Homecoming is the time of the year for alumni to bask in the glory of their college years. For Tony and Emya, this homecoming is so much different. Muted emotions and attraction for one another are finding their voice and once the words are released, they can’t be taken back. Can the mystic aura of homecoming last long after the stadium lights are turned out?
I absolutely loved this book! Homecoming Szn brought back so many memories for those of us who attended an HBCU. It definitely took me back to my days on the yard at TSU. I loved the focus on friendship, Greek life, and the importance of attending an HBCU. I especially loved Emya's relationship with Tony, Garrett, Jon, and Langston and how they managed to maintain their friendship long after graduation. That Emya and Tony were just too stubborn to admit what everybody else already knew. These two have been in love with each other since freshman year but, refused to admit it. Bruised egos and hurt feelings were apart of the weekend festivities because, Emya and Tony would rather antagonize each other than just admit how they felt for one another. Love can be messy especially, when you’re running from it. It took them coming together for homecoming weekend for Tony to finally claim his woman and, honey, Emya was not ready for what he was bringing! Whew! We got a little drama with Tony's conniving PR Rep and Emya's deceitful azz co-host. Kelly and Dean really tried it. Homecoming Szn was a really good read. This entire book was a whole vibe and I was here for it. The friendship dynamics and the authenticity of the HBCU experience were well represented.
I love a good friends to lovers story and this was that. Emya, Tony, and a few of their friends were besties since college. However, it had been 5 years since graduation and their relationships were estranged at best. Emya felt some type a way about Tony becoming famous and distant, only reaching out in times of need. She was disappointed because they had a special connection.
Tony had been in his fkboy era for the past 5 years, but his heart had never changed when it came to Emya. She was his one, but he knew that he was not ready so he bided his time. They seemed to have so much going against their union, but they overcome it and it was sweet. These two were explosive together and I was glad when they quit fighting it.
This was a short story, but it was packed with a lot of action beyond the love story. Kelly, girl was it really worth all of that? Chile she was doing too much for a man that didn't have a second thought about her. Both her and Dean got everything they deserved.
I loved the setting of Homecoming, but I wanted to feel that aura a little more. No mention of a band at the HBCU? They said they were about to stroll, but I wanted to be able to picture it.
Initial reaction: 3 stars. I thought it was okay, mostly for the banter and camaraderie of the characters. But for me, several parts of this was pretty triggering for the amount of sexual trauma and sexism covered in the story for a short narrative, and a lot was packed into this without time to process. I don't think it really dealt with it with as much care as it could have. Lot of steamy scenes, but I also found myself frustrated with the characters in spaces. I'll definitely try another of the author's works to see if it hits better than this one did.
Full review:
So, "Homecoming SZN" was a very random pick up for me, and my first from Aubree Pynn. I knew that this was a novella that was a quick, steamy read and I knew that I would love the audio narrators within it (Wesleigh Sibohan and Winston James). This story primarily focuses on the relationship between Tony and Emya, alongside their friend group. For those attending Homecoming at Ganton Hills A&M University, it's a time of reconnection. The group of friends you get to know here have very close banter and it feels like what an HBCU Homecoming would feel like when people are coming together after many years apart and uniting over the game. Emya has a successful show, though she's dealing with internal clashes with a collegue who crosses one too many boundaries. And there are bad faith people in the background trying to manipulate things behind the scenes. It's a lot packed into one little novella.
I found this to be a quick read, but I felt like several parts of this story were triggering with respect to how the sexual assault/sexism in this book was handled, especially the way Emya was done. And while I appreciated that there were moments the characters came together over shared traumas, it still felt like a lot of it centered on the manipulations and the drama of it all, drama for the sake of drama rather than the character impact. It didn't treat it as well as I was hoping it would, considering the length of the narrative. There were also times when some of these characters just downright frustrated me. Tony is painted as the ladies man who let the "right woman" get away and lets his PR handle a lot of the mess he ends up in. I definitely don't mind seeing conflict, characters who are messy, and heavy hitting themes in a work like this but it was definitely notable how quick some of these conflicts were to resolve. That quickness left me feeling a bit put during the narrative and as it was brought to a close.
I liked the audiobook narration and the intention behind it, but I do think the execution of it could have been better. I think there may be a follow-up to this so I'll likely read that, but I want to try another narrative entirely by Pynn to see if it hits me better than this did.
I love the comradery among the group of friends that supported one another; they essentially were family to each other...they lifted each other up and helped each other get through past trauma...This really would have been a great full length novel. I would have loved following this group on their journey to adulthood. I loved the relationship that developed over the years between Emya & Tony....it was inevitable that they would fall in love. The Audiobook was fire....anytime Wesleigh narrates you are sure to have a superior listening experience...not to mention, she had Winston on with her this time! Absolute Fire.
I know I always say that, but AP did not play with this one! I ate up this entire read and didn’t leave a darn thing on the table. Homecoming Szn gave all the feels and I needed them after the rough few weeks I had!! Thanks for delivering another page turner, AP! Don’t ever stop!
Come on AP! I loved the friendship that E had with the guys. They were truly a family that chose each other. That homecoming weekend brought everything out into the open. The jealousy and hate, but also camaraderie and love! It was time for Tony to claim his woman, and he was not taking no for an answer! Emya wasn't ready for what he was bringing honey! 😂 I was ready to fight both Dean and Kelly, for being users looking for a come up! 😠 But, the gang was right there to support both Emya and Tony when all the ish went down! I hope there is more about these characters. There was talk about them all having trauma in their pasts, and would love to know more of the backstories. I'm certain that common pain, is what helps tie them all together. Great quick read! 👍👍👍
I expected this to be a cute, but predictable romance. I was not expecting it be so scandalous and full of drama. This was an absolute page turner. The story just kept getting more interesting. I loved the way Tony loved Emya. It was so sweet and powerful. The whole friend group vibe was great. I loved their dynamic. From beginning to end, this was a great read. Pynn packed a lot into this short story.
This book was so good! Although I didn’t go to an HBCU, something I wish I had done, I am Greek, so I was able to tot.Lu connect to this story. AP did an amazing job with the authenticity of the experience. Kelly, Kelly, Kelly…she deserved a good ol’ Greek beat down on GP. I need more on these characters because, yeah Jon. There is definitely a story there.
I loved the relationship Emya had with her male friends from college. I liked how protective of her they were. I hated what she had to go through and unfortunately a lot of women experience this. I'm glad she got her justice. I loved her and Tony's chemistry. I would recommend this book.
Everything about this book was on point: the characters, the banter, the sex scenes, the narration (because I listened to the audiobook), the Justice, the friendship, the ending, ALL OF IT! I literally have zero complaints (other than it would’ve been nice to see Dean physically get dragged lol)
CW: sexual content, mentions of CSA, attempted sexual assault
Emya is a sportscaster and the only girl in her guy friend group, with Langston, Jon, and Garrett (Gray) playing the overprotective big brothers. Then there’s Tony—NFL player, long-time crush—who finally makes his move during Homecoming weekend. 👀
But whew… it gets messy quick: conspiracies, an unwanted advance from a coworker, a leaked tape (!!), and even a surprise pregnancy. And yes, all of this in a novella. 👌🏾
Song - Lovers & Friends (Lil Jon + Usher)—friends-to-lovers with just the right amount of drama.
This was an adorable read perfect to the season just gave everything in this novella and I want more of Emya and Tony plus the rest of the gang this book gave me all the feels and the spice and I want more
This story is a whole vibe and I loved it. The friendship dynamics, the HBCU experience, Black women getting the short end of the stick in the workplace; everything just flowed in this story. Let’s not forget the chemistry between Tony and Emya. I loved everything about them!!!! Aubree really did the thing with this book. Now i have to go back and read the other stories.
Audiobook: Wesleigh Siobhan, Winston James: Wesleigh and Winston made magic with this one. When each of them did the different characters, it was seamless. There was no hesitation when they switched characters and did all the voices. Wesleigh brought all the sass as Emya and Winston had the seduction on lock. They did a fantastic job. The audiobook is a must.
Emya Renee Bivens: If, “anything you can do I can do better,” was a person it would be Emya. She refused to fall behind a male dominated industry.
Anthony “Tony” Jamar Speaks: If, “I’m done waiting,” was a person it would be Tony. He was no longer running from the inevitable.
Homecoming SZN by Aubree Pynn did not disappoint at all. This story was so expressive and fun. It was full of high energy, and we felt like we were right there celebrating homecoming at our favorite HBCU. We fell in love with every character, and it left us hoping and wishing the side characters get stories as well. Another great thing about this story is how it tackles real life concerns and issues that woman deal with every day in the work place. This was such a perfect novella that we highly recommend for sure.
“Time don’t wait.” “And neither do niggas, ‘cause homeboy was sweating your girl heavy. Don’t blink and you’ll be at her wedding with the shoulda coulda woulda.”
Homecoming season was upon Ganton Hills. Alumni were hyped to be back on the grounds. It was in the atmosphere. A crew of friends all guys with one woman were leaving their corners of life to come together to celebrate old times.
Tony was the man in college and that also translated over into adulthood and in the spotlight as a football player. Player being the key word. He was notorious for being a womanizer, always getting into some type of trouble and his PR couldn’t keep up with all his fires that needed to be put out. He also has a secret that he has carried involving the one woman that he truly cared for. Emya was the lone female of the crew and was equally protected by all of them. They were her family. While she had strong bonds with all of them, Tony was one she at one point thought of as her best friend, but time and emotions muddied the water leaving hurt and unaddressed feelings. This was a great read. Homecoming really was coming back to a person who felt like home.
One thing about Queen Pynn, she will give you that magnetic attraction between her characters. This sweet story had romance with some hot intimate scenes. Emya’s and Tony were so stubborn but the chemistry between them was electric, had been marinating since college and felt by everyone and the way he professed his love & devotion like a Lenny William song had me swooning.
I love the beauty depicted in friendship, the support of their tribe, survival, perseverance, determination and loyalty that resonated throughout the story. Tony, Emya, Jon, Garrett, and Langston were more than friends, they were family and their bond supporting one another while displaying their love and protection along with the comical banter between them, was nicely portrayed and laugh out loud funny. And, Jeisa was the MVP, sis came through in the clutch.
Homecoming Szn packed so much in this novella, I loved everything about it and the excitement in the college pride shown, had me wishing I went to an HBCU.
Narrated by Wesleigh Siobhan and Winston James who knocked it out the park, this is a MUST and highly recommended.
Emya intends to celebrate Homecoming by chilling with her sorors, covering the game and pre-game events for her sports journalist/anchor job, and reconnecting with her homies: John, Garrett, and Langston. Everyone except Tony. He can be damned.
Ever since Tony turned pro, his communication with his crew slowly diminished behind the likes of his PR team. While his boys were slightly more understanding, Emya was not. Not only was she his home girl, but they knew without saying that they were the loves of each other’s lives. To Emya, forced distance felt like betrayal. After reconnecting with his boys and laying eyes on Emya, Tony decided enough is enough, and he presses up on her all gas, no brakes. Just when it seems they have solidified a next step, vindictive plots make for a vile turn of events that change the trajectory of their lives and their relationship.
Whew! This power-punched novella by Aubree Pynn gave everything: love, lust, envy, vengeance, and revenge! And Emya and Tony… fan the feels! Wesleigh and Winston did what needed to be done giving this homecoming szn some homecoming sizzle!
The nostalgia that homecoming brings. This was a quick read but filled to the brim. A bond that is formed and even with miles and years between them all their love and positions in each others lives are solidified. These are the people who see you when you’re learning yourself. It’s something about a friendship with a female and a group of men who truly see you as a sister and brother while everyone on the outside try to figure out how that’s possible. The secrets that come to light was some traumatic stuff that really did bring a different level of a bond. Now on to the magnetic pull between Emma and Tony!!!!! We love a good lovers to friends. Even better when everyone in your crew knows it before you do but holds you down and let you come to terms with it on your own. Well they did with Emma but gave Tony shit about it. It’s crazy how when your ready your ready and baby Tony was ready! It’s always some bullshit larking though. Baby in a short period of time Tony and Emma go through some shit. I’m glad they both had people in there corner to make it all worth it and even better they come out on top. That pentup energy that they needed to explore!!!!!!!!!!!
This book was great read. What I love most about this and everything Aubree writes for that matter is how well depicts feminism, brotherhood and everything in between. The characters were beautiful. Jon, Langston and Garrett were my favourite. I have a friend name Garrett and we clown him just like they clowned my guy in this book. Was so hilarious. Emya is everything a woman should be. She’s beautiful, independent and the epitome of girl even with everything she went through. She didn’t allow that to break her and I love that. Tony on the other hand knew exactly what he wanted and went for it and I love that he didn’t let anything deter him from loving Emya and I love how he put Kelly in her place when she was out of pocket. Speaking of Kelly I hated her from the very first page. Her and Dean wanted something they could never have and I was happy to see their stories come to a close they deserved everything that happened and then some. All and all this book was beautifully written and executed. I enjoyed every single chapter. Easily five stars.
I looooooooved this story! It was SO good! Tony and Emya had such strong chemistry and almost a repressed connection that after so many years of being denied, pretty much exploded when they finally came together. I loved the fact that while Tony and Emya's friendship began years ago in college, the story wasn't inundated with a lot of flashbacks. There were hints of their backstory, enough to show how deep their, and their friendship circle as a whole's, roots ran, but this story was firmly in the present and how their actions and decisions of today were affecting their future. They had a couple of treacherous people around them, thank God they didn't give up on each other. I really loved how their friendship circle closed ranks and really lifted Tony and Emya in their lowest moments. It was beautiful! This story was fast paced, but a great ride. Definitely 5 ⭐️ Stars!!!
I finished this book in one sitting, it was quick and easy read. The thing that I loved the most was the dynamics between the friend group they were all friends and there was only 1 female in the group and none of the significant others were threatened by that. I loved that they were just a group of mature people. Tony and Emya were destined to be together even in college and the whole friend group know except them lol. I love that it was a novella so things didn’t drag but there were some points where I felt like things were moving too fast and stuff was popping off like every other page. So this book was a 4 for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
College Homecomings are always nice. I great time to see old friends and have a good time.
But for this group of friends Homecomings SZN would be more than that.
The main female and male characters have always had an amazing connection due to some past trauma & attraction. This year tested their friendship in so many different ways
This was a quick and spicy read. If you like urban romances heavy on the spice this maybe the book for you.
Recommendations 9/10 Spice 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
There is a book 2
***Remember that reading is subjective. What one person may like or dislike may differ between readers & the mode the reader***
Aubree will always have you ready to drag somebody to the pits and back. Anthony had me ready to take him outside to have a deep conversation because what are you doing bro?
Now down to the review. Have you ever wanted someone so bad that you were willing to change your life and your ways? Have you ever wanted someone but you know that they may break your heart? Well Homecoming SZN is going to remind you of what coming home feels like all while revealing the truth aka the snakes and their real motives. Get into it and remember you are going to want to drag someone.
Aubree Pynn is one my favorite writers, and books like Homecoming SZN is the reason why. Her characters are fully fleshed out individuals that you feel that you know well. Her stories are filled with depth, emotion, humor , and depth! I fell in deep with this story. The romance between Emya and Tony was so enjoyable to watch unfold. I truly loved the friendship surrounding them with their crew. That was just as beautiful as the romance. Aubree Pynn does not miss!!!
As is her custom, AP packed so much into relatively few pages that fed me like a story twice its length! That is talent! I loved Tony and Emya’s chemistry as well as their self awareness. The drama and scandal were perfectly done (I wanna know what tricks Jesia used LOL) giving me just enough angst without giving me a heart attack. I loved the crew and their bind, Gary and Emya’s particular bond (and learning about his healing as well). AP gave so much in this story, my cup runneth over! Great job sweets!