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Butch
She wasn’t supposed to be his.
But now Delilah is his woman and his obsession.
And in Butch’s world, what’s his stays his.
Enemies in the shadows. Blood on the streets. And a love so deep it might just cost them everything.
When you try to take what belongs to a killer, you better be ready for war.
In the suspense-filled world of The Enigma Series characters, everyone has a past. These are their stories.
The Enigma Series is a crime romance/Black Mafia series by Aja set in the heart of Pittsburgh. Visit ajathewriter.com to sign up for her newsletter for more updates.
But now Delilah is his woman and his obsession.
And in Butch’s world, what’s his stays his.
Enemies in the shadows. Blood on the streets. And a love so deep it might just cost them everything.
When you try to take what belongs to a killer, you better be ready for war.
In the suspense-filled world of The Enigma Series characters, everyone has a past. These are their stories.
The Enigma Series is a crime romance/Black Mafia series by Aja set in the heart of Pittsburgh. Visit ajathewriter.com to sign up for her newsletter for more updates.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2025
18 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Aja
55 books243 followersWhen it comes to writing passionate Black love that jumps off the page and into readers’ hearts, Aja’s pen is a leader in the game. To date, she’s written and self-published over 30 books that offer an escape into Black love stories that center on sensual, sexy, and erotic experiences. The winner of BRAB's 2020 Beverly Jenkins Author of The Year and 2022 Brenda Jackson Romance of The Year awards uses her life experience and persuasive storytelling talent to construct characters and situations that showcase the best Black love can be and offer. In the pages of her books, you’ll find relatable characters that seduce you with their intense chemistry that Aja seamlessly blends into soul-stirring romances.
The Pittsburgh native is a full-time writer with the mind and patience that allows her to maintain a life of constant study. Life is her biggest teacher. Through self-study and persistent observation of others, Aja finds the human thread that connects us all. That relatability is a recurring tenet of her award-winning books. Time spent reading any of her narratives is underscored by deep feelings of love and connection because love isn’t just her brand; it’s who she is. Black love advocacy is the central theme on every page she writes because Aja believes Black love is shaped and defined by Black people’s many trials and tribulations. Her Black-on-Black characters love the way they do, not because of what they’ve endured, but in spite of it.
Aja doesn’t just write about love; she lives it every day. She’s familiar with the passion, intensity, and sensuality that readers yearn for, and that’s why her books leave a powerful, lasting mark on readers’ minds. To stay updated on the latest reads from her expansive, decorated catalog, join her mailing list:
https://bit.ly/Signup4Aja
The Pittsburgh native is a full-time writer with the mind and patience that allows her to maintain a life of constant study. Life is her biggest teacher. Through self-study and persistent observation of others, Aja finds the human thread that connects us all. That relatability is a recurring tenet of her award-winning books. Time spent reading any of her narratives is underscored by deep feelings of love and connection because love isn’t just her brand; it’s who she is. Black love advocacy is the central theme on every page she writes because Aja believes Black love is shaped and defined by Black people’s many trials and tribulations. Her Black-on-Black characters love the way they do, not because of what they’ve endured, but in spite of it.
Aja doesn’t just write about love; she lives it every day. She’s familiar with the passion, intensity, and sensuality that readers yearn for, and that’s why her books leave a powerful, lasting mark on readers’ minds. To stay updated on the latest reads from her expansive, decorated catalog, join her mailing list:
https://bit.ly/Signup4Aja
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 26, 2025
Aja! You hit gold with this one ma’am! 🔥 I have enjoyed the Enigma series thus far and was excited to learn more about Butch. After diving in, we see Butch enjoying his childhood in Memphis with his parents, until he suffered a tremendous blow changing his life forever. To add fuel to the fire, he was forced to leave his home, his mother, and everything he knew to keep them both safe. Landing in Pittsburg as a young man, who was big in stature, a cold heart, and full of anger, pushed him to grow up faster than he wanted. However, it was necessary for survival. The anger that he could not rid himself of led him down a path to encounter Smoke. Just like that Franklin Jr. was no more, and Butch emerged.
Quickly rising through the ranks, Butch became Smoke’s right-hand man, who was always right in step beside him. Life was good, well as good as it could be for a man like him, but he still felt a void. On a job to help Smoke secure his funds from a local club owner, he lays eyes on her.
Delilah has the voice of an angel. Singing is the only way she feels free as life has beat her down. Her beauty is undeniable but has caused her so much hurt in the past. Men only see her face and body, turning a blind eye to the music she loves. When she sees Butch in the crowd, she feels a shift. Not knowing what to do with the feeling, she embraces it and prepares for what comes next.
Butch and Delilah felt a chemistry from across the room without ever speaking. It was like an invisible tether pulling them, as the universe knew they needed each other. Delilah was the puppet master pulling Butch’s strings as he had no control when he was in her presence. Delilah felt the quiet strength that Butch possessed, and knew that he would protect her, and maybe even give her the love she craves. When the finally get together it was almost as if I could feel the electricity through my kindle pages. They were all in for a whirlwind love! 🥰
Then Butch’s momma shows up terrified. They are after her, because of him, and now he must show them the Butcher. 😤 Butch and Smoke work in tandem with precision. They are quiet and calculating with their moves. Things are handled quickly, quietly, and without mess, just the way Smoke likes it. The city continues to move and all is forgotten.
Butch has risen to the top of my list for this series. Loved him, and so glad that he found Delilah. 😍Great read! 👍🏾👍🏾
Quickly rising through the ranks, Butch became Smoke’s right-hand man, who was always right in step beside him. Life was good, well as good as it could be for a man like him, but he still felt a void. On a job to help Smoke secure his funds from a local club owner, he lays eyes on her.
Delilah has the voice of an angel. Singing is the only way she feels free as life has beat her down. Her beauty is undeniable but has caused her so much hurt in the past. Men only see her face and body, turning a blind eye to the music she loves. When she sees Butch in the crowd, she feels a shift. Not knowing what to do with the feeling, she embraces it and prepares for what comes next.
Butch and Delilah felt a chemistry from across the room without ever speaking. It was like an invisible tether pulling them, as the universe knew they needed each other. Delilah was the puppet master pulling Butch’s strings as he had no control when he was in her presence. Delilah felt the quiet strength that Butch possessed, and knew that he would protect her, and maybe even give her the love she craves. When the finally get together it was almost as if I could feel the electricity through my kindle pages. They were all in for a whirlwind love! 🥰
Then Butch’s momma shows up terrified. They are after her, because of him, and now he must show them the Butcher. 😤 Butch and Smoke work in tandem with precision. They are quiet and calculating with their moves. Things are handled quickly, quietly, and without mess, just the way Smoke likes it. The city continues to move and all is forgotten.
Butch has risen to the top of my list for this series. Loved him, and so glad that he found Delilah. 😍Great read! 👍🏾👍🏾
March 25, 2025
Franklin, for the win!
The story started with a walk down my young adult years. The old south was a muthaah. I liked the way the author interwove historical issues with a gritty kind of hero who found his true love. 5 freaking stars for me...
The story started with a walk down my young adult years. The old south was a muthaah. I liked the way the author interwove historical issues with a gritty kind of hero who found his true love. 5 freaking stars for me...
October 29, 2025
BUTCH & DELILAH
I loved Butch story. His backstory gave a better understanding of who he was before the street name and why he got the name. Delilah was perfect for him. Their attraction and chemistry were undeniable. She was truly his ride or die, even at times where he was unsure of her response to his actions. I'm glad they found each other.
I loved Butch story. His backstory gave a better understanding of who he was before the street name and why he got the name. Delilah was perfect for him. Their attraction and chemistry were undeniable. She was truly his ride or die, even at times where he was unsure of her response to his actions. I'm glad they found each other.
March 21, 2025
Love that makes sense even under dire circumstances
I am absolutely in love with this series. Shine had won my heart, and now Butch has done the same. This writer continues to evolve in her writing. This time, she carefully crafts a historical context to a raw and gritty story interlinked with a blossoming romance. A love story like no other. What I truly appreciate about this series and this story is that it is told from a Black man's perspective. She is one of the few authors that I know that gives authenticity to a Black men's voice unapologetically. It provides depth and makes for a rich character development. Franklin or Butch is not your typical story of a bad boy that chose unwisely. Instead you have a young boy who was raised by a strong father who loved his mother openly and yet when his father passed away it produce a chain of events that propelled him into unlikely alliances and occupation. Life isn't always clean nor easy. Life is full of unexpected chain of decisions. The pairing of Delilah and Butch made for a rewarding journey on how love can finally rest at the stoops of life's door even when you don't think you deserve it or even earn it. Their love made so much sense. Definitely kismet. This author's wheelhouse is romance. Now adding the historical context and Black man's unapologetic perspective have elevated her already fierce pen game. I don't know what is next but I am all in for another savory reading experience. I did not want it to end, and when it did I was completely satisfied. Bravo!!!
I am absolutely in love with this series. Shine had won my heart, and now Butch has done the same. This writer continues to evolve in her writing. This time, she carefully crafts a historical context to a raw and gritty story interlinked with a blossoming romance. A love story like no other. What I truly appreciate about this series and this story is that it is told from a Black man's perspective. She is one of the few authors that I know that gives authenticity to a Black men's voice unapologetically. It provides depth and makes for a rich character development. Franklin or Butch is not your typical story of a bad boy that chose unwisely. Instead you have a young boy who was raised by a strong father who loved his mother openly and yet when his father passed away it produce a chain of events that propelled him into unlikely alliances and occupation. Life isn't always clean nor easy. Life is full of unexpected chain of decisions. The pairing of Delilah and Butch made for a rewarding journey on how love can finally rest at the stoops of life's door even when you don't think you deserve it or even earn it. Their love made so much sense. Definitely kismet. This author's wheelhouse is romance. Now adding the historical context and Black man's unapologetic perspective have elevated her already fierce pen game. I don't know what is next but I am all in for another savory reading experience. I did not want it to end, and when it did I was completely satisfied. Bravo!!!
March 23, 2025
💜🌼I LOVE BUTCH!!💜🌼
The Enigma Series by Aja is one of my favorite series...and I love these origin stories...because they add backstory...to the series...that I've already read...it's genius...and I have to say... I think BUTCH may be my favorite so far...I loved the character in the series...so I was excited to read this book....but all I really knew about him was that he was big as a tree and Smoke's right arm....He was a big mystery to me in the series...I mean...like, where did he go when he wasn't with Smoke? Did he have a family? So..BUTCH is the story of how Franklin became Butch...and there's quite a bit of Smoke in this book...and that ain't never a bad thing. 💜🌼
Another thing I love about this book, and SHINE, too... they're written in first person from only the title character's point of view... I usually prefer reading dual povs...but I'm so glad that Ms. Aja didn't write this series that way...These books are about characters with whom we have already met and fallen in love, from the series...and she has written Delilah as such a genuine and honest person who openly expresses her thoughts and feelings, unapologetically ...so we don't ever have to guess what she's thinking...Aja just writes smarter..💜🌼
Anyway..I just really loved BUTCH...and I love the love story of Butch and Delilah ...but I feel like I would be remiss if I didn't recommend the whole Enigma series...Read the series...You'll thank me...Plus, you can see who Butch is now....💜🌼
The Enigma Series by Aja is one of my favorite series...and I love these origin stories...because they add backstory...to the series...that I've already read...it's genius...and I have to say... I think BUTCH may be my favorite so far...I loved the character in the series...so I was excited to read this book....but all I really knew about him was that he was big as a tree and Smoke's right arm....He was a big mystery to me in the series...I mean...like, where did he go when he wasn't with Smoke? Did he have a family? So..BUTCH is the story of how Franklin became Butch...and there's quite a bit of Smoke in this book...and that ain't never a bad thing. 💜🌼
Another thing I love about this book, and SHINE, too... they're written in first person from only the title character's point of view... I usually prefer reading dual povs...but I'm so glad that Ms. Aja didn't write this series that way...These books are about characters with whom we have already met and fallen in love, from the series...and she has written Delilah as such a genuine and honest person who openly expresses her thoughts and feelings, unapologetically ...so we don't ever have to guess what she's thinking...Aja just writes smarter..💜🌼
Anyway..I just really loved BUTCH...and I love the love story of Butch and Delilah ...but I feel like I would be remiss if I didn't recommend the whole Enigma series...Read the series...You'll thank me...Plus, you can see who Butch is now....💜🌼
March 26, 2025
Butch…Alone and Surviving Until…Delilah!! 🔥🔥🔥
Wow, what a great story!! I also loved the cover and the color graphics for each chapter throughout the book! A very unique addition!! Great job, Aja!! I am so glad that I have been here from the beginning of this series!! Makes it so much easier to know the characters!!
Butch and Smoke together is very dynamic!! Then, Butch hears that velvet voice of Delilah, recognizes who she is, and that’s it for him!! She is just as crazy about Butch, as well!!
In this world of Smoke and Butch, things happen and you’re either in or out!! I’m glad how Butch protected and loved his family, as well as Smoke!! Theirs is not a conventional life, but it works for them! Butch is his own man, and makes no apologies!! When you know, you know!! Mrs. Aja knows!! She’s done an amazing job with this story and the entire series!! I love what she has given us, and for that, I say…”Thank You!” Kudos, Aja, Kudos!! 💜
Wow, what a great story!! I also loved the cover and the color graphics for each chapter throughout the book! A very unique addition!! Great job, Aja!! I am so glad that I have been here from the beginning of this series!! Makes it so much easier to know the characters!!
Butch and Smoke together is very dynamic!! Then, Butch hears that velvet voice of Delilah, recognizes who she is, and that’s it for him!! She is just as crazy about Butch, as well!!
In this world of Smoke and Butch, things happen and you’re either in or out!! I’m glad how Butch protected and loved his family, as well as Smoke!! Theirs is not a conventional life, but it works for them! Butch is his own man, and makes no apologies!! When you know, you know!! Mrs. Aja knows!! She’s done an amazing job with this story and the entire series!! I love what she has given us, and for that, I say…”Thank You!” Kudos, Aja, Kudos!! 💜
May 4, 2025
You liberated me. You cracked open the door to a world where my love could finally breathe—where it could be soft, sacred, celebrated, and returned with equal fire.
Each word etched on the page pulled my heart forward, raw and unguarded, beating in rhythm with every sentence, every sigh of longing, every truth spoken with fierce, poetic grace.
I stand now at the edge of something extraordinary—and it is this novel that caught me, held me, wrapped me in warmth, safety, and serenity.
The emotional current that surged between Butch and Dalila swept me away, echoing the same profound, unapologetic Love I saw in the movie Sinners. And in that tide, I remembered who I am.
Because of them—because of you—my heart revealed its truest essence: wide open, pulsing with beauty, unafraid. I am changed. I am more.
Thank you, Aja, for seeing the soul in me—and writing it into being.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJNydn...
Each word etched on the page pulled my heart forward, raw and unguarded, beating in rhythm with every sentence, every sigh of longing, every truth spoken with fierce, poetic grace.
I stand now at the edge of something extraordinary—and it is this novel that caught me, held me, wrapped me in warmth, safety, and serenity.
The emotional current that surged between Butch and Dalila swept me away, echoing the same profound, unapologetic Love I saw in the movie Sinners. And in that tide, I remembered who I am.
Because of them—because of you—my heart revealed its truest essence: wide open, pulsing with beauty, unafraid. I am changed. I am more.
Thank you, Aja, for seeing the soul in me—and writing it into being.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJNydn...
October 4, 2025
This story surprised me....
..and it was a good surprise. Ever since I read Smokes story and then the books about his children, I was always curious about Butch. Now we have his story and what a story it was. Butch grew up fast and learned to fend for himself even faster. Then he met Smoke and he found an outlet for what was building up inside. Those two seemed like they formed an unbreakable bond. The good surprise was him falling for the beautiful songbird Ms. Delilah. From the start they had a mutual attraction that grew stronger. They were made for one another. Absolutely loved the story.
..and it was a good surprise. Ever since I read Smokes story and then the books about his children, I was always curious about Butch. Now we have his story and what a story it was. Butch grew up fast and learned to fend for himself even faster. Then he met Smoke and he found an outlet for what was building up inside. Those two seemed like they formed an unbreakable bond. The good surprise was him falling for the beautiful songbird Ms. Delilah. From the start they had a mutual attraction that grew stronger. They were made for one another. Absolutely loved the story.
April 6, 2025
Butch pulled me in right away with its raw emotion and intensity. Butch is a character who wears his pain like armor, and you can feel the weight of everything he’s been through. Delilah is his perfect counterpart—strong, feminine, and quietly powerful.
Their chemistry is intense. The slow build made their connection feel so real, and when they finally come together, it’s explosive in the best way. What I loved most, though, was how their passion evolved into something tender and emotional. You can feel their love growing with every page.
Also, the chapter artwork is absolutely beautiful—such a great visual touch. If you love stories with deep emotion, steamy tension, and complex characters, this one’s worth picking up.
Their chemistry is intense. The slow build made their connection feel so real, and when they finally come together, it’s explosive in the best way. What I loved most, though, was how their passion evolved into something tender and emotional. You can feel their love growing with every page.
Also, the chapter artwork is absolutely beautiful—such a great visual touch. If you love stories with deep emotion, steamy tension, and complex characters, this one’s worth picking up.
March 22, 2025
Loved Butch
I loved Butch's story. I have read all of the books in this series and I'm glad that the author gave us glimpse in Butch's history. Smoke was a man of few words but full of action so was Butch. Thank you Aja.
I loved Butch's story. I have read all of the books in this series and I'm glad that the author gave us glimpse in Butch's history. Smoke was a man of few words but full of action so was Butch. Thank you Aja.
April 8, 2025
Love Me Some Butch
This was an excellent story. I loved all the stories that feature Smoke and his first and second family.
Please explain when Butch came in the picture.
Delilah was a nice edition.
Keep up the great work.
This was an excellent story. I loved all the stories that feature Smoke and his first and second family.
Please explain when Butch came in the picture.
Delilah was a nice edition.
Keep up the great work.
September 25, 2025
🖤
Our dark and mysterious Butch!!! I loved him and enjoyed his back story. Delilah was so perfect for him and they both found each other at the right time. Heading to the next installments!
Our dark and mysterious Butch!!! I loved him and enjoyed his back story. Delilah was so perfect for him and they both found each other at the right time. Heading to the next installments!
March 23, 2025
Butch is quietly brooding, angry and good at his job as Smoke's enforcer. Delilah has always been a victim of circumstances in order to get by. Their worlds are dark, but their love is light.
April 14, 2025
I love this series
This series help you understand the men in the series more as you read. Butch I just Love him . He is . my new husband…get this series you will love it
This series help you understand the men in the series more as you read. Butch I just Love him . He is . my new husband…get this series you will love it
May 20, 2025
Butch
Butch and Smoke are some dangerous men, yet very loving and protective when it comes to family and the ladies they love. Aja you knocked it out of the park again.
Butch and Smoke are some dangerous men, yet very loving and protective when it comes to family and the ladies they love. Aja you knocked it out of the park again.
March 25, 2025
I loved Butch! Both Butch and Shine are grown men doing grown men stuff
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews