What do you think?
Rate this book
softly.
Grey I liked the connection Essence and Lennox had. I feel like sometimes you’re looking for love in so many places, when where you should start is home. It’s like losing your favorite bonnet, looking for it high and low only to walk past the mirror and find it on your head the entire time. Or, looking everywhere for your glasses and touching your face to discover their on top of your head or on your eyes, already. I applied that scenario to a quick short story and I’m pretty pleased with the results. This is a story that felt good. Plain and simple.
48 pages, Paperback
Published November 4, 2020
133 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Grey Huffington
87 books2,135 followersRiveting Romance Reads with Hot Heroines and Even Hotter Heroes Who Adore Them in a Collective Effort to Bring You Sheer Pleasure and Spice Up Your Life.
Fan Favorites:
Wilde & Reckless: Peaked at #1 In Short Stories Bestsellers
Syx & The City Short Series: Peaked at #3 In Short Stories Bestsellers
Unearth Me: Peaked at #2 In Erotica Bestsellers
The Sweetest Revenge: Peaked at #6 In Short Stories Bestsellers
*Tap the FOLLOW button up top to be alerted when new, irresistible reads release. Be the first to know and never miss a beat.*
Join Club Grey (copy + paste the URL) and receive a FREE read: http://bit.ly/clubgrey
Facebook: www.facebook.com/greyhuffington
Twitter: www.twitter.com/greyhuffington
Fan Favorites:
Wilde & Reckless: Peaked at #1 In Short Stories Bestsellers
Syx & The City Short Series: Peaked at #3 In Short Stories Bestsellers
Unearth Me: Peaked at #2 In Erotica Bestsellers
The Sweetest Revenge: Peaked at #6 In Short Stories Bestsellers
*Tap the FOLLOW button up top to be alerted when new, irresistible reads release. Be the first to know and never miss a beat.*
Join Club Grey (copy + paste the URL) and receive a FREE read: http://bit.ly/clubgrey
Facebook: www.facebook.com/greyhuffington
Twitter: www.twitter.com/greyhuffington
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
June 26, 2023
She’s fresh out of a relationship after finding out her boyfriend of the past 4 years has been cheating for the last 3. He’s in town for one night only and has reached out at the perfect time to rekindle a flame that never truly died out. Her first love has returned giving her a soft place to land and his timing couldn’t have been more perfect! 🥰🥰
December 29, 2023
Nex 🖤
I loved Nex. Although this very short, I loved how he was coming for Sent. He was her first..their story was already written. They just had to find their way back to each other.
I loved Nex. Although this very short, I loved how he was coming for Sent. He was her first..their story was already written. They just had to find their way back to each other.
August 14, 2024
I ate all 33 pages & I want more. 🙂↔️
January 31, 2024
“it’s like losing your favorite bonnet, looking for it high & low only to walk past it in the mirror & find it on your head the entire time”
yes, exactly. this was so good y’all omg. essence and lennox really did it for me. this was a super quick read. I loved how lennox came through for essence with no questions and made sure she was good. I love how she was able to receive his love softly. super, super good. 10/10.
yes, exactly. this was so good y’all omg. essence and lennox really did it for me. this was a super quick read. I loved how lennox came through for essence with no questions and made sure she was good. I love how she was able to receive his love softly. super, super good. 10/10.
June 23, 2024
Softly
Essence was hurting badly after finding out & leaving her man of years was living a double life. But she knew and had known all along that there was only one man for her, her best friend Lennox. As luck would have it, he was in town for one night. And one night was all it took.
Essence was hurting badly after finding out & leaving her man of years was living a double life. But she knew and had known all along that there was only one man for her, her best friend Lennox. As luck would have it, he was in town for one night. And one night was all it took.
January 21, 2025
Soft Love
This was a very short read, but it was to the point.
Essence had been in a rough relationship that shouldn't have lasted the 4 yrs it did. Now that she is free, Lennox, her first everything happens to be in town. He loves everything about her and is ready to love her softly. While she had been looking for love, it was always right in front of her.
This was a very short read, but it was to the point.
Essence had been in a rough relationship that shouldn't have lasted the 4 yrs it did. Now that she is free, Lennox, her first everything happens to be in town. He loves everything about her and is ready to love her softly. While she had been looking for love, it was always right in front of her.
April 9, 2024
😍
This story was super cute! I really like when friends become more than friends in stories, and this book was just what I wanted. Grey Huffington did a great job again!
This story was super cute! I really like when friends become more than friends in stories, and this book was just what I wanted. Grey Huffington did a great job again!
December 29, 2024
4.5⭐️ Needed waaay more to this story😩 But the two main characters were cute with each other💗
February 28, 2024
Sweetest Novelete
This was the sweetest novelette! Essence and Sent were made for each other. It’s crazy how we have to go through the bullshitters just to end up where and with whom we need.
This was the sweetest novelette! Essence and Sent were made for each other. It’s crazy how we have to go through the bullshitters just to end up where and with whom we need.
January 19, 2025
Grey never ceases to amaze me with her ability to make me see myself in one of her characters. Short and sweet but the point is sometimes you gotta start at home 🤎
Loved it - as always.
Loved it - as always.
July 7, 2023
2/5 stars
The only question I have for this is...
Will I ever read a grey Huffington book that doesn't mention SZA? Like atleast this one ain't have lyrics in it I guess 😭. (Nothing against my gworl but it gives such "Im not like other girlies" vibes when I read it)
I saw mentioned in a review that Greys short stories are better than her long ones, and well. This got two stars and that Luca mess got one so I guess it's true, however- it's not even the story/plot I'm rating this on. That was actually good and really cute and the beginning was so strong and I was excited for this super short read.
The issue I have is that the writing gets so cornball SO fast.
"He looks into my rounds..." y'all hear that? It's Wattpad 2013 calling 📞 (the word orbs would like a word)
"He whines," "he whimpers" HE DOES WHAT?
"My personal fragrance on his flesh" ......we can't be serious 😭
How you give me the ick in 33 pages. Be so fr :(
It's like she pulls out every word she can randomly think of during her spicy scenes and although I can see the vision, there shouldnt be 5 different words to say all the same thing on ONE page imo.
Anywayssssssss I got one more try in me so let's see how the next one goesssss
The only question I have for this is...
Will I ever read a grey Huffington book that doesn't mention SZA? Like atleast this one ain't have lyrics in it I guess 😭. (Nothing against my gworl but it gives such "Im not like other girlies" vibes when I read it)
I saw mentioned in a review that Greys short stories are better than her long ones, and well. This got two stars and that Luca mess got one so I guess it's true, however- it's not even the story/plot I'm rating this on. That was actually good and really cute and the beginning was so strong and I was excited for this super short read.
The issue I have is that the writing gets so cornball SO fast.
"He looks into my rounds..." y'all hear that? It's Wattpad 2013 calling 📞 (the word orbs would like a word)
"He whines," "he whimpers" HE DOES WHAT?
"My personal fragrance on his flesh" ......we can't be serious 😭
How you give me the ick in 33 pages. Be so fr :(
It's like she pulls out every word she can randomly think of during her spicy scenes and although I can see the vision, there shouldnt be 5 different words to say all the same thing on ONE page imo.
Anywayssssssss I got one more try in me so let's see how the next one goesssss
January 3, 2024
The soft life personified!
Grey!!! Had the best way with words! I’ve been trying to articulate this for years but could never find the right words! To read this short story and have my feelings validated and appreciated is never short of amazing.
As a Black woman, I feel defeated with trying to balance being strong and independent but also being soft, nurturing, accepting, and submissive. It’s 110% ok to be both no matter how to world views you and what they expect from you! Just find your person that will always be your soft place to land like Lennox was for Essence.
Grey!!! Had the best way with words! I’ve been trying to articulate this for years but could never find the right words! To read this short story and have my feelings validated and appreciated is never short of amazing.
As a Black woman, I feel defeated with trying to balance being strong and independent but also being soft, nurturing, accepting, and submissive. It’s 110% ok to be both no matter how to world views you and what they expect from you! Just find your person that will always be your soft place to land like Lennox was for Essence.
September 2, 2024
“Sometimes you’re looking for love in so many places, when where you should start is home.”
This was sexy yet incredibly sweet. Essence just wanted to embrace her soft life with a man who could love her properly and Lennox was ready and willing to provide her a safe space to do so. Grey Huffington’s novellas have become my go-to for a quick palate cleanser that’s instantly gratifying.
This was sexy yet incredibly sweet. Essence just wanted to embrace her soft life with a man who could love her properly and Lennox was ready and willing to provide her a safe space to do so. Grey Huffington’s novellas have become my go-to for a quick palate cleanser that’s instantly gratifying.
August 6, 2022
softly
Awesome read very carefully and Intimate please everyone please read this short masterpiece from grey huffington it will have you hooked and wanting to read her whole catalog of very good books I’m so impressed and glad she always comes through
Awesome read very carefully and Intimate please everyone please read this short masterpiece from grey huffington it will have you hooked and wanting to read her whole catalog of very good books I’m so impressed and glad she always comes through
April 13, 2024
Cute!
What an adorable little love story! This my first read by Huffington and keen to see what else they’ve written. Glad I picked this up and would love to find out what happens to Lennox and Essence ❤️
What an adorable little love story! This my first read by Huffington and keen to see what else they’ve written. Glad I picked this up and would love to find out what happens to Lennox and Essence ❤️
March 1, 2024
This shoulda been a whole book. I need more!!!
June 7, 2024
I didn’t know the book have only 25 pages, very short story, simple and sexual
September 8, 2024
Too short. I wanted to know what happen next! 😞
November 9, 2024
Loved this short story.
October 13, 2020
Love how the author continues to be descriptive and you discover how the character feels in a short read.
May 12, 2024
Loved it
Omg I love when a friendship turns into something more and the spice between Lennox and Essence was everything! I also adored there origin story and the cute nicknames. I can only imagine what the future holds for this duo.
Omg I love when a friendship turns into something more and the spice between Lennox and Essence was everything! I also adored there origin story and the cute nicknames. I can only imagine what the future holds for this duo.
August 23, 2022
More More More! I wanted so much more. This book is why I don’t mess with friends to lovers that much. Even though her boyfriend was trash and he cheated, he never stood a chance because she was in love with Nex. How could two people so in tune with each other not be together? Whew! Man this book would’ve been great if it was longer and more fleshed out.
January 12, 2025
Essence needed some care for her bruised heart and took it to the one person who'd always known how to handle it--her best friend, Lennox. But will he keep it this time?
This was a lovely friends to lovers short. Sweet and passionate and very gentle. They both landed softly. Good work.
This was a lovely friends to lovers short. Sweet and passionate and very gentle. They both landed softly. Good work.
October 2, 2020
Short and delightful
The fact that it’s short takes away none of the fact that it’s good. This short is a destination trip on a singular emotion. It’s almost as if we opened up an episode of our favorite show with the sole focus being to learn a lesson. Lennox realized time waits on no man and went for what he knew was his. Essence had a gift the whole time and stepped into the abundance called love. This short had all the feels and I loved every bit of it. Loved that he loved her as she was regardless of however soft that was.
The fact that it’s short takes away none of the fact that it’s good. This short is a destination trip on a singular emotion. It’s almost as if we opened up an episode of our favorite show with the sole focus being to learn a lesson. Lennox realized time waits on no man and went for what he knew was his. Essence had a gift the whole time and stepped into the abundance called love. This short had all the feels and I loved every bit of it. Loved that he loved her as she was regardless of however soft that was.
November 10, 2024
I’m a grey huffington Stan I looooove her full length novels. Another disclaimer: I’m not a short story or novella girlie (I prefer at minimum 180 words but really 200 words). Wtbs: I think for a short story this did exactly what it was supposed to do. It’s a quick friends to lovers romance that gets straight to the plot with no filler pages or words, etc. but it still had the descriptive writing style that Greg Huffington possesses. The major thing that almost turned me off was that she called Lennox sperm minions I Almost lost it 😂
January 11, 2026
In the words of the Author Ms. Grey at the end of the book “I liked the connection Essence and Lennox had. I feel like sometimes you’re looking for love in so many places, when where you should start is home. It’s like losing your favorite bonnet, looking for it high and low only to walk past the mirror and find it on your head the entire time. Or, looking everywhere for your glasses and touching your face to discover they’re on top of your head or on your eyes, already.” This sums up exactly how I felt about this story! Beautiful Story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2025
Essence x Lennox
What happens with your best friend becomes your man? You get to be your true, authentic self while being loved correctly!
Grey writes THE BEST novellas! They are the perfect palette cleansers and feel good reads. This one was no different. Whew….Lennox didn’t waste any time applying the perfect amount of pressure. He committed to showing Essence how she needed to be treated and giving her the soft girl life she deserved.
What happens with your best friend becomes your man? You get to be your true, authentic self while being loved correctly!
Grey writes THE BEST novellas! They are the perfect palette cleansers and feel good reads. This one was no different. Whew….Lennox didn’t waste any time applying the perfect amount of pressure. He committed to showing Essence how she needed to be treated and giving her the soft girl life she deserved.
September 30, 2020
Softly
Just so happy to get anything from Grey! This was indeed a swift read( I read on my lunch break) but a HEA. I could do relate to Essence, being in an awful headspace because of a bad relationship. She left that drama but already the love she needed was there. Lennox was just freaking awesome! I absolutely loved this!
Just so happy to get anything from Grey! This was indeed a swift read( I read on my lunch break) but a HEA. I could do relate to Essence, being in an awful headspace because of a bad relationship. She left that drama but already the love she needed was there. Lennox was just freaking awesome! I absolutely loved this!
October 1, 2020
Another good one
This a great quick read. I love the story between Sent and Nex as two people who knew they should’ve been together all along and what it takes to finally acknowledge it. I can’t wait for her next story. Personally I’m hoping for the next chapter of Memo and Prism.
This a great quick read. I love the story between Sent and Nex as two people who knew they should’ve been together all along and what it takes to finally acknowledge it. I can’t wait for her next story. Personally I’m hoping for the next chapter of Memo and Prism.
October 2, 2020
Love in Channing City!
Absolutely loved the relationship between Essence and Lennox. Friends to lovers are always a favorite of mine. This short, sexy read was amazing. Lennox loved Essence just the way that she was and he was not willing to be her Next anymore. He claimed his woman and wasn’t take no as an answer.
Absolutely loved the relationship between Essence and Lennox. Friends to lovers are always a favorite of mine. This short, sexy read was amazing. Lennox loved Essence just the way that she was and he was not willing to be her Next anymore. He claimed his woman and wasn’t take no as an answer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews