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Finding Her Center
Hockey Center Greyson Mathieson is a hockey legacy, growing up with a dad that also played pro. It’s the most important thing in his life next to his Mama, and with a crucial season coming up – he’s got no time for distractions.
Well…none except for Daya.
Greyson met Daya two years ago by chance, when he decided to blow off some steam by chatting with a stranger online. But what started as a virtual fling has come to mean more to Greyson than he ever expected…
All he can think about is meeting Daya in person and finally turning late night fantasies into the most delicious reality.
Daya Kincaid is an introverted freelance writer, with only three rules in mind when it comes to men:
1) No relationships.
2) No complications.
3) No feelings.
Finding a sexy man who was willing to bare it all for some virtual fun without any commitment or strings attached, sounded like the most perfect arrangement in the world…until he wanted the real deal and she wanted to keep her life as it was. She wants things to be kept simple, and for Greyson and his phenomenal body and his raw sex appeal to stay far, far away.
But sometimes, life puts you in exactly the right place. You just have to decide what the hell you’re going to do about it.
All Greyson wants is a chance to see what they could build, but Daya has her own set of rules and he’s playing blind. A man can only take so much. He’s not perfect by any means, but he’s trying.
With her own truths to face before she can truly trust anyone with her heart, Daya has to be careful or this might be one game that nobody wins.
Finding Her Center is a debut 60,000 word standalone novel with a HEA and no cliffhangers.
Well…none except for Daya.
Greyson met Daya two years ago by chance, when he decided to blow off some steam by chatting with a stranger online. But what started as a virtual fling has come to mean more to Greyson than he ever expected…
All he can think about is meeting Daya in person and finally turning late night fantasies into the most delicious reality.
Daya Kincaid is an introverted freelance writer, with only three rules in mind when it comes to men:
1) No relationships.
2) No complications.
3) No feelings.
Finding a sexy man who was willing to bare it all for some virtual fun without any commitment or strings attached, sounded like the most perfect arrangement in the world…until he wanted the real deal and she wanted to keep her life as it was. She wants things to be kept simple, and for Greyson and his phenomenal body and his raw sex appeal to stay far, far away.
But sometimes, life puts you in exactly the right place. You just have to decide what the hell you’re going to do about it.
All Greyson wants is a chance to see what they could build, but Daya has her own set of rules and he’s playing blind. A man can only take so much. He’s not perfect by any means, but he’s trying.
With her own truths to face before she can truly trust anyone with her heart, Daya has to be careful or this might be one game that nobody wins.
Finding Her Center is a debut 60,000 word standalone novel with a HEA and no cliffhangers.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2017
194 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Aja Cole
16 books137 followersIn addition to the people in her life that indulge her crazy - Aja Cole loves men that smell phenomenal, food that tastes amazing, and something that college makes it hard to do called sleep. She loves feedback and hearing from readers, as her goal is to become better with every release.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 5, 2017
I was extra excited to read this book because I was really hooked with the blurb. However my bubble burst because the book started when Greyson/Cole and Daya was well into they texting/phone relationship already...and that was the part I was really looking forward to. It was actually nearing the end.
I don't know if that was because of that development that my head started to go somewhere else when I continued with the book. I expected it to be a fun read and suddenly, it started to really get serious when Daya started to deal with her past. It suddenly felt like a totally different pool. And though both she and Greyson had their own pasts to deal with, the primary focus was just on her and there was none for him. His just became a sidenote.
I guess this book was my first big disappointment of the year based on how high my expectations were.
I don't know if that was because of that development that my head started to go somewhere else when I continued with the book. I expected it to be a fun read and suddenly, it started to really get serious when Daya started to deal with her past. It suddenly felt like a totally different pool. And though both she and Greyson had their own pasts to deal with, the primary focus was just on her and there was none for him. His just became a sidenote.
I guess this book was my first big disappointment of the year based on how high my expectations were.
