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The Sweetest Return
She left with her heart in pieces and a future she was determined to build for herself.
She did not expect to come back and find the one man who still knew how to shake her.
Time has passed. Lives have changed. Success, distance, and heartbreak have done what they do. But one look is enough to remind them both that some feelings never really die. They deepen. They wait. They come alive the moment the right person steps back into the room.
And this time, the stakes are even higher.
The Sweetest Return is a sexy, soulful romance about unfinished love, second chances, and what happens when the life you chose leads you right back to the one person you never truly got over.
She did not expect to come back and find the one man who still knew how to shake her.
Time has passed. Lives have changed. Success, distance, and heartbreak have done what they do. But one look is enough to remind them both that some feelings never really die. They deepen. They wait. They come alive the moment the right person steps back into the room.
And this time, the stakes are even higher.
The Sweetest Return is a sexy, soulful romance about unfinished love, second chances, and what happens when the life you chose leads you right back to the one person you never truly got over.
439 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2026
About the author
Aja
57 books261 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 25, 2026
THE SWEETEST RETURN...
Andre and Imani were the "IT" couple at August Wilson University...They met Freshman year and totally fell in love...Four years later, graduating from college...Imani was offered her dream job in NYC...and Dre was gonna be drafted...somewhere....and at 22 years old...they couldn't see how to navigate their new careers with their relationship..without one of them getting the short end of the stick...so they let each other go....and it's heart breaking to watch, because Dre and Imani didn't break up because they wanted to...neither of them cheated... neither were selling or taking drugs...there was no online gambling involved...and neither of them fell outta love with the other..in fact..in my opinion...their love was so strong..neither of them wanted their happiness to affect the other's...At their age.. just couldn't see another choice..and it's seriously heart-wrenching when a couple who still loves each other and still wants to be together, breaks up...there's no closure...🌼💜
So...eight years later...Imani and Andre come back for the annual AWU homecoming weekend...it feels like, mostly, to see each other...And it's obvious from jump...that even after eight years of no contact...they are still very much in love...and their chemistry will burn up your kindle...They're the very definition of "unfinished business"…and you can feel the love between these two..and that they belong together...but they are still career driven folks...So..now, what? 💜🌼
I always say whatever book I'm reading is the best book Ms. Aja has written...because she just writes good books...Some of the things I love about her writing in this book is...she's written about mature characters...who don't play games...or say stuff they don't mean...They're kind and caring...They aren't afraid to show their emotions...or be vulnerable....the dialogue and banter is sometimes funny, sometimes sad...and always smart and important to the story....and the heat...Dude..it's BIG...and REAL...💜🌼
This one is 439 pages...and I read it in one day... It's a 2nd chance romance...with a slow burn ...and ain't no one writes a slow burn like Ms. Aja ....I loved Dre and Imani...and I loved this book...💜🌼
Andre and Imani were the "IT" couple at August Wilson University...They met Freshman year and totally fell in love...Four years later, graduating from college...Imani was offered her dream job in NYC...and Dre was gonna be drafted...somewhere....and at 22 years old...they couldn't see how to navigate their new careers with their relationship..without one of them getting the short end of the stick...so they let each other go....and it's heart breaking to watch, because Dre and Imani didn't break up because they wanted to...neither of them cheated... neither were selling or taking drugs...there was no online gambling involved...and neither of them fell outta love with the other..in fact..in my opinion...their love was so strong..neither of them wanted their happiness to affect the other's...At their age.. just couldn't see another choice..and it's seriously heart-wrenching when a couple who still loves each other and still wants to be together, breaks up...there's no closure...🌼💜
So...eight years later...Imani and Andre come back for the annual AWU homecoming weekend...it feels like, mostly, to see each other...And it's obvious from jump...that even after eight years of no contact...they are still very much in love...and their chemistry will burn up your kindle...They're the very definition of "unfinished business"…and you can feel the love between these two..and that they belong together...but they are still career driven folks...So..now, what? 💜🌼
I always say whatever book I'm reading is the best book Ms. Aja has written...because she just writes good books...Some of the things I love about her writing in this book is...she's written about mature characters...who don't play games...or say stuff they don't mean...They're kind and caring...They aren't afraid to show their emotions...or be vulnerable....the dialogue and banter is sometimes funny, sometimes sad...and always smart and important to the story....and the heat...Dude..it's BIG...and REAL...💜🌼
This one is 439 pages...and I read it in one day... It's a 2nd chance romance...with a slow burn ...and ain't no one writes a slow burn like Ms. Aja ....I loved Dre and Imani...and I loved this book...💜🌼
September 27, 2026
I'm a proud HBCU Grad and the author has been point on with the entire description of a HBCU Homecoming. All of it! I understand the first love and when you have to move to keep yourself from disappearing, into someone else's life. My first love was also one of the two top running backs, with the (#32). He didn't make it to the NFL but that was okay. Back to the story, Andre and Imani represent so many HBCU students present and past.
Andre and Imani were locked in and I don't believe anyone could penetrate the love that they kept in their hearts for each other. Not even Aubrey or Damian, who they previously were involved with. It broke my heart when Imani broke it off with Andre. To be clear, she felt pressure but not from him in the we/they/them category talk about his upcoming draft destination. All of the other noise from other people.
Imani left to accept her dream job in New York. Andre was unselfish in not asking her to give up her dream job, for fear she would later resent him.
SCREEEEEEEECH! EIGHT YEARS LATER!
IN THEIR GROWN YEARS:
The growth and maturity was seen in each, as they returned to August Wilson University for homecoming. She the 1st time since graduation and him there every year. They gave each other up, with miscommunication, and I feel like that strengthened them when they met up 8 yrs later.
They understood now, what silence did. It was discovered that each of them had to communicate in order to have a 2nd chance romance and not repeat their mistake, a 2nd time.. I won't say love, because they never stopped loving each other.
I liked Dre's humbleness, as it related to his accomplishments. His antenna was on pursing his ex woman. His father finally told him to put some legs under him, because he knew what he needed to do. Imani encouraged Dre to pursue his love of football, in another capacity.
Baby girl (Imani) was a BOSS and accomplished in her field of diamonds, stones, etc. with her stamp of approval around the world, too. She had to trust herself, have faith, and not be scared to let Andre back in, for fear she may disappear behind Dre and his fame or any other obstacles. She also had to learn to accept his plain simple help. Help and taking the lead are two different things!
The sex scenes were hotter than the sun. Lawd have mercy! He remembered and she remembered what each loved.
Loved the support that they gave each other in their accomplishments, this 2nd time around. They were grown and too cute together.
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 this book! What a Homecoming to remember!
Andre and Imani were locked in and I don't believe anyone could penetrate the love that they kept in their hearts for each other. Not even Aubrey or Damian, who they previously were involved with. It broke my heart when Imani broke it off with Andre. To be clear, she felt pressure but not from him in the we/they/them category talk about his upcoming draft destination. All of the other noise from other people.
Imani left to accept her dream job in New York. Andre was unselfish in not asking her to give up her dream job, for fear she would later resent him.
SCREEEEEEEECH! EIGHT YEARS LATER!
IN THEIR GROWN YEARS:
The growth and maturity was seen in each, as they returned to August Wilson University for homecoming. She the 1st time since graduation and him there every year. They gave each other up, with miscommunication, and I feel like that strengthened them when they met up 8 yrs later.
They understood now, what silence did. It was discovered that each of them had to communicate in order to have a 2nd chance romance and not repeat their mistake, a 2nd time.. I won't say love, because they never stopped loving each other.
I liked Dre's humbleness, as it related to his accomplishments. His antenna was on pursing his ex woman. His father finally told him to put some legs under him, because he knew what he needed to do. Imani encouraged Dre to pursue his love of football, in another capacity.
Baby girl (Imani) was a BOSS and accomplished in her field of diamonds, stones, etc. with her stamp of approval around the world, too. She had to trust herself, have faith, and not be scared to let Andre back in, for fear she may disappear behind Dre and his fame or any other obstacles. She also had to learn to accept his plain simple help. Help and taking the lead are two different things!
The sex scenes were hotter than the sun. Lawd have mercy! He remembered and she remembered what each loved.
Loved the support that they gave each other in their accomplishments, this 2nd time around. They were grown and too cute together.
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 this book! What a Homecoming to remember!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Be warned, this book has some length to it, but every bit of it is needed to truly understand who Imani and Dre are and how their story unfolds.
These college sweethearts had to make some difficult decisions about what would be best for them as they stepped into their post-college adult lives. Several years later, homecoming weekend brings them back together, giving them a chance to rekindle a flame that was never fully extinguished. Watching them find their way back to each other was a beautiful thing.
I'll admit, in the beginning, I wanted to rush the process. I was ready for them to get to it already! But by the time the story came to an end, I wasn't ready to let them go.
Aja did an amazing job of pulling me into their world. I felt like I was right there in the middle of homecoming weekend—hearing the sounds, smelling the food, and seeing all the sights. There were even moments when I felt like an intruder into their lives, especially during some of the more intimate scenes.
One of my favorite things about this story was how Imani and Dre handled their past. They didn't run from it, but they also didn't spend their time dwelling on it. They faced what happened, acknowledged how they had grown, and allowed themselves to move forward.
This second-chance love story did a beautiful job of showing what mature love can look like. Sometimes love isn't about getting it right the first time. Sometimes it's about growing, learning, and finding your way back to each other when the timing is finally right.
Aja definitely had me invested in Imani and Dre, and by the end, I wasn't ready to say goodbye.
These college sweethearts had to make some difficult decisions about what would be best for them as they stepped into their post-college adult lives. Several years later, homecoming weekend brings them back together, giving them a chance to rekindle a flame that was never fully extinguished. Watching them find their way back to each other was a beautiful thing.
I'll admit, in the beginning, I wanted to rush the process. I was ready for them to get to it already! But by the time the story came to an end, I wasn't ready to let them go.
Aja did an amazing job of pulling me into their world. I felt like I was right there in the middle of homecoming weekend—hearing the sounds, smelling the food, and seeing all the sights. There were even moments when I felt like an intruder into their lives, especially during some of the more intimate scenes.
One of my favorite things about this story was how Imani and Dre handled their past. They didn't run from it, but they also didn't spend their time dwelling on it. They faced what happened, acknowledged how they had grown, and allowed themselves to move forward.
This second-chance love story did a beautiful job of showing what mature love can look like. Sometimes love isn't about getting it right the first time. Sometimes it's about growing, learning, and finding your way back to each other when the timing is finally right.
Aja definitely had me invested in Imani and Dre, and by the end, I wasn't ready to say goodbye.
October 8, 2026
Too Long
I liked to book well enough, but it was too long. Aja writes well and the book flowed, but, for me, it was boring. The writer said that she took her time getting the couple back together, but she really didn't. There were a lot of pages full of nothing really happening before the couple got back together, but the timeline was only about 3 days. I appreciate a descriptive story, but the first half of the book seemed like that's all there was. I don't know; I feel like half of the book was the story and the other half was AWU, purple and gold and diamonds. More story, please.
I liked to book well enough, but it was too long. Aja writes well and the book flowed, but, for me, it was boring. The writer said that she took her time getting the couple back together, but she really didn't. There were a lot of pages full of nothing really happening before the couple got back together, but the timeline was only about 3 days. I appreciate a descriptive story, but the first half of the book seemed like that's all there was. I don't know; I feel like half of the book was the story and the other half was AWU, purple and gold and diamonds. More story, please.
September 30, 2026
The Sweetest Return
The release date of this book being around the release of A Different World Reboot and the story coming out during football season was chefs kiss. The story had me feeling nostalgic remembering college days, football homecoming and college relationships. I loved the play on words with the title and it being related to football as well.
This book gave me all the feels from beginning to end. I was rooting for Imani and Dre. Their love was genuine and real. They had to go through a separation to understand what their young minds couldn’t at the time. They needed that time apart to grow and learn to better communicate and how to handle their reconnection as well as learn from past mistakes when times got hard or their lives got big again.
Dre was patient, kind and loving and all he wanted to do outside of playing football, was to love Imani and be with her forever. Imani loved and adored Dre and wanted to see him succeed, but struggled with seeing how her goals wouldn’t get swallowed up by his bigger than life career path. I liked that they were able to end amicably, which helped them to come back together without much drama or fanfare. They were able to have those adult conversations with fresh eyes and experiences once they reconnected. I also loved how intentional Dre was and how they both were no longer scared to admit their fears and reservations out loud to each other so they could work through them together. Their journey was organic and so real.
If you love a second chance romance, football, spicy scenes, and seeing a couple who are strong individually, but even better together, then this is the story for you. This was so well written and kept me locked in from the beginning. 10/10 highly recommend!
The release date of this book being around the release of A Different World Reboot and the story coming out during football season was chefs kiss. The story had me feeling nostalgic remembering college days, football homecoming and college relationships. I loved the play on words with the title and it being related to football as well.
This book gave me all the feels from beginning to end. I was rooting for Imani and Dre. Their love was genuine and real. They had to go through a separation to understand what their young minds couldn’t at the time. They needed that time apart to grow and learn to better communicate and how to handle their reconnection as well as learn from past mistakes when times got hard or their lives got big again.
Dre was patient, kind and loving and all he wanted to do outside of playing football, was to love Imani and be with her forever. Imani loved and adored Dre and wanted to see him succeed, but struggled with seeing how her goals wouldn’t get swallowed up by his bigger than life career path. I liked that they were able to end amicably, which helped them to come back together without much drama or fanfare. They were able to have those adult conversations with fresh eyes and experiences once they reconnected. I also loved how intentional Dre was and how they both were no longer scared to admit their fears and reservations out loud to each other so they could work through them together. Their journey was organic and so real.
If you love a second chance romance, football, spicy scenes, and seeing a couple who are strong individually, but even better together, then this is the story for you. This was so well written and kept me locked in from the beginning. 10/10 highly recommend!
September 30, 2026
There are books you simply read, and then there are books you feel. This one settled into my mind, body, heart, and soul. I felt the emotions of these characters so deeply, and I absolutely loved the tenderness woven throughout this story.
Dre especially captured my heart. There was something so refreshing about experiencing a Black man who allowed himself to be vulnerable, emotionally open, and honest about what he felt. I appreciated that vulnerability so much.
But what made this novel even more special for me were the relationships throughout the book. The connections felt loving, intentional, and meaningful, especially the relationships between the Black men. There is something powerful about seeing Black men love, support, encourage, and simply show up for one another on the page.
And then you give this romantic at heart a beautiful second chance at love story? Oh, I was home.
The Sweetest Return is uplifting. It is healing. It is heartwarming. It reminds us that love can be soft, restorative, safe, and still ignite every one of our senses.
Aja continues to put books into my hands that uplift my soul, and I am so grateful for that. As an overall lover of LOVE, these are the stories I want wrapped around me.
If you are looking for a novel that feels like warmth, healing, connection, vulnerability, and love all around you, grab this gem.
The Sweetest Return was exactly what my romantic heart needed.
Dre especially captured my heart. There was something so refreshing about experiencing a Black man who allowed himself to be vulnerable, emotionally open, and honest about what he felt. I appreciated that vulnerability so much.
But what made this novel even more special for me were the relationships throughout the book. The connections felt loving, intentional, and meaningful, especially the relationships between the Black men. There is something powerful about seeing Black men love, support, encourage, and simply show up for one another on the page.
And then you give this romantic at heart a beautiful second chance at love story? Oh, I was home.
The Sweetest Return is uplifting. It is healing. It is heartwarming. It reminds us that love can be soft, restorative, safe, and still ignite every one of our senses.
Aja continues to put books into my hands that uplift my soul, and I am so grateful for that. As an overall lover of LOVE, these are the stories I want wrapped around me.
If you are looking for a novel that feels like warmth, healing, connection, vulnerability, and love all around you, grab this gem.
The Sweetest Return was exactly what my romantic heart needed.
Read
September 28, 2026Second chance sports romance
Ever wanted a second chance story that didn't speed straight to reconciliation as soon as the words "I'm sorry" were uttered? A story that takes its time for you to get to know the characters? One where rekindling the relationship was at a pace that made it feel worth the wait? The Sweetest Return is that story!
Author Aja took her time penning this beautiful story about Dre and Imani and the choices they make that will change their lives. We get to see how choices made at 22 while attending August Wilson University shaped them into who the are at 30.
I enjoyed seeing Dre and Imani take accountability for what went wrong. They both to face their fears and be honest with each other about them. They were purposeful about communicating.
Loved the banter between family and friends.
Don't let the cute story fool you either. The Sweetest Return has all the spice. If you're grown and like sexy, this is for you.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
Ever wanted a second chance story that didn't speed straight to reconciliation as soon as the words "I'm sorry" were uttered? A story that takes its time for you to get to know the characters? One where rekindling the relationship was at a pace that made it feel worth the wait? The Sweetest Return is that story!
Author Aja took her time penning this beautiful story about Dre and Imani and the choices they make that will change their lives. We get to see how choices made at 22 while attending August Wilson University shaped them into who the are at 30.
I enjoyed seeing Dre and Imani take accountability for what went wrong. They both to face their fears and be honest with each other about them. They were purposeful about communicating.
Loved the banter between family and friends.
Don't let the cute story fool you either. The Sweetest Return has all the spice. If you're grown and like sexy, this is for you.
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
October 16, 2026
Title: The Sweetest Return
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
'The Sweetest Return' by Aja
My Review:
'The Sweetest Return' is another wonderful, beautiful novel by this author, Aja. This story, featuring the characters Imani and Andre, is beautifully presented and gives the reader a lot to think about throughout the read. I loved Imani's strength in this story and how much communication was needed, which made for a magnificent read. I loved this second-chance love story, handled so well that it kept me turning the pages till the end, as you will admire all the love it gives. It has so many ups and downs that, if you know anything about love, you know they can happen too, but if you hang in there...this is where I say you must pick up 'The Sweetest Return' to get the whole story, so well described and presented.
Thank you to the author; another wonderful read. Keep on bringing them on to us!
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
'The Sweetest Return' by Aja
My Review:
'The Sweetest Return' is another wonderful, beautiful novel by this author, Aja. This story, featuring the characters Imani and Andre, is beautifully presented and gives the reader a lot to think about throughout the read. I loved Imani's strength in this story and how much communication was needed, which made for a magnificent read. I loved this second-chance love story, handled so well that it kept me turning the pages till the end, as you will admire all the love it gives. It has so many ups and downs that, if you know anything about love, you know they can happen too, but if you hang in there...this is where I say you must pick up 'The Sweetest Return' to get the whole story, so well described and presented.
Thank you to the author; another wonderful read. Keep on bringing them on to us!
September 29, 2026
Another good read
Another beautiful read from Aja. Her pen is impeccable. The ground work done to build the relationship. The tension, the rekindling, the spice, the hard conversations made simpler. I loved every bit of Imani and Andre. They were grown and moved as such. This is second chance down right.
Aja, I hope you’re pleased with yourself 😌🧡
Another beautiful read from Aja. Her pen is impeccable. The ground work done to build the relationship. The tension, the rekindling, the spice, the hard conversations made simpler. I loved every bit of Imani and Andre. They were grown and moved as such. This is second chance down right.
Aja, I hope you’re pleased with yourself 😌🧡
September 30, 2026
Excellence
This was an awesome book. I loved the slow go. It told everything about the situation of the chapter. I love football so it was right on time for me. Dre and Mani were truly made for each other. It was good to read without DV or drugs and guns running throughout the book. The ending was not expected however it worked.
Happy Reading‼️
This was an awesome book. I loved the slow go. It told everything about the situation of the chapter. I love football so it was right on time for me. Dre and Mani were truly made for each other. It was good to read without DV or drugs and guns running throughout the book. The ending was not expected however it worked.
Happy Reading‼️
October 2, 2026
Loved this ❤️
This was such a beautiful love story. I’m so glad the author showed strong women not shrinking themselves because of a man. This was really a great read about communication and how things change from being young to growing older.
I also loved the HBCU and characters with wealth 😉
This was such a beautiful love story. I’m so glad the author showed strong women not shrinking themselves because of a man. This was really a great read about communication and how things change from being young to growing older.
I also loved the HBCU and characters with wealth 😉
October 11, 2026
I said it in one of my notes....
I will say it here again. With all the technology, and transportation we have available at our disposal I do not understand how this broke them up for eight years or how she assumed he would make her feel small......great book, it introduced me to a great writer. I look forward to diving into her catalog.
I will say it here again. With all the technology, and transportation we have available at our disposal I do not understand how this broke them up for eight years or how she assumed he would make her feel small......great book, it introduced me to a great writer. I look forward to diving into her catalog.
October 1, 2026
So so sweet
One of the best sports romance and second chance stories I’ve read. It followed so easy and definitely a must read during homecoming season. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
One of the best sports romance and second chance stories I’ve read. It followed so easy and definitely a must read during homecoming season. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
October 8, 2026
DNF, boring! Dragged, no depth. Felt like a long monologue
Did Not Finish
October 16, 2026At one point I was enjoying the book but the dialogue relies too much on quips and one liners and the monologue are so congested they take away from the story.
September 27, 2026
I came across this book in a FB Reading Group and I’m so glad I did! I really enjoyed it! It gave HBCU with a second chance romance and I ate it up! The spicy scenes were perfectly placed and you felt the chemistry between the main characters! I found myself rooting for them…HARD!!!!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews