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5 Dates
A reluctant night out leads to an unexpected connection.
He’s enamored.
She’s apprehensive.
Can five dates open her mind and heart to the possibility of…him?
5 Dates is a stand-alone novella.
He’s enamored.
She’s apprehensive.
Can five dates open her mind and heart to the possibility of…him?
5 Dates is a stand-alone novella.
ebook
Published October 1, 2025
109 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Alexandria House
43 books4,179 followersAbout the author
A true southern girl, Alexandria House has an affinity for a good banana pudding, Neo Soul music, and tall black men in suits. When this music-loving fashionista is not shopping, she's writing steamy stories about real black love.
Verve Romance: @msalexhouse
Instagram: @msalexhouse
TikTok: @msalexhouse
Facebook: Alexandria House
A true southern girl, Alexandria House has an affinity for a good banana pudding, Neo Soul music, and tall black men in suits. When this music-loving fashionista is not shopping, she's writing steamy stories about real black love.
Verve Romance: @msalexhouse
Instagram: @msalexhouse
TikTok: @msalexhouse
Facebook: Alexandria House
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
September 9, 2025
“My boy is crazy about you, will bring the pain for you. Shiiiddd, he don’t play about you. Can’t go a day without you. You know what he told me? He said you’re his dream come true. Ain’t nothing greater than you. Said he just wanna be true until there’s no him or you. So he asked me to share his words, because he tryna act all timid and shyt. Mrs. Whit, my boy wants you to be his wife and that’s some goooood shyt.” Yaaaaaassssss Nyles! 🫰🏾🫰🏾
I’ve been hesitant to read 5 Dates because, the reviews have been so mixed. But, I actually liked it. In fact, I loved it and had I known my man, my man, my man Nyles Adams made an appearance, I would’ve been all over this book when it first came out. Amnesty is over men, love, and relationships. Her track record is trash and she’s decided finding the same type of love her parents share may not be in the cards for her. But, the promise of strong drinks and some spoken word from her favorite poet was more than enough to lure Amnesty out of her house. When she meets Ty, the attraction is instant on both sides but he has to convince Amnesty to give him a chance to show her all men aren’t trash. “Just give me a chance. Give me five dates to show you who I am.” Now I’ma give Ty an A for effort because, some of those dates were questionable my guy. 🤨🤨🤨🤨 But, he still manages to chip away at Amnesty’s fears and apprehensions and help her fall in love with love again. 5 Dates was a cute and quick read. If you’re lookin’ for somethin’ to get your numbers up, add this one to your TBR.
I’ve been hesitant to read 5 Dates because, the reviews have been so mixed. But, I actually liked it. In fact, I loved it and had I known my man, my man, my man Nyles Adams made an appearance, I would’ve been all over this book when it first came out. Amnesty is over men, love, and relationships. Her track record is trash and she’s decided finding the same type of love her parents share may not be in the cards for her. But, the promise of strong drinks and some spoken word from her favorite poet was more than enough to lure Amnesty out of her house. When she meets Ty, the attraction is instant on both sides but he has to convince Amnesty to give him a chance to show her all men aren’t trash. “Just give me a chance. Give me five dates to show you who I am.” Now I’ma give Ty an A for effort because, some of those dates were questionable my guy. 🤨🤨🤨🤨 But, he still manages to chip away at Amnesty’s fears and apprehensions and help her fall in love with love again. 5 Dates was a cute and quick read. If you’re lookin’ for somethin’ to get your numbers up, add this one to your TBR.
October 12, 2025
What a fun read! I was beginning to doubt Ty after those first three dates! 👀Sir, what the hell are you doing? You do want her to like you right? 🤯😂 He did finally get it together. Although Amnesty was a bit apprehensive about dating, Ty, and the dates, she followed through and got her man.
April 3, 2025
Give me 5 dates and I won’t make you regret it. Ty my oh my I need to walk into a room for my Ty to find me.
This was a cute novella and I ate it. I love how AH loves to intertwine other characters into her books.
I downloaded this book from Book Baes and Heas.
This was a cute novella and I ate it. I love how AH loves to intertwine other characters into her books.
I downloaded this book from Book Baes and Heas.
April 3, 2025
This is one of many books I downloaded from the Book Baes and HEAS. This was a cute short read! I love how Ty was able to break through Amnesty walls and gain her trust. The banter between Ty and Amnesty was sweet and hilarious at the same time. I can’t wait to read more by Alexandria House.
November 7, 2025
Finally, Love
What a perfect novella!
Amnesty had been unlucky with love. I'm talking bout broke living in yo momma's basement type of foolery. She was convinced she was the problem, so she was off love all together. Until one fateful night of spoken word from her favorite poet she is paired with Ty. Since she is so hesitant about relationships, he offers her 5 dates to get to know each other and to see if they want to pursue more. Baby the way I cackled at the first date 😭🤣🤣 I'm talking ghetto fabulous you hear me.
Ty was so intentional though. Every date was a celebration of blackness. A reminder of how creative we are, our culture, and I loved the thoughtfulness.
Even though this is a short book and they moved fast, their love felt like a slow burn in the best way.
Bravo A. House, you gave me everything I needed in 78 pages 🙌🏾 P.s. You know I love BIG cameo.
What a perfect novella!
Amnesty had been unlucky with love. I'm talking bout broke living in yo momma's basement type of foolery. She was convinced she was the problem, so she was off love all together. Until one fateful night of spoken word from her favorite poet she is paired with Ty. Since she is so hesitant about relationships, he offers her 5 dates to get to know each other and to see if they want to pursue more. Baby the way I cackled at the first date 😭🤣🤣 I'm talking ghetto fabulous you hear me.
Ty was so intentional though. Every date was a celebration of blackness. A reminder of how creative we are, our culture, and I loved the thoughtfulness.
Even though this is a short book and they moved fast, their love felt like a slow burn in the best way.
Bravo A. House, you gave me everything I needed in 78 pages 🙌🏾 P.s. You know I love BIG cameo.
November 26, 2025
I loved this!!! All I did was smile. My cheeks hurt. This was so…just beautiful. I loved Nyles before! I love him in this. But Ty & Amnesty ❤️🥹🥰
Alright just read it.☺️ you’ll enjoy it. Even if you don’t think it’s 5 stars. It’s cute and fun 😉
There are appearances from Big South, Bianca & Orlando. The other characters I haven’t read about tho.
Alright just read it.☺️ you’ll enjoy it. Even if you don’t think it’s 5 stars. It’s cute and fun 😉
There are appearances from Big South, Bianca & Orlando. The other characters I haven’t read about tho.
May 25, 2025
sooo fun! Get into it
November 18, 2025
cute short story about never giving up
I love Amnesty’s name. I also like Ty’s dates that he planned. The souse was not my thing at all. Out of ordinary dates. I didn’t take him seriously since they weren’t typical dates but Ty was a different
I love Amnesty’s name. I also like Ty’s dates that he planned. The souse was not my thing at all. Out of ordinary dates. I didn’t take him seriously since they weren’t typical dates but Ty was a different
October 29, 2025
I enjoyed this spicy read. I need something light to read. I hope Shon writes more Halloween short stories in the future because this one had me on my
February 1, 2026
5 Dates
YESSSSSS! Alexandria House is a fantastic story teller. This novella was so sweet! Amnesty went from giving up on love to being fully immersed. Their story is really beautiful. Of course I’m greedy and I want more. The idea of 5 dates to give him a chance to prove himself was genius. Ty was strategic. Now those first two dates had me for real giving him a side eye…but the effort was there! I love all the glimpses of some of our favorites we got even in this little novella! Glad I finally read it!
YESSSSSS! Alexandria House is a fantastic story teller. This novella was so sweet! Amnesty went from giving up on love to being fully immersed. Their story is really beautiful. Of course I’m greedy and I want more. The idea of 5 dates to give him a chance to prove himself was genius. Ty was strategic. Now those first two dates had me for real giving him a side eye…but the effort was there! I love all the glimpses of some of our favorites we got even in this little novella! Glad I finally read it!
December 12, 2025
Grinning, kickin my feet. So sweet. I’ve missed these people, this world. I may need to go back for a whole reread. I didn’t realize who the MMC was until far too late. But once I did, I literally squealed. Yep, 2026, full catalogue reread…
April 4, 2025
Everything I read by Alexandria House is spectacular!
August 5, 2025
I’d love ALL 5 of these dates! 😍 As usual, Ms. House never disappoints us. Go read this novella…and you will see old favs from her previous series. 🫶🏾📚⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
November 27, 2025
This little novella wrapped itself around my heart in the sweetest way. Five Dates is a tender reminder that real dating the real, grown, intentional kind is a journey, not a sprint. Alexandria House gives us characters who don’t posture or pretend; they simply show up as humans learning one another’s rhythms, flaws, desires, and truths.
What I loved most is how this story honors the beauty of becoming. These two give each other space to be imperfect and opportunities to be honest. They allow grace to breathe between them… and that grace turns into connection, and that connection turns into something soft, warm, and deeply human.
This read felt like a gentle hand on the small of my back, guiding me into a universe where emotional safety is cherished and love is allowed to unfold naturally. It’s comfort in novella form perfect for anyone who appreciates the stunning, everyday beauty of the human experience and the magic that blooms when we slow down and truly see one another.
Highly recommended this gem !!!
What I loved most is how this story honors the beauty of becoming. These two give each other space to be imperfect and opportunities to be honest. They allow grace to breathe between them… and that grace turns into connection, and that connection turns into something soft, warm, and deeply human.
This read felt like a gentle hand on the small of my back, guiding me into a universe where emotional safety is cherished and love is allowed to unfold naturally. It’s comfort in novella form perfect for anyone who appreciates the stunning, everyday beauty of the human experience and the magic that blooms when we slow down and truly see one another.
Highly recommended this gem !!!
December 16, 2025
“Yeah, that’s because a lot of guys are insecure about who they are, or they’re fighting against being their true self. If I ain’t nothing else, I’m secure as hell.”
Tropes:
Dating Experiment
Emotionally Secure MMC
Guarded FMC
Dating Curveballs
After a reluctant night out, two people agree to five dates that might just change everything. He’s confident and enamored. She’s cautious and unsure. As the dates unfold, so does the possibility of something real—if she’s willing to take the chance.
This story had me laughing almost immediately. The first two dates were chaotic in the best way, and I was side-eyeing Ty hard—like, please get it together. But once that third date hit? The shift was real, and so was the emotional payoff.
This was such an enjoyable read and a great reflection of modern dating—how messy, funny, and unexpectedly meaningful it can be when someone shows up as their true self.
Tropes:
Dating Experiment
Emotionally Secure MMC
Guarded FMC
Dating Curveballs
After a reluctant night out, two people agree to five dates that might just change everything. He’s confident and enamored. She’s cautious and unsure. As the dates unfold, so does the possibility of something real—if she’s willing to take the chance.
This story had me laughing almost immediately. The first two dates were chaotic in the best way, and I was side-eyeing Ty hard—like, please get it together. But once that third date hit? The shift was real, and so was the emotional payoff.
This was such an enjoyable read and a great reflection of modern dating—how messy, funny, and unexpectedly meaningful it can be when someone shows up as their true self.
November 11, 2025
Sometimes love just needs a second chance — or in this case, five.
This novella by Alexandria House is a soft, soul-stirring reminder that connection doesn’t always fade; sometimes it just needs space to breathe and the right moment to rekindle. 5 Dates follows two people whose chemistry feels like a familiar song — one they can’t help but replay, even after life’s pauses and heartbreaks.
Each date feels like peeling back a layer of who they used to be and rediscovering what they could be again. The storytelling is tender but grown, full of that signature House warmth — smooth banter, quiet vulnerability, and deep emotional rhythm.
This novella by Alexandria House is a soft, soul-stirring reminder that connection doesn’t always fade; sometimes it just needs space to breathe and the right moment to rekindle. 5 Dates follows two people whose chemistry feels like a familiar song — one they can’t help but replay, even after life’s pauses and heartbreaks.
Each date feels like peeling back a layer of who they used to be and rediscovering what they could be again. The storytelling is tender but grown, full of that signature House warmth — smooth banter, quiet vulnerability, and deep emotional rhythm.
December 23, 2025
A 5 Date Winner!
Awww, the way I fell in love with Amnesty and Ty while they were falling in love with each all all while literally laughing out loud has me sitting here typing this review with THE biggest smile on my face!
Ty knows he was wrong for those first 2-3 dates, but THE WAY I cackled reading about them gave me pure enjoyment. This novella had just the right amount of everything and was just the pallet cleanser I needed.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope that it comes to Audible with Wesleigh narrating both parts so I can really hear these characters live their best life!
Awww, the way I fell in love with Amnesty and Ty while they were falling in love with each all all while literally laughing out loud has me sitting here typing this review with THE biggest smile on my face!
Ty knows he was wrong for those first 2-3 dates, but THE WAY I cackled reading about them gave me pure enjoyment. This novella had just the right amount of everything and was just the pallet cleanser I needed.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope that it comes to Audible with Wesleigh narrating both parts so I can really hear these characters live their best life!
October 25, 2025
Magic Number
Foremost, any reference to an original member & or song of the Jackson Five (IE: pre Epic records, ABC cereal commercials, oil sheen afros, chestnut complexions, with full nose 🤭🤷🏾♀️) earned an automatic three ⭐️’s is/was cool with me‼️ Thereafter, Amnesty & Ty’s dating adventure was absolutely hilarious 😂 🤣. And five is the magic number to a HEA🤩‼️“5 Dates: a novella” is a classic In House Special🔥🔥🔥🔥 🔥‼️Thank you, that was literary 📖entertainment at its finest 💐🤎💐🤎💐‼️
Foremost, any reference to an original member & or song of the Jackson Five (IE: pre Epic records, ABC cereal commercials, oil sheen afros, chestnut complexions, with full nose 🤭🤷🏾♀️) earned an automatic three ⭐️’s is/was cool with me‼️ Thereafter, Amnesty & Ty’s dating adventure was absolutely hilarious 😂 🤣. And five is the magic number to a HEA🤩‼️“5 Dates: a novella” is a classic In House Special🔥🔥🔥🔥 🔥‼️Thank you, that was literary 📖entertainment at its finest 💐🤎💐🤎💐‼️
October 28, 2025
Short and sweet ❤️🔥
This was a really good insta-love❤️🔥.
Amnesty was like most of us over love after running into the same man in different forms.
Ty was kinda over it too but, still opened to the possibility of finding his forever love.
5 dates, lots of laughter, great food and convo, and they both knew but she was still punishing him for the past. I’m glad she got it together and they were able to build something amazing. I loved how open and honest they were. That was the perfect ending🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This was a really good insta-love❤️🔥.
Amnesty was like most of us over love after running into the same man in different forms.
Ty was kinda over it too but, still opened to the possibility of finding his forever love.
5 dates, lots of laughter, great food and convo, and they both knew but she was still punishing him for the past. I’m glad she got it together and they were able to build something amazing. I loved how open and honest they were. That was the perfect ending🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
December 22, 2025
5 Dates felt like a gentle nudge to everyone who’s tired, guarded and side eyeing the dating pool heavy. I loved how real it was about hesitation and hope existing at the same time. He was intentional, patient and clearly smitten, while she moved cautiously like someone who’s been disappointed before and honestly, relatable. The premise was simple but the execution was thoughtful and sweet. Ty’s date choices absolutely tickled me because they were deliberate, creative and proved he was really trying. This novella feels like a soft reminder that maybe just maybe one more try could be worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2026
5 Dates by Alexandria House is one of those quick reads. It’s simple, sweet, and straight to the point—it gives you what you want which is a hope for love when you’ve already decided you’re done with it.
This read is about a woman who’s given up on love and a man who’s determined to show her it’s still worth believing in. She’s guarded for good reason, and he’s patient, intentional, and persistent in the best way. I love how he wanted to make sure she was comfortable the whole time as well as being protective of her.
This read is about a woman who’s given up on love and a man who’s determined to show her it’s still worth believing in. She’s guarded for good reason, and he’s patient, intentional, and persistent in the best way. I love how he wanted to make sure she was comfortable the whole time as well as being protective of her.
November 4, 2025
A sweet, fast-paced love story.
This was a good quick read light, romantic, and easy to get into. The way everything came together felt natural and heartwarming. Ty had me worried for a minute, thinking Amnesty might have made a mistake, but he pulled through. After those first few dates, he had me worried about where he was headed with everything. It’s one of those stories that reminds you how timing and growth can make all the difference.
This was a good quick read light, romantic, and easy to get into. The way everything came together felt natural and heartwarming. Ty had me worried for a minute, thinking Amnesty might have made a mistake, but he pulled through. After those first few dates, he had me worried about where he was headed with everything. It’s one of those stories that reminds you how timing and growth can make all the difference.
December 1, 2025
💛
This was a short and sweet read! I love how we get some unconventional dates, but low-key he would have taken me for a loop with that first date.😂 I love they we're two country behind people who found love.💛
At shout out to Ty for his cleverness! Like yes, use your resources to show me you want me!
This was a short and sweet read! I love how we get some unconventional dates, but low-key he would have taken me for a loop with that first date.😂 I love they we're two country behind people who found love.💛
At shout out to Ty for his cleverness! Like yes, use your resources to show me you want me!
December 5, 2025
Date Night
This story was fun, funny, exciting, and loving! Ty’s first few dates had me crying laughing, any time Uncle Lee Chester makes an appearance it’s a good ole time! The story felt slow and fast at the same time, like it so well developed that it didn’t really read like a novella…it’s too good!
This story was fun, funny, exciting, and loving! Ty’s first few dates had me crying laughing, any time Uncle Lee Chester makes an appearance it’s a good ole time! The story felt slow and fast at the same time, like it so well developed that it didn’t really read like a novella…it’s too good!
January 24, 2026
He only had eyes for her💕
This was short, sweet, surprisingly and funny asf. I love that the dates were very unconventional, creative and unique and it’s always a good time when Unc is in the building and pop ups by South, Myles, and Bambina. A cute romance without complication just two people falling in love!
This was short, sweet, surprisingly and funny asf. I love that the dates were very unconventional, creative and unique and it’s always a good time when Unc is in the building and pop ups by South, Myles, and Bambina. A cute romance without complication just two people falling in love!
October 13, 2025
Too short, but oh so sweet!!!
Ms. House you never disappoint. The only issue I had was it was way too short. But this story was beautiful and to catch up with old characters was everything.
Ms. House you never disappoint. The only issue I had was it was way too short. But this story was beautiful and to catch up with old characters was everything.
October 23, 2025
5 Dates
Loved it! If you like a quick read this is it. Enjoyed the banter of the characters. How our blackness was showcased, loved and expressed. Thank you for the reminder of our excellence.
Loved it! If you like a quick read this is it. Enjoyed the banter of the characters. How our blackness was showcased, loved and expressed. Thank you for the reminder of our excellence.
October 25, 2025
SO CUTE!
I'm a bit bias. I love reading anything by Alexandria. I'm a fan and she just gets me! So this novella did not disappoint. What an investment in love, to see 2 people try and find it. Everyone deserves to be loved. Five Dates was absolutely a mini masterpiece.
I'm a bit bias. I love reading anything by Alexandria. I'm a fan and she just gets me! So this novella did not disappoint. What an investment in love, to see 2 people try and find it. Everyone deserves to be loved. Five Dates was absolutely a mini masterpiece.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews