I want my readers to escape their realities and embark on a journey of self-exploration and love when they delve into my books. I have loved reading fiction, thrillers, and romance for years. Although my original (and still) writing interest was YA and self-help books, I received a surprise text one Valentine's Day, and wrote the very first chapter of a romance novel that day. And I became forever inspired to write contemporary and new adult romance - with a twist.
Please take a ride with me, Tiye Love and hold on to your hearts! I invite you to check out my website and join my newsletter at www.tiyelovebooks.com, and follow me on FB @Tiye Love Books, and/or on my IG @tiye28always...
Whew! The way I straddled the fence about my feelings towards Chicago David Benton! It started with dislike for his one sided views on how women should conduct themselves to get a man and keep a man then, quickly morphed into straight up disdain. Chicago was givin’ Kevin Samuels 2.0 and I ain’t like that one damn bit. 😒😒😒😒 As with most MMCs, there’s an origin story behind their horrible behavior. Chicago grew up with a mama battling Paranoid Schizophrenia so, he didn’t have the best childhood. After his daddy died, Chicago had to grow up quickly and become the man of the house and, because he was the spitting image of his daddy, a lot of his mama’s ire, rage, anger, and emotional abuse was directed at him which, altered Chicago’s views on women. Now, I will say this, SOME (definitely not all) of the things Chicago said actually made sense. But, his delivery was just flat out disrespectful. He was rude, condescending, and unapologetic about his views towards women and his take on black love. Chicago had a severe case of tunnel vision. His POV was the only POV that mattered until he met his favorite shade of blue. 🥰🥰🥰🥰 Indigo moved to NYC with dreams of becoming a playwright. She’s sold a few manuscripts to a local playhouse but, she still hasn’t gotten her big break yet. When Indi meets Chicago, she immediately knows she should turn around and run in the opposite direction. Be still, my twitching lady parts indeed. 😏😏😏😏 The alarm bells are going off just from the way he speaks to her. This man is anti-EVERYTHING she wants in a future partner and, yet, she cannot shake her attraction. The red flags are all but slappin’ her in the face but, for some ungodly reason, Indi just cannot fight the pull Chicago has on her. This is one of those occasions where, the heart wants what the heart wants but, the heart really should mind it’s damn business. In theory, Indi and Chicago should not have worked as a couple. He had one too many personality traits that mimicked her abusive ex and that alone should’ve been enough for Indi to say nope and chunk his ass the deuce. But you gotta love a man who’s willing to not only listen but, hear what she’s saying and change (not modify) for the woman he’s falling in love with. “Teach me how to love you.” Sips wine and mops face with tissues cause, honey, my tears runneth over. 😭😭😭😭 Chicago Blues was a phenomenal read. It was engaging, emotional, and heartfelt. The author’s exploration of mental health was done exceptionally well. I thought she did a great job of showing us how mental health effects not only the person going through it but, the entire family as well. I’ve read a couple of books by Tiye but, Chicago Blues is, by far, my favorite ready by her. There just aren’t enough great things I can say about this book so, do yourself a favor and add it to your TBR ASAP!
“You talk to God about me?” “Yeah,” she nodded. “He knew I loved you before I did.” 💙💙
Being a skilled author is a true talent that I’m realizing more and more with each book I read. When an author is able to manipulate words in a way that causes my heart to beat erratically and transform me to another dimension I’m in awe. I absolutely love when a book makes my soul stir and reminds me that I’m alive and Chicago Blues did just that! This story held me captive from page one and has yet to release me.
She was his favorite shade of blue, Indigo…, a fierce firecracker that was determined not to allow the demons of her past to dim her light. As a passionate creative, her dreams of becoming a successful playwright was within her grasps and she refused to allow her current circumstances to deviate from her destiny.
Chicago was a renowned psychologist, an NYU professor, tv personality on MSNBC and popular podcast host. And not just any podcast, he was the Kevin Samuel’s of the podcast world……. IYKYK😬😅 With his firmly planted views on black love and the age old debate of women vs men as it relates to submitting, Chicago had very little optimism when it came to finding the love of his life. HUNTY!!!! Why did Indigo give this man a run for his mf money! I mean stick a fork in him because he was DONE, COOKED, dryer than your granny’s thanksgiving turkey! They say it doesn’t take a man long to know when a woman is for him and this was evident when he crossed paths with his favorite shade of blue. 💙
With Tiye being a NTMA I went into this read blindly with zero expectations because I had none of her previous work to make a sound comparison. I posted the book cover in the chat and was given different variations of a green light to check out her work. After this, Tiye has a fan FOR 👏🏽 LIFE👏🏽. The way she tackled love and mental health was masterfully done!! I could go on and on and on about why you should read this book but I hope my review is all the convincing you need to not only add Chicago Blues to your TBR but to also make it apart of your weekend reads!
Did I like Chicago as a character? Nope. Did I still manage to enjoy the story and narration? Yessir. Also, as I'm writing this from ~the future~, it was worth reading to get to book two.
Chicago Blues was my second read by this author, and despite me not vibing with one of the MCs, I'd still recommend the book to anyone who thinks they might enjoy it.
What didn't work for me was the whole subject of Chicago's podcast and the things he said about women, it rubbed me the wrong way, and made it so hard to root for him. Sure, he does grow by the end (thanks to Indigo), but by that point I was so over it.
Indigo was a saint for dealing with him for so long. Honestly, she deserved better than Chicago, but it is what it is. I liked that she could hold her own, and didn't let him walk all over her. In that way, they're a match, and I guess chemistry wise too.
But yeah, I'm glad I picked up another book by Tiye so soon after the first one, I like that she's doing something different with each one so far, I'll happily check out the rest of her works somewhere down the line.
Chicago was a Psychologist, TV correspondent, and a podcaster. He was one of those.....just give a man a podcast so they can blame women for every damn thing. He was the typical "who hurt you," type of man and couldn't see past the trauma he experienced to realize it was effecting his opinion of women, despite him being a Psychologist. His mother had a mental break from a tragic incident and he was left "parenting" both himself, his sister, and often times his mother way before his time. His mother needed daily care and that is where he met Indigo the nurse's aide for his mother that happened to also be a Playwright. Chicago and Indigo had an immediate attraction, but they seemed to be the total opposite of each other. I love how they both became open to trying love even with all the reservations they seemed to have between them. Indigo had been pursuing her dream and after a terrible relationship knocked her off her square, she was finally seeing the fruits of her labor but life was falling apart. Meeting Chicago, although it wasn't on the best terms, gave her a chance to focus on her dream. I always love when the mmc falls first. Chicago fell hard and for me it was almost a harsh transition. I would have liked him to ease into that just a little more. His transition from hard to soft, felt like it was at a snap of the fingers. Overall though, I love the range that was shown in this story. The author did a beautiful job addressing mental health, mommy issues, overcoming abuse, and being open to love. I would love a sneak peak into what is next for Chicago and Indigo.
Chicago Chicago Chicago.... Chicago made my ass itch with his views. After reflecting on it, it wasn't his message but his delivery. Chicago, a professor at New York University, is also a prominent podcast speaker and a psychologist. As a result of his personal experiences, he has formed quite firm opinions on black love. Indigo was a shining light and a firecracker no matter what life threw at her. She moved to New York to pursue her dreams as a writer but quickly discovered that nothing comes easily in the City That Never Sleeps. During the day, Indigo works as a caregiver, and in her spare time, she writes. Indigo's care for Chicago's schizophrenic mother marks the beginning of the two people's romantic journey together. Both Chicago and Indigo had been hurt by love before, and I appreciated seeing them take a risk on healing each other through their love for one another. Even though I didn't think Chicago would fall first, I was here for his begging. I thought it was sweet that he wanted her to show him the ropes of love.
Tiye! I have been rocking with you for a minute and have enjoyed soooo many of your books. But honey, you showed yo whole ass with this one! 🔥🔥❤ I felt like I was floating, living in an alternate universe or something! The way you snatched me up, and took me on a ride with these characters, is nothing short of amazing! I could almost feel Chicago’s despair, pain, confusion, frustration, and grief as he loves his mother dearly, but is having a hard time coping. He has yet to reconcile the events from his childhood, and unfortunately those same events have shaped his present life!
Chicago! I know he has issues, but bruh was just harsh, and in yo face with his comments, and it was doing more harm than good with his listeners. They just wanted to learn from him, but he couldn't see past his pain to understand their point of view. The trauma he endured growing up with Divine must have really done him in, because he is scarred! 💔 However, deep down he wants love, maybe even craves it, but doesn’t think or believe it is obtainable for him.
Indigo, fiercely independent, and also has scars due to her absent parents, and an abusive ex. However, she leads with love, and is determined to get all out of life that she deserves. Meeting Chicago was a shock, as this man is handsome as hell, but mean and gruff. Why does that make me feel a way? Kinda sexy! 🥵 Indigo was an enigma to Chicago. Who is this woman that will talk back to me, challenge me, and not take my ish? Hmmm… I think I like it. 😂
This couple was textbook wrong, wrong, wrong! But they were drawn to each other, and nothing could stop the crash course from happening. As they got to know each other and revealed their pasts, my heart broke a little more as I continued to turn the pages! They had both been through so much! Chile, when Chicago told Indigo, “Teach me how to love you,” I melted right into my chair; and the tears were threatening to fall. How did you get him from there to here? 💔 Chicago now has his own shade of blue, Indigo! 😍
Ma'am this read is everything! I don't want to say much more, but I feel like I will carry Chicago and Indigo in my spirit for a long time to come! Amazing read!! 🔥
I loved, loved Chicago Blues. Chicago eventually won me over, but his Kevin Samuel's wanna be self had my nose turned all the way up and low-key, hoping he'd get his feeling super hurt. But his charm and BDE had me swooning. Tattoos, educated, bearded, a little mommy issue, a little emotionally unstable…🥰🥰🥰 😩 Though his views on women and black love were a little skewed, I didn't fully hate everything he was saying BUT…major side eye 😑😒 Deep down, Chy was a hurt, gentle soul who loved fiercely, despite his past and youth. After he met Indigo, he was attracted. The more he got to know her, the more he became drawn and attracted to her. He didn't understand this attraction. Honestly, neither did Indigo. She's free, independent, and kinda going through a rough patch, and had some abandonment issues, but she was still a beautiful soul…meant for Chy. I love that she didn't really let that man intimidate her. I love the intentionality on both their parts on how they love one another, especially Chy. He protected her and reassured her constantly. This was a fantastic read…probably one of this year's top read. 10/10
This was such a good story, I loved everything about it. Chicago was getting serious side eye from me in the beginning with his views and the way he delivered them but in comes Indigo. His favorite shade of blue. She humbled him. They humbled each other, actually. I’m not a huge fan of instant love but I got all the feels from these two. Chicago & Indigo needed each other and I’m glad Indigo decided to let her fear go and just love and BE LOVED. Chicago’s relationship with his mother shaped the way he viewed relationships and I loved that we got to see their healing. Divine’s story was told perfectly. Her mental illness was written about with care. This was my first read by this author and I’m down to read more from her.
At first I was a bit angry with Chi's views on his BLACK LOVE PODCAST. Then I realized he was entitled to his opinion based on his personal experiences. Even though, I and quite a few of his listeners did not agree. lol!!!! But I rather Chi come hard and honest than deceitful.
Sweet, loving and kind, Indigo had been through so much heart-ache and abandonment in her life and she needed a strong and loving man to lift her up, not constantly put her down.
Nevertheless, her brutal ex-boyfriend should be up under the jail. But my man, Chicago, handled his business and covered his queen! And I really loved that! I also admired how Chi and Zuri cared for their mother through her mental health challenges. Awesome story!!!
This masterpiece is powerful, it touches on so many issues from mental health to domestic violence. Chicago and Zuri had such a jaded life after the passing of their father. His death literally took their lives in a whirlpool of emotions because of the effect it had on their mother. Lady Devine had a few crucial medical conditions including schizoaffective disorder however she was also a brilliant artist. Her life drastically changed after the love of her life passed as well but when she could muster up some normalcy she did. Her condition is what brought Indigo to this amazing family. She was able to manage Lady Devine better than an educated nurse. Additionally, Indigo needed unconditional love and someone who believed in her. Chicago was that man that did exactly that. Not only was Indigo Chicago's favorite color but his heart as well. He fell quickly, hard, and deep for Indigo. He was willing to learn how to love her. When he asked Indigo to teach him how to love her that was my favorite part of the book. He was willing to change his ways and beliefs for the woman he loved. Chicago needed an adjustment in his beliefs about women. I appreciate how this book ended because everyone was moving towards healing. Chicago was finally understanding his mother more and forgave her for his and Zuri's childhood. Indigo's demon was finally defeated and sent back to the dark hole he crawled from. However, I think Zuri needs to tell her story next so she can start fully healing. And in the interim, we could get an update on Chicago and Indigo's life. I would love to read how they manage their lives with a baby or two. This is an awesome novel, get into it. Ms.Tiye did her thing on this one.
I absolutely love how Indigo Lyriq calls out Dr. Chicago (Chi) Denton! She's exactly the right kind of fiery that's needed to get past his walls. And don't even get me started on how awesomely she set his ex-fling straight. I love that it wasn't belittling or demeaning in any way but still highly effective.
Adding to the things that make this book work are the solid female relationships - familial and friendly. I also give mad props for the doorman who wasn't even on more than one page but made an impression.
There is abuse from a prior relationship that pops up a couple of times. I admire any woman who's able to do what she did. It's not easy to break the cycle.
I listened to the audio book. I really like the narrators, Benjamin Charles and LaRey Aris. While I wish this was done in duet, I love the attitude and overall performance these two brought to the characters.
When I first started the story, I thought my favorite couple, Zora and Michael had a part in this one. I was not happy until I realized they were ancillary characters, and their marriage was fine. Whew! Chicago and Indigo were the stars in this one. The story had a heavy story that included Mental Health issues and family dynamic things. Indigo was an aspiring playwright and a caregiver for Chicago Benton's mother. He was an on-air radio partner with Zora, he was also a psychologist with a striking opinion about women. He and Indigo clashed like the Titans over his mother's care. Her take-no-mess personality freed Chicago to examine his thoughts about women and to accept his fate. I loved seeing Chicago's growth from the time we first met him in 'Endgames.' Overall, this was a fabulous story.
READ! This was such a beautiful representation of love, the progression of love, and the beauty and rawness at the beginning of it. I felt the connection between Chicago and Indigo and I was cheering for them til the last page. The depiction of the mental disorder Divine has was sad and heartbreaking but there was still the presence of beauty in her life. I loved this read, Chicago and Indigo gave love and effective communication. “My heart doesn’t want to beat without you”.
This book was hot 🔥 🥵 There Cat and mouse game appealed for me. Every girl wants him, and he wants only her.. a girl that wants no relationship. 🥰 OH, there's definitely healthy bantering between them.
There's a sense of vulnerability I loved reading with "Chicago" .
A surprisingly good story dealing with the perils of dating and finding love, dealing with mental illness and not allowing old trauma to block forward progress in your life. This book even addresses how we really need to stop selling podcast mics to men. Chicago Blues is also a great example of “if he wanted to he would.”
Chicago Blues tells the journey of podcast host Chicago Benton and up and coming playwright Indigo Lyriq. Chicago has the personality most women would find off-putting but he makes up for it with his looks. He is not one to fall easily and afraid to commit. Once he encounters Indigo, his view on relationships and women change. While Indigo tries to fight the attraction, it is bit challenging to avoid Chicago when Indigo is the caregiver for Chicago's mom. Can the two learn to let go of past hurts and trust their feelings are real and pursue a relationship? Readers will need to download Chicago Benton to find out.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. Chicago never expected to meet Indigo and with his crazy views on women it was funny to see how quickly he fell. Tiye also does a great job crafting the story to also speak on subjects that some families experience with love ones and how it impacts the children. I would recommend this read.
Whew! Chicago belonged on someone’s couch hunny. I wanted to root for the love story between him and Indigo so bad but I couldn’t because not only was he insufferable, I honestly believed he hated women for the majority of the book. I don’t think he needed to be with Indigo or anyone else before he seriously worked on his self. It was hard to believe his sudden transformation because it felt disingenuous. Suddenly he loves so much that his antiquated and misogynistic views no longer matter? Honestly, Indigo could’ve used some therapy as well. They both needed to heal themselves before trying to heal each other.
Adored this book - the narrators did a good job - Benjamin Charles embodied the character of Chicago. 👏🏾I’m a sucker for broken characters who finally heal. This was a good book and a very realistic aspect of having a family member with mental health needs.
Wellll hello new book boyfriend! Haha, this was a great love story. I really enjoyed listening to Indigo and Chicago build their friendship, heal from past trauma, and learn to love someone again together. This contempary romance has a medium pace, with an easy to consume plot. There is decent character development for both the MMC and the FMC that fits well in the plot. If you love black love, he falls first, quick witted banter and fade to black spice this book is for you.
I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Indigo and Chicago fit so well together and they both needed each other. Chicago needed Indigo to challenge him in a way no other woman had and to get him to see that some of his ideals about women were based on his jaded perception and not actual reality and Indigo needed Chicago to make her feel safe to submit and know that he would support her dreams like no man had some before. This story was really well written and this couple seemed to balance each other out. I loved their chemistry and connection from beginning to end and I loved how they loved on each other. I highly recommend this book and look forward to what will come next from this author.
When Chicago met Indigo, not only did she debunk every belief that he had about love and relationships, she also gave him a taste of his own medicine. And boy did the tables turn! He went from declaring what women weren't willing to do to secure a man by submission, to yielding and compromising his own beliefs to get the girl! Mental health, trauma response and coping mechanisms also played a role in this beautiful tale of love, commitment and healing! From the gorgeous cover to the lead and supporting characters, this story was nicely done!
Chicago was one who was only looking to satisfy his needs and didn't necessarily want to be in a relationship and his motto was all about submission by the woman for the love to work, that was until he met Indigo.
When Chicago and Indigo first met to say they got off on the wrong foot is an understatement. What made matters worse is when they butted heads on his podcast. However, they could not deny the physical attraction they had towards each other. All it took was one night out and after that, the tables turned. There was something about her that he wanted to be around her more and do things out of the norm like just spend time together outside of the bedroom. Indigo had her own reservations about everything Chicago talked about and wanted to keep things strictly physical between them due to situations with her last relationship but the more time she spent around him she could not deny feelings were involved.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between these two characters unfold and had them showing their vulnerabilities and tapping into emotions they didn't think they would show again. I also liked the way Chicago handled her ex because he was a handful. I also liked the way he supported her dreams and the ending was a nice touch.
This was a really good, emotional read for me 😮💨📚—definitely 4 stars.
Chicago is the main character. He’s actually a psychology professor and relationship podcaster in New York who has some STRONG opinions about love 👀💭. 
What made this book hit is his background. Chicago was raised by a mother struggling with mental health issues, and that shaped how he sees relationships, trust, and women 🧠💔. 
Then you’ve got Indigo, who comes into his life while caring for his mother, and that’s where everything starts to shift. Both of them are dealing with their own trauma, and the story really shows how past pain can affect how you love and receive love ❤️🩹✨. 
And THIS is what you makes you feel The way it handled mental health wasn’t surface-level. It showed how growing up in that kind of environment can affect you emotionally, mentally, and in relationships later on 😮💨💭.
Indigo and Chicago ... Child, this isn't the story that you'll come, I'm anticipating. Instead, you'll have to open your perspective. Especially if you'll someone who has filtered the social media gender wars. I say that because when we first meet Chicago, all you or should I say, I pictured was Kevin Samuel. Like child, you knew why he grinded Indigo's gear so much. Yet, once you get past all the assumptions and hang ups. The relationship between Divine and Indigo allows you to root for Chicago. You'll see vulnerability in a different light. You'll look at submission in a different tone. You'll see that the fight for love isn't as ugly or pretty as one may think. But when you trust and follow thru. Your soul connects with the one who is most worthy. Enjoy the journey that is Chicago and Indigo.
Chicago and Indigo!!!!!!! Why y'all do me like this. This was such a beautiful, intense, sexy and honest journey about a flawed path to love. I really enjoyed every minute of these two. They made me laugh and cry. I found myself identifying with both characters. Love can be complicated if we don't let go of our baggage. That was the biggest lesson let go of the past, submit to each other and love without limits. Special shout out to how the scene went down with the scorned lover from his past. Grown woman ish! This is a good read.