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Blake University : HBCU Chronicles: Brynleigh & A.Z.
Azra A.Z. Matthews is a business major at Blake University and part of Phi Rho fraternity. A.Z. was raised in the suburbs by a successful father and doting mother. His sister also attends Blake University and is premed. Once A.Z. ventures off to college, he discovers a world vastly different from the one he was raised in. A.Z. discovers a sense of freedom and the ability to do him without being under the scrutinizing eye of his parents. Even though he enjoys his freedom, A.Z. doesn't do too much with the partying and living his best life because he still has his eyes on the prize. His parents never hesitate to tell him exactly what is expected of him and what they won't tolerate.
Brynleigh Howard is the definition of a true spirit. The inked up beauty has unconventional ways of making money to reach her goals, and she refuses to explain herself or apologize to anyone. Love is the last thing on her mind but even if she was interested in dating, it would never be with an uptight square. Or so she thinks... Brynleigh and A.Z. come from two different worlds, but that doesn't stop them from being drawn to one another like moths to a flame.
Brynleigh Howard is the definition of a true spirit. The inked up beauty has unconventional ways of making money to reach her goals, and she refuses to explain herself or apologize to anyone. Love is the last thing on her mind but even if she was interested in dating, it would never be with an uptight square. Or so she thinks... Brynleigh and A.Z. come from two different worlds, but that doesn't stop them from being drawn to one another like moths to a flame.
- GenresAudiobook
118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2025
125 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 3, 2025
okay wait why was this so good as a standalone i need like an epilogue update please!!!!!
January 5, 2026
Blake University by Natisha Raynor
I almost DNF’d this one—and honestly, I probably shouldn’t have.
Blake University was all over the place for me, and as an HBCU grad, it completely missed the mark in ways that mattered. The narration and overall vibe never once put me in the mind of an HBCU campus. The culture, the energy, the nuances—the things that make HBCUs feel alive and distinct—were noticeably absent. Something was missing here… actually, a lot of something.
I am completely*over the “moths to a flame” dynamic, and this book leans hard into it without doing anything new or compelling. The attraction felt forced rather than organic, and I never truly believed in the connection between A.Z. and Brynleigh beyond the idea that opposites attract.
Overall, this was a complete miss for me. The pacing was uneven, the characters lacked depth, and the setting, especially for a story centered on an HBCU, felt hollow. If you’re looking for a rich college romance with authentic campus culture and strong character development, this one may leave you disappointed.
I almost DNF’d this one—and honestly, I probably shouldn’t have.
Blake University was all over the place for me, and as an HBCU grad, it completely missed the mark in ways that mattered. The narration and overall vibe never once put me in the mind of an HBCU campus. The culture, the energy, the nuances—the things that make HBCUs feel alive and distinct—were noticeably absent. Something was missing here… actually, a lot of something.
I am completely*over the “moths to a flame” dynamic, and this book leans hard into it without doing anything new or compelling. The attraction felt forced rather than organic, and I never truly believed in the connection between A.Z. and Brynleigh beyond the idea that opposites attract.
Overall, this was a complete miss for me. The pacing was uneven, the characters lacked depth, and the setting, especially for a story centered on an HBCU, felt hollow. If you’re looking for a rich college romance with authentic campus culture and strong character development, this one may leave you disappointed.
August 22, 2025
Opposites Attract
Brynleigh was a hustler. She had goals that needed to be met to solidify her future and dreams. I loved that about her. She was motivated, ambitious, and smart. She was herself.
A.Z. had to grow on me. He was the popular college boy with rich parents. So you can imagine how his first impression was.
Once Brynleigh put him in his place and he started to get to know her, he realized he was being judgmental asf.
I enjoyed the side characters, but I wanted more of the FMC and MMC. This was definitely an enemies-to-lovers, which is one of my favorite tropes. This was a cool read.
3.75⭐️
Brynleigh was a hustler. She had goals that needed to be met to solidify her future and dreams. I loved that about her. She was motivated, ambitious, and smart. She was herself.
A.Z. had to grow on me. He was the popular college boy with rich parents. So you can imagine how his first impression was.
Once Brynleigh put him in his place and he started to get to know her, he realized he was being judgmental asf.
I enjoyed the side characters, but I wanted more of the FMC and MMC. This was definitely an enemies-to-lovers, which is one of my favorite tropes. This was a cool read.
3.75⭐️
August 8, 2025
Nice very nice
Omg this standalone is so lit. I would love an update on them. It was a lot of people judging a book by its cover. Even tho baby girl was doing what she was doing, she was on a mission, and she wasn't greedy. I'm glad she stopped doing what she was doing even tho it made her stop earlier. But I'm glad my her, my new boo gave it a chance and gonna be a family. U did good on yet another book, and I'm looking forward to reading more of them. Sitting here patting my feet while sipping on Pepsi and while eating popcorn while waiting on the next book to read
Omg this standalone is so lit. I would love an update on them. It was a lot of people judging a book by its cover. Even tho baby girl was doing what she was doing, she was on a mission, and she wasn't greedy. I'm glad she stopped doing what she was doing even tho it made her stop earlier. But I'm glad my her, my new boo gave it a chance and gonna be a family. U did good on yet another book, and I'm looking forward to reading more of them. Sitting here patting my feet while sipping on Pepsi and while eating popcorn while waiting on the next book to read
July 29, 2025
Brynleigh and A.Z., Meet Me Where I Am
I enjoyed this book so much!!!…Nothing like a young lady who knows who she is and set forth to do what is needed to get what you want and need!!!…
A gentleman who grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth finding a woman with great energy to shift his thought process and he allows himself to seek the girl from the other side of the tracks!!!…
Where you come from does not dictate where you are going!!!…
I enjoyed this book so much!!!…Nothing like a young lady who knows who she is and set forth to do what is needed to get what you want and need!!!…
A gentleman who grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth finding a woman with great energy to shift his thought process and he allows himself to seek the girl from the other side of the tracks!!!…
Where you come from does not dictate where you are going!!!…
August 27, 2025
Good read!
I really enjoyed reading about AZ and Brynleigh’s love story and would love to read a follow-up on those two. Brynleigh was a very independent young lady that knew what she wanted in life and set out to achieve it. AZ was a well off college senior who had some judgmental ways. Their relationship started rocky but I loved the way that it ended. Well written, flowed well and definitely kept my attention.
I really enjoyed reading about AZ and Brynleigh’s love story and would love to read a follow-up on those two. Brynleigh was a very independent young lady that knew what she wanted in life and set out to achieve it. AZ was a well off college senior who had some judgmental ways. Their relationship started rocky but I loved the way that it ended. Well written, flowed well and definitely kept my attention.
September 18, 2025
I enjoyed reading about AZ && Brynleigh’s journey on their way to new business ventures, parents, and a relationship. I was glad that Tyra got herself together because she was really playing Russian roulette with her life and safety. I wanted Kandi to come out of her coma and clear Brynleigh’s name since Rhia threw Brynleigh under the bus lying to the police. Kind of hope Natisha spin the block and give us an update.
July 25, 2025
This was good!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️
This book really showed don’t judge a book by its cover. Can we also talk about how Brynleigh was that girl because she had two eligible bachelors wanting to pursue her! I enjoyed the characters throughout this book so much that I wish there was an epilogue. Overall I’m loving the Blake U series and would recommend this book! 💖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️
This book really showed don’t judge a book by its cover. Can we also talk about how Brynleigh was that girl because she had two eligible bachelors wanting to pursue her! I enjoyed the characters throughout this book so much that I wish there was an epilogue. Overall I’m loving the Blake U series and would recommend this book! 💖
July 31, 2025
Exceptionally well!!!
Natisha has done her thing again!!! I loved how Bryn wasn't like the other girl5, sack chasi5and gold digging! I was shocked she hadn't gotten the abortion, but he didn't give her the chance to explain, and then he and Deonte turned out to be real grown men!!! Loved it!!!
Natisha has done her thing again!!! I loved how Bryn wasn't like the other girl5, sack chasi5and gold digging! I was shocked she hadn't gotten the abortion, but he didn't give her the chance to explain, and then he and Deonte turned out to be real grown men!!! Loved it!!!
July 31, 2025
GOOD GUY WINS FOR A CHANGE!
I really enjoyed the fact that A.Z. wasn’t a baller or drug dealer or reformed thug. It is time for Black Americans to enjoy stories of men of culture and class without them being hardened criminals, ex-cons or from families with a history of criminal behavior. This was a breath of fresh air.
I really enjoyed the fact that A.Z. wasn’t a baller or drug dealer or reformed thug. It is time for Black Americans to enjoy stories of men of culture and class without them being hardened criminals, ex-cons or from families with a history of criminal behavior. This was a breath of fresh air.
August 6, 2025
Awesome Read
Brynleigh did what she felt was best to get to where she was trying to be in life. AZ misjudged her before actually getting to know her. Brynleigh became the person he fell in love with, and there was nothing anyone could do to change it. Thanks to Brynleigh, his sister survived a serious mishap. Awesome read!
Brynleigh did what she felt was best to get to where she was trying to be in life. AZ misjudged her before actually getting to know her. Brynleigh became the person he fell in love with, and there was nothing anyone could do to change it. Thanks to Brynleigh, his sister survived a serious mishap. Awesome read!
August 14, 2025
Brynleigh & A.Z
I really enjoyed this book. It shows how people with money can act. You shouldn't put your nose up in the air just because you are where u are now. People work hard to accomplish their goal. People passed down a job and didn't have to get it out of the mud please go read this book
I really enjoyed this book. It shows how people with money can act. You shouldn't put your nose up in the air just because you are where u are now. People work hard to accomplish their goal. People passed down a job and didn't have to get it out of the mud please go read this book
August 14, 2025
Brynleigh & A.Z
I liked Brynleigh hustle, she did what she had to do to get ahead. A.Z started off wrong in my opinion. He did redeem himself when he realized that Brynleigh wasn't hurting his sister. I'm happy A.Z put his mother in her place. I also glad that Brynleigh had a friend in Demonte.
I liked Brynleigh hustle, she did what she had to do to get ahead. A.Z started off wrong in my opinion. He did redeem himself when he realized that Brynleigh wasn't hurting his sister. I'm happy A.Z put his mother in her place. I also glad that Brynleigh had a friend in Demonte.
July 23, 2025
Bryn and A.Z
A true opposites attract romance. Bryn was feisty in every way. A.Z. was popular but comparably lame AF with sadity parents. Sounds like a recipe for disaster but somehow their union from the beef to the attraction to the connection is sweet!
A true opposites attract romance. Bryn was feisty in every way. A.Z. was popular but comparably lame AF with sadity parents. Sounds like a recipe for disaster but somehow their union from the beef to the attraction to the connection is sweet!
July 25, 2025
a very entertaining short read!
I loved it! It was great short story with lots of mess and drama! AZ was not playing about Brynleigh. At all. I wonder if we will get an update because I want to know more!
I loved it! It was great short story with lots of mess and drama! AZ was not playing about Brynleigh. At all. I wonder if we will get an update because I want to know more!
July 28, 2025
Loved it
Opposites do attract. I hope Brynleigh and A.Z. get married in the future. They are a cute couple with goals. I know they will do big things together especially since they have a baby on the way. Great Read!
Opposites do attract. I hope Brynleigh and A.Z. get married in the future. They are a cute couple with goals. I know they will do big things together especially since they have a baby on the way. Great Read!
August 1, 2025
Gap Years
WHAT🥴⁉️Unfortunately, sorry but I could relate to these two characters Brynleigh & AZ’s. I’ll attribute my disinterest to a significant age gap 🤷🏾♀️. Consequently, Blake University HBCU Chronicles: Brynleigh & A.Z. (3.50 ⭐️’s) a generous review wasn’t entertaining‼️
WHAT🥴⁉️Unfortunately, sorry but I could relate to these two characters Brynleigh & AZ’s. I’ll attribute my disinterest to a significant age gap 🤷🏾♀️. Consequently, Blake University HBCU Chronicles: Brynleigh & A.Z. (3.50 ⭐️’s) a generous review wasn’t entertaining‼️
August 3, 2025
Opposites Attract
Natasha what a sweet read. When I say I love Bry and AZ. To have different backgrounds but to be able to find respect is so good. People seem to judge without knowledge. It's was such a treat to see them get an understanding and respect one another. 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Natasha what a sweet read. When I say I love Bry and AZ. To have different backgrounds but to be able to find respect is so good. People seem to judge without knowledge. It's was such a treat to see them get an understanding and respect one another. 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
August 4, 2025
Agggghhhhh
So I loved it, but I wanted morrrre! I know it was supposed to be short books but I wanted a little Eulogy. lol I hope they are brought up in the later books man! Awesome job!
So I loved it, but I wanted morrrre! I know it was supposed to be short books but I wanted a little Eulogy. lol I hope they are brought up in the later books man! Awesome job!
August 4, 2025
🔥🔥🔥 Bryn and AZ 🔥🔥🔥
Brynleigh is the truth. Independent, hustler, and outspoken. Can’t judge a book by the cover. She proved AZ and everyone wrong. I’m enjoying life at Blake U. Loved it 😍
I’m going to need an update on these two 😉
Brynleigh is the truth. Independent, hustler, and outspoken. Can’t judge a book by the cover. She proved AZ and everyone wrong. I’m enjoying life at Blake U. Loved it 😍
I’m going to need an update on these two 😉
August 16, 2025
Judgement
Everything that shines isn’t diamonds. Life throws curve stones and coal at times you can either walk on the heat of the coal and duck the stones being thrown or give up on yourself. Believing in yourself trusting there’s more to life than obstacles.
Everything that shines isn’t diamonds. Life throws curve stones and coal at times you can either walk on the heat of the coal and duck the stones being thrown or give up on yourself. Believing in yourself trusting there’s more to life than obstacles.
July 23, 2025
5 star read
Brynleigh and A.Z are both so perfect for each other. I loved this book! 🔥 read hands down. What are you waiting for hurry up and get it!
Brynleigh and A.Z are both so perfect for each other. I loved this book! 🔥 read hands down. What are you waiting for hurry up and get it!
July 26, 2025
Very Good!
I enjoyed my trip to BU! This was a cute story that I couldn't predict how it was going to end. Great job Authorize 💜💗
I enjoyed my trip to BU! This was a cute story that I couldn't predict how it was going to end. Great job Authorize 💜💗
July 27, 2025
good read
This was a good read! I feel like I got a complete novel even though it was short! I love this author. She always comes through
This was a good read! I feel like I got a complete novel even though it was short! I love this author. She always comes through
August 15, 2025
Life differences
I don't know how I really felt about Brynleigh and A.Z.. They were true enemies-to-lovers because the dislike was strong.
I don't know how I really felt about Brynleigh and A.Z.. They were true enemies-to-lovers because the dislike was strong.
October 13, 2025
Perfection!!
I swear, I never want Natisha Raynor's book to end. They could go on forever and I won't be mad at all.
This is just another beautifully written book.
I swear, I never want Natisha Raynor's book to end. They could go on forever and I won't be mad at all.
This is just another beautifully written book.
November 16, 2025
Enjoyed…
I enjoyed this novella. I liked the main characters. Although, Azra judged Brynleigh at first without knowing her. I liked their journey.
I enjoyed this novella. I liked the main characters. Although, Azra judged Brynleigh at first without knowing her. I liked their journey.
January 6, 2026
The story was cute. I enjoyed it. Would love an update on this couple. Listen to the audiobook and the narration was terrible.
January 19, 2026
I really liked this story and wish the author had added an epilogue. If the story continues, I’ll be sure to keep reading. I’m curious to see what happens with Brynleigh and A.Z.
February 6, 2026
3.5 Stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews