BUTCH - Aja
A Enigma Original Story (Book #2)
She Loves Words Publishing
BUY
Brneda Larnell (A)
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE (Crime)

REVIEW: This story! OMG! I have read every book in this series since the debut of SMOKE, but I have to say, Butch’s story had me mesmerized. Franklin “Butch” Harris, Smoke’s enforcer, is the most captivating character of this series. Award winning writer, Aja, has written a story that will resonate with you long after you finish the book. Franklin was forced to leave his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee in 1975 because the South was still southing in blatant racism. Not only did Franklin have to leave, but his mother as well. You will discover why when you read this compelling story.
Franklin leaves Memphis for Pittsburg to live with his fraternal grandmother. Franklin feels like a man with “no home and no peace.” He catches Smoke’s eye (Pittsburgh’s underground kingpin) after he knocks out the favored opponent in a neighborhood gym. The crowd calls Franklin “the Butcher”, but Smoke changes it to “Butch”. That life changing moment leads to Butch becoming Smoke’s number one enforcer. Another life changing moment is when Butch meets Delilah Mitchell, a beautiful chanteuse, and the love of Butch’s life. I love their love journey that is raw and sweet at the same time. Delilah calms Butch’s restless soul that is still carrying the weight of his past.
Speaking of Butch’s past, one of the most gripping scenes of this story occurs when the KKK comes to Pittsburgh. Yes, you read it correctly. It’s a critical scene because it connects to the reason Butch left Memphis, and it highlights the danger that Butch’s family and Delilah are in by their presence. You will also discover just how much clout Smoke possesses in the “Burgh”.
There is an eclectic cast of characters that comprise gangster-wannabes with no redeeming qualities to miscreants who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Family is everything to Butch, and his mother and grandmother fill that bill. After all the mayhem and murder, Butch and Delilah find their way to a fulfilling HEA. They save each other.
BUTCH is gritty, dark, bloody and host to places that smell of “blood, sweat, and bad decisions”, as well as a story of unfiltered love and loyalty. It has also become my favorite book of the Enigma Series.
I recommend that you read all the books in the series. You won’t regret it. Also, kudos to Aja for a playlist that is a must listen. Every song is a hit! I highly recommend BUTCH for your reading pleasure. You can thank me later!
24th March 2025 | romcol@gmail.com