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The Scratch: An Accidental Pregnancy Romance Story
Rayna Whitaker thought her cue and her carefully erected walls would keep her steady—until Quentin Hale stepped up and changed the whole game. Quiet strength, slow fire, and a touch that left her undone… he wasn’t just playing for her body, he was playing for her forever.
This story is tender, messy, and grown—where love runs just as deep as the heat.
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.
This story is tender, messy, and grown—where love runs just as deep as the heat.
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.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2025
22 people are currently reading
10 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 30, 2025
4.75⭐️
October 3, 2025
What happens when a sassy, lady electrician meets a focused physics teacher, in a pool hall of all places? Pure magic is what you get!! 😍💓
Rayna is a self-proclaimed loner, as there is no risk for heartbreak that way. Seeing the demise of her parents' marriage has soured her on love, so she stays far from it. Until one night at the Green Room...
Quentin has overcome trauma that would break most, but his grandma and physics pulled him through the pain. He now sees life in rhythms, momentum, and order to keep peace and calm in his world. However, when he goes to the pool hall one night, and sees this fiery, larger than life woman, who can command a room he is mesmerized!
On paper Quentin and Rayna would repel like oil and water, but Quentin's slow, soft, steady pace, and fun physics logic lulled Rayna right into his arms. Rayna was tough, quick witted, and no nonsense, but "teacher man" as she called him saw her. Didn't push, or rush her, just understood her hesitancy about it all. His constant presence and quiet strength slowly broke down her barriers, and their love blossomed. Beautiful read! 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
Rayna is a self-proclaimed loner, as there is no risk for heartbreak that way. Seeing the demise of her parents' marriage has soured her on love, so she stays far from it. Until one night at the Green Room...
Quentin has overcome trauma that would break most, but his grandma and physics pulled him through the pain. He now sees life in rhythms, momentum, and order to keep peace and calm in his world. However, when he goes to the pool hall one night, and sees this fiery, larger than life woman, who can command a room he is mesmerized!
On paper Quentin and Rayna would repel like oil and water, but Quentin's slow, soft, steady pace, and fun physics logic lulled Rayna right into his arms. Rayna was tough, quick witted, and no nonsense, but "teacher man" as she called him saw her. Didn't push, or rush her, just understood her hesitancy about it all. His constant presence and quiet strength slowly broke down her barriers, and their love blossomed. Beautiful read! 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
October 6, 2025
The Scratch
I loved everything about this book from beginning to end. I related to Rayna being a runner out of self preservation to keep from being hurt but eventually finding someone who anchors you like Quentin did for her and keeps you from being able to run anymore, but still allows for you to drift when necessary. I loved Quentin and his patience with Rayna and his being sure about her even despite her fears and his own fears. These two were a perfect match and their chemistry was undeniable. Their connection was easygoing even with Rayna trying to run and keep him at a distance that really only worked in her head.
The story was well written and flowed like poetry. This was maybe my favorite story of the series.
I loved everything about this book from beginning to end. I related to Rayna being a runner out of self preservation to keep from being hurt but eventually finding someone who anchors you like Quentin did for her and keeps you from being able to run anymore, but still allows for you to drift when necessary. I loved Quentin and his patience with Rayna and his being sure about her even despite her fears and his own fears. These two were a perfect match and their chemistry was undeniable. Their connection was easygoing even with Rayna trying to run and keep him at a distance that really only worked in her head.
The story was well written and flowed like poetry. This was maybe my favorite story of the series.
October 3, 2025
Going into this story, I knew it was going to be something I felt more than just read. Both Rayna and Quentin carry childhood traumas that shaped who they are as adults, and it was fascinating watching how that played out in their choices.
I understood Quentin’s calculated decisions right away, but Rayna’s perspective took me longer to grasp. Once I did, though—it hit me in a way I wasn’t expecting. Seeing them navigate their struggles, confront difficult truths, and still move forward together made for such a meaningful and enjoyable read.
I understood Quentin’s calculated decisions right away, but Rayna’s perspective took me longer to grasp. Once I did, though—it hit me in a way I wasn’t expecting. Seeing them navigate their struggles, confront difficult truths, and still move forward together made for such a meaningful and enjoyable read.
September 29, 2025
💜🌼Aja Never Disappoints💜🌼
The Scratch is book 4 of Aja's Lover's Series..but they are all standalone novellas,and you don't have to read the others first...although I recommend the others too...just 'cause they're good books...I reread the previous ones every time a new one is released…💜🌼
So..Rayna Whitaker is an electrician…the tough and independent daughter of divorced parents..who works with her father in their family business .…who had her heart broken once…has trust issues and she ain’t letting anyone else near her heart, again…at least that’s the plan…She’s also a pool shark…which is how she meets and falls for Quentin…💜🌼
Quentin Hale is a physics teacher, who sees the world in numbers and angles…Raised by his grandmother after his parents were killed in a car accident…he has his own issues…but he falls for Rayna…Quentin is smart and strong and one of the most patient, kind and understanding men…but he’s no doormat…Quentin is, absolutely, the only man who is strong enough to break down Rayna’s walls and win her heart…but getting her to let go of her fears and really trust him is no easy task…He, too, is a pool shark…that and their combustible sexual chemistry is the common ground that brings them together…💜🌼
Although neither allows themselves to be vulnerable enough to admit they love each other…lots of sex is had…Rayna gets pregnant…and both of their worlds are turned upside down…
This series is so good…and I love everything Aja writes..The Scratch does not disappoint…If you’re looking for a short, hot…like really hot…story with interesting characters..and an HEA…this series is filled with them…and The Scratch is the latest..💜🌼
The Scratch is book 4 of Aja's Lover's Series..but they are all standalone novellas,and you don't have to read the others first...although I recommend the others too...just 'cause they're good books...I reread the previous ones every time a new one is released…💜🌼
So..Rayna Whitaker is an electrician…the tough and independent daughter of divorced parents..who works with her father in their family business .…who had her heart broken once…has trust issues and she ain’t letting anyone else near her heart, again…at least that’s the plan…She’s also a pool shark…which is how she meets and falls for Quentin…💜🌼
Quentin Hale is a physics teacher, who sees the world in numbers and angles…Raised by his grandmother after his parents were killed in a car accident…he has his own issues…but he falls for Rayna…Quentin is smart and strong and one of the most patient, kind and understanding men…but he’s no doormat…Quentin is, absolutely, the only man who is strong enough to break down Rayna’s walls and win her heart…but getting her to let go of her fears and really trust him is no easy task…He, too, is a pool shark…that and their combustible sexual chemistry is the common ground that brings them together…💜🌼
Although neither allows themselves to be vulnerable enough to admit they love each other…lots of sex is had…Rayna gets pregnant…and both of their worlds are turned upside down…
This series is so good…and I love everything Aja writes..The Scratch does not disappoint…If you’re looking for a short, hot…like really hot…story with interesting characters..and an HEA…this series is filled with them…and The Scratch is the latest..💜🌼
October 9, 2025
Exceptional story
This author is so underrated but her works are beyond exceptional. She continues to evolve as a writer while staying true to the core of her character. She is truly a romantic at heart but not only that her spirituality comes through in the redemptive character development. Rayna had a major reason for the walls that were erected around her heart and the author did not condemn her for having them. Then you had Quentin whose life experienced chaos at an early age and needed structure, order to survive. The reckless and explosive collision of Rayna and Quentin happening at a pool table where collisions are expected made sense. I am a physics nerd through and through and the author did not fail in feeding my inner nerd while giving me the most steamy love scenes. I savored this book and did not rush reading it. Every morsel of wisdom was worth this journey. This author can never do wrong in my eyes. This book was what I needed in this stage of my life and if I could receive my own Quentin I would be thrilled. I was also proud of Rayna's growth especially how she handled that history teacher who could not read a room. I could go on and on but I suggest that you get into this book,this series as soon as possible. It is so good.
This author is so underrated but her works are beyond exceptional. She continues to evolve as a writer while staying true to the core of her character. She is truly a romantic at heart but not only that her spirituality comes through in the redemptive character development. Rayna had a major reason for the walls that were erected around her heart and the author did not condemn her for having them. Then you had Quentin whose life experienced chaos at an early age and needed structure, order to survive. The reckless and explosive collision of Rayna and Quentin happening at a pool table where collisions are expected made sense. I am a physics nerd through and through and the author did not fail in feeding my inner nerd while giving me the most steamy love scenes. I savored this book and did not rush reading it. Every morsel of wisdom was worth this journey. This author can never do wrong in my eyes. This book was what I needed in this stage of my life and if I could receive my own Quentin I would be thrilled. I was also proud of Rayna's growth especially how she handled that history teacher who could not read a room. I could go on and on but I suggest that you get into this book,this series as soon as possible. It is so good.
October 9, 2025
🎱 🔥 When Sparks Fly Across the Felt… You Already Know It’s Aja! 🎱🔥
Look here, people!! Mrs. Aja is not out here playing, y’all! She means business—and she just gave us the business with Rayna, the electrician, and Quentin, the physics teacher, a.k.a. “the Professor”! But their true profession? Certified and bonafide pool sharks! Whew!! It’s heating up over here! 🔥🔥
Now listen, I’m not about to spoil a single detail, because you need to experience this story in your own way. What I will say is that Mrs. Aja, as always, poured her everything into this one. The emotion, the drama, the love, the fire, the friendship—and those electric moments around the pool table—you’ll feel it all! That’s storytelling at its finest, and that’s the magic of this amazing author.
So go on—grab your copy, settle in, and get ready to lose yourself in a world of felt, cue balls, and all the heat and heart that come with it. The weekend’s calling, and this book is the answer!
As Always, Aja… Kudos, Beautiful. Kudos!! 💜💜
Look here, people!! Mrs. Aja is not out here playing, y’all! She means business—and she just gave us the business with Rayna, the electrician, and Quentin, the physics teacher, a.k.a. “the Professor”! But their true profession? Certified and bonafide pool sharks! Whew!! It’s heating up over here! 🔥🔥
Now listen, I’m not about to spoil a single detail, because you need to experience this story in your own way. What I will say is that Mrs. Aja, as always, poured her everything into this one. The emotion, the drama, the love, the fire, the friendship—and those electric moments around the pool table—you’ll feel it all! That’s storytelling at its finest, and that’s the magic of this amazing author.
So go on—grab your copy, settle in, and get ready to lose yourself in a world of felt, cue balls, and all the heat and heart that come with it. The weekend’s calling, and this book is the answer!
As Always, Aja… Kudos, Beautiful. Kudos!! 💜💜
October 9, 2025
The threads of wire that help pull electricity, the optis of physics that make these two things compatible in a sense draw these two souls of Rayna and Quentin together at the pool table. I loved the metaphoric symbolism used describing how, like oil and water, they could be put together to create whatever they wanted to happen.
Quentin was patient, gentle, and knew without a doubt he wanted to be in her space. Rayna was guarding her heart because she was afraid of being broken like she was at 17 years old and her parents' divorce. However, she craved him just as much.
History teacher Nia kept coming where she wasn't invited nor wanted. Thirsty much, but Quentin never wavered cause he had no desire for her.
This was a feel-good slow burn story where there was no room for games. It was a bonus story because mom and dad ended up finding their way back to each other, Shawna found her that special man, and Malik ended up with his love interest.
Quentin was patient, gentle, and knew without a doubt he wanted to be in her space. Rayna was guarding her heart because she was afraid of being broken like she was at 17 years old and her parents' divorce. However, she craved him just as much.
History teacher Nia kept coming where she wasn't invited nor wanted. Thirsty much, but Quentin never wavered cause he had no desire for her.
This was a feel-good slow burn story where there was no room for games. It was a bonus story because mom and dad ended up finding their way back to each other, Shawna found her that special man, and Malik ended up with his love interest.
December 18, 2025
Quentin and Rayna!!
Quentin is a high school physics teacher who suffered a tragedy at a young age when his parents were killed in a car accident. Rayna is an electrician and still suffering from her parent's divorce. Quentin and Rayna have had their eyes on each other for quite some time. Quentin was just the man that Rayna needed in her life. He ended up being her anchor. Whatever she was going through, he was there for her even though she kept running from him and her feelings. It took a while for Quentin to wear Rayna down, and I was happy when she finally decided to get on the same page as him. The love scenes were 🔥🔥🔥, but I also enjoyed the emotional aspect of their relationship. I couldn't stand the stalker teacher who couldn't read the room. She should have been popped during one of her pop-ups. 😂 I love a good oops storyline and the author did a wonderful job weaving this added factor into their lives. Awesome read!!
Quentin is a high school physics teacher who suffered a tragedy at a young age when his parents were killed in a car accident. Rayna is an electrician and still suffering from her parent's divorce. Quentin and Rayna have had their eyes on each other for quite some time. Quentin was just the man that Rayna needed in her life. He ended up being her anchor. Whatever she was going through, he was there for her even though she kept running from him and her feelings. It took a while for Quentin to wear Rayna down, and I was happy when she finally decided to get on the same page as him. The love scenes were 🔥🔥🔥, but I also enjoyed the emotional aspect of their relationship. I couldn't stand the stalker teacher who couldn't read the room. She should have been popped during one of her pop-ups. 😂 I love a good oops storyline and the author did a wonderful job weaving this added factor into their lives. Awesome read!!
December 24, 2025
Lots to love about this journey! Quentin is a Physics teacher YAY!!!!! Rayna is an electrician with her family's company. And for fun, they both shoot pool and win tournaments.
Now here we go. Nia? is Quentin's colleague but she wants him, so she keeps showing up where he is. But why does he keep mentioning where he is going to be? That is stirring up Rayna's trust issues.
There were a couple of lack of editing issues. I had to go back and re -read certain passages, because I thought Rayna's parents were deceased. But then they are talking about a cruise. So I searched and it appeared that it is someone else. Also a page is duplicated, and further in the book the same page reappears. Totally disrupts the the flow of the story.
Other than that a really captivating story!
November 18, 2025
Title: The Scratch
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC
Series: The Lovers Series
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Scratch" by Aja
The Insight:
"The Scratch" is an enjoyable and steamy addition to the series, focusing on the relationship between Rayna and Quentin. How will Rayna, an electrician, and Quentin, a physics teacher, come together as one? Will Quentin be able to win Rayna's heart? Besides their skills as pool sharks, they share a more profound connection that brings them closer. You must pick up this captivating read to discover what that connection is. The author skillfully develops both main characters, who have each faced significant challenges in their lives, leaving readers eager for more from this series.
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC
Series: The Lovers Series
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Scratch" by Aja
The Insight:
"The Scratch" is an enjoyable and steamy addition to the series, focusing on the relationship between Rayna and Quentin. How will Rayna, an electrician, and Quentin, a physics teacher, come together as one? Will Quentin be able to win Rayna's heart? Besides their skills as pool sharks, they share a more profound connection that brings them closer. You must pick up this captivating read to discover what that connection is. The author skillfully develops both main characters, who have each faced significant challenges in their lives, leaving readers eager for more from this series.
October 6, 2025
Vickie J
Quentin lost his parents and didn't think he was ever come out of the grief he was going through but a teacher showed him through math that helped me....... Rayna parents divorced and it affected her that she didn't believe in forever so when these two souls come together.... both loved playing pool it was feeling like no other that Rayna could not run from even though she tried but Quentin was not giving up no matter what. Loved this book
Quentin lost his parents and didn't think he was ever come out of the grief he was going through but a teacher showed him through math that helped me....... Rayna parents divorced and it affected her that she didn't believe in forever so when these two souls come together.... both loved playing pool it was feeling like no other that Rayna could not run from even though she tried but Quentin was not giving up no matter what. Loved this book
January 5, 2026
The BEST is Here!!
I can’t explain how much I love this BOOK!! I love the characters, the words that she uses that builds the blueprint to what LOVE should truly look like!
Aja all I can say to you is thank you so very much!! For giving me hope, for showing me that true love is really possible! Whether it’s in a book or in real life! It’s possible!!
I can’t explain how much I love this BOOK!! I love the characters, the words that she uses that builds the blueprint to what LOVE should truly look like!
Aja all I can say to you is thank you so very much!! For giving me hope, for showing me that true love is really possible! Whether it’s in a book or in real life! It’s possible!!
October 15, 2025
Good story. No heavy drama. Two broken people trying to make it work. Could have been shorter.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews