Aveke: An Ava & Zeke Novella

by Tijan

I watched him in high school. Knew his reputation. Knew he was wealthy, privileged, and mean.

He ran the show back then, a partier and a player.

Then he came back from college, back to the town I never left. He’s different now.

He comes into the bar, and I know his routine.

I know which stool he’ll pick.

I know his favorite drink. I know which sports team he’ll want on the television screen.

And I watch as he gets hit on.

Sometimes he leaves the bar with a woman. Sometimes he doesn’t.

But I’m always there, tending to his drinks. He gives me a smile and a polite nod back.

Then one night, after a long appraising stare, he asked, “Ava, why are you single?”

I leaned in, told him a lie, knowing the truth.

What I didn’t know was that my world was about to shatter after that night.

Something else I didn’t know: would the man I watched all those years help put my heart back together... or smash it into pieces?

** A 42k novella written as a standalone from two characters in the Fallen Crest/Roussou universe.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Friends To Lovers, Adult

198 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2023

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

'🅰🆅🅴🅺🅴' Is a large Novella by Tijan, spoken in 'dual perspectives. Ava & Zeke

This took me no time at all to read, an opposites attract quick read, it didn’t take long for Zeke to claim my heart, and Ava is so easy to connect with.

I loved all things dandelion, to the similarities to their characters to the dandelion necklace which has definitely made me purchase one!



Even though this was a quick read it delivered so many feels!

But being greedy I just wanted more..It’s also made me want to go back and do a re-read of the fallen crest high series, back to where it all started, back to when I truly came under this authors spell.

* Teaser used is off the authors facebook page *

[Jan]

DNF

Boring characters with zero chemistry.
Why do I keep buying Tijan's book?

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I’m back in the Tijan world and was excited to see Zeke had a novella. For some reason this didn’t feel the same as her Fallen Crest or Russo books, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Ava and Zeke’s romance was sweet and I liked them both.

Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Callie Dalton & Charles Carr
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length:4h 25m

[Sentranced Jem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like I’d skip reading a book by Tijan.

I had serious deja vu when I started this book but then I remembered that I’d actually read Zeke and Ava’s shorter story as part of an anthology. I’m so glad that Tijan decided to expand their story.
Aveke was a quick fun read that honestly just made me want to revisit all my favourite characters from Tijan’s previous books.
Ava was adorable. I’d seriously doubt anyone would not like her. Zeke was honestly perfect. Yea, he had a reputation for being an obnoxious jackass but he’s changed and I adore him! He’s hilarious! So thoughtful, romantic, protective and one of those “Looks can be deceiving” kind of good guy.

I enjoyed Aveke. I kind of wish it was longer though. One can’t get enough of Tijan’s books.

[Mairi Swan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a nice story but I think I should have read the Fallen Crest books before because at some point I got overwhelmed with the ''new'' characters that showed up. There is a background but nothing forbidding that you don't enjoy this novella.

[**Tessa** (semi hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think it’s me

3-4 years ago, I read a tijan book. Then another. And another. And on and on. She gave me back my love of reading. But I digress. I think I’ve outgrown her. I had forgotten how pathetically weak and “perfect” her heroines are. And even though I LOVE how the heroes love their ladies in the end, they are never celibate after meeting the heroine. Usually not even after they’ve begun developing feelings for them. That’s not my jam anymore. My heroes need to be 200% faithful from the start.
So, here, I believe it’s not the book. It’s me. No more tijan for me.

[BLuvsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sex? Roommates? Were we dating?
I hadn’t a clue, but I smiled, and my chest felt lighter, and for the first time in a while, I felt the first stirrings of being okay.
I could start to like this a whole lot.
I’d worry later if this was either going to shatter me or heal me.”

Don’t let the size fool you because this novella packs an emotional and drama filled punch that we all love from the Fallen Crest world.
Ava hasn’t been able to experience life like the others her age. She has had to take care of her grandmother and mom while working and school. They were her everything until things change. Zeke is lonely in a different way. He has changed a lot since they were younger and now that he has figured out who he is he wants to find his person, his sunshine.
“I touched my mouth to hers, and goddamn. Pure sunlight.”

I loved how Tijan layers in the characters from the Fallen Crest/ Roussou world and allows the reader to feel like part of the girl group and bromances.
Zeke and Ava fall into a whirlwind relationship while Ava slowly learns to open up and realize how many people care for her.

I laughed, shed some tears and wanted more.

ARC
New Adult Romance.
Dual POV

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this in less than a few hours and wish I would've savored this longer!!

If you've read none of the books in the Fallen Crest series or Roussou World....you can still read this one!! And join me in the ranks of "I suck for not having read them, but desperately need to now!" because it's going to happen.

I absolutely loved Zeke & his "this is me, take it over leave it" personality. I love that he doesn’t apologize for who he was (he does apologize for his actions & that's different) and he doesn't care if you like who he has become.

Ava, oh sweet Ava. She may be shy & stay hidden but girl is not one to be walked on. She may hide from uncertainty but she also holds her ground.

I want to say so much more but won't. Just read it - you won't regret it.

[Ainhoa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m ashamed to admit I actually enjoyed this one.

After a few fiascos with Tijan’s books lately and the reviews about this one, I was expecting to dnf it, but I enjoyed Zeke and Ava’s story very much. It was short, sweet and simple. Just what my slumpish mood needed.

[Grecia Robles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Esta es mi primera lectura del año.

Es una lectura corta, entretenida y con algunas escenas medio hot.

Siento que si has leído la serie Fallen Crest y sus spin off puedes disfrutar más este libro.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute trip it was to be back inside a Tijan story! I just love her style and voice so much that I get as giddy as a schoolgirl when I see she has a release coming up! It’s been a minute since I’ve been inside the Fallen Crest/Roussou universe, but it was as if no time had passed at all! This story can absolutely be read as a standalone for those of you that have yet to meet Tijan’s spectacular word wizardry and for those of you that are fans, this will be a deliriously fantastic treat! (well, at least it was for me lol)

This was a quick but perfect reading experience all around. I loved both Zeke and Ava. Their opposites were their perfect not opposites for each other and GAH, I wanted so much more from them!! *sigh* But I didn’t need, this was just perfect …



GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY!
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[Bri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

This book gave me complicated feelings. I liked the overall story and even the characters, but they felt very surface level and the story didn't seem fleshed out enough. It was one of those stories where I felt like we were being told more than we were shown. Add in the time jumps this story popped up with - a week here, a month there - and I just never connected with the characters.

I do still think the story was good, though, and I know a lot of people will fall in love with it.

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww! This was a fluffy read compared to all the other books in this world and I loved it just as much. I really liked Zeke's character in Hockey With Benefits so to see him get his own story was a pleasure. I loved him for Ava.

[Christine B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aveka is the name of Zek’s house which he names after Ava moves in Ava & Zek together. Love the Fallen Crest characters, Logan & Mason appearance was awesome, especially the man crush on Mason & his life size poster.

I love that Ava & Zek watched each other in high school but neither of them really knew. Cute quick read…

[Thalia Ohh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5/5
Spice: 🌶 1/5


Tropes/Subjects:
Friends to Roommates to Lovers ✔️
Opposite Attract✔️
Dual POV ✔️
Bad Boy/Good Girl ✔️


Ava's known of Zeke since high school. She's watched him be the player, the partier, & the privileged asshole. But after college, he returns to the small town that Ava has always known. & he seems different now.
Zeke frequents the bar where Ava works. She knows his routine but he also knows hers. Days, weeks, pass; he smiles, orders politely & she tends to his drinks. Until one night, it seems like he was done waiting..


Our sweet baby angel: A V A
I FXCKN LOVE HER!. She was just fxckn ✨ADORABLE✨
I usually love my FMC's stronger (like physically hurting people alongside their man)but look, AVA was a DIFFERENT type of strong! She's busted her ASS going to school, working, and taking care of her grandmother & mother.

"He was right. I worked. I was strong. I never broke, ever."

Ava lived life for everyone BUT herself so she DESERVED Zeke.

"I was wrong. It wasn't just Zeke looking at me. It was my Zeke looking at me. Mine."


Our Anti Hero: Z E K E
I'll say it once.. don't need to repeat myself! PROTECT ZEKE AT ALL COSTS!
Did I fall for Zeke? TO MY MOTHERFXCKN KNEES!🧎🏻‍♀️ Why?

1. He does BAD shit with GOOD intentions.

" 'Of course, he'd realize he was in love in the back of a squad car-' "

2. His emotional range in front of everyone? ASSHOLE, ALPHA, ANGSTY 🤬
His emotional range in front of Ava? PROTECTOR, ROMANTIC, THOUGHTFUL 🥰.

" 'You're sorely underestimating me. I'm like cling wrap. Once I care, you'd need to murder me to get me to let you go.' " S W O O N I N G! SUCH A DAMN ROMANTIC! 🥰🥰


A V E K E
Together?! GODDAMNNNNNNNNNN
Did I wish that some of those spicy scenes were a bit more DESCRIPTIVE? Yes, Yes, I do. But whatever I did get.. I ATE UP! 🤤
I loved how Zeke was not only TELLING her that she deserves the world but also SHOWING her. & we fxckn' STAN a man that gives us words AND ACTIONS!
I also loved how Ava was like.. ok this is where I'm at so now I'm gonna stand behind my man NO MATTER WHAT! 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽 Don't get it twisted.. Ava is not stronger FOR or even BECAUSE of Zeke. He simply opened her eyes to all the potential she was HIDING & we STAN a queen that finally realizes that she IS good enough.

" 'You like me. Like, like-like me.' -Z
I looked away. 'shut up.' -A
'You do. You totally do.' "-Z""

UGHHH! They're just so damn CUTE TOGETHER!

This was my first Tijan book EVER. I didn't know what to expect. Some of the character got a little confusing but I loved their bromances and the girl clique that accepted Ava with open arms.
Aveke was a light read for me and I ENJOYED it FULLY! What I loved the most about it though, was that in this novella, I felt like I got closure. I knew their backstory, their character developments was fxckn GREAT, and the EPILOGUE?!. 🥰 fxckn SWOONING!!! . Like I stated.. this was my first Tijan book but it WILL NOT BE MY LAST!


" 'You're my fuzzy dandelion.' -Z
'What?' -A
'A fuzzy dandelion. You know those flowers. They're fuzzy and you blow on them to grant you a wish. That's you. You're my wish.' -Zeke"

*Thank you to Valentine PR/ Tijan & team for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Angie Schexnaildre NOLA504nerds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sooooo freaking happy Tijan decided to give Zeke & Ava their story. Although this is a novella, it perfectly fits these characters.

“A fuzzy dandelion. You know those flowers. They’re fuzzy and you blow on them to grant you a wish. That’s you. You’re my wish.”

Ava, the quiet and hardworking protector, thinks that she is flying under the radar. Oblivious to everyone protecting her, she trucks along caring for her grandmother and mom. When tragedy hits and she is now on her own, she’s lost.

“Again, a lot of words can be used to describe me, but I’m loyal. Once I care about someone, I lock on and I don’t let that person go. It’s a fault of mine.”

Zeke has grown as a character so much by the time this story is written. I have to say, he is one of my favorite characters. He is lost himself, with his best friend Blaise (you remember him right?) playing soccer across the ocean. He’s trying to find his place. When helping Ava secretly helps himself, it’s a win-win situation.

“You’re sorely underestimating me. I’m like cling wrap. Once I care, you’d need to murder me to get me to let you go. I consider it my superhuman trait. I’m not going anywhere.”

5 fantastic stars! Zeke is such a romantic, who knew!!!! I absolutely love how he handles Ava. He is everything she never knew she needed. Ava in turn makes Zeke a better man. Their story was so sweet and totally unexpected. I loved them so much.

[Pamela Lilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites most definitely attract in this sweet and sexy romance between two unlikely characters, rich party animal Zeke Allen and struggling to make ends meet, has two jobs and cares for her mother and grandmum, Ava, who likes quiet and simple. But when Ava’s life is turned upside down, Zeke steps in to make her life easier, which also makes his life happier, and together an budding ‘not’ romance starts to form. Zeke answers to no one and he doesn’t apologise for his actions, his feelings or his thoughts, he’s a straight up no holds barred, say it as it is kinda guy. That’s one thing they’ve got in common, because Ava too says it as it is. Together though, they are invincible, they most definitely bring out the best in each other, they just ‘get’ each other. Entertaining and addictive. Lots of wonderful cameos for fans of all the Fallen Crest and Rousseau books. The whole crowd play a part in helping Zeke and Ava find their happy ever after and become Azeke. I couldn’t get enough of this story, sad to see it end, but oh so happy to have taken the journey with them. I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.

[JenMcJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. For a novella, of which I had read the earlier piece in an anthology, I felt like the author made this work. I cared about the MC's.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I keep measuring any Tijan book with my favorites of hers and this one is not "up to par". Oh, I read lots of the Fallen Crest (not the two books adjacent to this however) and I didn't mind Logan showing up at the Bingo hall.....

I did not like Zeke at the softball game. I could not stomach him after that in the book so I read through for Ava's sake and barely whipped up enthusiasm because I didn't care for Zeke's actions at all.
Zeke swung a softball bat at a guys head and knocked him unconscious for saying sleazy stuff about Ava. Disgusting. No remorse just thought of ways to get out of assault charges.
The violence unnerved me and ruined the book for me.
Lots of shenanigans I love in Tijans books or bad ass loyalty but this was too disturbing.

[Ahana M Rao (Heart’s Content) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can find this review of Aveke on my blog, Heart's Content!

A big shout out and thank you to ValentinePR and Tijan for including me in the blog tour of Aveke and providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!

Tijan has always been an auto-read/auto-request/auto-buy author for me, so when I saw Aveke, I all but pounced on a chance to read it. It’s a novella based on the Fallen Crest world but I think there’s a Rich Prick cross over.

I think when Fallen Crest released I read the first book? I can’t recall too much of it, but I know the basic characters’ names and relationships. Aveke is written as a standalone, but I would highly recommend this book is read as a novella of the series, simply because I feel the effect would be several hundred times better. The community Tijan has created come together at certain points in this book, to support one another and I think if you know them, that’s going to be the most heart moving experience.

Aveke is slightly larger than a bite sized read. To have a whole love story written into it as a stand-alone is no joke. Tijan pulls it off somehow. The book has to progress quickly because as a novella a word restriction comes to play an important role. This means, the characters need to be introduced, understood; their individual stories needs to be built and the stories surrounding their relationships need to be shown AND the love story needs to be smooth and believable. Also, all of this is to be done in such a way someone who hasn’t read the series needs to understand.

I think this is a Herculean task. Someone give the author a standing ovation. Somehow she convinced me. The quick progress of the relationships and the speed of resolutions was quite remarkable. I never thought I’d enjoy one page marking a problem, and the third page revealing the solution. I’m sitting here wondering… should we all be doing this?

The book is sweet and somehow it works. I wish I had known more about Zeke’s past, simply because I feel the impact of the present would be greater. Four stars! Happy reading!

[Sarah (lou_reads_romance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars 🌟

Ava and Zeke…..an unlikely couple but the perfect match in many ways.
Ava has had to work her whole young life to make ends meet. She has responsibilities and cares deeply for her family….with few friends and even fewer distractions she keeps her head down and just battles on.
Zeke was the bully boy in high school, not shy of delivering home truths or rough justice….a ladies man with no commitment to anyone except for his boys. but adulthood has brought about a change in Zeke and Ava has noticed.

I loved this pair….The bad boy, don’t care persona of Zeke is quickly erased when we see him with Ava, she brings out the best in all those around her without even realising. She is unassuming and so deserving of his devotion. We get Zeke’s truths and they aren’t what anyone would expect and certainly not for all to know!

A quick read with a bit of heat, lots of heart and some great fun!

[Lager Lefse Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I need to confess something. I have read Aveke twice and loved it more than the first time. It is a 42,000-word novella, which is on the longer side, but it is still a super quick read, besides, I NEEDED more of Zeke and Ava. They are that good!

Ava and Zeke are two characters within the world of Fallen Crest/Rosseau but can be read as a standalone. One thing that Tijan did, which I LOVED, was the pop-up of characters from within this massive universe. Zeke and Ava’s world made my heart so happy because I never want to say good-bye to this universe.

I may be the only one, but I found myself shedding some tears at the end. Aveke was just so beautiful. Ava is the high school wallflower who thought she was always unseen. Zeke is the high school bully who reformed his self over the years but is still lonely. Was Zeke a complete and utter jerk in high school? Yes. Did Ava think she was a nobody, did not have friends, and she was unnoticeable? Yes. Yet somehow these two dandelions find each other.

"You can be the yellow dandelions, my sunshine in a flower, and I’ll be the fuzzy ones.
See. We’re not so different. We’re perfect for each other. We’re the same flower.”

[Stacie R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zeke and Ava have always been sort of on the fringe characters from the Fallen Crest/Roussou world, but both have always intrigued me. I was pumped when Tijan said she was going to be giving Ava and Zeke more than what she had originally written!

Ava has always been one of the sweetest people, and Zeke, well he was her polar opposite, loud and in your face. But we never really got to dive into them as individuals. This longer novella does just that and then some. We knew Ava and Zeke when they were younger, but now they’re adults. Their lives have changed, and I adored getting to see Ava bring out a softer side of Zeke. I honestly don’t have enough good things to say about both of them!

It’s a page turner, I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what was going to happen next. It’s not Fallen Crest without some drama and police involvement, but this novella packed the punch of a full length book! Phenomenal story, and I loved getting to revisit some of my favorite characters from previous books!

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this novella! I absolutely adored this couple I have only read a few books from the Fallen Crest/Roussou world so I don’t remember either characters but I’m definitely going to be going back and reading all of them ! This story was a sweet feel good read that brought me laughter and happiness Zeke had me swooning so hard and Ava was so darn sweet I definitely recommend this story!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Powrót do uniwersum „Fallen Crest” jest zawsze przyjemny. Nie jest to moja ulubiona para bohaterów, ale czytał się okej, nie będę narzekać. Pojawiło się dużo znajomych bohaterów i za to jak zwykle duży plus. Ta książka to świetny dodatek dla osób, które już znają Fallen Crest, Ekipę, czy inne powieści :)

[Linathebookaddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, fun!!! Loved it.

[★¸. • * ° * ༺*Blanka*༺*°°*•.¸. ♥★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cute story, however I missed all of Tijan-ness, there was no teenage drama, no angst, no strong heroine, nada just a cute little story.

[Tammy - · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aveke is a standalone novella featuring two characters from Tijan's Fallen Crest/Roussou world. Now, I haven't yet read all of those other books, and I honestly can't say that I remember Zeke or Ava from what I have read (it's been awhile). Of course, after reading Aveke, I feel like I need to go back and catch up!

Zeke has a reputation as being mean and privileged but he's softened up some as he's gotten older. Ava has spent her life just struggling to get by. She hasn't really LIVED, but she has noticed Zeke. One day, he seems to notice her back.

Now, like I said, I haven't read enough of the previous series to recall Zeke as a bad guy. And this Zeke? Well, he's about as adorable as they come. Don't get me wrong...he definitely has some rough edges and he definitely finds himself in his share of trouble, but that only seems to make him more loveable.

I found this to be a feel-good story. Sure, there is a bit of drama and angst. There were a few "Oh no, don't do it" moments. Overall though? I smiled, laughed and swooned more than anything else while reading this one. Aveke is a fairly quick read, not because of the length of the book (it's a pretty long novella), but it's just one of those books that you don't want to put down.

[TheBookPlatypus · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Once a guy with the reputation for being a bully and an obnoxious jackass, he wasn’t like that anymore. Eyeing him from the corner of my eye, I wanted to ask what happened to change his ways. One day.”

Zeke was once known and as the bully in high school and Ava is the wallflower. She loves her family fiercely and has been the foundation of her ailing grandmother and handicapped mother with working non stop, sometimes two jobs at once.

Oh but these two are something else. So sweet and the whole symbolism of the dandelion… 🥹 It was the sweetest thing I’ve ever read.

I love reading about Zeke reminding Ava that she is seen, and known, and loved. Because sometimes she feels awkward and invisible… Zeke brings her confidence out and these two are the sweetest lovebirds.
You’ll see other characters in Tijan’s work pop in too. I loved it.
Low steam. 100% sweetness. And romance.

[Hopelessly Addicted To Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella follows Ava and Zeke and is set in the Fallen Crest world but if you've never read any of those books (why not) it doesn't matter as you will be able to follow the storyline.
Like all Tijan works I devoured this story I could not get enough of these two. Ava is a fighter she has so much that could drag her down but she never lets it. Caring for her family is her main goal she ploughs through every battle and obstacle in her way but she is lonely and alone or she thinks. Zeke the former bully boy from high school the sensitive soul hiding under a jokey exterior. I loved them together the way they both saw beneath the facade presented to others. The way Zeke especially showed Ava how she wasn't alone, how she could lean on and rely on other people to help. How the girl who thought she was invisible realised she had always been seen. I adored their one on one conversations, the snarky back and forth and the tender loving ones. The chemistry and sex scenes were written into the story with the perfect balance. With cameos from some of my favourite people that was the cherry in top of a great story.