February 2, 2017
Daya Kincaid likes to keep things simple with little to no drama. That's why the only long term relationship she's had in the last two years is with someone she's never met, and she would like to keep it that way. Things are going great, until her chat buddy wants to change the rules. Now Daya has to decide if she should take a chance and meet him, or end it before things get complicated.
Greyson "Cole" Mathieson has been enjoying his on again off again long distance relationship with his chat buddy, but now all of the fantasies they've shared, he wants to make realities. He just has to convince Daya that they could be so much more than chat buddies if she would just give them chance.
I have to admit, that if it wasn't for the Cole, I probably would have given up on this story. But Cole was such a lovable hero that I just wanted to see if he could bring Daya over from the dark side. To be fair, after understanding Daya's background I could better understand where she was coming from but it didn't make me like her any better. Don't get me wrong, Cole had his issues to, he just knew how to handle them better. He was willing to do anything for Daya, if she would let down her wall and let him in. In the end Daya grew on me and I'm glad I didn't give up on her. My favorite scene was the surprise that Daya arranged for Cole at the end. I won't give up the details, but I think you'll love it too. I really enjoyed Daya and Cole's story, and I gave it 4 stars.
Greyson "Cole" Mathieson has been enjoying his on again off again long distance relationship with his chat buddy, but now all of the fantasies they've shared, he wants to make realities. He just has to convince Daya that they could be so much more than chat buddies if she would just give them chance.
I have to admit, that if it wasn't for the Cole, I probably would have given up on this story. But Cole was such a lovable hero that I just wanted to see if he could bring Daya over from the dark side. To be fair, after understanding Daya's background I could better understand where she was coming from but it didn't make me like her any better. Don't get me wrong, Cole had his issues to, he just knew how to handle them better. He was willing to do anything for Daya, if she would let down her wall and let him in. In the end Daya grew on me and I'm glad I didn't give up on her. My favorite scene was the surprise that Daya arranged for Cole at the end. I won't give up the details, but I think you'll love it too. I really enjoyed Daya and Cole's story, and I gave it 4 stars.
January 25, 2017
Tbh this is more like 1.75 stars. The writing was nice, especially since this was a debut novel, but the plot just went totally, completely off the rails. Like, this is fiction, of course, but it got to just be too much. Like her dad is a serial polygamist because he's from South Africa? A country with several different ethnic groups, not all of whom practice polygamy? Idk I wasn't feeling the implications of that, plus there was no specificity about what tribe or group her dad was from (tbh he seemed to be white...she said he was "descended from Dutch settlers" but okay still could be anything, I guess). And that restaurant scene was something out of a bad TV movie, it was just ridiculous and didn't fit the tone of the rest of the book.
I liked how the hero was the lovestruck one, rather than it being the other way around. The leads complemented each other nicely, although the heroine could be extremely caustic for seemingly no good reason.
There were quite a few grammatical errors that took me out of the story and quite a few misused words (ex. "finished off her class [of cognac]" instead of "finished off her glass"). Also, the heroine was a freelancer, but seemed to never do any work? The setting also made no sense. I couldn't tell if it was meant to be in New York City or somewhere in New York State. There was no specificity and was quite confusing.
All in all, I think this author has some raw talent, but is desperately in need of a good editor to polish things.
***also for the love of god, can authors stop having their leads have unprotected sex without knowing each other's status? It's not romantic and it's not fantasy-inducing, it's extremely dangerous. I'm certainly no prude but this is one of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to romance/young adult books
I liked how the hero was the lovestruck one, rather than it being the other way around. The leads complemented each other nicely, although the heroine could be extremely caustic for seemingly no good reason.
There were quite a few grammatical errors that took me out of the story and quite a few misused words (ex. "finished off her class [of cognac]" instead of "finished off her glass"). Also, the heroine was a freelancer, but seemed to never do any work? The setting also made no sense. I couldn't tell if it was meant to be in New York City or somewhere in New York State. There was no specificity and was quite confusing.
All in all, I think this author has some raw talent, but is desperately in need of a good editor to polish things.
***also for the love of god, can authors stop having their leads have unprotected sex without knowing each other's status? It's not romantic and it's not fantasy-inducing, it's extremely dangerous. I'm certainly no prude but this is one of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to romance/young adult books
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2017
This is an interracial story (BW/WM) with Daya and Greyson. This is my first book by this author and I read it on Kindle Unlimited.
I really enjoyed this story, its a sports romance which starts online. I did want to shake Daya a few times because she was about to throw away someone who was really into her.
I would recommend this book as a good read.
I really enjoyed this story, its a sports romance which starts online. I did want to shake Daya a few times because she was about to throw away someone who was really into her.
I would recommend this book as a good read.
January 17, 2017
I love hockey books. Greyson is so dreamy.
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February 24, 2017
I got about halfway through this book and I just couldn't get into it. I usually read new adult romance books in about a day if they are good. Sometimes I even stay up all night reading it and then have to re-read the good ones again just to swoon over the characters. I did not care for Daya even though I was happy to see a bi-racial romance and even though I originally liked the premise of them having this cyber sex relationship to then something more in real life, it just didn't capture my attention enough to keep reading it. I could suspend belief that somehow they would know each other in the "small world" theme but I didn't believe that Greyson would have not been with other women since he starting sexting with Daya 4 months ago and somehow that meant they have a real connection. They knew nothing about each other so for him to want to take things to the next level wasn't very convincing and her back story of the relationship with her family wasn't very enthralling either. It was like I expected it but anyways lost interest, couldn't finish it and glad I didn't buy it. Since this is a debut, I really hope the next book will be better as it was written quite well.
February 2, 2017
Greyson and Daya have been sexting each other for about 2 years. They’ve never met. Daya isn’t interested in anything other than a long-distance/anonymous arrangement and Greyson isn’t the type to force the issue.
The start of the book is very hot and steamy with their sexting back and forth. Great start to the book and then it cooled off a bit. For me this felt like a solid 3.5/5 star book.
Greyson is a professional hockey player and hockey is his first love. He’s focused, dedicated and extremely intense both during the season and in the off-season. He’d like to meet Daya in person to see if their chemistry is as hot in person as it is over the phone, but he’s not sure he has the time required to devote to a real relationship.
Both Daya and Greyson come with some Daddy issues, which affects how they look at life and especially how they deal with relationships. When these two virtual lovers coincidentally end up sharing the same condo for a couple of weeks, they quickly discover that their passion does translate to bedroom, but Greyson falls hard and quickly for Daya, while she slams on the brakes. She’s scared of being hurt, but because she’s so closed off, she doesn’t explain to Greyson what her real issues are. She fights and flees instead.
Going home and dealing with the skeletons in her closet turns out to be the best decision she could have ever made. It provides her with the healing, answers to long unanswered questions and the family she had always sought. Will it be enough for her to take a leap into a relationship with Greyson? By the time she finds herself, will Greyson have found someone else?
Super sweet epilogue. HEA. Standalone. No cliffhanger.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
The start of the book is very hot and steamy with their sexting back and forth. Great start to the book and then it cooled off a bit. For me this felt like a solid 3.5/5 star book.
Greyson is a professional hockey player and hockey is his first love. He’s focused, dedicated and extremely intense both during the season and in the off-season. He’d like to meet Daya in person to see if their chemistry is as hot in person as it is over the phone, but he’s not sure he has the time required to devote to a real relationship.
Both Daya and Greyson come with some Daddy issues, which affects how they look at life and especially how they deal with relationships. When these two virtual lovers coincidentally end up sharing the same condo for a couple of weeks, they quickly discover that their passion does translate to bedroom, but Greyson falls hard and quickly for Daya, while she slams on the brakes. She’s scared of being hurt, but because she’s so closed off, she doesn’t explain to Greyson what her real issues are. She fights and flees instead.
Going home and dealing with the skeletons in her closet turns out to be the best decision she could have ever made. It provides her with the healing, answers to long unanswered questions and the family she had always sought. Will it be enough for her to take a leap into a relationship with Greyson? By the time she finds herself, will Greyson have found someone else?
Super sweet epilogue. HEA. Standalone. No cliffhanger.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
July 14, 2017
This grabbed me right away because I was loving the back and forth online bravery. Of course it was steamy but the narrative was funny. It pulled you in.
It's so easy to be someone different online than your real world self. You can be a little braver, and maybe even a little more honest with your deep down self (let that freak flag fly -lol-). Not always what you'd like to reveal in real life. So to meet that person you're a bit too...um...open...with online is a scary thought.
This is a smutty 'You've Got Mail' situation. I thought that part might play out a bit longer but it didn't last long. It was funny and totally embarrassing and awkward though.
I didn't really like our heroine, Daya, so at times I was frustrated with the story. I also didn't like some of the directions that the story took. But overall it was a fun read.
-Exclusive ARC-
It's so easy to be someone different online than your real world self. You can be a little braver, and maybe even a little more honest with your deep down self (let that freak flag fly -lol-). Not always what you'd like to reveal in real life. So to meet that person you're a bit too...um...open...with online is a scary thought.
This is a smutty 'You've Got Mail' situation. I thought that part might play out a bit longer but it didn't last long. It was funny and totally embarrassing and awkward though.
I didn't really like our heroine, Daya, so at times I was frustrated with the story. I also didn't like some of the directions that the story took. But overall it was a fun read.
-Exclusive ARC-
February 4, 2017
Cyber sex leads to love
***I received this book in exchange for an honest ARC review***
This book was a great debut novel by this author. The story flowed pretty well and the characters were likeable. Full of hot sex scenes.
Greyson is a pro hockey player and Daya is a writer. Greyson is a bit of a sap and Daya is closed off. Greyson and Daya have a fling online for two years. Greyson wants to meet Daya in person and pursue things once he gets back to NY, but Daya likes the anonymity and hiding behind the computer. However an interesting twist puts them together. Greyson wants all in but Daya has issues she has to deal with and runs away. I'll they be able to work through their issues?
***I received this book in exchange for an honest ARC review***
This book was a great debut novel by this author. The story flowed pretty well and the characters were likeable. Full of hot sex scenes.
Greyson is a pro hockey player and Daya is a writer. Greyson is a bit of a sap and Daya is closed off. Greyson and Daya have a fling online for two years. Greyson wants to meet Daya in person and pursue things once he gets back to NY, but Daya likes the anonymity and hiding behind the computer. However an interesting twist puts them together. Greyson wants all in but Daya has issues she has to deal with and runs away. I'll they be able to work through their issues?
March 8, 2017
Loved it
I've passed this book on amazon for the past mos. now bc it was a hockey romance and could only imagine how cliché the plot and storyline were about to be. Too many IRR are starting to read the same and I'm getting bored but after not finding much else to pick from I gave this one a chance, and I am soon very glad I did. I was so pleasantly surprised. The characters had depth and plenty of personality. They had real life issues that only enhanced the story. I was a little mad with Daya in the beginning for being so difficult and appreciate Greyson for sticking with it. Not gonna do any spoilers just will say it was a really good read and author has a new fan and I'll be stalking all things Ajax Cole.
I've passed this book on amazon for the past mos. now bc it was a hockey romance and could only imagine how cliché the plot and storyline were about to be. Too many IRR are starting to read the same and I'm getting bored but after not finding much else to pick from I gave this one a chance, and I am soon very glad I did. I was so pleasantly surprised. The characters had depth and plenty of personality. They had real life issues that only enhanced the story. I was a little mad with Daya in the beginning for being so difficult and appreciate Greyson for sticking with it. Not gonna do any spoilers just will say it was a really good read and author has a new fan and I'll be stalking all things Ajax Cole.
February 18, 2023
This book started off really well but I got bored after a while. I really loved Greyson but Daya wasn't really likeable at the beginning. However, she goes through a lot of self-growth which made me like her character a lot more. The epilogue was one of my favourites ever and it really wrapped up the book nicely, that is how they are supposed to be written. The book had more spicy scenes than I expected and although I usually don't complain, this time it felt a bit too much and I would have preferred to see more talking or bonding time. I ended up skimming some of those scenes. There were also a few grammatical errors that put me off.
February 1, 2017
Grayson and Daya meet virtually and it’s immediate attraction. Since sexting is the only thing they do, Greyson decides to step up and ask Daya to meet personally. Daya panics but what she doesn't know is that Grayson actually is her best friend’s brother and she meets him during his visit in New York. Grayson is bewitched by Daya's charm but she has a lot of personal issues so it will be a long road towards a happy ending. I liked reading this book and I honestly recommend it. Sexy, charming and full of love.
March 27, 2017
Oh my gosh!
Wow!!!! Where has this author been hiding!!! I've never heard of her before, but I will be adding her to my list of 'Go to authors.' Really loved this book. You could feel the love these 2 characters had for each other, jumping off the page at you as you read. A lot of writers can't do that, but Aja managed to do that in this book. Thanks Kindle Unlimited for adding a new author to my list!
Wow!!!! Where has this author been hiding!!! I've never heard of her before, but I will be adding her to my list of 'Go to authors.' Really loved this book. You could feel the love these 2 characters had for each other, jumping off the page at you as you read. A lot of writers can't do that, but Aja managed to do that in this book. Thanks Kindle Unlimited for adding a new author to my list!
August 30, 2017
Loved it what a sweet story
Deya and Greyson had been sexting for two years. He wants to meet her she doesn't, as fate would have it. Her roommate is Greyson's sister. He stops in to spend a few days with his sister and there is Daya. He recognized her but she didn't recognize him right away. They both had daddy issues. It's always good to work out our issues before we go into a relationship.
Deya and Greyson had been sexting for two years. He wants to meet her she doesn't, as fate would have it. Her roommate is Greyson's sister. He stops in to spend a few days with his sister and there is Daya. He recognized her but she didn't recognize him right away. They both had daddy issues. It's always good to work out our issues before we go into a relationship.
April 16, 2019
Awww AWESOME!
Ms. Cole has done it again!
Just finished this real 💘love story
at 3AM ! That's how good this book is!
This book starts sizzling & steamy and
ends that way with a little bump in between!
The dynamics of Daja & her Daddy issues give
this book more depth & meaning! Greyson is
too damn sexy, too good to be true! But he
plays hard & loves hard! Send me him next
Christmas!! Beautiful sexy love 💘!!!
Ms. Cole has done it again!
Just finished this real 💘love story
at 3AM ! That's how good this book is!
This book starts sizzling & steamy and
ends that way with a little bump in between!
The dynamics of Daja & her Daddy issues give
this book more depth & meaning! Greyson is
too damn sexy, too good to be true! But he
plays hard & loves hard! Send me him next
Christmas!! Beautiful sexy love 💘!!!
June 6, 2021
3.5 stars.
I finally got the chance or should I say made the chance to read this book. It's been sitting on my TBR 2017 list. (Yes I know. I'm way behind, lol). This is my first time reading from this author. I felt some parts of the book was rush and wrap up in a bow. However, I wasn't turned off from reading the book. I will definitely be checking out the authors other books in the near to not so near future lol.
I finally got the chance or should I say made the chance to read this book. It's been sitting on my TBR 2017 list. (Yes I know. I'm way behind, lol). This is my first time reading from this author. I felt some parts of the book was rush and wrap up in a bow. However, I wasn't turned off from reading the book. I will definitely be checking out the authors other books in the near to not so near future lol.
August 12, 2017
The idea of the story okay, but the writing and character personalities were annoying at times.
I found myself skipping paragraphs and just skimming sentences.
I don't know about other versions, but the KindleUnlimited on had a bunch of spelling and editing errors. And no this has nothing to do with my rating.
I found myself skipping paragraphs and just skimming sentences.
I don't know about other versions, but the KindleUnlimited on had a bunch of spelling and editing errors. And no this has nothing to do with my rating.
March 11, 2017
Liked it
I enjoy this book a lot, I really didn't expect to like it so much like I do. Daya and Greyson's relationship is so cute and I love that Greyson wasn't your stereotypical alpha male, just a sweet guy.
I enjoy this book a lot, I really didn't expect to like it so much like I do. Daya and Greyson's relationship is so cute and I love that Greyson wasn't your stereotypical alpha male, just a sweet guy.
March 11, 2017
Good
The plot for this story I found interesting and enjoyed many of the characters. Daya left me annoyed and frustrated with her thought pattern and reactions to certain situations.
The plot for this story I found interesting and enjoyed many of the characters. Daya left me annoyed and frustrated with her thought pattern and reactions to certain situations.
August 12, 2017
Loved it
The twists and turns kept you rooting for them to make it as a couple. Although the relationship began in a sexual manner it didn't become the center of the relationship. Loved the use of a therapist to help Dana overcome her issues
The twists and turns kept you rooting for them to make it as a couple. Although the relationship began in a sexual manner it didn't become the center of the relationship. Loved the use of a therapist to help Dana overcome her issues
September 4, 2017
Good 1st
I loved this. Outside of Daya being annoying with her stubbornness at first, this was good. I get her reasons. Cole was just really sweet. The way it ended was sweet but felt a little incomplete. Overall, I will read more from this aurho6.
I loved this. Outside of Daya being annoying with her stubbornness at first, this was good. I get her reasons. Cole was just really sweet. The way it ended was sweet but felt a little incomplete. Overall, I will read more from this aurho6.
May 4, 2018
Good 👍
That was a good read, Grayson is one of a kind ... Tough on the ice, dominant in the bedroom but a teddy bear to his woman , Daya.
Just beautiful!
Takes a lot work and love , but together, they made it!!
And, the baby... Wow!!
Enjoy folks!! 👍👍
That was a good read, Grayson is one of a kind ... Tough on the ice, dominant in the bedroom but a teddy bear to his woman , Daya.
Just beautiful!
Takes a lot work and love , but together, they made it!!
And, the baby... Wow!!
Enjoy folks!! 👍👍
March 15, 2022
WOW
There's a lot happening in this book. UseSome serious topics, some hot topics, some fun topics, we got it all.
These two took some time to get there but wow, did they ever. They have great love for each other and some HOT AF scenes for us to read.
There's a lot happening in this book. UseSome serious topics, some hot topics, some fun topics, we got it all.
These two took some time to get there but wow, did they ever. They have great love for each other and some HOT AF scenes for us to read.
February 7, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. I loved this book. The characters had great chemistry just in their texting back and forth for so long. Once they meet it gets even better. Grayson is the one who wants more. Daya is not ready to go there at the beginning It all works out in the end. This was a good first book for this author.
November 5, 2017
Online to real-life drama.
April 19, 2018
Great read
I fell in love with Grayson. I fell in love with their love sigh. A hot read with plenty romance
I fell in love with Grayson. I fell in love with their love sigh. A hot read with plenty romance
May 25, 2018
So good.
A sports romance with depth. Greyson was not just hot but was sweet also. Data was complex and likeable. Very enjoyable book.
A sports romance with depth. Greyson was not just hot but was sweet also. Data was complex and likeable. Very enjoyable book.
July 17, 2019
This is a good read
I enjoyed this book! Daya got on my last nerves at times but overall she pulled through. I absolutely love Greysons character.
I enjoyed this book! Daya got on my last nerves at times but overall she pulled through. I absolutely love Greysons character.
dnf
February 23, 2021DNF immediately. Didn’t realize the characters are in their early 20s. Like 23. I don’t do that age group in romance.
March 5, 2021
2021 Interracial Romance A to Z Challenge
Round 2
Finding Her Center
Round 2
Finding Her Center
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews