Eli "Maestro" Lewis has prepared himself to run the kingdom of Smoke Enterprises. The plan was to allow his father time to rest and live out his golden years with his new love, but someone wanted his father back in the game, and his father, Smoke, was all too happy to show Pittsburgh how he earned his name. They said where there's Smoke, there's fire, and now the city was up in flames. Eli had major problems with that. For one, his pops shouldn't have been running around the city like he was Shaft, risking his life and all he worked hard for, and two, he was more than capable of handling all this trouble on his own. If only his pops would let him.
Being the prince wasn't always easy, and neither was finding love during a war. But he'd deal with all that. Like he always did. That's how he earned his name.
When it comes to writing passionate Black love that jumps off the page and into readers’ hearts, Aja’s pen is a leader in the game. To date, she’s written and self-published over 30 books that offer an escape into Black love stories that center on sensual, sexy, and erotic experiences. The winner of BRAB's 2020 Beverly Jenkins Author of The Year and 2022 Brenda Jackson Romance of The Year awards uses her life experience and persuasive storytelling talent to construct characters and situations that showcase the best Black love can be and offer. In the pages of her books, you’ll find relatable characters that seduce you with their intense chemistry that Aja seamlessly blends into soul-stirring romances.
The Pittsburgh native is a full-time writer with the mind and patience that allows her to maintain a life of constant study. Life is her biggest teacher. Through self-study and persistent observation of others, Aja finds the human thread that connects us all. That relatability is a recurring tenet of her award-winning books. Time spent reading any of her narratives is underscored by deep feelings of love and connection because love isn’t just her brand; it’s who she is. Black love advocacy is the central theme on every page she writes because Aja believes Black love is shaped and defined by Black people’s many trials and tribulations. Her Black-on-Black characters love the way they do, not because of what they’ve endured, but in spite of it.
Aja doesn’t just write about love; she lives it every day. She’s familiar with the passion, intensity, and sensuality that readers yearn for, and that’s why her books leave a powerful, lasting mark on readers’ minds. To stay updated on the latest reads from her expansive, decorated catalog, join her mailing list:
Come on now Aja! I have been anticipating reading about Maestro (Eli), since Smoke’s book. Was he really “the man” as everyone claimed? Yes, ma’am, he is? ❤ Maestro played no games when it came to his family, or business! He moved so smooth, but also deadly if you got caught in his crosshairs! Miss Mena! I loved how grounded and sweet she was, although she had to grow up in that life! Meeting Eli was a coincidence, but fate nonetheless! She understood all that he was going through in the streets and allowed him to do what he needed to with no fuss. Mena gave Eli a soft place to land, when he needed to clear his mind from the chaos of business. That made it easier for him to fall. They were a perfect fit! Enjoyed catching up with Elijah and Aaliyah and seeing them find their happiness. I was growing impatient trying to figure out who was flooding the city with the fentanyl, and why? As well as who was responsible for Jimmy? I was not in the least bit ready for THAT revelation! Like what the hell???? 🤬 Wonder what Smoke and Maestro will do with this little tid bit! Hmmmm…. Now Sarai (Slick), I’m a bit worried about you boo! Running around being reckless, knowing people are gunning for your family is not wise! Then she has the mommy issues, that she hasn’t resolved. Her story is next, and I can’t wait to see what is going on with her! Great job! 👍👍👍
Maestro and Mena. I was looking forward to this book and it did not disappoint!! Mena was perfect for Maestro and his lifestyle. I can’t wait to read more about them in Slick’s story!
This is book 2 in Aja’s Enigma series. While this completely covers Eli & Mena’s romance arc, there’s a mystery element that begins in book 1, Smoke. Definitely best enjoyed after that.
This was so good I read it all in one day. The pacing was perfection. I love the way Aja wove together and balanced the romance, mystery, and action scenes. Eli is definitely the focus along with the Lewis family’s business dealings. Though, I still felt like I got to know Mena as well. While she’s running her own legit business, she grew up in the life and morally gray world he helps rule - so they’re able to connect in a unique way. It’s fun watching a determined bachelor fall. 😉
Aja’s ability to make criminals relatable and human is really top notch. I also like the snarky humor she sprinkles in. This is definitely a family and you feel the love and affinity despite their rough demeanors. I enjoyed getting to catch up with Smoke and Aaliyah as well. Eli & Mena get a little bit of a romantic suspense element finale and the book ends on their HFN.
Great drama and tantalizing book. Eli and Mena had to grow on their situation that was evolving so fast in such little time. But the turns it took were very substantial to their life ahead. Great series so far now on to slick crazy ass.
I enjoyed Eli and Mena’s story. Mena maybe a Beautician but shes far from stupid on how Eli’s world operates. Her Dad is no stranger to that Gangster life which made them perfect for each other. I love how smooth Eli operates because when Smoke is your Daddy you definitely born with no chill. Don’t play with this family and their trigger fingers.. cuz 🥴. Their enemies learn the hard way. ✌🏾
4.5 good pacing. easy mafia. mild violence. family drama. sexy suspense...ending is a little cliffy need next book ASAP. Loved narration by Mari and Winston James
“Ain’t nothing wrong with finding a piece of sunshine in this dark world we live in, Eli.”
Eli aka Maestro is a Jack of all trades. Whatever needs to be done, you can count on Eli to get it done. As the son and next in line to take over from his father and big boss Smoke, he has a lot on his plate and barely any time for anything else. People fear him, those in the life respect him and the women love him but can’t hold on to him. He has to be at the top of his game to protect and maintain his family and their empire. He has no space for outside distractions that women bring. It’s sex with no commitment and he’s upfront about it with each woman. They think they can hold on to him but end up getting dropped and and having to pick up their feelings. He’s also a killer who enjoys the hunt and the kill. Women and the life is what he knows and does best his daddy taught him well. “The apple never falls too far from the tree unless it grew on a hill.” Mena is a bosses daughter. She grew up in the life and k owns what comes with being the men in the life. She’s soft, caring, loving and has gotten her heart broken by men who take advantage of that. The one night she decides to take her feelings out of it a be in the moment has her having an encounter with Eli. These two grew up in the life so they have an understanding of it on a deeper level. She knows he’s not the settling down type but she’s drawn to him past that one night. He knows she’s the relationship type and he can’t give her that or so he thinks. He just can’t let her go after one night. Things are happening in the streets bringing heat to Smokes door so Eli has to figure out why. His dad is raging so he also has to manage him and his sister Slick just can’t keep out of trouble so he has to save her. Will he ever get his piece of sunshine? He has to open his eyes and recognize that he wants it first. Mena can be his sunshine. Great read!
The coupling of Mena and Eli "Maestro" was brilliant and the timing of it was perfect...talk about the stars aligning...kismet...fate...destiny. Here's why...Eli "Maestro" a torrential storm was in the midst of war due to Smoke's best friend Jimmy's death. Maestro was carrying so much in terms of watching out for his father who will shoot first and ask questions later as well as looking out for Sarai "Slick" who is a ticking time bomb. Mena was the peace that he needed, the love that he felt he did not deserved but embraced anyway. This author delivered again with character development that felt genuine, the pacing of the story that felt realistic and the pairing of two beautifully broken people (can we say Mom did not earn the mother of the year award) that felt intimate and authentic. I look forward to the next book of the series anticipating the reveal of Carmen's shenanigans, Zora and the girls cameo and more of the grittiness of Maestro, Smoke and Slick. Hurry up 2023!!!
Title: Maestro Author: Aja Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC Series: The Enigma Series: Book 2 Reviewed By: Arlena Dean Rating: Five Review: "Maestro: by Aja
My Assessment:
'Maestro' was indeed intriguing after reading the first Enigma series book about 'Smoke.' Indeed we find Maestro was every bit his father's son, especially in helping his father [Smoke] find out who killed his best friend, Jimmy. I enjoyed seeing how much Maestro [Eli] cared about his father and sister Sarai [Slick]. In addition, I wanted to know how Eli was connecting to a new person...he had recently met ... Mena. From the read, we find Maestro is taking charge of finding out who had killed a family friend, and also, what was it about Mena that Eli needed in his life? This will be quite a journey with all the twists and turns that will keep one turning the pages till the end. To see how Maestro falls in love, the reader will have to pick up this good read to see how it all happens, and in the end, will he be able to get things done that need to be taken care of?
Hot!! That’s what this is, I tell you!! So, Awesome…just Smokin’!! 🔥🔥 Maestro…Eli…is everything I hoped he would be and more!! This story starts off popping off the pages and the drama is there throughout it all, from the beginning throughout the end!! There is betrayal, murder and all that it entails, but then, we also have love, tender moments and real relationships even amongst the gangsters!!
This is an excellent, excellent story and series that I would love to see on the movie screen! Yes…it’s that good!! Now, it’s time to see how Sarai, aka “Slick,” is going to enter into the foray of Smoke and Maestro!! I already know!! Listen, if you haven’t had the chance to enter into the world of Smoke, Maestro and family, this is a great time to grab your copies, a beverage or two of your choice and sit back and enjoy!! I promise you will be glad you did!! Yes…it’s ALL that!! Aja, Kudos, Beautiful…Kudos!!! 💜🖤💜
Eli known as Maestro is due to take over the business from his father, Smoke. However, when Smoke's best friend is mudered he refuses to step aside untill the killer is found.
Sarai known as Slim and Eli's sister is wild, reckless, and leaving behind mess after mess for Eli to clean up.
Mena, the daughter of Shine is no stranger to the game. She owns her own hair salon and leads with her heart.
Eli and Mena meet and decide on a no strings attached sexuationship. Eli has the world on his shoulders while trying to decide if he wants to fall in love, help find Jimmy's killer, and protect his family and Mena at the same time.
This was a very slow read for me. At times I found myself putting it down and forcing myself to pick it up again. Good storyline, well developed characters, it just didn't do much for me. However I am interested in the next up in the series. I can't wait to find out if and who will attempt to tame Slim.
I must have gotten this during one of the free book events and having read Smoke, I really enjoyed Maestro.
I really like that even without reading Smoke, the character development makes it easy to understand. It is a stand alone too.
Now for this book, I really enjoyed watching Maestro work on his feelings for Mena throughout the course of the book. He is self aware and considerate and willing to accept his flaws and hers. Mena was my ultimate fave character though. She has her own life, making her own business and still giving to thy community where she can! She is also self reflective and works on her flaws so beautifully. Acknowledges them with love and giving herself space to learn and grow. They couldn't have been better matched for each other.
I just finished reading this amazing book! Maestro was everything I wanted and needed in a book! Aja truly out did herself with the second book of the Enigma series. I love the way that Mena and Maestro met. Maestro had me hooked from the very beginning to the very end. Throughout this book, Aja dropped some nuggets about love and that special person just for you. Maestro has all the drama, mystery, and romance that you would definitely love. Mena was exactly who Maestro needed and she needed him as well. I can't wait to see where Aja takes this series to next! It was amazing catching up with Smoke and Aaliyah. Make sure to check out Maestro today! Aja's gift of writing just gets better and better with each book she writes. I'm here for it all.
Maestro was that character who didn't want to be tied down to one woman until he crossed paths with Mena. I loved Maestro/Eli story because, as Eli, he showed his more protective and compassionate side, but don't be fooled he definitely had a dark side as Maestro. Mena was beautiful, independent, and the daughter of a boss with a connection to Smoke. I just knew there was going to be some pushback in regards to Mena and Maestro getting together, but surprisingly, their father's were very accepting. While the story had its moments of gritty crime, backstabbing, and revelations, Mena and Maestro finding love and committing to each other was definitely the highlight of the story. Can't wait to read about Slick.
Ok, I hesitate to give 3 star ratings but was a bit on the fence with this one. While I found no issues with writing style, grammar, spelling or other errors… I did feel the book lacked the telling of romance. Eli and Mena kinda just fell into a situationship that simply continued to take place. Overshadowing this romance was Maestro’s work and the growing danger lurking around the corner. In short, I would have preferred more romance between Eli and Mena, more time spent growing in their feelings for each other, and more time dating.
I enjoyed this journey. It was gritty and sweet at the same time. Mena and Maestro were a surprise. I love it when a couple jumps off the pages without drama from some person threatening their union with misplaced affections. They just had to battle their internal demons...oh and Street-life. Great storyline, good chemistry and a happy for now ending. This was a good read.
This was such a good book. I would recommend this series. The first two books are wonderful. I'm so happy that Maestro found love with Mena. Smoke is giving them hell 🙂. This is not the family you ought to be messing with. Maestro enjoys his work entirely too much for people to be fooling around. I had a feeling who it was 🫢. It was a pleasure reading this book 🥰.
I just love a romance especially from the male prospective. As tough and such a killer Eli is, what completed him was the warmness and softness of Mena. Eli is about him and his fathers business by any means. Although this was romantic it was also edgy and thrilling. The part of him being a killer and enjoying it made me look at myself because I was fascinated with him. But through it all Eli has underlying issues that probably made him the way he is.
Eli “Maestro” and Mena’s story kept me on the edge of my seat. Maestro was a complex character and seeing his evolution as he came to terms with his feelings for Mena was well written. I also loved the interaction between him and Elijah “Smoke”. The book was full of intrigue with an excellent twist in the story. I love the contradiction in both Maestro and Smoke. While both are deadly, the love for their women showed softer side to them.
Excellent read. I am so glad this author was recommended to me. I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
Enjoyed Maestro and Mena's story. Loved the Smoke update and looking forward to Slick's story, she wild. This series brings the gritty of the streets and the love that is possible. Thanks for sharing your gift and growth with your readers. Hoping to see the reunion of Smoke, Zora and the siblings, I know it will be good.
Aja's story of Eli aka Maestro taking charge and finding love in the process was nothing short of magic in the mist of mayhem. Mena struts into Maestro's view and heart in the midst of his search for killers of a family friend. The chaos that follows along with some maddening twist is nothing short of Aja's storytelling magic. Worth turning every page.
Book 2 in the Enigma Series did not disappoint, grandson in many aspects. Love and trust lead to happiness. Questions answered from book 1. Slick is a loose cannon looking forward to her story.
Ms Aja this book was definitely a good read. You brought your readers passion, love, drama, backstabbing, murder, thugs, and loyalty. You brought us into a world of chaos and crime but you also gave us a glimpse of a family that loved each other. I can’t wait to read Slick story. Most definitely would recommend this book.
My, my, my….Maestro is so hot and dangerous! He is a person who takes care of business and those he loves. The story was so intense and just enough violence that kept you engaged and intrigued to want more! Amazing job Aja and I am looking forward to Slicks story.
“Maestro: The Enigma Series”, definitely earned it’s title‼️…Honestly, enigma just might be an understatement 🤷🏾♀️. Wow, that was twenty four chapters of intense, thrills, chills & kills👏🏽👏🏿👏🏾‼️..and many of my questions from book 1 “Smoke” were answered. Great work the author💐‼️Thereafter, looking forward to “Slick’s” contribution to the Enigma series …Nadine 🤣😂🤷🏾♀️‼️
I am so caught up in this series that I can not wait for the next installment. Maestro is as smooth as they come but Mena got him! I want to see their love blossom and I hope when they meet their sisters that it will be one big happy family. Aja, I love the twist and turns. Keep it up!
I absolutely love Aja's way of telling a story. Her storytelling is what I love about reading her books. She sets the stage and unfolds the story without taking the reader through all the hoopla just to get to the end of the story. Job well done! I'm getting ready to start reading Slick now, and I can't wait for this story to reveal itself!