She's Got Soul

Soulmates #1

by Aja

soul mate (noun) a person ideally suited to another as a close friend or romantic partner.

Podcast host Zola is smart, sexy, and opinionated. When wealthy app developer Khalil calls into her show to correct her, she won’t let him off the hook without a fight. The more they talk, the bigger the sparks.
Could it be love?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Novella, African American Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 18, 2019

About the author

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:

https://bit.ly/Signup4Aja

Reviews

[Kameel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The banter between Zola & Khalil was the driving force in this story for me....I'm excited for the rest of the series to be released on audio....Shari Peele was tolerable this time with her dry mouth..LOL...she usually does a lot of smacking and swallowing during her narration....but, this time I think I only hear it once or twice....however, it was difficult to keep up which female was talking at times....she's not good at all with changing up her voice and in this story there's the main character, her mother, sister, niece & 2 best female friends....hell there were times she didn't change her voice when Khalil was talking.....I think she should probably stick to the more simplistic stories to narrate with fewer characters. Leon Nixon did a nice job narrating....despite not being pleased with the female narrator, I still enjoyed the story.

[Rellim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novella length love story kicking off Aja’s Soulmates series featuring the women of the Green family. Zola & Khalil are two tech professionals who aren’t sure they’re ready for more serious relationships. There was a lot of world building and so many characters introduced in the first half that hindered the pacing a bit for me. I also admit that all of Zola’s family having “Z” names made it difficult to keep them straight at first.

However, once Zola & Khalil meet, it’s fireworks and instant attraction. There’s only a little angst and it’s resolved quickly which works well for the length of the story.

I enjoyed getting to know them individually and as a couple, but wish more of the story was about them. Cute little epilogue.

Narration:
I enjoyed Leon Nixon’s performance. I wish Shari Peele had more distinction between character voices as they all sounded the same. Overall it was an easy listen.

[Katie ratherbereadinggg · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars I liked the set-up and the end was cute, but I never liked the mmc and I didn’t buy into them actually falling in love. There was also an undercurrent of misogyny, especially in the first half.

[Warda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give me all the books by this author.

[Antoinette (_literaryaura_) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Qiana Groves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute lil' love story (in my Ieshia voice).

[Alesia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ooo Chile

I’m sure it’s good to somebody, but not me though. We should not learn everything about a character through mental monologues in the first chapters we meet them. I also enjoy my characters a little more flawed. Yes. We know it’s a romance novel and that they will end up together but that’s no reason to make the male lead practically perfect. Honestly. It’s even more reason to make him imperfect. What does love overcome ?

I’ve read truly horrible sex scenes, and these were not that—they were decent. I love some good smut and if a story can make me wish eye was the main protagonist I know something was done—if the scene makes me want to reread it for weeks. These didn’t do that but they didn’t pull me out like a cold shower either.

I could have given it 3 stars except all the mental exposition to introduce characters and side characters blew me.

[Debby *BabyDee* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still on my quest to read new authors and this was my first by author Aja. Not sure where the author was going when she indicated that the heroine came from a line of women who were clairvoyant, so I was anticipating more on that in the story. I can say I was quite impressed with this novella read and thought Zola and Kahlil were complimentary individuals who had chemistry and quite a bit of banter. I also enjoyed the podcast and journal entries on finding love. Interested in reading more from this author.

[KBeautiful1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first time reading author Aja and I am so impressed by her writing that it will not be the last time I read stories from her.

Zola and Khalil are so great together, such chemistry from the first time he called into her podcase show. Zola is an independent woman, with an amazing job, her two best friends, had the attitude of a don't need a man but hey I still enjoy sex so there. But that phrase was starting to get old and tired, even though her podcast was so popular due to that, Zola didn't want to be alone anymore, she longed for love all her own and her journal had the writings to prove it.

Khalil is a multimillionaire genius, running his own app company. His grandmother raised him because his parents lost their lives in a car accident. He didn't lack love, laughter, or food from his granny. She helped mold and shape him into the man he is today. And although he had his fair share of hook-ups, deep down he wanted what his best friend had, a loving marriage, an incredible wife, and children. So when a project that he had one of his managers fell through, he got involved to see how it could be salvaged. It was a dating app for black people and he stumbled upon Zola's podcast.

From the first conversation (debate) to their first meet-up, Khalil and Zola were meant to be together. I loved their chemistry, their honesty, just everything about them. Their friends were a mess especially Zola's two besties LOL!!!

There are 3 books out and a 4th book will be released in July marking the close of this series. I will start reading book 2 which is Zola's sister, Zena's story up next.

Well Until My Next Review...Ciao!

[Ebony Essence · Rating 3 out of 5]

375 - First read by this author. Listened via hoopla.

Zola and Khalil was a really cute quick read. I felt the author moved the story along well for a novella. Giving just enough to get the picture. Getting a glimpse into Zola’s family life i did enjoy. Also love me some black professional people living wealthy. Zola’s side job as a podcaster was dope and i would tune in. So them meeting this way was cute with the back and forth banter giving a nice touch. Now for me there was some miscommunication and that i don’t care for. Especially when the characters are older. Overall i would recommend.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happily Single No More

I enjoyed this read. The story was not drama filled. It was simple .Simplicity is not a bad thing. It's often the simple things in life that make our hearts smile. I enjoyed watching the chemistry between these characters develop into much more. How long does it take for a person to know that they're found "the one?" I look forward to reading more from this author and hearing more from Zola and Khalil.
EyeCU Approved & Recommended

[Shanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOOD READ

An enjoyable read of two people meeting behind the scenes and that first face to face encounter sends sparks flying. I like how their journey starts with them getting to know each other without really knowing what the other does for a living until that first business meeting. At that point, it didn't matter how rich the other person was. They were definitely meant to be soulmates.

[DeNae Sheree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love at first sight

This was my first book by this author and it was excellent. Zola and Khalil were so swoon worthy. The way they met, instant connection!! The meet cute could have been straight out of a movie. All the feels!!! Such a feel good well written book. BRAVO!! I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

[Ebony Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just tell y’all about this here 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 #MUSTread!

This is my FIRST READ by Aja Graves and I’m telling y’all SHE’S GOT IT! “She’s Got Soul” is E-V-É-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G!!! Realistic, relatable, relevant to the times, funny, inspiring, soulful & dripping with intense passion!!! If you loved the movie “Love & Basketball” then I PROMISE YOU’RE GONNA LOVE “She’s Got Soul!”

The characters were so well developed that I felt as if I knew them all personally. I simply loved EVERYTHING about the way Zola & Khalil loved🥰 From their back and forth banter down to their strong personalities that mask their true desires. The pacing and build up of this beautiful romantic love story unfolds so gloriously. And that ENDING!!! WHEW CHILE!!! Aja has MOST DEFINITELY gained a new, lil, big mouth fan in me! I’m so hyped that I’ve already pre-ordered Part 2 so, I HIGHLY SUGGEST YOU 1-Click NOW & see what all my hype is about!

Ebony
EyeCU Reading Approved & HIGHLY recommended

[Samara · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's nothing like a good love story. I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read. It was a story of hope, for single women. This book reinforced, the fact that there's a soulmate for everyone. It's all about waiting for all of the stars to align.😉

EYECU APPROVED

[Kim Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can find love.

What a great read. Loved the dialogue in the book. Loved the progression of the main characters relationship. The book has some good relationship jewels being shared. I definitely look forward to reading more by this author.

[Alicia J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a cute book of lovey dovey vibes !! Man meets woman through her podcast and the romance takes off from there. So much to say, but it would be giving the book away. I loved this book and plan to continue the series.

[Kimyatta Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

unexpected

I can’t remember how I came across this book but I’m so glad I did! The story is beautiful and very much needed. It’s hopeful. I love how Aja immerses you into the story. The feelings…the beauty…everything. I’m excited to read the rest of the series!

[Laronda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

This is my first book by this author and while it started kind of slow for me, I am glad I stuck with it. It was a real talk story with low angst and a real connection.

[Toya (thereadingchemist) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well damn! Zola & Khalil’s story was so good! I loved their banter and chemistry. And the steam? *chef’s kiss*

[Emaleigh Nichelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

When you just know. Soulmates. No chaos. No confusion. I’m 99.9% sure I read this already. I listened to the audio. Narrators did a great job.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

The store of Zola and Khalil was very enjoyable

[ariana · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF… you ever read a book and feel like you’re too young to be reading it? That’s me these characters felt grown grown lmfao maybe I’ll come back to it

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read 3.5 stars

The book was an enjoyable read. The two times they “argued “ were Zola’s fault in my mind. How can she be upset he didn’t lead with I’m a multimillionaire? That would have been really conceited and he’s a man first before the money. She didn’t want to say where she worked either. On top of that he took her to a million dollar home so clearly he is wealthy and not hiding it. The thing about the dead air after the I love you, she was wrong. She should have called him back as she was the one who didn’t answer. If she’s such a secure woman she shouldn’t have any problems with doing that. The book was about them but I miss seeing them in a public setting, interacting with friends and family, having to deal with couple’s issues before jumping into marriage.

[NubianJoí · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soul to Soul

“She’s Got Soul”, book one (1) of the Soulmates series was a great read. From that initial coffee “non-date” meeting, Zola & Khalil’s souls began to jive. It’s been chocolate filled fireworks July 4th thereafter‼️…”back to life, back to the way we fill…however, you want it however you need it” A Soul To Soul r& b classic 🤎‼️

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zola was an Executive at a marketing company, and she also had a podcast called Soul Talk where she discussed relationship issues with her listeners. Khalil was the owner of a software development company. Khalil and Zola met from him calling into her podcast. After meeting face to face, their relationship started to develop until things went a bit left and they found they did not know each other as well as they thought. Although it was minor, but the trust issue caused a bit of a complex in their relationship. Zola was upset at first, but Khalil was determined to make things right and eventually they came to an understanding. There were a few other twists and turns in their relationship that dealt with trust issues, something they both had problems with from their past, but at the end of the day, there was a HEA. Their relationship developed so well and smoothly.

This book was #1 in the Soulmate series and my first read by Aja. I really love this author. Looking forward to reading the other books in this series. I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars rating.

My vision of characters:
• Andrea Bordeaux As Zola
• Geraud Singh As Khalil

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sigh! The premise of this story was so good and fits perfectly for a quick novella however the instalove and the fmc’s hang ups really did bring me out of the story. Early on I resonated with Zola’s sentiments of being comfortable with being single but not necessarily happy. I thought we might be kindred but as time went on her dislike for rich men, her need for reassurance without providing any and her avoidance started to work on my nerve.

Yes Khalil omitted his job and it provided a little conflict but on the grand scheme of it all there are men who hide wives and kids at home. Him not sharing his millionaire status ain’t no problem for me. Especially if he isn’t wielding it at bait. If you don’t let that man love you!

I feel like the amount of intimate scenes overshadowed the story and that’s rare for me to say. However this is a novella. We could have just made this about a connection for the moment rather than a soulmate. I would have a different outlook on it all.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book got recced to me as a fun romance and it was definitely that. It was very low conflict, it was more about two people meeting and falling in love even if they are a little cynical about their chances. Zola's sister had been fully betrayed by her husband and Khalil is too used to women preferring his money first.

I did like this book. Zola and Khalil have great chemistry together, I can definitely see why the two of them liked each other, especially with how they met over the phone rather than in person. They had both physical and romantic chemistry and I could see how the two of them would work together as a couple (which is just the main thing I want from romance books).

That said, there was some 'not like other girls' talk especially in Khalil's point of view which made me roll my eyes. I found Zola far more interesting than Khalil, especially with the ups and downs of her family.

3 stars!

[Crystal Luckey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zola was a market exec by day and a podcast host by night who so opinionated about men. Khalil was the owner of a thriving software app company and needed a little research for his latest app, so one night he called into Zola podcast and after talking to each other they both wanted to know who each other were. An email was sent, a coffee meet up was done and next, the dating began. Khalil just left out a little information about himself. Khalil and Zola had great chemistry throughout the entire book and I loved how their relationship grew. They just worked, so when Zola finally found out all the information about who Khalil is she was hurt, but Khalil fixed it. I love to see a story about people who were ready for love and worked at it with no bull crap and Aja delivered that in this story. I'm a fan of Aja and this story has become my new favorite of hers!!!!