Navy Thomas has dominated the game of football over and over again. Now that the game he’s loved so much is showing signs of being in transition, he’s trying to read the screen and move along with the play. That’s easier said than done.
Jaylani James is the daughter of a living legend who hasn’t been able to step into her own lane, yet. As she navigates the current and is met with doubt at every turn, she’s surrounded by a father and strong women who want to see her win.
For Navy and Jaylani, true change doesn’t occur until they step foot on Lavendale State College’s campus bracing themselves for a homecoming experience neither will ever forget. Some say going home feeds and renews the soul. Could this be true for Navy and Jaylani, or will the game of life swallow them whole?
Family is at the core of Homecoming Szn II. Jaylani is the daughter of football legend Jaylan “Mr. Primetime” James. Her ultimate goal is to start her professional career as an Athletic Trainer at Lavendale State College. Also known as The House Primetime built but, she’s willing to get her feet wet with the Lavendale Knights if they’ll actually hire her. Even with her years of experience and given who her dad is, it’s still hard for Jaylani to break into this male dominated field. Sexism is definitely keeping doors closed and opportunities of her reach. Add to that, Primetime is secretly battling CTE so, when she’s not working in the city, Jaylani is driving back and forth to help her mama care for her dad. Because of Primetime’s illness, her anxiety is high, and her stress levels are maxed out. Her girls and Mama Audrey can see Jaylani desperately needs a break so, they all but force her to partake in the homecoming festivities. Navy has been hit with some unexpected and life changing news. After fifteen seasons with the Pine Haven Bears, he was unceremoniously cut from the team with no warning. But, the football Gods were smiling upon Navy because he was immediately offered a coaching position with the Lavendale Knights. To sweeten the deal, the powers that be are rolling out the red carpet for Navy during homecoming weekend so he can get a taste of what life will be like as a member of the Knights’ franchise. He just has to convince his 13-year-old daughter to get on board for, yet, another move. Navy Thomas was perfection. He was a great father, a great friend, a great cousin, and a great nephew. Nothing and no one came before his family. Especially Mimi. When I say he took care of everyone in his circle, he took care of EVERYONE! But, unfortunately for Navy, there’s a snake hiding in plain sight in his circle who does not reciprocate his loyalty. And, can I just say, it almost took me out when the snake was revealed. 😩😩😩😩 Homecoming Szn II more than lived up to its predecessor. As with book one, I loved the focus on friendship, Greek life, and the importance of attending an HBCU. I was, once again, catapulted back to my days on the yard at TSU. The authenticity of the HBCU experience was well represented and I could just feel the homecoming vibes emanating throughout the pages. This book gave me all the black collegiate feels and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Navy was a famous NFL player that was at a crossroad to figure out what was the next chapter in his career. He was hesitant to uproot his daughter yet again, but he was hoping his next move would bring some stability. He heads to Lavendale Homecoming in search of his next opportunity, and his world stops when he sees Jaylani. This man who has been laser focused on his child with no real relationships with women is ready to risk it all just to get to know this woman.
Jaylani has been off men for years. After having a terrible breakup after college she decided to focus on herself. She then had to help her mother care for her father who was unfortunately deteriorating. She picked a safe career, that would allow her to properly support her family. Her mom and friends convince her to let her hair down and have a little fun at homecoming, which consisted of her eventually acting on the crazy attraction she felt for Navy.
These two were the epitome of if you know you know. By day 2 Navy was like 🎵🎶"Take my money, my house and my carrrssss, for one hit of you baby you can have it all."🎶🎵🤣🤣 He was locked in and after his daughter saw how happy he seemed, she was locked in too.
There was so much drama, jealousy, hater ish, and down right betrayal that it made their union anything but easy. It was a lot going on, I don't know that we needed ALL of that but it did come together. I loved how Jay and Navy were both protective of each other and how both were ready for war over his baby girl.
I loved that we got stroll action in this one. We also got the Homecoming parade, so it felt more authentic. I still wanted some band action but it was good.
Ms. Aubree you do need an editor. Some names were used out of context. There were misspelled words, let the reader focus on the story.
I knew this story was going to take me in a direction from the brief interlude. I can tell you why I liked this story, and why you should read HSZN II. First, the story was about family, family values, greed, deception, a famous athlete going through some things, a romance for the ages, and a teenaged girl who will steal your heart. Now, let's talk about Navy James, every time I say his name I want to high-risk this man. Navy was traded to a team as their coach. While he was at the homecoming weekend, he met his person. They did all kinds of unmentionable talking and bonding to solidify a relationship, they were not expecting. Jaylani was his person in all manners. Aside for her little secret from the world, Jaylani appeared to be a well-adjusted 30s something daughter to a famous dad. No spoilers, I've given you enough in the opening to see why this story is pivotal for readers to better understand that football isn't for the faint at heart.. The author did a banging job of keeping the seriousness in the health issue in the story classy. 4.75 stars...
Bravo, bravo, bravo 👏. Season 2 of homecoming was a hit of success. The way Aubreé got me in my feelings and had me shedding thug tears and sniffling was crazy. Imma still deny if asked in person though. Jaylani and Navy’s love story was really a tale I could go on and on but the the family circle they created and have you don’t get that these days and I loved that for them. I loved miomi’s old soul and her relationship with navy and jaylani as well as jaylani and her daddy Jaylan’s dynamic. After god helped deal away all their enemies and trials they were left standing prospering and thriving even at the lost of a close figure in their life. Navy is all about his girls he came and slapped the wall off thou who want to try and test the beasts territory 😭. I really enjoyed this story and all that came with it; aubreé again tapped in with her fingers creating magic. She brought in that HBCU feel and nostalgia even if you never been to one it draws you in with the mix of sports prime time football world. Enjoy this ride of a read people‼️
This book was very sweet. I loved Jaylani and her relation with her bonus mom. The way they supported and loved one another was so beautiful. Those daughters of Mama Audrey were something else. Ewww But that Navy! He is everything. He is a great father, a great partner, a great friend and he was a great cousin and nephew. RJ got his hatefulness from his mama. Idc iDC! I did not like that lady. I hope they keep her far away from them in the future. She has a toxic spirit. The love that Jaylani and Navy had overshadowed all of the drama in this book. I really enjoyed reading them.
“What happens at homecoming ain’t staying at homecoming.” This quote summarizes Homecoming Szn because the characters arrived on the scene, single as a dollar bill but left with a lifetime of happiness. Navy is a NFL linebacker, single father, and all-around good man! He was at the tail end of his career during the book, and I could tell this was an adjustment for him. Jaylani is the daughter of an NFL legend and is on the road of creating her own lane. I feel that Aubree did a fantastic job with the storyline. It offered me nostalgic feelings, wishing I was back in college with my best friends. I loved the friendships, the banter and jokes, and the way the story paid homage to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The book included, sexual chemistry, close proximity, a hotel room mix-up, and dating with intention and workplace romance. Aubree knows she can “pynn” a father! I loved everything about Navy and his daughter, Miomi’s, relationship. Miomi was wise beyond her age, but I could sense her yearning for a mother-figure, and Jaylani was the perfect candidate. I appreciated the real-life scenarios in the story, which included women in male dominated arenas, CTE and the hardship of being a caregiver for a parent, and the anticipatory grief of losing a loved one. I truly enjoyed the book and found myself swooning over the characters so much!
I feel like the first book should've been full length and this should've been a novella. I didn't find this couple that captivating for a full length book. I would've rather read about Oliver and Pierce's relationship. Though, the betrayal twist was interesting.
Aunt Shandi sucked, Preston didn't get what he deserved, and her "sisters" shouldn't have received anything in the end. It was clear the alleged sisters didn't love Jaylan and I wished she would have stopped referring to them as family when they didn't treat her well.
The low rating is because of all the grammar issues. It was bad and a lot of sentences didn't make sense. This author is established so I expect her to put more care and pride into her final product. It's truly disappointing to see she doesn't care about grammar because books are learning tools.
Before we jump on this live tomorrow to discuss this amazing book of course I had to bless you with my visuals and slight review with no spoilers. Just Cover2cover book club to get more info.
I hands down love me some Navy Thomas and Jaylani James! Navy a single father of a 13 year old girl who is the light of his world. A trip to homecoming at LSC he crosses paths with Jaylan’s James ans honestly the rest is history.
I loved the relationship Navy had with his daughter he was dad dad!! The relationship Jaylani built with her was beautiful! Jaylani was also a daddy’s girl and I felt the love she had for her dad poor of the pages 💕.
The book has minimal drama I laughed I swooned and I cried. I jumped In Aubree DM real quick. Even though I shedded some tears they were needed and I felt every emotion reading this the crying was needed for personal reason. This was a feel good book with a lot of spice. But Navy Thomas is a man man!! I love him!
This was the wild ride that I expected. Starting with the trigger warnings and character introductions. Pynn got it poppin’ early. The couple clicked right away, so there wasn’t a long drawn out courtship. I knew that meant some other drama was in store. This book took me on an emotional roller coaster. I laughed and cried. It got real messy. The snakes were slithering all around Navy and Jaylani. They managed to handle them one by one. All while creating their own family. Their connection was so strong. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it all come together. This book spoke to my love of sports romances. I’m loving Homecoming Szn. I hope that there will be more installments in this series.
Whew Chile! I loved this read so freaking much Navy is my man my man my man and I love that for me and Jay… This was such a phenomenal read from the family to the friends from the spice to the love and laughter this book came through with it all especially the football it’s a win and I can’t wait for what next
I’m team mimi this little girl is a champ, I love our main character chemistry by Miomi was the icon of this book 🤣 All the travis Kelce’s quote made me cackle
👏🏾👏🏾 She has done it AGAIN! I’m telling you, AP, don’t miss!
Navy Thomas is an NFL linebacker who has dominated the field for a long time, but as his career winds down, he is thinking about his next career steps, all while raising his 13-year-old daughter and trying to focus her trash as mommy to be one.
Jaylani James is the daughter of Living legend Jaylan James, who hasn’t been able to step into her spotlight yet. After a devastating betrayal, she stops applying herself. Jaylani is ok with just existing. That was until her old college friends convinced her to return home for homecoming. And what happens at homecoming stays at homecoming, or does it?
First and foremost, let’s start with the most crucial thing: NAVY MF THOMAS 😩🥵🍆🙌🏾 that’s a King right there 👏🏾👏🏾. A remarkable man, father, friend, brother, nephew/son. Talk about a man who stood on his word; man, I love him.
Jaylani was going through some heavy stuff, but I loved her spirit and strength. She handed business, no matter how difficult. It’s not easy showing up for obligations when you feel like falling apart, but she did it with so much grace in class.
Aubree did a fantastic job giving us all the feels with this story; I laughed. I cried. I was pissed. I was swooning. I felt like catching up with an old friend about their life. It's such a great read. Definitely pick it up.
Some of My Favorite Parts: 1. Jaylani and Jaylan's relationship 🤎🤎 2. Navy and Mimi relationship 🥰🥰 3. Duncan messing with Oliver 🤣🤣 4. The girls, Pierce, Akira and Jaylani! I love the sisterhood. 5. Navy beating Darrien and Conrad’s asses
Words cannot quite express how I feel about this book. I’m honestly tongue tied. This was amazing in every sense of the word. Navy is superman and the way he loves is just so beautiful. The book addressed so many heavy issues but though it was very heavy the way it was put together also made it a little light. Mimi and the gang are by far my favourite characters. I love the character development and how everybody sort exhaled in a way. No stone was left on turned in this story. There was a magnetic attraction between the characters. Jay was so stubborn but the chemistry between them was electric and I loved every minute of it. I also love the beauty that transcended in friendship. The support of their tribe, survival, perseverance, determination and loyalty resonated throughout this story. But while we had all these great things we also had betrayal. RJ was jealous because he thought he lived in his cousin’s shadow and because of that he attempted to hurt him which was quite unfortunate because I liked the character prior to the revelation but I guess there a lesson in that for the readers. This story was impeccable and I loved the excitement in the college pride shown and I definitely wish I had HBCU experience. PS: I spotted the Jamaican dialect Aubreé and I feel seen
This was good!!! I love a non expecting nothing romance. The parallel sorry of the two main characters was the sweetest. They were genuinely a perfect fit. Don’t we love a man who is for us before we know what the hell we want!!! Megatron was a man all about his actions and baby was there actions behind his wants needs and the people he cared about. Mimi was a sweetheart and I’m so glad to see a black father standing the way he did behind her and how she was his world. Jay was a woman after her own bag and career trying to make her mark. She was every bit of her stepmother and it was the sweetest to see. The friend group was everything. But damn if there is not always something to through you off and make you hit a low. Navy didn’t deserve that from his brother. He and his daughter loved him. I felt a little bad for RJ but damn get that out and in the open with your parents don’t take it out with the one who is feeding you. A Win is a Win🏆. The way Navy loved on Jay and wanted to be in that women’s skin I loved it!!!
These two frustrated me but also made me smile. The story of Navy and Jaylani will have you smile, cuss, laugh, and cry. These two were missing something in life and unbeknownst to one another it could be found in a stranger over the course of a weekend. Have you ever fell in love at first sight? Would you risk it all for a connection you can’t explain? It could all be so simple. Each of these main characters needed to come home and find a soft place to land. I will say that i was pleasantly surprised. Not by Aubree’s writing but by this being a whole piece of art. Not a novella for the holiday but an experience to fall into. This book was the perfect blend of fire and desire. Keep it up Ms. Pynn you are one of my forever favorites.
This book was so good. It had me locked in from beginning to end. Navy and Jaylani were what each other was missing. I loved their organic chemistry and connection. I loved little miss Mimi. She kept me laughing with her quick wit and how she was about her daddy. I wouldn’t be mad if there was books that were dedicated to Oliver and Pierce and to Akira and Duncan because those couples were cute and I would love to see more into their relationships. I also loved the how the title of this book had so many meanings.
I would definitely recommend this book. It had all the love and feels, all the hunching and some necessary a*$ whoopins. This read was well worth the wait.
Jayla and Navy were meant to in each other’s lives for longer than a homecoming season. Their eyes met and the connection was instant. Navy was a man on a mission. He had the successful football career, money, a daughter - all he needed was love from the right woman. Jaylani was on the cusp of walking into her greatness. She had a vision for her life and finally decided to go for it. She had some heavy reasons for not pursuing her dreams. But as the daughter of Primetime she knew she had to step it up. It wouldn’t hurt to have someone special in her corner to help with her load. Their hookup was hot and heavy but they both realized it had to be more. Through thick and thin it was their love for the win
Homecoming Szn… hands down top ten book of what’s left of 2023!! Navy Thomas will be that book bae that has your kitty purring and your heart beating out of your chest!! Aubree Pynn should be one of your favorite writers right now. If she isn’t on your radar, let Homecoming Szn II be your introduction to your newest one click writer. Come on through yo Lavendale and meet Jaylani James, her girls and the rest of the crew!! I promise you will ever so glad you did.
This book surprised me in unexpected ways. I’m not usually a insta love or love at first sight girlie but I genuinely enjoyed this book. This book so was well written that I felt like I was experiencing the book in real time. Seeing a beautiful portrayal of love in all forms so breathtaking. The bond that was formed within the different families and friend groups felt genuine and not forced. This books does talk about heavy subjects, but I liked how they were discussed with the upmost care. I’m now off to read this authors entire collection.
Ms. Pynn, you never cease to amaze me. This story was beautiful. It was literally a breath of fresh air. Navy and Jaylani were a match made in heaven. It was obvious from the minute their eyes connected. Navy was a man with a plan and when the opportunity presented itself, he took it. Jay was just what he and Mimi had been missing. Despite all the turmoil Sabrina, RJ, Darrien, and Conrad caused, Navy and Jay were a united front and overcame it all. Jaylan’s legacy will definitely live on.
This was a beautifully written book. I laughed, cried and blushed while reading. I appreciated that the female besties found love with male besties. I LOVE the way Navy and Jay had immediate attraction and Navy did not let up, he LOVE Jay down (physically, emotionally and mentally) and she was definitely his peace and the way Jay loved on Miomi....beautiful. I enjoyed reading this book full of beautiful black love. P.S. Everyone got exactly what they deserve, karma ain't no joke. P.S.S. 2mil and property for those disappearing daughters was to much.
If you do anything to bring in the New Year, do yourself a favor and read this book. It has all the makings of a perfect book.
Jaylani has been through some things but she doesn’t let it break her. She decides to go to Homecoming with her day ones and locks eyes with Navy. Navy is book bae. He knew what he wanted and never let up.
You will cry like real tears. You will laugh and fall in love with these fictional characters. Pierce and Arika deserve their own stories. Mimi…I simply loved that little girl.
This was an awesome story. I could hardly put it down. I love reading about sports and romance and this covered it all. Navy and Jaylani were great for each other. I just loved how Audrey was the (step) mother Jay needed in her life. Emotions ran through me in while reading. Yes, I cried a few tears both happy and sad. The couple’s best friends were the best and all fit well with each other. Too bad for Navy’s cousin but he and all the participants got what they were looking for. This one deserves 10 ⭐️’s.
Some of these men really deserve everything and Navy Thomas deserves it all. Love at first sight during Homecoming? Sign me up. Now as for the daughters raising their fathers, that’s Jaylani and Miomi. However, Jaylani wants to make sure her father knows she’s always going to be there because who else would she have if he’s gone? Homecoming SZN II was definitely an emotional rollercoaster and touched on several topics. Just remember “this is your time to step into your season.”
Chileeee this was such a wild ride! Not only did Navy & Jaylani have a special connection, but so many of the other main characters. Despite the hard times, (almost) everyone got the happiness they so deserved.
I was shocked to learn how much of a snake RJ was, but he & Conrad also got everything that they deserved. And maybe it’s just me, but I was not expecting things to end for Jaylan the way that they did. However I understand the toll CTE can take on everyone involved and glad he had the support he needed until the very end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was such a great story.🙌👏 You can always depend on homecoming season for a really good time. What Navy and Jaylin got was love, life and so much more. Jaylani's bond with Miomor was everything. She got the mother that she so badly wanted and needed. Aunt Shandi was definitely in her feelings but Jaylin was not to be bullied😂. The friend couples were 😍cute and funny. Navy DID NOT play about Jaylini❤ This author always delivers and this story is definitely ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’m always in awe of everything Aubree pens!! The dialogue in this book was off the chain. The story, characters, setting everything was amazing!!! I waited to read it because I knew the characters and story would sit in my spirit. I got some great quotes from the book to put on my inspiration wall. This is definitely an author that she be on every one reading list.
This book had all my heartstrings being pulled. The displays of healthy love in varying perspectives was beautiful. The challenges weren’t full of main character toxicity and still they were mountains to be climbed. Emotions regarding parenthood and the desire for functioning parents were captured realistically. But when I tell you I was Jaylani in love with Navy Thomas…. Baby…
🥹That was a great ending & tribute to a champion on the field…in the hearts of loved ones & the legacy of pride, honor & dignity in the journey🥹🤩‼️Well, underestimated the depth of “Homecoming SZN: A Lavendale State College Experience (Homecoming Series - Book 2)” which was an excellent read‼️The plot & character development was no comparison to book1. Nevertheless, LSC was definitely an unforgettable “we are family” homecoming mantra experience🥹🥰‼️