"There's a lot my children still don't understand about the gifts given to the women in my family, but there was a time I didn't comprehend it either. The consequences of my ignorance and my insolence, still haunt me."
They didn't know her story before, because she hadn't told them.
She didn't reveal how being so deeply tethered to a man who didn't take care of that precious connection, had wrecked her body and soul, making it nearly impossible to breathe some days. She didn't want them to know the ugly parts of her existence; had only hoped to give her girls the good in her, and on that, most days she'd failed.
But so much goodness surrounded her now, by way of self-healing and a good man, Solomon. His love, despite her attempts to keep him at bay, helped to pull her out of the darkness, into the light, and with it, the truth gets unearthed.
The good, the bad, and the ugly lay bare and vulnerable . . . and so does she.
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:
I actually loved this story of mature love….After overseeing the growth and development of her daughters & granddaughter…Zora was living her life, growing her vegetables and smoking her weed….a family vacation put her on the path to meet the love of her life….Zora felt at her age, her time for love had passed…However, Zora met and fell fast and hard for Solomon (a world renowned Photographer)…..Now, the ancestors along with Solomon will have to force Zora to Admit Her Feelings….Although, Shari Peele and that smacking and swallowing got on my nerves….I think this was my favorite story from the series.
I was really looking forward to Zora’s story since I rarely get to read about Black love featuring characters in their 60s. I ended up losing interest in Zora’s story just because of how much of it focused on faith and religion, which isn’t for me.
Have you ever read a book that you could relate to? Soul Ties by Aja is that book for me. Soul Ties is the final book in The SoulMates Series. I would highly recommend that you read the 1st three books in the series which are She’s Got Soul, Deep in My Soul, and Soul Love before reading this book so that you will be familiar with the characters. As always, Aja never disappoints me with her books. Be prepared to go through some emotions while reading Soul Ties. In Soul Ties, we are finally getting the passionate love story of Zena and Zola’s mom Zora. Zora has the same special abilities as her granddaughter Zoe but stronger. Zora has been through some things with love and now she get her chance to find it in the man that she has been seeing for a year named Solomon. Solomon is a famous photographer who met Zora when the family was on vacation. When Solomon first saw Zora, he knew this was the woman that had come to him in a dream. When Zora first met Solomon, she could feel the connection between them that was so strong. Zora went into the relationship with Solomon just for the sex while Solomon knew that Zora was the woman that he was destined to spend his life with. Zora has some issues that she needs to work through before she can fully love Solomon the way he needs to be loved. Something major happens to Solomon and Zora that puts their relationship at risk. Will the couple be able to work through it? Will Zora finally let all the pain and hurt go so that she can finally receive her destiny? You will have to read Soul Ties by Aja to find out! What I loved about Soul Ties was the emotions that Aja invoke while I was reading it. I felt every emotion that Zora went through. Soul Ties was written so passionately and emotionally that you could feel it throughout the book. It was well-written and it flowed so seamlessly. The love scene were so passionate and sizzling hot. It was good getting updates about Zola, Zena, Zoe and their families. Aja did an amazing job at tying up this series. Aja shows us in Soul Ties that we have to let go all of the hurt and pain so that we can find and receive the love that is destined for us. Personally. for me I have experienced some of what Zora went through where love was concerned. It had gotten to the point to where my faith in love and finding it was shattered. Aja thank you writing Soul Ties because it is helping me heal past my hurt and pain. If I could give Soul Ties a thousand stars, I would because this book is simply amazing! Soul Ties is one of my top books for 2021! Make sure to grab your copy of Soul Ties by Aja! Available wherever books are sold.
Soul Ties was a great ending to this series. Zora has kept a wall up for so long after Elijah that it was refreshing to see her gradually getting back to her old self. Meeting Solomon was the best thing to happen to her. I loved the connection between Solomon and Zora because it allowed her to finally let that wall down and experience love again.
This was a beautiful end to the series. I loved that we got a seasoned couple with some spunk to them! This was easy to read/listen to and i am happy to see the girls get their HEA!
I’ve waited impatiently for Zora’s and I wasn’t disappointed. After seeing her daughter’s happily ever after, she still haven’t found hers. She doesn’t think she deserves it but, here comes Solomon.
I was so excited about this conclusion, and it did not disappoint! Zora had more secrets than a little bit, but she was so intriguing at the same time! I loved how we were able to get her entire backstory, to really understand her rationale, and why she moved the way she did. Elijah really had a hold on her, that stifled her so much in life; that she made some bad decisions. Decisions that did not allow her to be the mother that she wanted to be for her daughters. That caused her much pain, anger and shame. It took her years to grab ahold of her feelings, and push them aside to function and care for her family properly. Solomon King! This man was everything! He showed immense restraint, patience and care when Zola tried to push him away time and time again. He stayed strong and was right there for her. As he knew that she was his "one". Finding out that they had a connection, was the icing on the cake! I couldn't believe that in all this time that Zora still had not used the words that her mother told her, so that she could be free of the tie from Elijah! But, once she did she felt lighter than she had in a long time, and was ready to love! Now, I'm ready to jump into this next series, and find out more about Smoke! Great job! 👍👍👍
This book is #4 in the soulmate series. Zora is the matriarch of the family; spiritualist within nature and earth, leading a quiet and practical approach in life and embracing her own inner journey. Zora has an instinct of knowledge and wisdom. However, after being abandoned by her ex, the father of Zena and Zola, there were times as they were growing up that she would isolate herself, lacking connection and closeness with her daughters. Yet, her spiritual abilities allowed her the insight to know everything that was going on within her family.
When she meets Solomon, things for Zora takes a turn. Zora felt a connection with Solomon, she enjoyed and loved him, but ran away from commitment. When Solomon finds out that her daughters knew nothing about their relationship, he starts to question Zora’s intentions and assurance to their relationship or even if it was one. Zora had to go through a healing and transformation in order to open herself to the love and devotion that Solomon wanted to give. I love hearing their story. This book was excellent. I give it a 5 out of 5 stars rating. I look forward to Zora’s ex’s story, “Smoke (The Enigma Series Book 1),” which will be out over the summer.
My view of characters: • Janet Jackson as Zora • Jean Titus as Solomon
Zora lived with her hurt, pain, guilt and shame well into her daughters adulthood and for far too long. It made her bitter, distrustful, closed off, afraid, distant, secretive, secluded and more. Over 30 years of unexpressed pain and regret over a love that didn’t, couldn’t and wouldn’t love her back. It affected all of her relationships and her life immensely. She had no capacity for anything and anyone else outside of sex. Solomon was ready for love and more specifically ready for loving her. How do you get your soulmate to accept healing, forgiveness, and let go of the past hurts in order to make room for you?!? A life or death situation always brings perspective. I’d been waiting for the full story or Zora - the what and why and the author didn’t disappoint when writing this book! Letting go and releasing it all is hard to do but with true love comes a desire for soul tie breaking change! Excellent read!
Title: Soul Ties Author: Aja Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC Series: Soulmates Book 4 Reviewed By: Arlena Dean Rating: Five Review: "Soul Ties" by Aja
My Opinion:
I enjoyed this last series...Soulmates Book 4 in 'Soul Ties' as the story featured Zora Green. It let us see her daughters Zena and Zola, along with the granddaughter, Zoe, who was making a fulfilled life finding their 'true love while realizing their heritage of clairvoyance.' We see Zora finally finding the love that she so needed in her life with all of this. The story was beautiful, pouring out the love Zora receives from a sure Solomon King. I enjoyed how this author brings the series altogether, giving us a fantastic ending where one will be left with a smile on their face. Suppose you haven't read their other three series in 'Soulmates 1-3? I would highly suggest that you do so because you will not regret it... It's an excellent and outstanding series.
Zora and Solomon are a match truly made in heaven!!! Her gift is stronger than her daughter's so she is able to hide her love for Solomon. Zoe, her grandaughter, is the only one that can get the closest to seeing what will happen. Due to Zora being hurt by her exe- husband all those years ago, she was afraid to fall in love again. Solomon was gifted by the stars also; however he did not fully understand it. When they became aligned they were able to talk without actually talking. Sweet!!!! There is excitement to be shared between these pages🔥🔥🔥!!!
If you follow Aja you know she have some very vocal fans that are ride or die. She will even write them into the story😮😮😮😮. So AMAZING!!!!!THANK YOU QUEEN!!!!! Aja you have done it again!!!!! You did the Queen Zora right. The stars are shining bright!!!!💥💥💥💥. Excited to see how the next generation leads......ALL KINGS👑👑👑👑👑!!!!!! The Universe Awaits!!!!❤❤❤❤❤
Finally, I had been anticipating Zora's story since I met Zola in book one. It was a long time coming, but well worth the wait. I have been wondering what happened in Zora personal life to have such a strong hold on her. Zena took on the mother role and raised herself, Zola, and Zoe. It was past time for Zora to let go of her past and heal. The person to help her elevate was Solomon. He came into her life at the right time and moment. He was able to open her soul and heart. Zora needed to feel and be loved like her daughters.
This is another magnificent read, that you should indulge in. The series is four books each are powerful in their own right. All of the women are unique in their own way. You will enjoy this read and fall in love with the healing process of Zora.
Every poem I have read about stars, leads me to wishes, hopes dreams and wanting love. This series reminds me of those feelings that come from looking to the stars for guidance. Each book brought special moments of tenderness, hope and longing for that special connection you get from someone or something that you know was specifically put on this earth just for you. Each awakened something in me that made me remember that what I've been fortunate enough to have with my special someone was written long before I was even thought about. The author is able to touch places inside of people without even knowing them in a personal way. Remarkable! I enjoyed each and every book in this series and look forward to more from this intuitive and insightful author. Aka you're the bomb!
Zora has been this intriguing, mysterious character since Book 1 and I have been WAITING to know the scoop behind the mystery! This book did not disappoint. Zora and Solomon's story was beautiful!❤️ Zora kept her emotional walls up for so long that I felt bad for Solomon, he was just such a good man. Perfect for Zora. And that fact was bashed over her head after one particular situation. Once she finally, FINALLY leaned all the way in, it was beautiful! My absolute favorite part, the surprise of their unique "communication." OMG, that was so unexpected and so cute! And also gave me chuckles because now she's got a taste of what her girls feel.😁 This was a FANTASTIC way to end the Soulmates series! Brava!🙌🏾
Oh, my! What a superb way to end this awesome and amazing series!! Zora, the matriarch of this gifted family, including her daughters and granddaughter, is finally going to have her own real love! In the midst of that, the girls finally have the chance to hear of their growing up years and grant Zora the forgiveness she needed to really move forward!!
And then there’s “Zora’s Solomon!” I loved everything about him and how he brought Zora out of herself! I laughed when they learned about their “special” connection!! I also enjoyed the scene with QueenBEE’D!! Thank You!! 🥰 This was truly a beautiful ending and I hope to be able to revisit this family again!! However, I’m looking forward to your new journey!! Kudos, Aja!! 💜💜
I read and enjoyed the fist 3 books in the series and couldn't wait to read Zora's book. Aja did not disappoint in the telling of this story. We finally found out about the deep emotions that Zora has been holding in for all of these years and the root cause. I really enjoyed the fact that Zora found love again with Solomon even though she was keeping her emotions deeply buried during most of their relationship. Once Zora let Solomon in, she was able to fully enjoy the true love of her life. I enjoyed their banter and the unique way that they communicated as a couple. This book is definitely a emotion-filled page-turner that you won't regret picking up.
I absolutely enjoyed this series. This story provided voice to a strong Black women who carried the burden of making improper soul ties who later finds courage to sever those toxic ties and move forward in the spirit of healing. Sometimes in romance novels especially those written by Black authors readers struggle with the female protagonists. Sometimes we are annoyed and cringe when she is made to be weak or indecisive. In this book I loved that Zora's flaws made sense.. With Zora she was broken yet strong and used her strength to hide it...yet, love unveiled it through Solomon, another book bae. He was strong, open, and destined for Zora...kismet. I enjoyed this finale. Looking forward to more from this author.
The women of this family possess unique gifts at a soul level. Their ties make them able to see into the future and the past and feel things hidden from the naked eye. For Zora though, this gift has not been always easy. It hasn't protected her from pain or a broken heart. Neither has it made the shedding of a close spiritual conjoining in her past easy in her present. Yet, it is exactly this that is called for if Zora is going to allow the fullness of a new love to reach and fill her. Zora's connection with Solomon King has been beautiful reading, I tell you, from beginning to end. Their sexy bond was so relatable and heartwarming ... this novel is a perfect finale to an excellent series by one of my author faves. 'Soul Ties' comes highly recommended.
Zora is a strong, confident and self-reliant woman. But having had her heart and soul tied to the wrong man has left her distrustful of committing to another man. Being friends with benefits is all she’s willing to give. That is until Solomon King enters her life. But first Zora needed to heal, forgive herself and be forgiven by her family. Break the soul ties that hold her hostage to the past and her ex.
I positively loved the Soulmates series! And Zora’s story as the finale is perfect way to end it. I encourage you to grab a copy of Soul Ties and take this journey with Zora.
Great ending to the series Like the books before this one, Aha dug deep and came up with a winner She kept us involved with the lives of Zola, Zora, Zena and Zoe to the point of bringing them into our lives I hate to see them go but happy to seeZora get her peace and find her destiny in Solomon Aka is a great writer and knows how to pull her reader in and give them something to think about long after the story ends Thank you Looking forward to reading about Smoke
Closure!!! Is so refreshing, even when it hurts. There was so much knowledge dropped in this book. You have the power to heal yourself...your want to be whole has to be greater than your want to be broken!!!!! The one thing that felt off was the passion between Zora and Solomon....it didn't burn my pages. Nice and easy read! I look forward to Smoke's story!
In this story, G-mom Zora finds her happy with the man designed for her, Solomon. Being an independent divorcee, mother of 2 daughters Zola/Khalil, Zena/Rafe, and a G-mom to Zoe/Rashaad she is now given a HEA.
The bonus scene is about Zora's ex, titled Smoke (The Enigma Series Book 1), due out in 2022. Get your pre-ordered copy now. I did.
I have enjoyed this series so much. I wonder what Zora's story was. This is what can happen when you are attached yourself to the wrong person. So happy that she met Solomon. He's definitely a king and the right person for her. It was an absolute pleasure reading this book.
Having read the entire, "Soulmates" series, I find that the most valuable love, is the love of self. Zora was hiding in the past behind a one sided love. Solomon was patient and loving, when he pulled back she was forced to come into her fullness. Loving self and her girls, then her man.
I have to say that this story, the story of Zora, is my favorite! Aja has a way of sharing Zola’s story, where I felt a kinship with this Queen. To love, lose love, be betrayed by love, then to find, true love again. I think most if not all women in their 50s can identify with the story of Zora. Thank Aja for a great story!
Zora finally was able to let go and have the love she so deserved. It is hard to trust and give your heart and soul to someone when you have experienced the worst of love. Letting go so that you can heal and move on. Love this book and the entire series was amazing!
I’m so glad she let go of the bitterness and allowed her Solomon to love her . I should have listened and wrote my review before reading the bonus because I’m not happy about her going to help Smoke . I love the bond she has with her daughters and the way her and Solomon have nonverbal communication.