spinnin’ The Block gave us all the feels. It had us in a choke hold from beginning to end. We loved the characters, the story progression, the underlining messages, and the overall vibe of the book. This story is a testament to never forget where you come from. It showed how people can shape your future, and you not even realize it. So much came together to make these characters who they were and explained why they did what they did. Something Aubree Pynn did so well was show the family dynamics. The family aspect stood out so much. It reflected real life. Every family doesn’t look like the Huxtables. Families come in all shapes and sizes in real life and in this story and it was so fun to see how that affected the characters growth. Olivia didn’t look like your everyday heroine, and it was perfectly okay. It didn’t take away from her being beautiful and talented. Elijah and Fuego weren’t your average hood kids with a dream. This story was powerful, funny, sexy, and an all-around good time. This second chance, friends to lovers romance just hits different. This is a must read for sure.

[Nikita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spinnin’ The Block

Elijah, seven years, sir that was a long time. I was angry at him myself. But man did he redeem himself. Olivia was my girl, I loved her as a character. She was committed, hardworking, loved hard and more. Elijah and Olivia Necole were truly a beautiful depiction of friends, lovers and partners. I loved their story from beginning to end. I got all the feels ❤️

[Dee LoLo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hurt people Hurt People

I wasn’t prepared for the healing or the hurt that this book caused.

Elijah and Olivia are by every definition friends. Loving each other is the most natural thing. But when you love someone you hurt them easier and deeper than anyone else. You rest in the comfort that they will be there. That they love you too. When you fuck up, you know that they may get mad but you hope the love will carry you to the forgiveness.

Elijah and Olivia have their own darkness and battles and their own paths to heal the damage that life caused. It’s with tears and smiles, anger and vices, that they choose each other above the noise and the doubts.

I appreciated the gentleness Olivia housed. She was his home and he was her compass. He would always come back for her and she would always need him to make sure she stayed the course.

Elijah was a man who owns his faults and stands in his wrongdoings. His strength to be vulnerable when he could have made excuses was refreshing and what won me over.

I won’t say that this book is trigger free. But i will say it’s worth the read. It’s a beautiful lesson in forgiveness birthing bitter sweet happiness.

[Dédé · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spinnin’ the Block by Aubree Pynn is about DJ Elijah Carson and aspiring photographer Olivia Nelson. When a childhood friend died tragically Eli is forced out of town and into his dreams at the urging of Olivia but not before making a promise to her. Several years past and Olivia is still stuck at home except with 3 dead end jobs, a parent with a disability and a whole lot of past due bills! Meanwhile, Eli has gone on to superstardom 😒 I’m not sure who was more upset/hurt by Eli, between myself and Olivia. Eli sweeps back into town ready to spin the block and right all his wrongs. He had his work cut out for him and rightfully so because he neglected to keep his word when he said he would. Olivia should have cussed him off more if you ask me 😤. Luckily Eli came ready to pour into Olivia. I love that he didn’t just buy her things, because he was her friend first he knew exactly what she needed. The chemistry was doing its thing between them even when Olivia wanted nothing to do with Eli. I mean these two are 🔥🤪💦Big Daddy Eli turned Liv OUT!! 🫦 Aubree Pynn wrote a beautiful story as usual; especially with the family dynamics and community, despite circumstances they built something special. I love a full circle moment and there were several!
Always a pleasure seeing old friends, and it wouldn’t be AP if she didn’t introduce us to new people that you just can’t wait for their story.

P.s. That snippet at the end 😮 definitely interested in seeing how that goes!

CW~ murder, mentions loss of a parent, violence and sexual assault

**ARC REVIEW**
  

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elijah and Olivia are mourning the death of their best friend Fuego. In order to face more trouble, Elijah goes on the road and promises to come back for Olivia. Unfortunately, seven years pass by before that happens and she is determined to make him feel her wrath. What she didn't expect was a man was cocky and caked up. I'm his efforts to win her back, Elijah will do just about anything to prove his love for her.

This book tugged on the emotions of so many emotions. At first I hated the main character Elijah, and then I slowly started to fall in love with him. I felt sorry for Olivia, but smiled at her glow up. Overall, I loved this book for so many reasons…character development, flow of the story, plot twist and ending. My favorite character would have to be Elijah whereas my least favorite is Flex. Jealousy and envy did not look good on him.

I highly recommend this book by @aubreepynn, and look forward to reading more.

[DeWanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queue up Musiq Soul Child's Buddy and Just Friends...........
Your day ones that you dream, plan and set goals with always hold a special place to the heart. Watching the evolution of Deja and Elijah coming together was awesome. Fuego was wise beyond his years and guided them along the journey. I wanted to not like Eli at first because he took too much time making good on his promise. Deja was a soldier through it all.

[martha fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

7 years dude?????

While the story was beautiful and the ending, chef's kiss I still have a beef with DJ Eli...how do you leave your bestie, your ride and die, your love for seven years???? What???? I am always enamored with this author's book bae and even shared that she should have a masterclass on crafting book baes but Elijah....nah!!!! Still a good book but you may be hotter than fish grease with Eli...just saying.

[BlackBookVibes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love me some Ganton Hills

If it says Ganton Hills, I'm reading it! All i can say is Olivia was a saint to forgive Elijah's trifing butt!! He would've gotten 10 more cussing out before i spoke to him for that mess he pulled! I was mad for her until about 70% of the book. But glad they made it.

[Carnetta Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that brought a soft tear to my eyes. It has the right amount of spice, love, drama, and feel good to it. Thoroughly enjoyed it. In my top 10 of 2023 reads for sure.

[Crystal Luckey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elijah and Olivia have been the best of friends forever, but when their trio becomes a duo, Elijah had to leave and he promised Olivia that he would always be there for her. Seven years later, Elijah is back home and his promises were broken. For seven years, Olivia did what she was supposed to do to take care of her father, but in the process, her dreams died, until Elijah returned. Now that he is back, he has two things on his mind, get Olivia to be he's and make her dreams a reality. Olivia wants nothing to do with Elijah, but his constant need to help her, wore her down. Elijah and Olivia has always had feelings for each other and now that they are back together, the time has come to act on them.
Elijah wasn't there as promised, but he made sure to make up for what he didn't do. Olivia gave him a hard time, but she knew he was all she every wanted. I really enjoyed this story, to see Olivia get everything she finally wanted and desired was to satisfying. Aubree Pynn sucked me into this story and I couldn't get enough. Elijah was a man, who knew what he wanted and what he had to do to get it. I loved that we were able to get insist into what he went through during those years he was away building his career. I enjoyed seeing the love between Olivia and Elijah and how they were meant for each other. Another Big Pynn great!!!

[Tracy - loves to read · Rating 5 out of 5]

The supporting cast member

Fuego was the catalyst but he was just the supporting cast member in the trio with Olivia being the producer and Eli being the star. He knew they were destined for greatness and he played a small part. With his murder Olivia and Eli suffered greatly. Life happened for both of them but one was running from reality and living a good life while the other was facing life head on and getting their butt kicked.
Eli finally got his head out the sand and spun the block - back to the hills/hood, back to where the dream started , back to atone for the pain he caused Olivia, and back for Olivia. He returned but the red carpet welcome his cocky self expected left him with a sticky orange juice shower. Olivia was trying to live and was barely making it. Eli’s promise that he had her , give him 1 year to hit success and he’d be back - never happened. So She had to step up and take care of everyone and everything. He finally came back and he had to put in some work.

But these two were meant to be tho. Cute read and beautiful story about loyalty.

Good read

[Jaleesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

here do I begin? I had high expectations for this one and Aubree Pynn exceeded every single one. I finished this book in like 8 hours, even considered not sleeping because I was so invested.
We are back in Ganton Hills and this time we get to meet Olivia and Elijah, best friends who are in love with each other. They take things further one night after a tragedy and Eli heads out west to go live his dreams. Eli makes a promise and when we meet them in the present we see that he didn't follow through.
Liv and Eli have both experienced A LOT of life over the SEVEN years they were apart. I'm not going to give it away because you deserve to experience this journey at your own pace.
Eli knew he was wrong and when I say he showed up back in the Hills with a plan I am so serious. He was the epitome of applying pressure. Like honestly, Liv didn't stand a chance and good for her. Their years apart were not kind to my girl so she deserved everything she got.
I loved their love. You could feel it coming off the page. The way Eli rode for her and spoke life into her and her dreams was just *chefs kiss*. They shared grief and seeing them love and essentially heal each other was really beautiful. They were also nasty. CHAPTER 11, I'll leave it at that.
The way Aubree made me want to fight, cry, watch and grab dinner with these fictional people is a testament to how powerful her pen is. She continues to elevate her storytelling and Spinnin the Block is proof of that.
TAKE YOUR ASS TO GANTON HILLS ASAP

[Janielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!!!!

This was an AMAZING story!!!! Such an emotional journey! I love that Olivia gave Elijah hell when he came back, he deserved it. He needed to sit in that for a little bit. But baybee, when they finally leaned fully into it...💥⚡️💥⚡️!!!! I loved how Elijah loved on Olivia, really how they loved on each other. They truly brought out the best in each other. I also loved all the family members, they gave great support. It was beautiful that Fuego's musical voice was still heard. I'm also glad that coward that set all this in motion got dealt with. This was an absolute 5 ⭐ Star banger!

[Milcah Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances and new beginnings❤️‍🔥

Ms. Pynn, you have done it again! This was beautiful! Liv and Eli were a match made in Hills Heaven. Eli DEFINITELY dropped the ball, but it was necessary. They needed to grow apart before they could grow together. While I hate that Liv’s life wasn’t a pretty one, she got everything she was owed and more. I loved how Fuego wasn’t just a memory in this one. His presence was felt even in his physical absence.

It was great seeing Zaim and Davina again! I’m glad Cash is okay even if he’s struggling—I still need that follow up! Uncle Shy and Dior are going to be something too and def need more updates on the hills!

[Jrobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hard love but a deep love

This is a second second-chance/bestfriends to lovers romance. They started as a trio Liv, Eli, Franco coming up in hood dreaming of better. Before they could, one was lost. Eli still has the opposite for better and leaves home with promises to return. Life got in the way seven years later he's coming for his woman. This man came with that pressure and all the smoke behind Liv. She fought it, but the love was too great. The amount of upgrading taking place was beautiful she deserved every bit of that soft! Beautiful love story Aubree Pynn pen never misses!

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an emotional and suspenseful page turner!!!!!!!

I am still angry with Elijah. That violent, bloody night, he could find his way to Olivia, to clean up his bullet wounds, but in seven years Eli couldn't call or fly home to check on her????

Eli is now a multi-millionaire and poor, overwhelmed Olivia is working three jobs, skipping meals, and in a financial crisis that will cause her to lose everything.

I absolutely loved this captivating story but no matter how many bills Eli paid, and how many shopping sprees he took Olivia on, still too little and too late!!!!

[Shawberry Likes To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to lovers......Olivia and Elijah up as part of a best friend trio. Unfortunately, tragedy struck and in the blink of eye things changed. seven years late on a broken promise Elijah is back to reclaim the heart of his one true love. However, life has hardened Olivia and simply apologizing is not enough. Whew, this was a rocky ride. I love the fact they continuously honored Fuego's dreams. The flame between Olivia and Elijah never died so with forgiven, trust and love it was rekindled to an even stronger bond. Ganton Hills is filled with talent, love, betrayal and more. You can't help but to root for each series couple .

[A Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benefits of Spinning The Block

This story tells you about the benefits of spinning the block when you know that the timing is right. Olivia definitely held on to that anger from the broken promises, but Elijah applied that pressure and would not ease up because when the heart knows, it knows. Returning to Ganton Hills for one thing and realizing his errors, Elijah crosses paths with Olivia for a possible second chance and as a man who is used to getting what he wants, he takes all the steps forgetting that he is attempting to get back in the graces of a headstrong/stubborn woman who was left to fend for herself and her father.

[DOMINIQUE Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli & Livi

One tragic night changed these friends forever. 7 years later Olivia is going through it as she tries to care for her wheelchair bound father, his mounting medical bills, and late household bills. Elijah returns home to be with his best friend Olivia but after realizing how bad things were for her when he left to become a successful DJ things are a gonna be harder than he originally thought. While I felt Olivia forgave Elijah too quick I can understand that her imprinted on her and he had some issues as well that kept him away from her. I can’t understand why Elijah’s mom just basically forgot about Olivia because they seemed so close.

[Camisha Crisp]

Aubree Pynn is that Girl!

Aubree Pynn needs to be one of your favorite authors! Spinnin the Block is proof of that . Eli and Olivia’s love story is one that will have you ready to two piece Eli, and cry with Olivia. I love the way Aubree writes about black love and the black experience. She manages to tug at your heartstrings and having you laugh out loud. Spinnin the Block leaves your heart full, and wishing for a love worth spinning the block for!

[Neka · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it (some spoilers)

Starting off Eli pi$$ed me off because he didn’t keep his promise to her. Then he started to redeem himself and I loved that. Olivia was my girl I loved how she kept him or tried to keep him at arms length until she was ready to give in. I wanted to unalive Flex I kept saying I don’t like him. I love how they honored Eli Bestfriend. I recommend this book to everyone you will not be disappointed.

[Kristal Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spinnin’ the block

This was such a good book and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Eli was all about Olivia and she was all about Eli. Life took them apart for a while, but Eli was determined to get his girl back and stopped at nothing to do so. The love between these two was so sweet and endearing. I loved their bond and connection and how they loved each other and had each others back.

[Jamiya Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, 5 out of 5. This has been floating around my feed since it’s release date and I put it off because I wasn’t sure if I could read it as a standalone. The drama is good. The romance is sweet. And the spice is spicy. There were a couple of moments where things that happened felt a little corny, but I pushed it to the side because real life has corny moments. I’ll recommend this book to anybody. It’s just that good.

[Takiyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

DJ Eli on the 1s and 2s with Olivia Necole

Eli and Olivia had a lot to deal with before spinnin the block.

Being separated from each other for 7 years was not in the plan, but was needed to help prepare the souls for the comeback. Although Olivia was as stubborn as they come she had every right to be. Eli’s promises fell on deaf ears until his actions finally reflected his words in truth.

[Lakedia Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spin the block

The author did an amazing job with this one. Eli and Olivia story was one for the ages. Their love oozed off the pages. The moment he walked back into her life he spoke life into her. From the prologue I knew we were in for a treat. The only complaint I have about this book is that I wanted more.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where are the tissues!!

Whew!! What a journey! Eli and Olivia sent me. This book was so good! It was so refreshing to see Olivia stand her ground, and Eli really elevate her and put her on to the soft life that she deserved. Franco lived on through his two friends. Beautiful story..