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Romey University #2
Touch Me
When Jovani Higgs shows up as the latest artist in residence at Romey University, Professor Sharla London can’t believe his resemblance to the gorgeous fantasy man she’s been dreaming about. She wants to write it off as her mind playing tricks, but the mysterious artist seems just as drawn to her.
Jovani is trying to make a new start for himself at the prestigious historically black university while focusing on his photography career. But from the moment he meets the beautiful professor, he’s sent spinning off course. He can’t stop wondering if there’s a passionate woman hiding beneath her all-business exterior…and he has a feeling there’s more to their connection than she’s letting on.
Is it just their undeniable chemistry pulling them together, or is their love written in the stars?
Jovani is trying to make a new start for himself at the prestigious historically black university while focusing on his photography career. But from the moment he meets the beautiful professor, he’s sent spinning off course. He can’t stop wondering if there’s a passionate woman hiding beneath her all-business exterior…and he has a feeling there’s more to their connection than she’s letting on.
Is it just their undeniable chemistry pulling them together, or is their love written in the stars?
Audible Audio
First published November 3, 2020
268 people are currently reading
902 people want to read
About the author
Alexandria House
44 books4,300 followersAbout the author
A true southern girl, Alexandria House has an affinity for a good banana pudding, Neo Soul music, and tall black men in suits. When this music-loving fashionista is not shopping, she's writing steamy stories about real black love.
Verve Romance: @msalexhouse
Instagram: @msalexhouse
TikTok: @msalexhouse
Facebook: Alexandria House
A true southern girl, Alexandria House has an affinity for a good banana pudding, Neo Soul music, and tall black men in suits. When this music-loving fashionista is not shopping, she's writing steamy stories about real black love.
Verve Romance: @msalexhouse
Instagram: @msalexhouse
TikTok: @msalexhouse
Facebook: Alexandria House
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
February 5, 2022
4.5 stars
I was on the fence for most of Touch Me. There were times when I thought the book was really good then, there were times it just didn't work for me. It wasn't until more than halfway through the book when I really started to enjoy it. It also took a while for Jovani and Sharla to click as a couple with me. It took me a minute for them to warm up to me. They did the whole phuck buddies thing too long to the point where there was no real romance between them. But, once I was able to connect with Jovani and Sharla, I absolutely adored them. Poor Jovani. That mama and brother of his was a hot mess. Hell, I'd be on antidepressants too if I had to grow up in a house with the two of them. I love that we got to revisit with the McClain Family. It's always fun catching up with Big South, Jo, Leeland, and Uncle Lee Chester. I also love that we got to revisit with Renee and Zo. Lawd, I can't believe they have five kids now! If nothing else, Touch Me was hilarious. There were so many LOL moments in this book. I mean, I was laughing to the point where I had tears in my eyes. Eve when I wasn't enjoying the book, I was still able to laugh. Touch Me started out kind of slow but, the humor, the love, and the passion of the characters made it an excellent read.
I was on the fence for most of Touch Me. There were times when I thought the book was really good then, there were times it just didn't work for me. It wasn't until more than halfway through the book when I really started to enjoy it. It also took a while for Jovani and Sharla to click as a couple with me. It took me a minute for them to warm up to me. They did the whole phuck buddies thing too long to the point where there was no real romance between them. But, once I was able to connect with Jovani and Sharla, I absolutely adored them. Poor Jovani. That mama and brother of his was a hot mess. Hell, I'd be on antidepressants too if I had to grow up in a house with the two of them. I love that we got to revisit with the McClain Family. It's always fun catching up with Big South, Jo, Leeland, and Uncle Lee Chester. I also love that we got to revisit with Renee and Zo. Lawd, I can't believe they have five kids now! If nothing else, Touch Me was hilarious. There were so many LOL moments in this book. I mean, I was laughing to the point where I had tears in my eyes. Eve when I wasn't enjoying the book, I was still able to laugh. Touch Me started out kind of slow but, the humor, the love, and the passion of the characters made it an excellent read.
February 3, 2021
I've been wanting to read Alexandria House for awhile now and this was my first book from her! There was a lot I liked about it and while this wasn't my favorite set of tropes, I want to read more of her work. Touch Me is a contemporary romance between a professor at a historically Black university (HBCU) and the new artist-in-residence.
Sharla likes to keep things with men physical and casual, not one to develop serious feelings, but when the literal man of her recurring dreams shows up at the university, things are about to change. Jovani is in residence at the university working on a project involving erotic photography involving subjects who don't fit traditional European standards of beauty. And he's very attracted to Sharla.
Honestly, I didn't love the early part of this book. I prefer a slower build in a romance and things happened pretty quickly in terms of the couple getting together physically. Others will have different preferences. Also, while I respect Sharla's approach to her own sexuality, I didn't love that she had sex with another guy during the story. Again, this will be a matter of preference. On the other hand, we get a steamy novel with a curvy/plus-size heroine with very positive representation! Loved that.
Once the emotional bond between the characters really started developing, they began dealing with the inevitable conflict of a new relationship, and the book started getting more into challenges involving toxic family members and mental health challenges, I was much more into it. The hero struggles with anxiety, depression, and sleep paralysis but it's handled in a sensitive way that is pro-therapy and pro-medication.
I also liked the way this integrated Black history and showcased successful, romantic relationships between Black characters. So while this wasn't all my favorite, I did end up liking it and look forward to reading more from this author.
Sharla likes to keep things with men physical and casual, not one to develop serious feelings, but when the literal man of her recurring dreams shows up at the university, things are about to change. Jovani is in residence at the university working on a project involving erotic photography involving subjects who don't fit traditional European standards of beauty. And he's very attracted to Sharla.
Honestly, I didn't love the early part of this book. I prefer a slower build in a romance and things happened pretty quickly in terms of the couple getting together physically. Others will have different preferences. Also, while I respect Sharla's approach to her own sexuality, I didn't love that she had sex with another guy during the story. Again, this will be a matter of preference. On the other hand, we get a steamy novel with a curvy/plus-size heroine with very positive representation! Loved that.
Once the emotional bond between the characters really started developing, they began dealing with the inevitable conflict of a new relationship, and the book started getting more into challenges involving toxic family members and mental health challenges, I was much more into it. The hero struggles with anxiety, depression, and sleep paralysis but it's handled in a sensitive way that is pro-therapy and pro-medication.
I also liked the way this integrated Black history and showcased successful, romantic relationships between Black characters. So while this wasn't all my favorite, I did end up liking it and look forward to reading more from this author.
April 8, 2021
WOWWW!!!!
This story was so damn great!!! Jovani and Sharla are the truth!!!
This story had something for everybody. I love how the characters, no matter what books they are in, there is always connectivity.
Jovani and Sharla grew up with a parent that they would like to not think about. Sharla's mom is a healer which would have been fine in any other instance but when you grow up in a small town, and people talk mess about what your mom does, plus you then become the victim of people talking mess about you as well, you can't wait to grow up in leave and that is what Sharla did as soon as she was able to.
Jovani's mom is a bitter woman, who allowed it to totally consume her life and in turn, made her two sons' lives a living hell by poisoning them as well. That poison wrecked havoc on Jovani to the point where he needed therapy and having to take medication. When the opportunity arose for him to leave, he did it and without looking back. Two people wanting to be and have their own lives minus their mothers by packing up and moving away.
But what happens when you dream about a person, you've never met? Dreams so real, that you love them, despite not knowing their name or really seeing their face. And every night like clockwork, they come to you. So what do you do when you finally come face to face with the person who has literally stepped out of your dreams? You run of course, and as fast, as you can LOL!!!
An incredible story about love, reconciliation, and forgiveness, with some hot fire sex mixed into it.
This is another home run by author Alexandria House and if you have never read a book by her, my recommendation would be to start with "Let Me Love You (McClain Brothers Book 1)" this is a great book, to begin with.
Well Until My Next Review...Ciao!
This story was so damn great!!! Jovani and Sharla are the truth!!!
This story had something for everybody. I love how the characters, no matter what books they are in, there is always connectivity.
Jovani and Sharla grew up with a parent that they would like to not think about. Sharla's mom is a healer which would have been fine in any other instance but when you grow up in a small town, and people talk mess about what your mom does, plus you then become the victim of people talking mess about you as well, you can't wait to grow up in leave and that is what Sharla did as soon as she was able to.
Jovani's mom is a bitter woman, who allowed it to totally consume her life and in turn, made her two sons' lives a living hell by poisoning them as well. That poison wrecked havoc on Jovani to the point where he needed therapy and having to take medication. When the opportunity arose for him to leave, he did it and without looking back. Two people wanting to be and have their own lives minus their mothers by packing up and moving away.
But what happens when you dream about a person, you've never met? Dreams so real, that you love them, despite not knowing their name or really seeing their face. And every night like clockwork, they come to you. So what do you do when you finally come face to face with the person who has literally stepped out of your dreams? You run of course, and as fast, as you can LOL!!!
An incredible story about love, reconciliation, and forgiveness, with some hot fire sex mixed into it.
This is another home run by author Alexandria House and if you have never read a book by her, my recommendation would be to start with "Let Me Love You (McClain Brothers Book 1)" this is a great book, to begin with.
Well Until My Next Review...Ciao!
August 22, 2022
2021 Spring Bingo (#SpringIntoLoveBingo🌷): Black Love
Perfect example of how talented audiobook narrators can elevate an enjoyable story. Read via audio (narrated by Jakobi Diem and Adenrele Ojo).
Perfect example of how talented audiobook narrators can elevate an enjoyable story. Read via audio (narrated by Jakobi Diem and Adenrele Ojo).
November 4, 2020
I Love these kind of feel good stories....I enjoyed the developing relationship between Jovani & Sharla....I love how the author touched on mental well being and how family dynamics effect your well being. I enjoyed seeing Jovani's developing relationship with his father. Simply put, this was a beautifully written story of life & love....and of course we loved hearing from our favorite family...The McClain Clan! Excellent Narration as always....
February 3, 2021
This one has some themes that I didn’t care for such as a character that had premonitions etc.
It was okay
It was okay
December 15, 2020
Ms. House has done it again! Charla loved Jovani before she'd ever met him. Seeing him in her dreams was confirmation enough, but when she actually meets him things really get hot and heavy. Jovani is the perfect book bae, overcoming past traumas and healing. Every time he pushes up his glasses I smile. This book has a very original storyline that will definitely keep your interest’s piqued. It also touches on some very toxic family issues, I may need therapy after this read. Also, you know A. House will give you some comedy and a few of her fan fav characters made a cameo. I really enjoyed this book!
February 21, 2021
I really liked this couple. I liked the growth shown in the book. I just really enjoyed it. There’s some spiritual/mystical elements, for lack of a better term, which might not be for everybody.
February 19, 2021
AHHHHH Jovani and Sharla's story is everything!! So there's definitely an element to the book I wasn't expecting but I feel like it really worked well, I love the creativity Alexandria infused into this book.
There was so much vulnerability, teaching & learning moments between these two! I totally fell in love with them. I love getting to see old friends and family members and one thing with these books, they are always hilarious! And always hot AF!
There was so much vulnerability, teaching & learning moments between these two! I totally fell in love with them. I love getting to see old friends and family members and one thing with these books, they are always hilarious! And always hot AF!
April 18, 2021
Satisfying
For the first third of this book, I wasn’t sure that I’d like it. The storyline picked up and the main characters became a lot more likable. I really enjoyed the cameo appearances from my favorite characters from other books. I loved seeing Zo mature and become a better man/father. The story unfolded into a very touching romance. I’m glad that I stuck with it.
For the first third of this book, I wasn’t sure that I’d like it. The storyline picked up and the main characters became a lot more likable. I really enjoyed the cameo appearances from my favorite characters from other books. I loved seeing Zo mature and become a better man/father. The story unfolded into a very touching romance. I’m glad that I stuck with it.
November 17, 2020
So AH is one of my favorites. I was excited when she announced that she had an Audible Exclusive. Everything that you like about AH is in this one. Her writing is impeccable and I think this was probably one of her best stories. It’s difficult for her to follow up behind her McClain series.
I rated this lower than usual because of my own preferences. I don’t do paranormal or anything related to it. That is exactly what this is. I won’t give away how it’s like that, but slowly she ropes you into the theme. I have always known that AH’s characters weren’t traditional Christians, but she never really put it all out there as she did in this one. I do think the idea is extremely romantic and that is what kept me reading. I’m not with all the New Age, sage and rocks, voodoo or whatever you call it or don’t call it . I have read books with that sprinkled throughout, but this one was wholly dedicated to it in my opinion.
I loved both of the main characters and the appearances of some of her beloved characters from other novels. Like I said , AH wrote the heck outta this and I’m sure many of her fans will love it. I wish, for me, that we could’ve gotten the theme without all the extra because I can escape for a minute with the central idea of kizmet, but I don’t know- it was just beyond a boundary that I personally have.
***update
After thinking this over there was something the hero was dealing with the entire novel that never was resolved. There were a couple of hiccups that I can’t mention without giving anything away as well. Just something minor that wasn’t caught.
I rated this lower than usual because of my own preferences. I don’t do paranormal or anything related to it. That is exactly what this is. I won’t give away how it’s like that, but slowly she ropes you into the theme. I have always known that AH’s characters weren’t traditional Christians, but she never really put it all out there as she did in this one. I do think the idea is extremely romantic and that is what kept me reading. I’m not with all the New Age, sage and rocks, voodoo or whatever you call it or don’t call it . I have read books with that sprinkled throughout, but this one was wholly dedicated to it in my opinion.
I loved both of the main characters and the appearances of some of her beloved characters from other novels. Like I said , AH wrote the heck outta this and I’m sure many of her fans will love it. I wish, for me, that we could’ve gotten the theme without all the extra because I can escape for a minute with the central idea of kizmet, but I don’t know- it was just beyond a boundary that I personally have.
***update
After thinking this over there was something the hero was dealing with the entire novel that never was resolved. There were a couple of hiccups that I can’t mention without giving anything away as well. Just something minor that wasn’t caught.
November 3, 2021
Disappointing
I felt like the relationship between the protagonists in this book progressed from friends with benefits to a full fledged relationship too quickly and we didn't really get to see 𝘸𝘩𝘺 they fell in love. Sharla has the gift of premonition that allows her to see into the future in her dreams, and because she saw Jovani in her dreams before they ever met, we are to take it for granted that she falls in love with him. It was a bit of a let down :/
I felt like the relationship between the protagonists in this book progressed from friends with benefits to a full fledged relationship too quickly and we didn't really get to see 𝘸𝘩𝘺 they fell in love. Sharla has the gift of premonition that allows her to see into the future in her dreams, and because she saw Jovani in her dreams before they ever met, we are to take it for granted that she falls in love with him. It was a bit of a let down :/
February 22, 2022
I simply loved this book... the narration was just one reason I loved this book because Jakobi is bae of course. Sharla was everything since we have been introduced to her and I knew we wasn’t ready for her but I enjoyed her growth... Who would of know than Zo son didn’t fall to far from the tree because hunny Jovani is life... Sharla and Jovani shared kesmit energy and was destined for love with each other. Alexandria never fails and I can’t wait for Ms Brooklyn
September 21, 2021
Souls Tied 4 Life
This was so beautiful! The manifestation of love, life, & a future was absolutely amazing. True black love that produced healing, forgiveness and added to their story. This story is highly recommended to anyone!
This was so beautiful! The manifestation of love, life, & a future was absolutely amazing. True black love that produced healing, forgiveness and added to their story. This story is highly recommended to anyone!
January 10, 2021
Loved it! This was such a beautiful story and they way it was narrated made it even better. I actually can’t wait to get the book and read while I listen again. The story flowed perfectly and had so many amazing sexy love scenes. It was funny and I loved the cameos and connections with the characters. For someone like me that isn’t a huge audible fan this kept me hooked. Would recommend to anyone!
November 12, 2020
Baby, Jovani Higgs was magic!
I mean... can Alexandria House really do any wrong? That was a rhetorical question... because HELL NO SHE CAN'T! Jovani and Sharla were couple goals! And the way Ms. House intertwined the history of Romey U was just amazing! And It's always great when characters from previous books make an appearance! Great job, Alexandria House!!
I mean... can Alexandria House really do any wrong? That was a rhetorical question... because HELL NO SHE CAN'T! Jovani and Sharla were couple goals! And the way Ms. House intertwined the history of Romey U was just amazing! And It's always great when characters from previous books make an appearance! Great job, Alexandria House!!
July 2, 2023
Perfection!
I had tears in my eyes while reading this from laughing hysterically at Lee Chester and Rabbit, as. well as from the beautiful but tortured love between Jovani and Starla. They were everything and the love jumped off the pages. But Latisha and Darwin, yeah, they can go play in traffic!
I had tears in my eyes while reading this from laughing hysterically at Lee Chester and Rabbit, as. well as from the beautiful but tortured love between Jovani and Starla. They were everything and the love jumped off the pages. But Latisha and Darwin, yeah, they can go play in traffic!
April 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this couple, the storyline, the fated mates elements and the gems Ms House dropped. As usual, the narration was on point.
March 14, 2021
So so good.
December 3, 2020
Touch Me is book 2 of the Romy University series. This story was a real celebration of blackness with a hero who loved his women curvy and a whole narrative of redefining beauty. I liked that aspect of the story. There was more on the history of the Black University and its founder(s), which added some black history flavour.
The story/sex ratio might be uncomfortable for some readers (and there is one scene--one line, really--that might offend some readers, because it did make me cringe a little). The cast of secondary characters would thrill fans of the series and fans of Alexandria House, since they are from some of her other books.
There was one thing that pulled me out of the story a bit. The story brings mental health to the fore, which was a good thing. I believe we need to destigmatise mental health especially in black communities, but it was too in-your-face bordering on academic for me.
The audiobook production was great. I liked male narrator a lot more than I did the female. The voice itself is ok, but didn’t work for this story IMO. I could visualise her voice/narration more for a historical (think Beverly Jenkins)
Overall, it was an entertaining read/listen and I look forward to the next book in the series.
The story/sex ratio might be uncomfortable for some readers (and there is one scene--one line, really--that might offend some readers, because it did make me cringe a little). The cast of secondary characters would thrill fans of the series and fans of Alexandria House, since they are from some of her other books.
There was one thing that pulled me out of the story a bit. The story brings mental health to the fore, which was a good thing. I believe we need to destigmatise mental health especially in black communities, but it was too in-your-face bordering on academic for me.
The audiobook production was great. I liked male narrator a lot more than I did the female. The voice itself is ok, but didn’t work for this story IMO. I could visualise her voice/narration more for a historical (think Beverly Jenkins)
Overall, it was an entertaining read/listen and I look forward to the next book in the series.
April 19, 2021
4.5 Stars.
I’m a huge fan of this author’s work, especially her longer form romances. I enjoyed the first Romey University book, and I enjoyed this second installment featuring some spiritual, other-worldly themes.
The premise is that Sharla, an African-American Studies professor at Romey U is a prophetic dreamer in denial. Coming from a long line of root women with various spiritual gifts, she’s alarmed when she begins to dream vividly of her soulmate, a man she knows she’s never met until she runs into Jovani, photographer and new artist-in-residence at the university. It’s an insane connection at first sight but Sharla doesn’t trust the connection, traumatized by her experiences as a child of a root woman, and Jovani is still healing from a toxic childhood.
This novel was great at handling issues around childhood trauma and really positive in dealing with mental health. I enjoyed the story and the conflict. It was INCREDIBLY spicy, high heat level as you can expect from this author. I loved the exploration of boundaries and closure and family and friendship in this. There is some humour but on the balance, it was a reflective and healing sort of novel. Enjoyed this a lot and hopeful that there will be a book for Brooklyn.
I’m a huge fan of this author’s work, especially her longer form romances. I enjoyed the first Romey University book, and I enjoyed this second installment featuring some spiritual, other-worldly themes.
The premise is that Sharla, an African-American Studies professor at Romey U is a prophetic dreamer in denial. Coming from a long line of root women with various spiritual gifts, she’s alarmed when she begins to dream vividly of her soulmate, a man she knows she’s never met until she runs into Jovani, photographer and new artist-in-residence at the university. It’s an insane connection at first sight but Sharla doesn’t trust the connection, traumatized by her experiences as a child of a root woman, and Jovani is still healing from a toxic childhood.
This novel was great at handling issues around childhood trauma and really positive in dealing with mental health. I enjoyed the story and the conflict. It was INCREDIBLY spicy, high heat level as you can expect from this author. I loved the exploration of boundaries and closure and family and friendship in this. There is some humour but on the balance, it was a reflective and healing sort of novel. Enjoyed this a lot and hopeful that there will be a book for Brooklyn.
July 3, 2021
Love this book! Sharla and Jovani❤️ their love is kinda different than what I usually read because of the “premonition” part but aside from that I love them. Sherla’s family and friends are everything! Jovani’s mom so toxic omg 🤦🏽♀️ his brother is like ugh! But his new family from his dad’s side is good. I listened to the audiobook and the narrators did a great Job too. Sometimes I wonder why I’ve never heard about these books? 🤦🏽♀️ it’s been so long since I’ve been looking for black love stories and lately I’ve been stumbling across them a lot and I’m loving it! I’m loving this author’s book! 🔥🔥🔥 check this book out!
November 16, 2020
I loved this book Alexandria did not come to play. This book had the perfect title and I loved every bit of it. JoJo and Sharla connected on such a deeper level and their story was beautiful. Even if you do not like audible books you should give this a try.
February 13, 2021
Wonderful story
This book was amazing. Another hit by Ms.House, she never disappoints. I loved the connection between Sharla and Jovanni. I loved how we got to see some of our favorites. I screamed just like Sharla when big south appeared, lol. This book dealt with toxic family members and absentee parents in such a smart way. There is nothing wrong with cutting out toxic family or giving second chances. Excellent well written book.
This book was amazing. Another hit by Ms.House, she never disappoints. I loved the connection between Sharla and Jovanni. I loved how we got to see some of our favorites. I screamed just like Sharla when big south appeared, lol. This book dealt with toxic family members and absentee parents in such a smart way. There is nothing wrong with cutting out toxic family or giving second chances. Excellent well written book.
November 5, 2020
Wow...just...wow. The ancestors and I need to have a conversation.
September 7, 2021
I have laughed, I have cried, I have swooned… this was the one for me! Alexandria House knows how to tell a story! I loved every minute of this!
January 17, 2022
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this one but I felt that it was a bit too Insta love for me.
I enjoyed this one but I felt that it was a bit too Insta love for me.
January 30, 2022
Alexandria House writes Erotic Romance and she’s GOOD! Very Good. Yes lot’s of sex but a very good storyline. Touch Me was very well written which made me want to listen all night. Giovanni and Sharla were a great couple and the supporting characters were also good.
#cilla’sbookmaniacs.
#cilla’sbookmaniacs.
March 14, 2023
It was giving "That's so Raven" but obviously with a heavy dose of black love. I think my favourite couple in this series.
November 10, 2022
You can’t go wrong with an Alexandria House novel. This book was great.
It will make you laugh, get mad or maybe even shed a tear.
Great love story with a little tragedy ain’t never hurt nobody.
It will make you laugh, get mad or maybe even shed a tear.
Great love story with a little tragedy ain’t never hurt nobody.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews