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Connecticut Kings #9
Love's Neutral Zone
Maaz Zyad, number ninety-seven of the Connecticut Kings, wasn’t a big name in his first three seasons in the League. Thanks to his temperamental girlfriend posting and tweeting her every grievance about the League and Kings franchise, Zyad’s become one of the most talked about players in the media.
The Kings cut him a contract extension with a huge pay increase under one condition. He had to get rid of the hyper-poster to keep his crown. That was an easy fix for Maaz. He made the swift decision and called on the competent team at Love Is Action sports agency.
Sundryia Matthews is a real estate investor and entrepreneur. She’s been Maaz’s mother’s protégé for nearly a decade. And she’s been his fixation since he was sixteen years old. Sundryia was off limits to Maaz, though she’d been around since his mother bailed her out of jail years ago. Oh. And she’s older than Maaz. Oh. And it must also be mentioned Sundryia dated Maaz’s older brother.
Forbidden love plagues this King. Well, it does, at least, until Maaz whisks Sundryia off to his family’s vacation home in Macen Beach to kick off the summer. Can he convince her it’s time to push beyond the lies created by their tawdry affair and pursue an honest romance he’s always wanted with her?
Publisher’s Note: Love's Neutral Zone is book 9 of the Connecticut Kings series, but can be read as a standalone. This book contains angst, violence, profanity, and sexually explicit content. If any of these elements is not what you prefer between the pages of a novel, this is not the venture for you.
The Kings cut him a contract extension with a huge pay increase under one condition. He had to get rid of the hyper-poster to keep his crown. That was an easy fix for Maaz. He made the swift decision and called on the competent team at Love Is Action sports agency.
Sundryia Matthews is a real estate investor and entrepreneur. She’s been Maaz’s mother’s protégé for nearly a decade. And she’s been his fixation since he was sixteen years old. Sundryia was off limits to Maaz, though she’d been around since his mother bailed her out of jail years ago. Oh. And she’s older than Maaz. Oh. And it must also be mentioned Sundryia dated Maaz’s older brother.
Forbidden love plagues this King. Well, it does, at least, until Maaz whisks Sundryia off to his family’s vacation home in Macen Beach to kick off the summer. Can he convince her it’s time to push beyond the lies created by their tawdry affair and pursue an honest romance he’s always wanted with her?
Publisher’s Note: Love's Neutral Zone is book 9 of the Connecticut Kings series, but can be read as a standalone. This book contains angst, violence, profanity, and sexually explicit content. If any of these elements is not what you prefer between the pages of a novel, this is not the venture for you.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2023
383 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Love Belvin
39 books1,890 followersLove Belvin is a native of the Tri-State area and now lives in the Delaware Valley. She's an avid reader and enjoys dinner parties with her closest girlfriends. While she enjoys many things, nothing excites her more than curling up with a glass of wine and a good romance novel.
Love has been given the moniker "adult contemporary series queen." She is the author of the "Love's Improbable Possibility," "Wayward Love," and "Love Unaccounted" serials. Her two standalones, “Love's Inconvenient Truth” and "Low Love, Low Fidelity" are available. Love Belvin is also the co-author of the "Connecticut Kings" series. She's currently penning the journey of her latest captivating clients.
You can find Love on her website www.LoveBelvin.com
Facebook @ Author - Love Belvin
Twitter @LoveBelvin
Instagram @LoveBelvin
Love's a regular on Goodreads.
Sign up to receive emails from her team (#TeamLove) -> http://eepurl.com/6ejjv
Love has been given the moniker "adult contemporary series queen." She is the author of the "Love's Improbable Possibility," "Wayward Love," and "Love Unaccounted" serials. Her two standalones, “Love's Inconvenient Truth” and "Low Love, Low Fidelity" are available. Love Belvin is also the co-author of the "Connecticut Kings" series. She's currently penning the journey of her latest captivating clients.
You can find Love on her website www.LoveBelvin.com
Facebook @ Author - Love Belvin
Twitter @LoveBelvin
Instagram @LoveBelvin
Love's a regular on Goodreads.
Sign up to receive emails from her team (#TeamLove) -> http://eepurl.com/6ejjv
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
January 8, 2024
She was in pursuit of a soft life and he was in pursuit of providing that for her. Some may call it young love but at the age of 19 Maaz knew that Sundryia was everything to and for him. The timing may have been bad and the stars didnt quite align at the time however, her closeness to his family kept her near and for that reason alone she was always within reach.
As a full grown man, Maaz is doing extremely well for himself. He’s a wealthy, successful educated black man and despite a few hiccups in his career he’s one of the most sought after linebackers in the league! This 6’5, 230+ lb King is what wet dreams are made of but there’s only one woman that does it for him and Maaz said the games stop tuhday.
This journey that we navigate through right along with Maaz and Sunny ain’t for the weak. They risk it all on their Neutral Zone and as long as things are right there, then it doesn’t matter that everything else is crumbling around them.
Now listen LB is the G.O.A.T. for a reason. Her pen is sick so when she writes you read simple as that. With the exception of books 5&7 of the CKs series, I’ve read everything in her catalog and absolutely loved it! With that being said, I struggled with this book real bad😩😩! And don’t get me wrong I LOVED both characters but the slow burn was torturously slow and it took nearly 60ish% into the book to truly connect with the story. So many pieces are being strategically placed during the first half of the book that your brain is working to place everything together and complete the puzzle. I spent so much time overthinking and over analyzing that I couldn’t enjoy the story for what it was and connect with everything story/characters.
Also, for this to have been part of a football series we got MINIMAL football. Yes we know he was part of the team but we didn’t get games like previous books. There was a dusting of a game at the very end but that’s it. There were a lot of extremely good moments throughout the story that I enjoyed and that carried the book for me. I also enjoyed all of the cameo’s from my favs but this didn’t hit me in the chest like everything else LB has given us. While I liked the overall I didn’t love it! Still a fan tho and still gone read everything the woman gives.
As a full grown man, Maaz is doing extremely well for himself. He’s a wealthy, successful educated black man and despite a few hiccups in his career he’s one of the most sought after linebackers in the league! This 6’5, 230+ lb King is what wet dreams are made of but there’s only one woman that does it for him and Maaz said the games stop tuhday.
This journey that we navigate through right along with Maaz and Sunny ain’t for the weak. They risk it all on their Neutral Zone and as long as things are right there, then it doesn’t matter that everything else is crumbling around them.
Now listen LB is the G.O.A.T. for a reason. Her pen is sick so when she writes you read simple as that. With the exception of books 5&7 of the CKs series, I’ve read everything in her catalog and absolutely loved it! With that being said, I struggled with this book real bad😩😩! And don’t get me wrong I LOVED both characters but the slow burn was torturously slow and it took nearly 60ish% into the book to truly connect with the story. So many pieces are being strategically placed during the first half of the book that your brain is working to place everything together and complete the puzzle. I spent so much time overthinking and over analyzing that I couldn’t enjoy the story for what it was and connect with everything story/characters.
Also, for this to have been part of a football series we got MINIMAL football. Yes we know he was part of the team but we didn’t get games like previous books. There was a dusting of a game at the very end but that’s it. There were a lot of extremely good moments throughout the story that I enjoyed and that carried the book for me. I also enjoyed all of the cameo’s from my favs but this didn’t hit me in the chest like everything else LB has given us. While I liked the overall I didn’t love it! Still a fan tho and still gone read everything the woman gives.
January 2, 2024
Now this was a love story. Barely any drama and fighting for what they really want. I loved Sunny and Maaz. Sunny was tired of being an alpha and just wanted her soft life. Maaz slowly giving Sunny the soft life she deserves. I loved this book. It was nice catching up with the gang. I can’t wait to see what else Love has up her sleeves with this series or her standalone.
January 3, 2024
Soft life achieved
Whew my fave don't miss! LB specializes in delayed love stories, and that continues in this book.
Listen this was a messy azz story, and it seemed like at every turn a secret was being revealed. Sundryia and Maaz had a complicated relationship over the past 7 years. Having known each other for close to a decade, they operated like family to the outside world. However, to each other they were anything but family in the traditional sense. Maaz's parents embraced Sundryia like a daughter and because of that she feared the fall out from living in their truth. She didn't want to lose the only parental figures and family that she had.
Baby there was something so potent, so passionate, so "forbidden" about their connection and it was felt on every page. That fire that burned between them is what kept them connected even when Sundryia was running from it. I loved these two and I understood the plight and I swear I was on edge waiting for ish to blow up, because it was inevitable.
This story was a slow grind. Every page was used with purpose. The first half of the book is spent laying the foundation of the mcs. You will love Maaz and his intentionality with getting his lady. You will want to be Sundryia's friend because sis was a thug in the streets, but also an educated business woman. You will appreciate her evolution slowly into the soft life. You will be confused at first and will be eager to figure out how everything ties together. Stay down, LB closes most of the loops. This was an untraditional, complicated love story and a great way to start off the new year.
Whew my fave don't miss! LB specializes in delayed love stories, and that continues in this book.
Listen this was a messy azz story, and it seemed like at every turn a secret was being revealed. Sundryia and Maaz had a complicated relationship over the past 7 years. Having known each other for close to a decade, they operated like family to the outside world. However, to each other they were anything but family in the traditional sense. Maaz's parents embraced Sundryia like a daughter and because of that she feared the fall out from living in their truth. She didn't want to lose the only parental figures and family that she had.
Baby there was something so potent, so passionate, so "forbidden" about their connection and it was felt on every page. That fire that burned between them is what kept them connected even when Sundryia was running from it. I loved these two and I understood the plight and I swear I was on edge waiting for ish to blow up, because it was inevitable.
This story was a slow grind. Every page was used with purpose. The first half of the book is spent laying the foundation of the mcs. You will love Maaz and his intentionality with getting his lady. You will want to be Sundryia's friend because sis was a thug in the streets, but also an educated business woman. You will appreciate her evolution slowly into the soft life. You will be confused at first and will be eager to figure out how everything ties together. Stay down, LB closes most of the loops. This was an untraditional, complicated love story and a great way to start off the new year.
January 8, 2024
This book felt like a walking billboard for past characters and books. It would be nice to see something fresh and new from this author. This book was overwritten and fell flat.
January 2, 2024
A LOVE story!! The love was almost jumping off the pages. I absolutely love Sunny. She is really the baddest bih!! I love how she and Maaz loved each other. It was beautiful….and his parents. Loved them!! This was just an all around great love story. I’m glad the CK are back and can’t wait for the next book.
As usual I loved hearing from past clients!!
As usual I loved hearing from past clients!!
January 1, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amazing, as usual. I love Sunny. She really is the baddest b! The love between her and Maaz could be felt through the pages and I love how their story unfolded.
Amazing, as usual. I love Sunny. She really is the baddest b! The love between her and Maaz could be felt through the pages and I love how their story unfolded.
January 3, 2024
just okay
I liked the characters but there was too much filler with previous characters. I have read and loved all of Love books but this one I struggled to finish. The book didn’t catch my attention until I was at 75 percent mark. This my perspective, I hope the next reader finds it more enjoyable.
I liked the characters but there was too much filler with previous characters. I have read and loved all of Love books but this one I struggled to finish. The book didn’t catch my attention until I was at 75 percent mark. This my perspective, I hope the next reader finds it more enjoyable.
January 2, 2024
Love’s Neutral Zone
I loved this book from beginning to end. Maaz and Sundryia had me invested and rooting for them from the beginning. I enjoyed taking this ride with them and seeing them get to their happily ever after. I loved that Sunny finally let her guard completely down with Maaz and allowed him to love her out loud and allowed herself to do the same with him. I always love a prophetic word from Ezra and I appreciate the small degrees of separation from everybody in the LB universe. I can’t wait for this book discussion and to see what comes next from LB. This was a great read and I would highly recommend it as well as the other books in the series and this author’s entire catalogue.
I loved this book from beginning to end. Maaz and Sundryia had me invested and rooting for them from the beginning. I enjoyed taking this ride with them and seeing them get to their happily ever after. I loved that Sunny finally let her guard completely down with Maaz and allowed him to love her out loud and allowed herself to do the same with him. I always love a prophetic word from Ezra and I appreciate the small degrees of separation from everybody in the LB universe. I can’t wait for this book discussion and to see what comes next from LB. This was a great read and I would highly recommend it as well as the other books in the series and this author’s entire catalogue.
January 2, 2024
🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
Amazing! I feel soooo connected to Sundriya! A good hood girl searching and deserving of that soft life! It only takes the right man to release that gentle Queen inside! Love, keep writing my life! I love to watch it play out on paper!
Amazing! I feel soooo connected to Sundriya! A good hood girl searching and deserving of that soft life! It only takes the right man to release that gentle Queen inside! Love, keep writing my life! I love to watch it play out on paper!
January 1, 2024
Continually I try to give this woman’s work a chance. The amount of five star ratings push me to think perhaps this time, the book will land. But no this author’s dedication to endorsing r Kelly, a confirmed p*d*phile, usage of ableist slurs, and overwhelming misogyny in her books just makes irritated that I even wasted my 7.99.
August 26, 2024
3.5⭐️s
November 24, 2025
**May Contain A Spoiler** This CK book was interesting. In a sense that it wasn’t Football centered in my opinion. I was trying to focus on one thing and then I was sent on another situation. Sundriya and Maaz did not have a fairytale start. Having a five year age gap kept Sundriya from truly seeing Maaz for the man he now was, and damaging the relationship she has built with his family.
Sundriya wanted this soft life, but kept herself away from the man that could give it to her. Her relationship with Cheryl was so odd to me. She loved Sundriya, but didnt feel she was good enough for her son. Maybe it’s me, but thats what came across.
I also agree with Maaz’s father when he was talking to him about how careful he usually is.. it gave off a very “StentRo” feel.. 🤨
Sundriya wanted this soft life, but kept herself away from the man that could give it to her. Her relationship with Cheryl was so odd to me. She loved Sundriya, but didnt feel she was good enough for her son. Maybe it’s me, but thats what came across.
I also agree with Maaz’s father when he was talking to him about how careful he usually is.. it gave off a very “StentRo” feel.. 🤨
April 8, 2025
A good book can make you question your perspective. I struggled with this story for 2/3 of the book. The age gap was hard for me. I eventually realized the 5 year age gap wasn’t the issue it was Maaz’s age when their story began. The mom in me struggled with the difference in development between ages 19 and 24. It wasn’t until close to end when Ahmad (dad) points out that everything had been orchestrated by his very determined, sometimes manipulative son that I looked at the story through different eyes. What I like about Love Belvin’s books are how complicated the characters are and how they are always striving to be successful at love and better themselves. This was yet another complicated love story involving characters that you can’t help but root for. It was a reminder to me that sometimes you’re judging even when you think you’re not and also life is hard, so if consenting adults can find a healthy love and happiness together then good for them.
This series was my first exposure to Love Belvin books. After reading the final book in this series I plan to dive into her catalog and I can’t wait to get to know Rayna & Azmir and Ezra & Lex better. I’ll look forward to seeing all the LB characters I’ve met through this series. I love an interconnected universe!
This series was my first exposure to Love Belvin books. After reading the final book in this series I plan to dive into her catalog and I can’t wait to get to know Rayna & Azmir and Ezra & Lex better. I’ll look forward to seeing all the LB characters I’ve met through this series. I love an interconnected universe!
January 13, 2024
The Connecticut Kings
This was so good! A forbidden love, older woman, younger man but crafted like only this author could do. It was so well written, such an even view of all of the main characters views. I was so shocked as Sunny and Maz's journey unfolded. SHOCKED! I never knew at any point how this was going to end.... I know we always get a HEA but this one?????? Well written, so beautiful, sexy , these two deserved each other. I equally love both of them and their sweet HEA! This was a good read!
This was so good! A forbidden love, older woman, younger man but crafted like only this author could do. It was so well written, such an even view of all of the main characters views. I was so shocked as Sunny and Maz's journey unfolded. SHOCKED! I never knew at any point how this was going to end.... I know we always get a HEA but this one?????? Well written, so beautiful, sexy , these two deserved each other. I equally love both of them and their sweet HEA! This was a good read!
December 2, 2024
It took me a while to get through this book, but not for lack of enjoyment or investment. I really got to SIT with and digest this book and these characters. I got to enjoy all the cameos from favorite characters of previous books and series. And I'm thankful that while still stressful, Maaz and Sundriya didn't stress me out TOO much (Stent and Zoey 😒).
I love when LB blesses us with a main character from Paterson. I always feel a deeper kinship and connection to them, being from Paterson myself. I know Sundriya! I came up with her. I AM her. Reformed hood chick that got out the hood but still carries the hood in her.
I loved her connection with Maaz. I enjoyed following them on their journey to echother and of all the G shit Sunny did throughout thos book, the most G shit she did to ME was when she ...
Yet another 5 star book for the books! Let's keep em coming!
I love when LB blesses us with a main character from Paterson. I always feel a deeper kinship and connection to them, being from Paterson myself. I know Sundriya! I came up with her. I AM her. Reformed hood chick that got out the hood but still carries the hood in her.
I loved her connection with Maaz. I enjoyed following them on their journey to echother and of all the G shit Sunny did throughout thos book, the most G shit she did to ME was when she ...
Yet another 5 star book for the books! Let's keep em coming!
July 5, 2025
✨Book Review✨
Let me go ahead and say it loud: I LOVED THIS BOOK.
This was an age-gap romance done right. We got forbidden love, found family, a slow burn summer vibe, and a love that fought its way through every obstacle. Love Belvin did what needed to be done.
Maaz Zyad is the King’s star linebacker—but these days, the headlines ain’t about his football stats. It’s his girlfriend Mellie and her never-ending Twitter fingers causing a storm with the team’s execs. Instead of cutting him, the team shocks him with a contract extension and a raise—with one catch: he needs to ditch Mellie. For Maaz, that’s no punishment. Their relationship’s been hanging on by a thread—and honestly, she never had his heart anyway.
Because Maaz’s heart?
It’s been Sundryia Matthew’s since he was 19. 😮💨
Sundryia—aka Sunny—is a successful real estate investor, a true boss, and the protégée of Maaz’s mom, Cheryl. Oh, and she also used to date Maaz’s older brother. So yeah… she’s supposed to be all the way off-limits. But that hasn’t stopped Maaz from loving her for nearly a decade. And now, with his life finally shifting, he’s ready to go get his one.
Sunny is on her soft life journey. She’s fought too hard, been through too much, and now she just wants peace and purpose. The Zyads gave her love, stability, and a sense of belonging when she had nothing. So disappointing Cheryl? Risking that bond? That’s a price Sunny’s never been willing to pay—even if it means sacrificing her own happiness.
The push and pull between Maaz and Sunny had me hollering sometimes. Like, JUST BE TOGETHER ALREADY! 😂 But you feel the history. You feel the depth. And when Maaz finally takes his shot and whisks Sunny away for the summer, their “neutral zone” becomes a safe space where they can finally just be. No pretending. No rules. No guilt. Just honesty, healing, and the possibility of forever.
One thing this story makes crystal clear: it’s hard to disappoint people you love. But it’s harder to live a life that’s not true to your own heart. And when Sunny finally stood ten toes down and told Cheryl the truth? I was proud of her. And even prouder of Cheryl for doing the work to step out of her own way. Their family dynamic may have shifted, but it’s still beautiful and rooted in love.
A few of my favorite parts:
• Cheryl & Ahmad = grown and sexy energy. Their relationship was lowkey everything.
• The whole Zyad family dynamic—so loving, successful, supportive. Black family excellence at its finest.
• Maaz and Sunny’s “neutral zone” 🥹🫶🏾 Intimate, vulnerable, and soft.
• The cameo from Ezra had Sunny (and ME) shook. 😂
If you’re looking for a love story that’s intentional, grown, and about breaking cycles and choosing happiness—even when it’s hard—this is the one. Love’s Neutral Zone is soft but strong. Forbidden but fated. And it will absolutely leave a mark.
5 stars. No skips. No crumbs left.
Love Belvin, you’ve done it again. 👏🏾
Book: Love’s Neutral Zone
Author: Love Belvin
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵
Let me go ahead and say it loud: I LOVED THIS BOOK.
This was an age-gap romance done right. We got forbidden love, found family, a slow burn summer vibe, and a love that fought its way through every obstacle. Love Belvin did what needed to be done.
Maaz Zyad is the King’s star linebacker—but these days, the headlines ain’t about his football stats. It’s his girlfriend Mellie and her never-ending Twitter fingers causing a storm with the team’s execs. Instead of cutting him, the team shocks him with a contract extension and a raise—with one catch: he needs to ditch Mellie. For Maaz, that’s no punishment. Their relationship’s been hanging on by a thread—and honestly, she never had his heart anyway.
Because Maaz’s heart?
It’s been Sundryia Matthew’s since he was 19. 😮💨
Sundryia—aka Sunny—is a successful real estate investor, a true boss, and the protégée of Maaz’s mom, Cheryl. Oh, and she also used to date Maaz’s older brother. So yeah… she’s supposed to be all the way off-limits. But that hasn’t stopped Maaz from loving her for nearly a decade. And now, with his life finally shifting, he’s ready to go get his one.
Sunny is on her soft life journey. She’s fought too hard, been through too much, and now she just wants peace and purpose. The Zyads gave her love, stability, and a sense of belonging when she had nothing. So disappointing Cheryl? Risking that bond? That’s a price Sunny’s never been willing to pay—even if it means sacrificing her own happiness.
The push and pull between Maaz and Sunny had me hollering sometimes. Like, JUST BE TOGETHER ALREADY! 😂 But you feel the history. You feel the depth. And when Maaz finally takes his shot and whisks Sunny away for the summer, their “neutral zone” becomes a safe space where they can finally just be. No pretending. No rules. No guilt. Just honesty, healing, and the possibility of forever.
One thing this story makes crystal clear: it’s hard to disappoint people you love. But it’s harder to live a life that’s not true to your own heart. And when Sunny finally stood ten toes down and told Cheryl the truth? I was proud of her. And even prouder of Cheryl for doing the work to step out of her own way. Their family dynamic may have shifted, but it’s still beautiful and rooted in love.
A few of my favorite parts:
• Cheryl & Ahmad = grown and sexy energy. Their relationship was lowkey everything.
• The whole Zyad family dynamic—so loving, successful, supportive. Black family excellence at its finest.
• Maaz and Sunny’s “neutral zone” 🥹🫶🏾 Intimate, vulnerable, and soft.
• The cameo from Ezra had Sunny (and ME) shook. 😂
If you’re looking for a love story that’s intentional, grown, and about breaking cycles and choosing happiness—even when it’s hard—this is the one. Love’s Neutral Zone is soft but strong. Forbidden but fated. And it will absolutely leave a mark.
5 stars. No skips. No crumbs left.
Love Belvin, you’ve done it again. 👏🏾
Book: Love’s Neutral Zone
Author: Love Belvin
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵
December 31, 2023
Another 5 star book.
Wow, Love has literally did it again. There was no promo but i will say this book was well worth the wait and suspense. Like i really ate this book up! I think because I love Tori and Ashton and Maaz and Sundryia were sort of reminiscent of them. You have Sundryia, this hard-core street chick and Maaz, the more refined, prized player/son and although forbidden, their love could not be contained, circumstances be damned. Despite their messy reality, Maaz young a s s applied pressure from practically day one lol. All he desired was the ability to love his woman out loud. I lovedddd Maaz’s parents and my heart broke for Sunny bc her fears were real. My comedic relief was Rhonda and how she just disgusted everybody lol. I also loved how you literally run into everybody in the LB universe!! Ugh, you really just have to read it and fall in love with yet another one of LB’s perfectly flawed couple. This book was a great end to 2023.
Wow, Love has literally did it again. There was no promo but i will say this book was well worth the wait and suspense. Like i really ate this book up! I think because I love Tori and Ashton and Maaz and Sundryia were sort of reminiscent of them. You have Sundryia, this hard-core street chick and Maaz, the more refined, prized player/son and although forbidden, their love could not be contained, circumstances be damned. Despite their messy reality, Maaz young a s s applied pressure from practically day one lol. All he desired was the ability to love his woman out loud. I lovedddd Maaz’s parents and my heart broke for Sunny bc her fears were real. My comedic relief was Rhonda and how she just disgusted everybody lol. I also loved how you literally run into everybody in the LB universe!! Ugh, you really just have to read it and fall in love with yet another one of LB’s perfectly flawed couple. This book was a great end to 2023.
January 2, 2024
The Soft Life!
The journey for Maaz and Sundryia was tumultuous at best! And while it took them through a series of detours plagued by secrets, avoidance and forbidden emotions...at the end of their ride the baddest chick stood in the sun and her king restored his crown. As the LBU continues to expand with new residents, these two were tended to with a sensitivity and care extended not only by the author, but also current dwellers (Azmir, Rayna, Trent, Jade, Ezra, Lex, Ashira, Jas, Elle, Jackson, StentRo, Zoey, Rut, Parker, Young et al), who welcomed them into the fold the way a loving, supportive family should. And as a reading supporter, this universe will always be home for me because I absolutely love it here!
The journey for Maaz and Sundryia was tumultuous at best! And while it took them through a series of detours plagued by secrets, avoidance and forbidden emotions...at the end of their ride the baddest chick stood in the sun and her king restored his crown. As the LBU continues to expand with new residents, these two were tended to with a sensitivity and care extended not only by the author, but also current dwellers (Azmir, Rayna, Trent, Jade, Ezra, Lex, Ashira, Jas, Elle, Jackson, StentRo, Zoey, Rut, Parker, Young et al), who welcomed them into the fold the way a loving, supportive family should. And as a reading supporter, this universe will always be home for me because I absolutely love it here!
February 14, 2024
I love the Connecticut Kings series. Football is life! Throw in a good romance story and it’s on! Love gave me everything including cameos from all my book bae’s…Ezra, Sadik, and Azmir!!! Clutch my heart cause it was almost tew merch goodness. Maaz was in a serious conundrum his relationship is unfulfilling and jeopardizing his job and he is tired of living a lie. Sunny finally has a family the, Zyads are a true blessing…can she risk loosing them for love? Their journey to happy was long. The pursuit was hot and worth it. Cheryl kinda made me mad… I’m still unpacking her.
January 2, 2024
Sugar & Spice
Yassssss! How I love me some Sunny! I now have a girl book babe! This chic is so bad! She thought my man was a fraud…. But she learned! 😝😂🤣 As always, LB came thru swinging! She earned her 1-Click spot & consistently reminds her readers to give grace… yes… even RK… 😏 Over 10 years she penned flawed people, flawlessly! I so appreciate her black excellence in this literary community! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💯🥳🥰 Well done fav! 💜💜
Yassssss! How I love me some Sunny! I now have a girl book babe! This chic is so bad! She thought my man was a fraud…. But she learned! 😝😂🤣 As always, LB came thru swinging! She earned her 1-Click spot & consistently reminds her readers to give grace… yes… even RK… 😏 Over 10 years she penned flawed people, flawlessly! I so appreciate her black excellence in this literary community! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💯🥳🥰 Well done fav! 💜💜
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January 6, 2024Loved it!!!
I truly enjoyed meeting Maaz and Sundryia!! It's so refreshing to see a young man who's certain and decided when it comes to love. These 2 have definitely made it to my favorite LB couples list!! I also love how each King in the LB Universe is unique, making this series epic. I look forward to hearing more from Maaz and Sundryia and the CK franchise as a whole!!
I truly enjoyed meeting Maaz and Sundryia!! It's so refreshing to see a young man who's certain and decided when it comes to love. These 2 have definitely made it to my favorite LB couples list!! I also love how each King in the LB Universe is unique, making this series epic. I look forward to hearing more from Maaz and Sundryia and the CK franchise as a whole!!
January 16, 2024
He falls first !
‘Cue Music’
Maaz and Sundryia have a complicated past. He’s in love with her and she is scared of what that could look and feel like because he’s her friends little brother .
I felt immersed in their reality and enjoyed the intensity of this forbidden romance. Would definitely recommend if you forbidden romance and small age gaps.
‘Cue Music’
Maaz and Sundryia have a complicated past. He’s in love with her and she is scared of what that could look and feel like because he’s her friends little brother .
I felt immersed in their reality and enjoyed the intensity of this forbidden romance. Would definitely recommend if you forbidden romance and small age gaps.
February 24, 2024
This series never disappoints!
I can't believe Maaz was crushing on Sundryia for what seemed like FOREVER! I totally understood her semi hesitation, yeah semi y'all read what I did 😄😄 It was the right thing to do letting him grow and accomplish the things that he did. He is a KING!!! So everything worked out then and now. Now Ms. Cheryl had every right to get in her feelings. Maybe she dragged it a bit but okay. I just thought after she got the latest revelation in their relationship she would dead it. Isn't that what she sad she wanted? I'm just saying. Anyway loved it. Question, will there be another?
I can't believe Maaz was crushing on Sundryia for what seemed like FOREVER! I totally understood her semi hesitation, yeah semi y'all read what I did 😄😄 It was the right thing to do letting him grow and accomplish the things that he did. He is a KING!!! So everything worked out then and now. Now Ms. Cheryl had every right to get in her feelings. Maybe she dragged it a bit but okay. I just thought after she got the latest revelation in their relationship she would dead it. Isn't that what she sad she wanted? I'm just saying. Anyway loved it. Question, will there be another?
January 15, 2024
Such a great read
I think this is the best read of all the Connecticut Kings books I've read. It gave everything it should've and more, all the drama, surprises and suspense with these two i couldn't get enough of them. Love you did your thang with this one honey and i loved it.
I think this is the best read of all the Connecticut Kings books I've read. It gave everything it should've and more, all the drama, surprises and suspense with these two i couldn't get enough of them. Love you did your thang with this one honey and i loved it.
September 20, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️’s.
December 24, 2025
I love Maaz and Sundriya!!! One of my fave Kings couples
March 7, 2024
I Knew I Was Going to Regret Reading This 😩
I really do hate to say it but the LB books in this series really have been hard to read for me. I really don’t know who I dislike more at this point, Trent or Maaz. They’re one in the same, emotionally stunted, immature, manipulative, cause chaos in the lives of the women they claim to love for the sole purpose of fulfilling their desires on their own timeline no matter what it cost the woman, and their communication can be less than ideal. They also operate in a very “what I say goes, and my word is final. Trent and Maaz both sing the same old tired song, they want the women to throw caution to the wind in spite of everything else as soon as they say so and whenever they don’t get the response they want it’s always you don’t want this like me, I feel rejected, you’re not all in blah blah blah. The way Maaz was literally pressuring Sunny to go back to the beach soon as soon as the funeral was over and when she declined to go at that very moment but assured him she would be coming back to the beach he was so aggressive “don’t fucking play with me” the girl literally lost the closest relative she had and he was making it about himself.
The she finally decides to risk it all and tell Cheryl which she expressed she was so afraid to do and his only response was always “we fuckin grown” he really tried to negate and minimize her very real feelings about revealing their relationship but she goes forward and tells the family and he literally let her go it alone, he was “paralyzed” “frozen” but this is what he’s been begging and trying to force her into and he offered nothing.
The same thing with the condoms like sunny expressed her concerns, he pretended to acknowledge her concerns and acted like he would wear them and was doing what he felt and taking them off. The same way Trent dismissed Jade about the condoms.
The best part for me was when Ahmad called Maaz out about his manipulation and doing the stuff with sunny on purpose . He needed his feet held to the fire. I also loved the Ahmad never gave sunny any grief, even as he was adjusting to the announcement he never changed on her and continued to support her.
I really do hate to say it but the LB books in this series really have been hard to read for me. I really don’t know who I dislike more at this point, Trent or Maaz. They’re one in the same, emotionally stunted, immature, manipulative, cause chaos in the lives of the women they claim to love for the sole purpose of fulfilling their desires on their own timeline no matter what it cost the woman, and their communication can be less than ideal. They also operate in a very “what I say goes, and my word is final. Trent and Maaz both sing the same old tired song, they want the women to throw caution to the wind in spite of everything else as soon as they say so and whenever they don’t get the response they want it’s always you don’t want this like me, I feel rejected, you’re not all in blah blah blah. The way Maaz was literally pressuring Sunny to go back to the beach soon as soon as the funeral was over and when she declined to go at that very moment but assured him she would be coming back to the beach he was so aggressive “don’t fucking play with me” the girl literally lost the closest relative she had and he was making it about himself.
The she finally decides to risk it all and tell Cheryl which she expressed she was so afraid to do and his only response was always “we fuckin grown” he really tried to negate and minimize her very real feelings about revealing their relationship but she goes forward and tells the family and he literally let her go it alone, he was “paralyzed” “frozen” but this is what he’s been begging and trying to force her into and he offered nothing.
The same thing with the condoms like sunny expressed her concerns, he pretended to acknowledge her concerns and acted like he would wear them and was doing what he felt and taking them off. The same way Trent dismissed Jade about the condoms.
The best part for me was when Ahmad called Maaz out about his manipulation and doing the stuff with sunny on purpose . He needed his feet held to the fire. I also loved the Ahmad never gave sunny any grief, even as he was adjusting to the announcement he never changed on her and continued to support her.
January 2, 2024
This book should have come with several trigger warnings... If you've experienced miscarriage, SA especially as a child be prepared. These are not main themes but they are mentioned throughout the story.
Now for my review! First and foremost, IZZY!!!!! So many of our favorites from the LBU appear in this book. I was happy to check in with them all. If you're a fan and have been for awhile then you'll be happy with the cameos.
Maaz and Sundryia's story starts with a bang...literally. Not going to lie this story was giving me pedo/groomer vibes at first and started to not finish it. I realize the age difference was actually a small one, however, at the age they were when first meeting (though no contact at that time) weirded me out for a bit. That being said, I'm glad I kept reading. This couple stressed me out. Some many times I I found myself switching side. I could relate and empathize with Maaz wanting Sunny to take him seriously as a man and potential suitor. On the other hand, I definitely found myself agreeing with Sunny that their past was sordid and sometimes it's better to leave well enough alone. Love isn't black and white though and often it thrives in the grey areas. Maaz had to grow up and Sunny needed to heal. Their story put me in mind of Ashton and Tory in that it began recklessly without regard to consequences. Sunny seemed to be the only that even realized that there would be negative consequences but she still gave in to her heart's desire. She wasn't wrong and it ended up working in her favors but it was definitely reckless. Maaz acted as if Sunny didn't have a reason for her reservations considering their whole situation. Again he needed to grow up and I was glad when he did. In all, their beginning still sceeves me out but I love how their story unfolded and can't wait to check in on them in later stories.
Now for my review! First and foremost, IZZY!!!!! So many of our favorites from the LBU appear in this book. I was happy to check in with them all. If you're a fan and have been for awhile then you'll be happy with the cameos.
Maaz and Sundryia's story starts with a bang...literally. Not going to lie this story was giving me pedo/groomer vibes at first and started to not finish it. I realize the age difference was actually a small one, however, at the age they were when first meeting (though no contact at that time) weirded me out for a bit. That being said, I'm glad I kept reading. This couple stressed me out. Some many times I I found myself switching side. I could relate and empathize with Maaz wanting Sunny to take him seriously as a man and potential suitor. On the other hand, I definitely found myself agreeing with Sunny that their past was sordid and sometimes it's better to leave well enough alone. Love isn't black and white though and often it thrives in the grey areas. Maaz had to grow up and Sunny needed to heal. Their story put me in mind of Ashton and Tory in that it began recklessly without regard to consequences. Sunny seemed to be the only that even realized that there would be negative consequences but she still gave in to her heart's desire. She wasn't wrong and it ended up working in her favors but it was definitely reckless. Maaz acted as if Sunny didn't have a reason for her reservations considering their whole situation. Again he needed to grow up and I was glad when he did. In all, their beginning still sceeves me out but I love how their story unfolded and can't wait to check in on them in later stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2025
Audiobook version. The women narrator is the reason Why I couldn’t rate this higher. The chuckle that she does for Maaz throughout the entire book was horrible. I wish they would have told her to re do or re work it somehow, it wasn’t natural at all. Other than that the storyline was on point per usual
January 5, 2024
I am so grateful to launch 2024 with another stellar wordsmith performance from Love Belvin. She not only excels in character development but she gives us the psyche of her main characters unfiltered. Love them, leave them, hate them, whatever...she makes you think and feel as the characters think and feel. I love me some Sunny who wanted the transformation to a soft life with the love of her life. Maaz grew up to be this strong alpha who knew what he wanted and was determined to get it. He almost gave me the StentRo vibes in how he was determined to lock Sunny in but I love Maaz more...LOL! I know that the story wasn't about Amir neither Cheryl but I would have love to dive into their psyche to get a better understanding of them both...Yet I was overall pleased with this beautifully written love story. Of course I want more but I will spare the author of any temper tantrums and instead just let her know that I appreciate her pen game and being a part of the LBU!!!
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