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Atlanta Outlaws #1
Something Real
A sexy hockey player who needs to prove that he’s got it together. A cautious graphic designer who lets her pride make her agree to a crazy engagement… Add the undeniable chemistry that’s between the two of them, and what could possibly go wrong? Or maybe...right? Shayla So there I was. Minding my business at my temporary job and ignoring the morning after soreness from getting dic*** down. And then he walked in. The same he that just walked out my front door this morning... The same he whose name I didn’t even know until a few minutes before he left... Funny how these things go, eh? Something Real contains a lovable cast of characters, a generous heaping of spice and a dash of sweet; the first interconnected standalone centering around Atlanta’s new hockey team and the fun that comes with them. Trust me, this is a fake engagement love story that you don’t want to miss!
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2019
456 people are currently reading
183 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 52 reviews
December 11, 2022
terrible male inner dialogue, boring use of fake engagement trope and corny overall
May 10, 2019
Not Bad
Is it just me,or does anyone else think that Dylan should not have had to give up his dream? If she got her dream then he should have been allowed to have his to. With no definite HEA......
Is it just me,or does anyone else think that Dylan should not have had to give up his dream? If she got her dream then he should have been allowed to have his to. With no definite HEA......
Want to read
April 13, 2020🎁 Books 1- 3 in the Atlanta Outlaws Series are FREE on Amazon today (4/13/2020)! 🎁
March 31, 2019
So promising yet truly a cliche!!!
I was really looking forward for this book, because it had everything (from the cover to the title) that I look for in a story before I pick it up; it had: the sport, the bad boy persona with an alpha male jock embedded within a White male. It had the black woman, sweet, independent and definitely his opposite, but what it lacked was the originality.
This story started out normal but there were no surprises and nothing short of originality. Dylan, a hockey player, is one of the star in the team which means he needs help with his image because being the star is also being watch at every single turn (at least there was no ex-girlfriend waiting around). He is a super hot jock, but deep down, very respectful and a teddy bear to those that knows him. But he needs help. While our heroine steps in to help (we never really knew her reason to help), she is also beautiful, nice and complete opposite to him, she does have her own personality crashing with him. But then again, there was no development explaining why she was sacrificing 6 moths for...
Like I say, it was nice, so promising, but not quite there and a full cliche storyline
I was really looking forward for this book, because it had everything (from the cover to the title) that I look for in a story before I pick it up; it had: the sport, the bad boy persona with an alpha male jock embedded within a White male. It had the black woman, sweet, independent and definitely his opposite, but what it lacked was the originality.
This story started out normal but there were no surprises and nothing short of originality. Dylan, a hockey player, is one of the star in the team which means he needs help with his image because being the star is also being watch at every single turn (at least there was no ex-girlfriend waiting around). He is a super hot jock, but deep down, very respectful and a teddy bear to those that knows him. But he needs help. While our heroine steps in to help (we never really knew her reason to help), she is also beautiful, nice and complete opposite to him, she does have her own personality crashing with him. But then again, there was no development explaining why she was sacrificing 6 moths for...
Like I say, it was nice, so promising, but not quite there and a full cliche storyline
April 2, 2019
No depth
This book just felt very flat. It was like there was no real depth to the characters. Couldn't even focus when reading it cause it was just very blah. You don't even know what happened to the guy until towards the end or why the girl plays it safe! Nothing exciting about this book. Not even an unexpected pregnancy, which may be cliche, but come on give me something!!! There was no jealousy, no misunderstandings, just no nothing! Yes I know that was a double negative but that's how bad this book was!
This book just felt very flat. It was like there was no real depth to the characters. Couldn't even focus when reading it cause it was just very blah. You don't even know what happened to the guy until towards the end or why the girl plays it safe! Nothing exciting about this book. Not even an unexpected pregnancy, which may be cliche, but come on give me something!!! There was no jealousy, no misunderstandings, just no nothing! Yes I know that was a double negative but that's how bad this book was!
March 11, 2019
Good read
I enjoyed the book because although the premise of the fake fiancé was a bit cliché, the execution was good. There was real character development instead of a they meet, the sleep together, they are in love scenario. However the conflict about his move to Toronto was ridiculous to me. He is an athlete. The nature of the beast is that you move to the best possible team so that you can win trophies. This all story about being in a team which feels like a family is fluff if your goal is to really compete as you can get injured at anytime all it all goes up in flames. So her reaction to the potential move was ridiculous. Then to find out that she was going to go to California anyway and hadn’t bothered to tell him when they started to really date? On this one she was more in the wrong that him. If she’s going anyway what does it matter that he is in Toronto? For her to leave in a huff and expect him to run after her? Really? She should have tried to have a rational discussion with him instead. I also dislike when people sign NDA and then turn around and tell their friends about it. It’s not because they are your friends or family that they have to know every details of your relationship. Some things should stay private. Dylan didn’t go around spilling the beans to his best friend.
I enjoyed the book because although the premise of the fake fiancé was a bit cliché, the execution was good. There was real character development instead of a they meet, the sleep together, they are in love scenario. However the conflict about his move to Toronto was ridiculous to me. He is an athlete. The nature of the beast is that you move to the best possible team so that you can win trophies. This all story about being in a team which feels like a family is fluff if your goal is to really compete as you can get injured at anytime all it all goes up in flames. So her reaction to the potential move was ridiculous. Then to find out that she was going to go to California anyway and hadn’t bothered to tell him when they started to really date? On this one she was more in the wrong that him. If she’s going anyway what does it matter that he is in Toronto? For her to leave in a huff and expect him to run after her? Really? She should have tried to have a rational discussion with him instead. I also dislike when people sign NDA and then turn around and tell their friends about it. It’s not because they are your friends or family that they have to know every details of your relationship. Some things should stay private. Dylan didn’t go around spilling the beans to his best friend.
April 29, 2019
3.00 Stars. (BW/WM). Amazon e-book. Fake relationship and engagement turn real. On a dare and a whim, the protagonists have a one night stand. The morning after, they are reintroduced with an unexpected and bluffing proposition...The hero, Dylan Hunter, needs to change his image from being a womanizing hell raiser to being a productive person in a committed relationship; to this end, his organization's Human Relations Department hires the heroine, Shayla Worth, an unassuming, prime, proper and by the rules new employee to portray Dylan's live-in girlfriend. The storyline of this book ran the usual course of this kind of convenience trope... deny the attraction, vow to never repeat the earlier sex act, fail, reassess, decide to date for real and have unlimited sexual contact, fall in love, prepare for a life long future together. Other than the struggle that Dylan and Shayla have with their romantic feelings for the other, the author attempted to create conflict by having Dylan's affaire with the wife of a former team member become a problem and by dangling a proposition with a Canadian franchise that gives Shayla the impression that he is choosing a career away from her.
September 9, 2019
I didn't mind the dating of a fake fiancee deal premise. It's a weird thing but it's fiction and fun. How else do we get bad boys in line?
I don't care about the variations of skin color and wish it weren't a "thing" but I guess finding someone to do black hair is like finding someone to do thin or thick hair....
What I didn't like was how Dylan was made to feel by her when she had already said yes to California. He was really agonized about his offer and author lets him be the bad guy. Boo. She was going to go assuming he'd stay there. She was just as guilty.
Both good characters and liked the story overall
I don't care about the variations of skin color and wish it weren't a "thing" but I guess finding someone to do black hair is like finding someone to do thin or thick hair....
What I didn't like was how Dylan was made to feel by her when she had already said yes to California. He was really agonized about his offer and author lets him be the bad guy. Boo. She was going to go assuming he'd stay there. She was just as guilty.
Both good characters and liked the story overall
April 10, 2019
Okay Read For Me
This was an okay read for me. It wasn't a bad book...It just didn't have any drama, mystery, nor suspense. Two people had a one night stand and ended up running into each other at her new job. How did the agent know that they were familiar with each other to suggest a fake relationship/engagement?? They end up developing real feelings for each other but their careers are pulling them in two different directions and in the end they both compromised to make the relationship work.
This was an okay read for me. It wasn't a bad book...It just didn't have any drama, mystery, nor suspense. Two people had a one night stand and ended up running into each other at her new job. How did the agent know that they were familiar with each other to suggest a fake relationship/engagement?? They end up developing real feelings for each other but their careers are pulling them in two different directions and in the end they both compromised to make the relationship work.
September 8, 2019
This book very much felt like a cat and mouse game. I found myself frustrated with how one moment they would want to be with one another. The next they wouldnt be together becuz someone is having doubts. And when you think FINALLY they're going to be with one another someone else starts having second thoughts.
Had me yelling " Oh Come On!"
I was very much annoyed but in love with the game these two was playing. But once they finally do get together is was satisfying.
I do enjoy that because of Shayla, Dylan wants to try to make things work. Because in the beginning he was very much in his, "marriage, love, & relationships are not for me"
But she makes that all change. Very much enjoy this book.
Had me yelling " Oh Come On!"
I was very much annoyed but in love with the game these two was playing. But once they finally do get together is was satisfying.
I do enjoy that because of Shayla, Dylan wants to try to make things work. Because in the beginning he was very much in his, "marriage, love, & relationships are not for me"
But she makes that all change. Very much enjoy this book.
January 6, 2020
Second Book
Bravo...second book by Ms. Cole. Of course out of order 🤷🏽♀️ still able to connect the two in the series that I’ve read so far...great story, well written and relatable characters..
Shayla and Dylan whew...is everything you hear about dating or sexing a baller or puckhunk in this case! Way to much drama...lots of sweaty dalliances and many bad decisions. I won’t say more; cause I don’t want to spoil it for anyone...but I will say this...get the series AND thank me later!
Bravo...second book by Ms. Cole. Of course out of order 🤷🏽♀️ still able to connect the two in the series that I’ve read so far...great story, well written and relatable characters..
Shayla and Dylan whew...is everything you hear about dating or sexing a baller or puckhunk in this case! Way to much drama...lots of sweaty dalliances and many bad decisions. I won’t say more; cause I don’t want to spoil it for anyone...but I will say this...get the series AND thank me later!
March 28, 2019
Fun Read Could Not Put It Down
Aja makes such great and lovable characters! And her writing is full of fun and beautiful connections. I always find myself rooting for the couple and am not disappointed. It's a typical plot device but with interesting characters and a relatable relationship. This is my 5th or 6th of her novels and I am a big fan. If you're looking for a nice rom com with the ups and downs of a realistic relationship this will satisfy.
Aja makes such great and lovable characters! And her writing is full of fun and beautiful connections. I always find myself rooting for the couple and am not disappointed. It's a typical plot device but with interesting characters and a relatable relationship. This is my 5th or 6th of her novels and I am a big fan. If you're looking for a nice rom com with the ups and downs of a realistic relationship this will satisfy.
May 17, 2019
A Forever Kind of Love
During a dare, Shayla found Dylan.
A Talented Hockey Player by Day, and Ladies Man by Night. But one bad relationship had Dylan's Franchise looking to clean up his Image.
Shayla and Dylans interaction was Adorable and total Swoon worthy.
They found love together despite all the Mistrust because of Dylans past, and Shayla insecurity.
A truly Must read. 5 stars Tops.
During a dare, Shayla found Dylan.
A Talented Hockey Player by Day, and Ladies Man by Night. But one bad relationship had Dylan's Franchise looking to clean up his Image.
Shayla and Dylans interaction was Adorable and total Swoon worthy.
They found love together despite all the Mistrust because of Dylans past, and Shayla insecurity.
A truly Must read. 5 stars Tops.
February 21, 2024
Shayla and Dylan
This was a good read, A little cliche but still good. Dylan was portrayed as this drunken, drugged out bad boy when that was far from the truth. He's a teddy bear and a lil insecure if you ask me that stemmed from a breakup from a married woman he was seeing. Although Shayla and Dylan had a one night stand I don't really understand why she agreed to help him. All in all it was a good book tho.💝💝
This was a good read, A little cliche but still good. Dylan was portrayed as this drunken, drugged out bad boy when that was far from the truth. He's a teddy bear and a lil insecure if you ask me that stemmed from a breakup from a married woman he was seeing. Although Shayla and Dylan had a one night stand I don't really understand why she agreed to help him. All in all it was a good book tho.💝💝
March 2, 2025
Hot Hockey Romance
This was a really great sports story. The story is about a one night hook up that leads to something unexpected. The characters in the story are Shayla and Dylan, who fake an engagement to improve Dylans public persona. Their feelings change to something more. There's always a mishap that threatens the true love that grows, but it wouldn't be enjoyable without a little melodrama. The author did a great job with this one.
This was a really great sports story. The story is about a one night hook up that leads to something unexpected. The characters in the story are Shayla and Dylan, who fake an engagement to improve Dylans public persona. Their feelings change to something more. There's always a mishap that threatens the true love that grows, but it wouldn't be enjoyable without a little melodrama. The author did a great job with this one.
March 21, 2019
Nice
I like for my sports story to have action of the actual sport topic but it was more like a footnote than a part of the story. Typical bad boy needed an imagine boost and get it with his one night stand. There were some awkwardly cute parts of the story between Dylan and Shayla that made the story bearable.
I like for my sports story to have action of the actual sport topic but it was more like a footnote than a part of the story. Typical bad boy needed an imagine boost and get it with his one night stand. There were some awkwardly cute parts of the story between Dylan and Shayla that made the story bearable.
March 28, 2019
Refreshing
Dylan and Shayla turns a one night stand into a forever love. This story is refreshing because it didn't have the usual hate associated with interracial couple. Instead, family and friends and even the couple didn't focus on their differences but on the way they made each other feel and seem happy.
Dylan and Shayla turns a one night stand into a forever love. This story is refreshing because it didn't have the usual hate associated with interracial couple. Instead, family and friends and even the couple didn't focus on their differences but on the way they made each other feel and seem happy.
April 22, 2019
I love this book
I first thought oh no another story silly story. Well i was so shock this story had everything i wanted in a story. I was so surprise that i am putting this author on my favorite list. I love this crazy story. Thank you for making my Easter weekend fill with love.
I first thought oh no another story silly story. Well i was so shock this story had everything i wanted in a story. I was so surprise that i am putting this author on my favorite list. I love this crazy story. Thank you for making my Easter weekend fill with love.
April 30, 2019
Enjoyable read
Sharla and Dylan are forever, waiting to happen. A one night stand turns into love, and a long engagement. Trust issues crop up, and patience and understanding are not anywhere near to head off an exploration. Highly recommend this read, the next book in the series is on my docket.
Sharla and Dylan are forever, waiting to happen. A one night stand turns into love, and a long engagement. Trust issues crop up, and patience and understanding are not anywhere near to head off an exploration. Highly recommend this read, the next book in the series is on my docket.
May 12, 2019
Book is kinda slow but good nonetheless
This is my first time reading this authors work and the book was just ok. I never got fully into the story and the characters in the book. This story lacked passion in opinion between the two main characters, but I love the friend group Shayla created in the end.
This is my first time reading this authors work and the book was just ok. I never got fully into the story and the characters in the book. This story lacked passion in opinion between the two main characters, but I love the friend group Shayla created in the end.
March 19, 2022
This is a decent story without any upsets or tribulations. No highs. No lows. Still, I have a little question. This beautiful Black woman with lovely melanin imagines her children with the coloring, skin and hair, of her white man? Even down to the daughter having blond hair? Where's the balance? I'm not likely to read this story again. It's all about love... self-love.
March 30, 2022
There just wants a lot of banter between the FMC and MMC. I just feel like they had no interaction and then all of a sudden they kiss and have a sexual encounter then go back to no interaction at all.
Also besides the fake engagement plot, there really wasnt that much drama or character development?
Overall just a bit bland, which is a shame because the beginning was so cute!
Also besides the fake engagement plot, there really wasnt that much drama or character development?
Overall just a bit bland, which is a shame because the beginning was so cute!
March 14, 2019
Dylan and Shay were a great couple who were so determined and set in their ways that they could not know when loved walked in on their. Love the dynamic characters and how they all made each other strong, while proving insights into possible character flaws.
May 21, 2019
☺️☺️☺️
Another sweet love story. Great characters great character development great chemistry sweet storyline looking forward to hearing about some of the other side characters in future books.
Another sweet love story. Great characters great character development great chemistry sweet storyline looking forward to hearing about some of the other side characters in future books.
November 8, 2019
3.5 Stars
The beginning of the story was the best and most exciting part of the story. The fake relationship trope was a good element to the story and allowed the Heroine and the Hero to build a relationship. I think the climax fell short but overall a cute romance story.
The beginning of the story was the best and most exciting part of the story. The fake relationship trope was a good element to the story and allowed the Heroine and the Hero to build a relationship. I think the climax fell short but overall a cute romance story.
August 15, 2020
WOW!
Miss Cole, I am loving these series.Dylan is HOT! Also thought Shayla's character was very real and down to earth. They make such a great couple and the story line was well put together. Keep up the good work. I will continue to read what you put out! Loved this story.
Miss Cole, I am loving these series.Dylan is HOT! Also thought Shayla's character was very real and down to earth. They make such a great couple and the story line was well put together. Keep up the good work. I will continue to read what you put out! Loved this story.
January 10, 2021
I loved this book. Their relationship was just really natural, I liked their beggining and how ut evolved. Dylan was a good man that got screwed over, but finding Shayla changed things, and I liked that he took some time to really see what he wanted for him self
March 12, 2019
Quick Enjoyable Read
A good hockey romance story to read. I enjoyed reading about Shayla and Dylan. The supporting characters help make the story loveable
A good hockey romance story to read. I enjoyed reading about Shayla and Dylan. The supporting characters help make the story loveable
March 17, 2019
Good book
This was a great book I will be rereading this book again and definitely will be recommending it to my friends
This was a great book I will be rereading this book again and definitely will be recommending it to my friends
March 17, 2019
Great read
No surprises. Very good read. Have yet to read a book of theirs I didn’t like. Good couple nice HEA. Looking forward to the next book.
No surprises. Very good read. Have yet to read a book of theirs I didn’t like. Good couple nice HEA. Looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews