From Homecoming to Forever: Giselle & Alex

by Lesanda Moore

When history professor Giselle Monreaux returns to Alniqa University for sister time and nostalgia, she doesn’t expect to run into Alex Whitmore, her old tutoring student turned pro football star, and the boy she never stopped crushing on.

Alex had no idea she felt that way, but now that he does, he’s ready to prove he’s more than just a memory. The problem is, he's not the only one vying for her heart.

From homecoming celebrations to impromptu dates, will Giselle and Alex’s weekend reunion lead to forever?

77 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2025

About the author

Ever since I was a kid, I've enjoyed both reading and writing. I love to get lost in a story, whether it's by another author or one of my own. I create stories about the Black experience.

I write in multiple genres, which include stories for both children and adults.

If you're looking for a page-turner, then you've come to the right place.

Connect with me on social media:
Tiktok: @lesandamoore
Faceboook @Lesanda Moore
Instagram @lesanda_moore

Reviews

[Booked_Down · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missed Chances and Second Glances

Alex didn’t realize what he’d been missing until fate brought him face-to-face with Giselle years later at their Alumni Homecoming. The encounter puts so much into perspective, especially how overlooking her back in their college days didn’t reflect well on him. As the saying goes, you miss the shots you don’t take. Alex was such a sweetheart and once he was given the opportunity to show himself in a better light with Giselle, he did just that.

[Danielle Holmes · Rating 3 out of 5]

College Crush to the Beginning of Forever.

Book 3 of 5: From Homecoming to Forever series

Once his tutor, Giselle lost hope in potentially being more with the star of the AU football team Alex. While she was more than interested, Alex was more occupied with everyone else.

After declining to further his professional football career, Alex was looking for something more. Back on campus for homecoming, he figured out what he’s looking for once he sees Giselle.

Rekindled friendship
HBCU Homecoming
No spice
Sweet romance

[books_over_bs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lighthearted

This was a sweet story with no drama. It was nice to see Giselle become open to dating again. I liked the way both guys were so into her. I was happy that she finally got a chance to be with her college crush. His determination to win her over was cute. They seemed like a perfect match for each other.

[Karia R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet

Enjoyed reading how two people find each other again after a few years from graduating college. There's nothing like a person knowing what they want and going for it. HBCU homecomings are the best.

[BeLinda P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renewing the Past

Homecoming at a HBCU is always spirited and inviting. The past meets the present as people reconnect. The story of Giselle and Alex was one of reconciling feelings that were entangled in immaturity. The author presented an intimate and intriguing spotlight on what was and what can develop if given a chance.

[LaDonna B · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥰🥰🥰

This was so cute!! I’m loving these so much! Alex seen her and made sure he was the number 1 pick.

[NubianJoí · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Time Around

There’s something nostalgic & exhilarating about an HBCU’s homecoming & an alumni mixer 🤭🤩😍‼️More the reason, “From Homecoming to Forever: Giselle & Alex had the opportunity rectify past mistakes cultivated at Alniqa University and consider a future together beyond AU’s annual alumni mixers. Now, both Giselle & Alex with no obstructions can explore their 🎶“second time around…is so much better than first time” 🎶🤭 🤷🏾‍♀️….I adore classic R&B music‼️Thanks Sharlamar‼️Well, that was too cute 🥰.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

This was a fun read. Short and to the point I also enjoyed the sisters relationship. Too bad it wasn’t just a little bit longer.

[Jasmine Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

When spinning the block goes right! This was cute. Not as spicy as the other, but you could definitely feel their energy.

[Cheonica Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ending the From Homecoming to Forever series with Giselle & Alex felt like the perfect full-circle moment. This one was for the grown folks. The alumni. The ones coming back to campus years later with memories, careers and a little “what if” still tucked in their hearts.

Giselle returning to Alniqa for sister time and nostalgia already set the tone but running into Alex 😏 That was unfinished business waiting to happen. Seeing a former tutoring student turned pro football star step into his confidence and finally realize he wasn’t just a memory was everything. I loved that this wasn’t a rush to romance story it felt mature, intentional and grounded in timing finally lining up.

What really sold me was the homecoming backdrop. The turn up, the memories, the impromptu dates, the campus energy all of it felt familiar and warm, like stepping back into a chapter you thought you’d closed. Let's acknowledge the fact that Giselle had options? Loved that for her. It made Alex actually work for it.

This story was the perfect send off to a series I genuinely enjoyed. A reminder that sometimes love doesn’t miss you it just waits until the timing is right. The HBCU Homecoming series… that was a win.

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Homecoming to Forever: Giselle & Alex by Lesanda Moore (2025)
From Homecoming to Forever #3
77-page Kindle Ebook story pages 5-75

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Short Stories

Rating as a movie: PG-15

Featuring: Author's Note, HBCU, Dual POVs, Liberal Arts Major, History Professor, NFL Player, Second Chance - Old Friends, Secret Crush; Reunited, Alumni - Class of 2015, Richmond, Virginia; Step Show, Parties, Brooklyn, New York; Tricenarians, Sexual Innuendos, Bibliography for Lesanda Moore, Connect with Author - Links

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏫🏟👩🏾‍🏫🏈🗽

My thoughts: While the first two books focused on students, this story is all about the alumni. It actually starts off-campus, with both characters traveling to the university for homecoming. I was a bit confused at first because Giselle is a professor, but at a completely different school.
​This is the second book in the From Homecoming to Forever series (after Diary & Ace, Book 2) to reference Nylow and Renju's story from Book 4. They are the only couple to get a second book so far—a special Christmas edition for Book 6—so all these teasers have me very excited to read their story next.
​Overall, I really enjoyed Giselle and Alex's story, and I appreciated that the "love triangle" wasn't really much of a triangle at all. I will definitely be reading more from Lesanda Moore.

​Recommend to others: Yes. This was a good time.

From Homecoming to Forever
1. Camille & LaMont - Nina High (2025)
2. Diary & Ace - Treasure Malian (2025)
3. Giselle & Alex - Lesanda Moore (2025)
4. Nylow & Renju - Coya Wilson (2025)
5. Poet & Kasai - Skynova (2025)
6. From Homecoming to Christmas - Coya Wilson (2025)

Songs for the soundtrack: "Not Like Us" by Kendrick Lamar, "Party" by Beyoncé featuring André 3000, "I'll Make Love To You" by Boyz II Men, "Weak" by SWV

Books and Authors mentioned Split by the Bell by Jessica Terry

Memorable Quotes: “Spending time with family, expanding my real estate portfolio, and starting a football camp.” “That nonprofit is gonna take some serious capital. Even more reason to sign another contract. You’re still young and unstoppable on the field.” Alex chuckled. “Yeah, so I’ve been told. But I made some good investments along the way and my money is good, plus I’m filming a documentary for Catchflix. So, I did sign another contract, but not to play on the field.” “Sounds like you got it all figured out. I noticed you didn’t mention a wife in your plans. Anybody special we should know about? Or are you still searching for Mrs. Whitmore?” Alex rubbed his sweaty hands down his pants. “I’m single, man, not searching for anything. When the right one comes along, I’ll be ready though. Until then, I’m focusing on being a better man.”

[EricaLenise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was… okay. Giselle and Alex were fine, the story flowed, but I kept waiting for a little more grown-folk energy and it never showed up. That felt odd for me and definitely affected my overall enjoyment.

Not a bad read, just didn’t give me much to hold on to or remember once it was over.

[SUNSHIINE · Rating 2 out of 5]

Going to DNF. I don’t like books in the 3rd person.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about Giselle and Alex, other than it’s an amazing love story! Giselle is a professor, who is looking forward to letting her hair down and enjoying Homecoming Weekend with her sister/best friend. When she sees Alex, a retired NFL player and a student she used to tutor, things quickly take a turn…for both parties. But, then someone else shows an interest in Giselle, and her weekend is spent with both men trying to prove why he is the better choice.

I loved every minute of this novella by @lesanda_moore, and I look forward to reading more of her catalog.

Go check this one out for yourself!