Unexpected

The Unexpected #1

by Aja

Maya Taylor has been left stung by the arrow of love one too many times for her liking. Swearing off heartache she decides that the staid and boring life is just fine for her. But a well-meaning friend points out that she isn’t really living at all and helps Maya embark on a journey with a new attitude. This leads to a chance encounter with a handsome gentleman that is all about living in the moment.

Roman Newsome has constantly been on the search for the perfect woman. She needs to look beautiful, have something to talk about other than herself and be able to keep up with his prowess in bed. But having found out that most women pretend to have it all only to reveal their true unappealing colors, he’s decided the perfect woman must not exist. Until he meets Maya. . .

Can these two fundamentally different people make their romance work? Will he settle his spirit long enough to realize that “perfect” really just means, perfect for him? And will Maya accept that she has to take a chance at love in order to truly live her life.

What happens between them may just be . . . unexpected.

94 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2014

About the author

When 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

Reviews

[Lily Java · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a moment in this excellent debut story that I felt a bit thunderstruck because it came to me what I liked so much about it wasn't what I usually gravitate to in a romantic story. It was the moment that I got really, really pissed off at our hero Roman Newsome.

He'd done something to the heroine, Maya Taylor that in my mind was unacceptable in a relationship. A major dis if you will and to make matters worse he never fully explains himself or apologizes (at least not to my satisfaction). In fact afterwards Maya even gets put on the defensive and his meager reasoning for his actions are his past experiences in a relationship and that's when it hit me. There was a sense of realism in this story that you don't often see in a romance. From the kinds of music they prefer to how they meet cute; from the way they cook and eat meals, to what and how they talk or fight with each other Roman and Maya seemed like people not characters at all. Granted that can go two ways in a romance but here in Unexpected it works and works well.

Sometimes the pacing of this story threw me. The jumps the story or a character would make from one transition to another were sometimes hard to follow and could have used more clarity or more exposition. However that was a minor challenge and one that didn't keep this story from being entertaining and making me very interested in seeing a whole lot more from this author.

[Arlena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Unexpected
Authors: Aja and Roy Glenn
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:

"Unexpected" by Aja and Roy Glenn...

"Maya Taylor has been left stung by the arrow of love one too many times for her liking. Swearing off heartache she decides that the staid and boring life is just fine for her. But a well-meaning friend points out that she isn’t really living at all and helps Maya embark on a journey with a new attitude. This leads to a chance encounter with a handsome gentleman that is all about living in the moment.

Roman Newsome has constantly been on the search for the perfect woman. She needs to look beautiful, have something to talk about other than herself and be able to keep up with his prowess in bed. But having found out that most women pretend to have it all only to reveal their true unappealing colors, he’s decided the perfect woman must not exist. Until he meets Maya. . .

Can these two fundamentally different people make their romance work? Will he settle his spirit long enough to realize that “perfect” really just means, perfect for him? And will Maya accept that she has to take a chance at love in order to truly live her life.

What happens between them may just be . . . unexpected."

What I liked about "Unexpected" was that it was a good short romantic story and once you start reading you will find it hard to put down until the end and oh my what a ending! I loved how the these author was able to give the reader a good sweet story of Maya and Roman who had both been through bad relationships. It was quite interesting that "Unexpected" was so very relatable in today's world where you will find these two people who were both accountants being able to come to a resolution to their issues, talking to one another and in so finding.... but before that will happen you will see from the read where Maya's pass hasn't been lucky in love situations and then we will also see from the read that even Roman has had some problems too. Getting this all figured out will be a interesting read.

[SassyMama · Rating 4 out of 5]

An UNEXPECTED treat from two authors I've never read...but I have had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Aja...and she did an AMAZING job at reciting some passages from her book I Am Yours during a book signing. Having met her I know that in this book Roman is "fleshed" out by Roy Glenn and Maya is the imagination of Aja...and I rather enjoyed their collaboration of these two characters...I've had the book for a minute and kept putting off reading it because of this fact...but somehow they pulled it all together and made the romance and drama between Roman and Maya flow nicely for the most part...as another reviewer stated their were IMHO some parts in the story that should have been detailed a little more because I felt like I was left hanging a bit...for instance the part about Roman's family; his falling out w/his sister...the crazy relationship w/his father/step-mother/mother...and the one instance when Roman "showed his ass" to Maya...I just thought their should have been more of an apology to Maya and more dialogue between the couple before she so willingly fell back into their relationship...granted he specifically told her what he didn't like or want...but how could he get that angry w/her if his behavior was UNEXPECTED...it's a short story so I guess you can't expect too many details...kinda gotta read between the lines...but the final two chapters DEFINITELY felt rushed...however overall I was CAUGHT UP in Roman and Maya's budding romance and am looking forward to reading the second book in this "series" to see what happens w/them and the rest of this INTRIGUING cast of characters...KUDOS Mrs. Aja on your first short, yet ENGAGING romance!

[Sharon Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novella. I’ll admit, it took me a minute to get into the story, but once the two main characters met, the story held my attention and I’m really glad I kept reading.

Though the story is categorized as women’s fiction, it read like a romance novel, which I really liked. I also think the author did a good job with character development. I had a good sense of who they were and how they would respond to various situations. I enjoyed the story line and I honestly think other readers will as well.

There were a couple of times where my reading was slowed due to some jarring transitions, but the story itself, and the interesting characters, kept me reading.

I’d recommend this book and I’m looking forward to more books by this author.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Maya and Roman's story...How sexy is that name ROMAN....

I really enjoyed this book because it wasn't a drawn out "Cat and Mouse" chase. Both Maya and Roman are damaged from previous relationships, yet they both know they truly want to move on and find love.

I could identify with Maya's fears, about falling in love. She was hurt before....bad. Roman, was skeptical about relationships too, because all hopes of true love were smothered out, by his last girlfriend.

Unexpected tells what happens next.

[Reshemah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this debut by Aja. I can't wait to see what other literary work she has under her sleeve.

[Deloris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story , this is a good beginning for Aja, Roman and Maya are two characters I can relate to ,being afraid to start a relationship because of the drama and pain that comes with it. I like Maya she is a strong independent woman but she has forgotten that there is color in the world ,more than the neutral colors she now lives with. Now Roman brings color to her life fiery yellows and reds their relationship is slow and sweet-hot . To be honest I have to say I wanted more information on these characters the why's and the hows ,but like I said before this is a good beginning of a writing career.

[Cynta Outterbridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved seeing where Maya and Roman came from read the second book first. It surprised me that Roman was a difficult as he was, well not difficult but at the first sign of what he had been through before (which could have been avoided) he ran at the first sign of something similar to what he had been through before an then expected Maya to chase after him in same way others had. I was glad she didn't. I think if she had the story would have ended differently. The chemistry between them was great. I like that their relationship helped Maya come out of shell and forget about what she had been through in the past. Great love story!! Again my only complaint: It was too short :)

[Vondetta Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roman was one handsome man with a wounded heart. Maya was an introvert on the outside with and extrovert hidden beneath the surface. These two were accountants who held something the other needed. Problems arose because they were broken. However, they seemed to find a happy medium and seem to be working through their issues.

Roman had come to a realization more men need to face and Maya fought her demons to allow her inner beauty to shine thru.

Good Job, Ms Aja..looking forward to more in this trilogy.

[janessa brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read!!!!

I enjoyed the book. I liked Maya's personality and their story, but I was so mad at Roman though bc I felt he was very arrogant and I wouldn't have taken him back after he broke up with her.... like she should have been begging him to stay.. I'm glad she didn't. And that they got it Tyler in the end.

[Nicole Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

It's all about the journey. I love Maya and Roman's story! They had real chemistry and a real issues to work through in order to be together. Maya is a mess to handle, but I still love her

[Shone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

What happens when you mix opposite personalities and strong wills together, you get the unexpected. Communication, understanding, respect, takes the unexpected to the expected with a smile.

[Ang · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story because the relationship between Maya and Roman seemed so real. Stories like this you can relate to. I`d recommend it to others.

[Metris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice short story of Roman and Maya, looking forward to see what's next.

[Ebony · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!!!

Aja & Roy Glenn have a connection that allows their co-written projects to flow as if written by only one author. This was an exceptional story!! I LOVED being able to follow along and fall in love with Roman & Maya. There relationship struggles were real and relatable. I felt like I was following along with a close girlfriend.

This story was packed with HEAT and emotion!! I read the last page hoping that this couple would eventually get their happily ever after and wanting to know what came next for them :-D

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a great story to fall in love with!!! I look forward to reading more from this writing duo in the very near future!!!

[Cheryl Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me guessing if Maya and Roman would get together. They both had issues fro previous relationships keeping them from opening up their hearts. They let let these issues control how Maya and Roman reacted to one another initially but eventually they gave it a try. But as we sometimes do, we continue to hold onto baggage. During Roman’s visit home he had conversations with his male friends and mother which had him thinking. Sometimes we need to hear what others see about us in order to realize how our actions affect a good relationship. I enjoy this love story especially the out come a must read.

[Felicia Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love It

Unexpected is the perfect title for this book. As I was reading about Roman and Maya . They are so different for each other but so right in the unexpected way. Why you find that one you will know , The way they are with each other is good and the actions of each other was very unexpected . I really enjoy reading this book . Please sit down for an hour or so and enjoy the Unexpected between Roman and Maya.

[Kia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hmmmm

Well I like how this book shows how hangups can cause you to lose out on love of you don't let them go. I like how Maya and Roman are able to realize that they have to be willing to hear each other out and understand where the other is coming from. Communication is always needed for a successful relationship

[JeaNida Luckie-Weatherall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed this story and it was so refreshing. Aja, job well done and I can't wait for more I hope for Pt.2. I love the way Maya and Roman overcame their issues to find love. Is this the making of another series?? I hope so.Great beginning for a great writing career.

[Geri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

Ok, I can work with this one. I enjoyed Unexpected, Maya and Roman were #couplegoals not sure if Roman still should have been holding on to his fear of clingy women.

[L.S. Bergman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my second book of Aja's and it was another very passionate and enjoyable read.

Unexpected tells the chance meeting of Maya and Roman, at a time when both are more focused upon their professional achievements, having hit a bit of a boring rut dating-wise, while still struggling to process the remnants of previous relationship drama. Roman is a “dream man”, gorgeous and going places professionally, all he needs to find is the perfect woman, while beautiful Maya is similar and in search of the same thing. If only both could get over their relationship cynicism.

Maya and Roman's attraction for each other is immediate and pretty fast-moving, which comes as a surprise to both of them. Both are hesitant to believe that what is rapidly unfolding between them is “actually happening”. It feels too good to be true.

Once they do become intimate, their smoldering hot chemistry ignites and quickly feels unstoppable. Maya thinks she's found “the one”, and finds herself opening-up entirely to Roman, as he reciprocates, going the extra mile to impress her of the solid nature of his feelings. Everything seems on course for happiness, until Roman inexplicably stands her up cold on a dinner date, effectively breaking up with her.

Stunned and distraught, Maya tries to get over him, but can't. She had already started to believe in the possibility of something more. Maya knows her nature. She's a “giver”. It's all or nothing with her, and this time she was prepared to give her all, having fallen totally head-over-heals in love with Roman.

Roman has also had time to reflect on exactly why he bolted. He thought he didn't know what he wanted. Was Maya a woman with possible clingy tendencies, controlling, like his ex-relationships? Or, as his family in Detroit reminds him, had his hot head gotten the better of him, and resulted in him passing-up the best chance of real happiness he'd had in years?

“Unexpected” tells the sweet story of the turbulent path an unexpected love can follow. Aja with her co-author Roy Glenn weave a beautiful love story between Maya and Roman, which is very sensual and heartfelt. I liked the changing voice of narration, which effectively drew you into Maya's head and then Roman's world making you able to empathize equally with both. Aja's writing prose is earthy and rich, you feel as if Maya is pouring the contents of her soul out on you the reader, like she's your best friend sitting next to you with a glass of red wine. Sizzling with sexy chemistry and soulful prose, “Unexpected” comes highly recommended, and I look forward in the future to reading more of both author's work.

[Tina Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice Read...

Aja Graves and Roy Glenn's "Unexpected" was a Nice, Smooth Read. This is my first read for both authors and, I'd actually read this book a few months ago, but forgot to post a review. Maya and Roman both worked my nerves, but in the end finally figured it out... I'm looking forward to reading book two in this series very soon.
T

[Ka'Lu Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book! The writing was great. The characters were well developed. I dropped it a star because halfway through, the formatting was dropped; then picked up again. It made it difficult to read those few chapters. Also, there were some instances of inconsistencies in that area. Not enough to make me quit reading, but enough that it had to be mentioned, because it affected the flow of the story. Don't let that stop you. This book is well worth your time, money, and energy!

*UPDATE*
After posting my review, I received a kind request from Ms. Aja asking me to share the formatting problems I had, as she wanted to get them corrected. To my surprise, I could not locate them on the device I was using at that point (an iPad.) I could no longer go back to the original device I had read them on, because I had broken the screen of that Kindle. So I downloaded the book to a different Kindle. Again, no formatting issues. It appears that problems can occur when downloading, and occasionally, deleting a file and downloading it again can sometimes fix the problem. After going back and looking at the notes I made on inconsistencies in the story, I found they were not enough to drop a full star. Therefore, I have updated my post to reflect the full 5 stars this book deserves. The "customer service" from the author was also greatly appreciated!

[--karen Green-berry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Pleasant Read- BRAB ONLINE BOOK CLUB

This is my first time reading this author's work and I found it to be a pleasant story. Roman and Maya met at singles function and had a strong attraction to each other. The author went on to highlight their journey and the disagreements in reaching their HEA

[Djuana Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good

I really liked this story. Maya and Roman were perfect for each other. Neither of them knew that a chance meeting would turn so special.