Sweet As Pie: Zseyah & Jakayla’s Story

by Aricka Alexander

Zseyah “Zee” Morris and Jakayla “Kay” Collins have been thick as thieves since the day they began to live together in a shared house with three other women before the start of their third year of college. They grew closer as time went on to the point where they were inseparable once graduation came around.

Fast forward a few years, and they're still the best of friends, even though their feelings for each other have grown well beyond the realm of friendship. Yet, neither of them dares to admit it, even though their relationship mirrors that of a married couple, thanks to how close they are, how affectionate they are, and how they’ve been raising a daughter together ever since Zee’s ex up and left out of nowhere.

Everything is perfect until one day, Zee’s ex suddenly pops back up in town, insistent on stirring up drama and threatening to derail the family that Zseyah and Jakayla have built with each other. But neither of them is going for that, and they do all they can to protect their peace and happiness.

This is a story of resilience, of love, and knowing when you’ve found your person. There’s jealousy, bitterness, and even a touch of drama, but through all the ups and downs, Zseyah and Jakayla don’t stop fighting for what matters most to them.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2026

About the author

Just a Black sapphic indie author who loves Black sapphic stories. All of my books are set mostly in Southern Louisiana. I also write YA.

Reviews

[Unpopmary · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and cozy with a steamy slow burn! Thank you to the author for an advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I adored Zee and Kay! I felt the frustration of missed opportunities and the joy of finally making that next step. I loved the protectiveness and support, especially with Kay. There was such an ease between the two that it almost seemed crazy to question if anything could break them apart even if a romantic relationship didn’t work out. But with the strength of their friendship and intimate connection, it truly was an easy step to take after all that delicious slow burn ;).

Lots of previous characters added joy and some insight in the best ways. I look forward to the last couple of ex-roommates romance!!

Recommend!!

[Eros Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I know it’s been a while since you slept with anyone, yet she’s dripping just for me like she knows who I am.”

If you’re looking for a Black sapphic romance:

-dual POV
-ex college roommates to besties to lovers
-thick, femme demisexual lesbian
-stem, women’s flag football player lesbian
-tall & taller MCs (5’7 & 6’0)
-bffs raising a daughter together
-messy, toxic ex storyline
-found family
-strong family dynamics; support systems
-characters that don’t play about each other
-references to other books & characters
-spice 3/5
-medium pacing
-228 pages

This was such a swoon worthy romance.
The MCs friendship was so soft and affirming.
Jakayla though? Easily one of my favorite book girlfriends. She’s lovable, a lover girl at heart, & passionate about protecting and supporting those that she loves.

Now, I wasn’t not expecting this book to get as messy as it did. From the prologue I was heated for Zseyah. The way that her ex was moving made me want to come through my kindle and handle Sasha myself.

Aricka Alexander is an auto read author for me.
When it comes to relatable spice with Black, queer characters with varying presentations and qualities she has it nailed EASILY.

For maximum impact, read book 1 “Sweet Like Honey”.
You will not be disappointed.

[Brisace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Aricka Alexander for the ARC copy of Sweet As Pie 🥧

Friends to lovers, found family, and two people who were clearly in love long before they admitted it. Sweet, heartwarming, and full of the kind of love that reminds you your best friend can really be your forever person. 💛

Zee and Kay already had the love, the trust, and the family. They were basically married without the title, and watching them finally realize what everyone else already knew had me smiling the whole time. Even when someone tried to take away the peace they had built together, they never stopped fighting for each other.

I was so happy they finally got their happy ending. 🥹

[Jasmine Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I say Aricka never disappoints me, I mean it. Friends to lovers is still a trope, I sometimes hate. But as there was mutual secret pining, it passed the vibe check. And when I say FUCK Zees ex, I mean it with all letters capitalized. She deserved to have the worst day of her life, every day of her life. But seriously, this was so cutie, and I need to know if Kays family is adopting, because I need to be a part of that tribe. I would have like to see more moments with Kay and the baby, and think Zees ex got off wayyy to easy. But overall fun as usual, I just always want more lol.

[Octavia 📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read! This story came in swinging and Arii did not take her foot off the gas. When I say PAGE TURNER… didn’t want to put it down but also didn’t want it to end.
So much love between Zee and Kay and I’m glad it was showcased, the storyline was everything (no filler chapters), the drama was there, not to mention supportive non toxic family dynamics surrounding them.

If you’re considering reading this just go ahead and get it.

[RaShon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh!!! Omg!! Listen!!!! I swear Arii can do no wrong in my eyes!! Everything I’ve read has been amazing and this book was absolutely no different!
I just love a good slow burn that doesn’t feel slow. This was that!! The love that these two had for each other even before being together was EVERYTHING!! College roommates turned besties turned lovers
10/10 would 💯 % recommend

[LaNee Tay · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️

This book was so cute. I’m glad that healing was able to happen so that they could become one and be together as they always should have. I’m glad they were able to enjoy their families. She was able to adopt the baby and have another baby. I love a good mushy happy ending, and this author never disappoints.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aricka Alexander has done it again! Sweet as Pie was exactly that—sweet, heartfelt, and so good. I absolutely loved JayKayla and Zseyah’s story. This book gave us everything from sensual to downright sexy, and I have zero complaints.

The love, longing, and undeniable chemistry between Zee and Kay were written so beautifully—it felt effortless and had me hooked from start to finish. Their story never fell short, and the love and support surrounding them made every chapter even more special. It was definitely a page-turner.

And of course… what would a romance be without an insufferable ex stirring the pot? 🤭

Highly recommend if you love seeing Black girls loving Black girls and watching the sweetest friends-to-lovers romance unfold. ✨

[Tiffani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zseyah and Jakayla became fast friends. Although it was attraction from the very beginning they didn’t let that stop them from being just friends. When Zee got married to Sasha, Kay was still an amazing friend and godmother to Zee’s daughter Serenity. Then things went left with Zee and Sasha and it nearly destroyed Zee.

It took her years just to be okay. Kay helped raise Zee’s daughter Serenity as her own. While Zee and Kay tried to navigate through Zee’s heart break and their friendship, stronger feelings they tried to hide became to form. Something worth waiting for. Everything was going the way they knew it should be. But then Zee’s ex, Sasha, tries to come back in the picture to ruin what they’ve built and destroy Zee all over again.

Will Zee and Kay’s relationship be able to withstand this shift or will it destroy everything they’ve created

This story takes you through so many emotions. It’s definitely a great read