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The Arrangement: A Friends With Benefits Story
Asha Sinclair doesn’t do relationships. Ezra Bishop has been waiting for her to change her mind. Their arrangement—casual, convenient, and complication-free—was supposed to be enough. But when Asha needs a date for her sister’s wedding, lines blur, rules break, and suddenly, pretending feels a lot like something real.
The Lovers Series: Tales of passion, play, and undeniable chemistry—where every romance is an experience you’ll never forget. These are STANDALONE stories. Visit ajathewriter.com for more information about her work.
The Lovers Series: Tales of passion, play, and undeniable chemistry—where every romance is an experience you’ll never forget. These are STANDALONE stories. Visit ajathewriter.com for more information about her work.
170 pages, Paperback
Published February 20, 2025
About the author
Aja
57 books250 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 24, 2025
Come on Aja! Ezra and Asha have a comfortable friends with benefits situation going on, which Asha doesn't feel the need to change. After being devastated by love once, she is giving love the middle finger, enjoying her arrangement. Cause this is where it's at right?
Ezra is ready to take this arrangement to the next level, however, Asha is not hearing any of that. With him caring for her as much as he does, he waits until she is ready. And waits and waits.... His feelings are really involved now, so what do you do when the one you love doesn't know if she is ready for love?
Asha too is beginning to feel more for Ezra than she bargained for and laced up her running shoes. There are too many what ifs with love, and I don't know if I can handle it. But what if by not taking a risk means losing Ezra?
The push and pull with these two was comical, but heartfelt. I could feel the longing of Ezra as he hoped that Asha would let her guard down and allow him to love her. Asha's fear was palpable, but you also knew that her feelings for Ezra were real, although they scared the hell out of her. Love when I can feel the emotion of the characters jump off the page, and this one did just that for me. 👍🏾👍🏾
Ezra is ready to take this arrangement to the next level, however, Asha is not hearing any of that. With him caring for her as much as he does, he waits until she is ready. And waits and waits.... His feelings are really involved now, so what do you do when the one you love doesn't know if she is ready for love?
Asha too is beginning to feel more for Ezra than she bargained for and laced up her running shoes. There are too many what ifs with love, and I don't know if I can handle it. But what if by not taking a risk means losing Ezra?
The push and pull with these two was comical, but heartfelt. I could feel the longing of Ezra as he hoped that Asha would let her guard down and allow him to love her. Asha's fear was palpable, but you also knew that her feelings for Ezra were real, although they scared the hell out of her. Love when I can feel the emotion of the characters jump off the page, and this one did just that for me. 👍🏾👍🏾
March 6, 2025
What an arrangement
You guys, this couple was steamy most of the time they were within reach of one another. I enjoyed their storyline. It was about two people who'd been hurt and really needed one another.
You guys, this couple was steamy most of the time they were within reach of one another. I enjoyed their storyline. It was about two people who'd been hurt and really needed one another.
February 25, 2025
💜🌼My Kinda Book💜🌼
I straight up fell in love with The Arrangement...and here's why...
My attention span is so short, at this point, so novellas are my reads of choice ...and Aja has one of the best novella games ever...In this 172 pages, she gives me 1. a good story...(Ezra and Asha are already in love..he knows it..but because of a past relationship, she's fighting it)....2. smart, likable, grown-@$$ characters with chemistry out the butt...(Even though Asha is working from a place of fear...her connection with Ezra is undeniable and he's smart enough to see it..her)...3. very little angst...(all books need some conflict...but I don't deal well when there are too many obstacles in the way)...4. no cliffhangers (patience isn't my best characteristic) and 5. a hea...(I think this is self explanatory)...While this all sounds like it's not that big of a deal to find all those components in one book...it's a HUGE deal...and Aja may just be the best author I've found at this... The Arrangement checks all those boxes and more...I'm ready to read it again...I mean...and wait for the next one💜🌼
I straight up fell in love with The Arrangement...and here's why...
My attention span is so short, at this point, so novellas are my reads of choice ...and Aja has one of the best novella games ever...In this 172 pages, she gives me 1. a good story...(Ezra and Asha are already in love..he knows it..but because of a past relationship, she's fighting it)....2. smart, likable, grown-@$$ characters with chemistry out the butt...(Even though Asha is working from a place of fear...her connection with Ezra is undeniable and he's smart enough to see it..her)...3. very little angst...(all books need some conflict...but I don't deal well when there are too many obstacles in the way)...4. no cliffhangers (patience isn't my best characteristic) and 5. a hea...(I think this is self explanatory)...While this all sounds like it's not that big of a deal to find all those components in one book...it's a HUGE deal...and Aja may just be the best author I've found at this... The Arrangement checks all those boxes and more...I'm ready to read it again...I mean...and wait for the next one💜🌼
March 19, 2025
Asha and Ezra's chemistry and passion was off the radar. Although they played a cat and mouse game, their sexual escapades were intense, bold, passionate, and mind-blowing. They both had feelings beyond wanting only friends with benefits, but one was scared to admit and the other settled, taking what they could.
Who would break and move on first, but not for real?
Tired of being available, Ezra made a decision to go away on a break and get his head together and kind of, but not really forced Asha's hand into either deciding what she wanted or miss out.
Sometimes, you need your girls to push you out of your comfort zone, slap you into reality, and be blunt with you
Enjoyed the appearances of Zola and Khalil and Janelle and Malcolm. They were good for Ezra and Asha, especially being an outside ear.
Who would break and move on first, but not for real?
Tired of being available, Ezra made a decision to go away on a break and get his head together and kind of, but not really forced Asha's hand into either deciding what she wanted or miss out.
Sometimes, you need your girls to push you out of your comfort zone, slap you into reality, and be blunt with you
Enjoyed the appearances of Zola and Khalil and Janelle and Malcolm. They were good for Ezra and Asha, especially being an outside ear.
February 22, 2025
If there's one thing Aja excels at, it's writing a spicy scene that will leave readers breathless. The buildup to these moments is so expertly crafted that you'll find yourself fanning your face and clutching your thighs in anticipation. Aja’s writing has an undeniable pull, drawing readers in and making them feel everything the characters experience.
Ezra’s the perfect balance of caring and dominant while Asha is confident but guarded. As their chemistry builds, the emotional tension is irresistible.
The story is incredibly intriguing and filled with enough spice to keep you turning the pages. With the dynamic between Ezra and Asha and their complex emotional journeys, this book is impossible to put down. The tension, chemistry, and raw emotion make for a truly captivating read.
Ezra’s the perfect balance of caring and dominant while Asha is confident but guarded. As their chemistry builds, the emotional tension is irresistible.
The story is incredibly intriguing and filled with enough spice to keep you turning the pages. With the dynamic between Ezra and Asha and their complex emotional journeys, this book is impossible to put down. The tension, chemistry, and raw emotion make for a truly captivating read.
February 25, 2025
The Arrangement
I enjoyed this friends to lovers, friends with benefits story from beginning to end. Asha was determined to fight her feelings or even acknowledge her growing feelings for Ezra as being anything more than just sex and he let her until he couldn’t anymore. I loved how patient Ezra was with Asha and how he showed her how much he was into her and loving on her while also not forcing her hand and meeting her where she was until he realized he had to choose himself and see if she would do the same. Their chemistry and connection was strong and I was happy when Asha finally acknowledged and admitted her feelings to Ezra so they could get their happily ever after. I’m enjoying this lovers series so far.
I enjoyed this friends to lovers, friends with benefits story from beginning to end. Asha was determined to fight her feelings or even acknowledge her growing feelings for Ezra as being anything more than just sex and he let her until he couldn’t anymore. I loved how patient Ezra was with Asha and how he showed her how much he was into her and loving on her while also not forcing her hand and meeting her where she was until he realized he had to choose himself and see if she would do the same. Their chemistry and connection was strong and I was happy when Asha finally acknowledged and admitted her feelings to Ezra so they could get their happily ever after. I’m enjoying this lovers series so far.
March 2, 2025
Title: The Arrangement
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC (February 20, 2025)
Series: The Lovers Series
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Arrangement" by Aja
My Insight:
If you are looking for a captivating erotic romance, then "The Arrangement" is definitely for you. The journey of Asha and Ezra as they navigate their feelings and eventually come together is beautifully written. I appreciated how Ezra, with great patience, reached his limit, forcing Asha to confront the reality of potentially losing something significant by clinging to her past. This installment in the series is engaging, and I found it hard to put down. There's so much more to explore, so get ready for a thrilling ride!
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC (February 20, 2025)
Series: The Lovers Series
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Arrangement" by Aja
My Insight:
If you are looking for a captivating erotic romance, then "The Arrangement" is definitely for you. The journey of Asha and Ezra as they navigate their feelings and eventually come together is beautifully written. I appreciated how Ezra, with great patience, reached his limit, forcing Asha to confront the reality of potentially losing something significant by clinging to her past. This installment in the series is engaging, and I found it hard to put down. There's so much more to explore, so get ready for a thrilling ride!
March 8, 2025
Spicy!!
The arrangement between Ezra and Asha worked for a while until Ezra's feelings got in the mix and that's when it got real for both of them. Ezra was all in with wanting the relationship to be more. I enjoyed how he decided to apply pressure to make that happen. Asha was reluctant to be with Ezra because of her past despite their connection. This book contains spicy love scenes between Ezra and Asha, and it takes you through your emotions because of the feelings that they were experiencing throughout the book. It was great catching up with characters from previous books - Kahlil and Zola from She's Got Soul and Malcolm and Janelle from The Weekend. Aja really did a great job with this book. I can't wait to see what's next from her.
The arrangement between Ezra and Asha worked for a while until Ezra's feelings got in the mix and that's when it got real for both of them. Ezra was all in with wanting the relationship to be more. I enjoyed how he decided to apply pressure to make that happen. Asha was reluctant to be with Ezra because of her past despite their connection. This book contains spicy love scenes between Ezra and Asha, and it takes you through your emotions because of the feelings that they were experiencing throughout the book. It was great catching up with characters from previous books - Kahlil and Zola from She's Got Soul and Malcolm and Janelle from The Weekend. Aja really did a great job with this book. I can't wait to see what's next from her.
March 3, 2025
Exciting…Captivating…Spicy…Hot…Hot…Hot!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
People, all I can say is “Ooh-wee!!” Mrs. Aja took us there and I am here to tell you that the ride was AMAZING!! We have Asha, with her commitment phobia, and Ezra, who is trying to break through that phobia! Friends…Friends with Benefits…What’s Next?!?!
Well, you’ll need to read to find out, because B..A..B..Y…it’s on!! This is a must-read that you will not be able to put down! I’m here to tell you, Mrs. Aja has done her thing with this story and series, and I am here for it all!.
Look, go grab your copy, sit back and indulge! You’ll be so glad you did!! Kudos, Aja…Kudos!! 💜🔥💜
People, all I can say is “Ooh-wee!!” Mrs. Aja took us there and I am here to tell you that the ride was AMAZING!! We have Asha, with her commitment phobia, and Ezra, who is trying to break through that phobia! Friends…Friends with Benefits…What’s Next?!?!
Well, you’ll need to read to find out, because B..A..B..Y…it’s on!! This is a must-read that you will not be able to put down! I’m here to tell you, Mrs. Aja has done her thing with this story and series, and I am here for it all!.
Look, go grab your copy, sit back and indulge! You’ll be so glad you did!! Kudos, Aja…Kudos!! 💜🔥💜
February 22, 2025
Love’s Arrangement
Aja, Once again thank you for putting literature out here that makes us compassionate, loving, soulful, and full of love!
Your pen is sacred and is an aegis to the gentle empathic souls of the world!!
Ezra and Asha give such beautiful testament of #blacklovematters and their love story holding space for vulnerability, reciprocity, and trust is enduring to say the least!
The Arrangement has found its way in my heart and truly a must read as a blueprint to love!!
#blackafbooktok #blackromancebooks
Aja, Once again thank you for putting literature out here that makes us compassionate, loving, soulful, and full of love!
Your pen is sacred and is an aegis to the gentle empathic souls of the world!!
Ezra and Asha give such beautiful testament of #blacklovematters and their love story holding space for vulnerability, reciprocity, and trust is enduring to say the least!
The Arrangement has found its way in my heart and truly a must read as a blueprint to love!!
#blackafbooktok #blackromancebooks
May 5, 2025
Vickie J
Asha had been hurt and didn't want to go through that again cause the person that she gave her heart too broke it beyond repair. Ezra was tired of the Arrangement and wanted her heart and soul so he knew he had some serious work to do and was not giving up but all it took was Asha to realise that she was about to lose her one that she was able to come to her senses. Great Book
Asha had been hurt and didn't want to go through that again cause the person that she gave her heart too broke it beyond repair. Ezra was tired of the Arrangement and wanted her heart and soul so he knew he had some serious work to do and was not giving up but all it took was Asha to realise that she was about to lose her one that she was able to come to her senses. Great Book
February 24, 2025
This was 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The chemistry...whew. Ezra is that dude that will have you walking around with a flashlight in daylight looking for him. The way he loved Asha is swoon worthy. This author delivered in giving me a love story that makes me believe in love again. Great read!!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The chemistry...whew. Ezra is that dude that will have you walking around with a flashlight in daylight looking for him. The way he loved Asha is swoon worthy. This author delivered in giving me a love story that makes me believe in love again. Great read!!!!
March 7, 2025
Beautiful ❤️ 😍 🤩
Loved it from beginning to end amazing love story patiently ❤️ he was definitely book Bae 😍 the love he had for her was everything so happy she came around ❤️ and realized it was okay to let him in loved it
Loved it from beginning to end amazing love story patiently ❤️ he was definitely book Bae 😍 the love he had for her was everything so happy she came around ❤️ and realized it was okay to let him in loved it
March 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The chemistry between Asha and Ezra was off the charts. The way Ezra loved Asha was swoon worthy. As usual Aja delivered in giving a love story that packed a lot of heat and showed that in the end love does conquer all!! Great read!!!!
March 29, 2025
This book brought me totally back on my reading goal
From thr time I opened this book I was in DEEP. Ezra and Asha had a good arrangement, but it was getting hot and steamy.. This is a book you can't put down .
From thr time I opened this book I was in DEEP. Ezra and Asha had a good arrangement, but it was getting hot and steamy.. This is a book you can't put down .
August 3, 2025
What an Arrangement. Asha and Ezra had a friends with benefits relationship so they thought. These two were made for each other. I really wanted to shake Asha for not seeing it sooner or not acknowledging it sooner. Loved, loved Ezra.
May 10, 2025
yes mam
What a arrangement. One like this can only stay one way for so long. A man like that definitely would have me ready for more so much more.
What a arrangement. One like this can only stay one way for so long. A man like that definitely would have me ready for more so much more.
September 16, 2025
loved
Loved this story. I was right there with him. Although I completely understood where she was coming from too! Great job
Loved this story. I was right there with him. Although I completely understood where she was coming from too! Great job
September 19, 2025
Sensational
To have that unconditional love and scared to take that leap of faith. Made you want more and more.cant wait for the next book
To have that unconditional love and scared to take that leap of faith. Made you want more and more.cant wait for the next book
September 19, 2025
Ezra deserved more POV chapters
could've been way better, felt rushed. too much Asha not enough Ezra even though its told from both perspectives. ehh
could've been way better, felt rushed. too much Asha not enough Ezra even though its told from both perspectives. ehh
January 30, 2026
A great book I’m on to the next one.
June 21, 2026
3.75⭐️
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews