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Zuri Blues
Successful real estate agent and interior designer, Zuri Benton, has never been afraid to dance alone in the rain. Caring for her emotionally unstable mother most of her life left little time to have the type of relationship she desired, and she’d learned to do without. Love wasn’t required.
Thriving owner of a small moving company, Elias "Lee" Thompson, is content in his solitude. Determined to build a good life after his release from prison five years ago, he has no desire to remain stuck or expect women to accept his past transgressions. Love was only a dream.
Yet, locked eyes connected souls.
And love became inevitable.
Thriving owner of a small moving company, Elias "Lee" Thompson, is content in his solitude. Determined to build a good life after his release from prison five years ago, he has no desire to remain stuck or expect women to accept his past transgressions. Love was only a dream.
Yet, locked eyes connected souls.
And love became inevitable.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
56 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 24, 2025
What if???
This was a good follow up to Chicago Blues💙 Shedding light on his sister Zuri's story.
What if??? Was the theme of this story. When Zuri met Elias her soul called out to him. She was scared, because how could she feel so connected to a man she didn't know, but at the same time she didn't want to ignore it either. Elias had a troubled past and it made him hesitant to try real relationships, especially with a business professional like Zuri. He felt she was way out of his league....but what if she wasn't? What if the connection they both felt was real?
These two decide to navigate a long distance relationship and for months their connection is able to blossom in their safe bubble. When families, exes, and past lives get involved feelings are hurt and decisions have to be made.
I loved so many things about this book. Zuri the fmc was beautifully flawed. She was a boss babe, but she often suffered from the 'blues' that sometimes made life hard to function. I felt like she needed to be in therapy to help her navigate and understand those feelings. Elias was also beautifully flawed. His wings had been clipped by some bad decisions he made as a teenager. Now 5 years from turning his life around he struggled to truly see his own worth and he had a strong fear his past would overshadow his present, especially with Zuri.
The ending needed work to me. Zuri's indecisiveness for so long didn't make sense. I felt like an epilogue was needed to close this story because I wanted to know how their relationship went forward and to truly answer the question what if.
Overall a good read and one to add to the tbr!
This was a good follow up to Chicago Blues💙 Shedding light on his sister Zuri's story.
What if??? Was the theme of this story. When Zuri met Elias her soul called out to him. She was scared, because how could she feel so connected to a man she didn't know, but at the same time she didn't want to ignore it either. Elias had a troubled past and it made him hesitant to try real relationships, especially with a business professional like Zuri. He felt she was way out of his league....but what if she wasn't? What if the connection they both felt was real?
These two decide to navigate a long distance relationship and for months their connection is able to blossom in their safe bubble. When families, exes, and past lives get involved feelings are hurt and decisions have to be made.
I loved so many things about this book. Zuri the fmc was beautifully flawed. She was a boss babe, but she often suffered from the 'blues' that sometimes made life hard to function. I felt like she needed to be in therapy to help her navigate and understand those feelings. Elias was also beautifully flawed. His wings had been clipped by some bad decisions he made as a teenager. Now 5 years from turning his life around he struggled to truly see his own worth and he had a strong fear his past would overshadow his present, especially with Zuri.
The ending needed work to me. Zuri's indecisiveness for so long didn't make sense. I felt like an epilogue was needed to close this story because I wanted to know how their relationship went forward and to truly answer the question what if.
Overall a good read and one to add to the tbr!
November 26, 2025
Beautifully written was the story of the love affair between Zuri and Elias. I think it's great that it gave them both a second chance at love. We sense the intensity and depth of their love and connection from the very first chapter onwards. I really enjoyed how Tiye crafted the story, which allows us to reveal more and more about the characters with each chapter. I thought the ending represented both personalities well, and it's okay for a woman to chase after a man sometimes. A lovely finish that left room for interpretation showed that not everything had to be explained. It was poetic in a way.
November 25, 2025
Tiye!!! You never cease to amaze me! I couldn’t wait for this read as I loved Chicago’s story. But ma’am, this right here, THE gold standard!!! 💖 The way you are able to grab my feelings and pull me to the brink of an emotional breakdown is crazy! Whew!! 🤯
Zuri has had it rough in life since losing her father at a young age. Her mother’s instability made life difficult for her and Chicago, with the brunt of the burden placed on her small shoulders. 💔 She did what she could to care for Divine, but in doing so, she developed the “blues”. Her work in real estate helped her stay on track, but oftentimes, she had a hard time picking herself back up when she fell into a slump. Hearing the voice of a man with the moving company, while assisting her clients changed everything. Why do I feel such a pull toward this man? Stepping out of her comfort zone, she approaches him, as she has to know why.
Elias’ life seemed doomed from the beginning and continued to go downhill. He found the love and acceptance that he yearned for in the streets, and in doing so, it took away his freedom. Now released with a thriving business, he is trying to get his life back on track, while dealing with the pain, trauma, and grief that he endured. Helping his team on a moving day, he encounters a woman who he knows is out of his league, but when she pursues him, he can’t say no. He too feels the pull and wants to explore it, but can she accept all that I am?
These two characters were beautifully flawed. However, together they learned, loved, and healed. Both come into this situationship with heavy baggage, but do not want to lose the intense connection they feel. I love Elias! 🥰😍 With all that he had been through, he still gave everything he had to Zuri to preserve their budding love. He fell quickly, but was hesitant to tell her about his past, in fears of losing her. I held my breath as I knew the longer, he waited, the more difficult it would be. Zuri was fearful of letting Elias know about her blues, and about Divine. However, their chemistry was so strong that they pushed past all their issues, and reservations to feed their growing relationship.
Miss Divine! The way she connected with Elias was beautiful. Although she still has her issues, when she has moments of lucidity she drops gems, and is holding hands to the fire! 🤣 We see you Divine! 💗 Getting an update on Chicago and Indigo, as well as Zeke and Jade was nice. Another amazing read! Bravo! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Zuri has had it rough in life since losing her father at a young age. Her mother’s instability made life difficult for her and Chicago, with the brunt of the burden placed on her small shoulders. 💔 She did what she could to care for Divine, but in doing so, she developed the “blues”. Her work in real estate helped her stay on track, but oftentimes, she had a hard time picking herself back up when she fell into a slump. Hearing the voice of a man with the moving company, while assisting her clients changed everything. Why do I feel such a pull toward this man? Stepping out of her comfort zone, she approaches him, as she has to know why.
Elias’ life seemed doomed from the beginning and continued to go downhill. He found the love and acceptance that he yearned for in the streets, and in doing so, it took away his freedom. Now released with a thriving business, he is trying to get his life back on track, while dealing with the pain, trauma, and grief that he endured. Helping his team on a moving day, he encounters a woman who he knows is out of his league, but when she pursues him, he can’t say no. He too feels the pull and wants to explore it, but can she accept all that I am?
These two characters were beautifully flawed. However, together they learned, loved, and healed. Both come into this situationship with heavy baggage, but do not want to lose the intense connection they feel. I love Elias! 🥰😍 With all that he had been through, he still gave everything he had to Zuri to preserve their budding love. He fell quickly, but was hesitant to tell her about his past, in fears of losing her. I held my breath as I knew the longer, he waited, the more difficult it would be. Zuri was fearful of letting Elias know about her blues, and about Divine. However, their chemistry was so strong that they pushed past all their issues, and reservations to feed their growing relationship.
Miss Divine! The way she connected with Elias was beautiful. Although she still has her issues, when she has moments of lucidity she drops gems, and is holding hands to the fire! 🤣 We see you Divine! 💗 Getting an update on Chicago and Indigo, as well as Zeke and Jade was nice. Another amazing read! Bravo! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
December 19, 2025
This book was amazing!! I love the connection between the characters and how mature Elias was!!!! That is a man !!!!!
The biggest part though for me was the way she took depression and schizophrenia and highlighted it and the care she took in writing it was chefs kiss. She truly had me in tears. I could not believe how good this ending was. Definitely a must reread!!!
The biggest part though for me was the way she took depression and schizophrenia and highlighted it and the care she took in writing it was chefs kiss. She truly had me in tears. I could not believe how good this ending was. Definitely a must reread!!!
November 20, 2025
The story was breathtakingly beautiful
Zuri and Elias' story had a soft hint of pain and a larger dosage of unadulterated love. One thing this author can do is have a reader steeped in her storyline, and grasping at the levels of pain and passion each character conveys. Elias had more pain than even a strong man could withstand, and still be endured. Zuri also had family issues yet, she survived. Having Chicago as a brother helped her stay sane. His story is how we met Zuri. Zeke, Jade and Divine were the added bonus and the depth to this powerful tale. I highly recommend this beautiful story about broken hearts finally getting the chance to heal.
Zuri and Elias' story had a soft hint of pain and a larger dosage of unadulterated love. One thing this author can do is have a reader steeped in her storyline, and grasping at the levels of pain and passion each character conveys. Elias had more pain than even a strong man could withstand, and still be endured. Zuri also had family issues yet, she survived. Having Chicago as a brother helped her stay sane. His story is how we met Zuri. Zeke, Jade and Divine were the added bonus and the depth to this powerful tale. I highly recommend this beautiful story about broken hearts finally getting the chance to heal.
December 12, 2025
A complicated love…
Zuri and Elias were both so used to caging their emotions that when it was time to let go and just feel…they both threw up roadblocks that the simple act of communicating would have overcame.
But who wants easy when you know it’s real? At the end of it all they got their HEA, and a dance in the rain! Their love story was a beautiful journey of reformation and accountability.
Zuri and Elias were both so used to caging their emotions that when it was time to let go and just feel…they both threw up roadblocks that the simple act of communicating would have overcame.
But who wants easy when you know it’s real? At the end of it all they got their HEA, and a dance in the rain! Their love story was a beautiful journey of reformation and accountability.
December 11, 2025
What and incredible, emotional story
This story takes you through the emotional ringer. Understanding the difficulty of an aging parent who is deteriorating but still lucid. Falling in love with a man who has secrets but treats you so beautifully and truly sees you as you are, flaws and all. So do you jump in and risk it all or let your perceptions stop you from loving the man who is your forever?
This story takes you through the emotional ringer. Understanding the difficulty of an aging parent who is deteriorating but still lucid. Falling in love with a man who has secrets but treats you so beautifully and truly sees you as you are, flaws and all. So do you jump in and risk it all or let your perceptions stop you from loving the man who is your forever?
March 4, 2026
3.5⭐️
This is one of those books where I can absolutely see the appeal… even if it wasn’t fully my kind of love story.
I rated this up for other readers because it is a good story and it’s fairly well written—it just didn’t resonate with me personally. I’m not someone who thrives on sweeping, epic love stories, if that makes sense. This one is 100% a me thing!
That said, the mental health representation was solid and handled with real care, and the love story between the characters felt natural and genuinely beautiful. If I had one minor critique, it would be that at times the physical side of their relationship seemed to take over and feel like the foundation of their connection… but the story always found its way back to the emotional bond between them.
I also really appreciated reading a story centered on characters who don’t look like me. That glimpse into their world added depth and perspective, and it was something I truly valued about this book.
It was narrated by La'Rey Aris and Myles Washington whose silky smooth vocals added to the story. They both did a great job bringing it to life.
This is a beautifully written novel and, surprisingly, the second book in a series—which I didn’t realize until afterward. Thankfully, I never felt lost going in. It works perfectly well as a standalone.
And my favorite random bonus?
It satisfies “Z” in my alphabet book challenge — which is exactly what drew me to it in the first place. Sometimes the reading gods just know.
Bottom line: A thoughtfully written, emotionally grounded romance with strong mental health representation—just not quite the sweeping love story for me, but one I think many readers will truly enjoy.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC from Dreamscape Media via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts
This is one of those books where I can absolutely see the appeal… even if it wasn’t fully my kind of love story.
I rated this up for other readers because it is a good story and it’s fairly well written—it just didn’t resonate with me personally. I’m not someone who thrives on sweeping, epic love stories, if that makes sense. This one is 100% a me thing!
That said, the mental health representation was solid and handled with real care, and the love story between the characters felt natural and genuinely beautiful. If I had one minor critique, it would be that at times the physical side of their relationship seemed to take over and feel like the foundation of their connection… but the story always found its way back to the emotional bond between them.
I also really appreciated reading a story centered on characters who don’t look like me. That glimpse into their world added depth and perspective, and it was something I truly valued about this book.
It was narrated by La'Rey Aris and Myles Washington whose silky smooth vocals added to the story. They both did a great job bringing it to life.
This is a beautifully written novel and, surprisingly, the second book in a series—which I didn’t realize until afterward. Thankfully, I never felt lost going in. It works perfectly well as a standalone.
And my favorite random bonus?
It satisfies “Z” in my alphabet book challenge — which is exactly what drew me to it in the first place. Sometimes the reading gods just know.
Bottom line: A thoughtfully written, emotionally grounded romance with strong mental health representation—just not quite the sweeping love story for me, but one I think many readers will truly enjoy.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC from Dreamscape Media via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts
November 23, 2025
Zuri Blues
This was such a well written story that kept me intrigued and locked in from the beginning. I was excited to see Zuri find a love of her own after getting introduced to her in her brother’s story.
Zuri and Elias were a perfect match and complemented each other well. He understood her and loved her out loud. They experienced a bump in their road when his past came to light but they were eventually able to get past it. I liked that Zuri encouraged Elias to pursue one of his dreams but also supported him if he decided not to do so. Their love for each other was unconditional even with Zuri needing a break to process the things she learned about Elias’s past in comparison to the person he is now. They both operated out of fear at times in their decisions and their fears sometimes caused issues, but in the end, they couldn’t run from the love they shared.
This was such a well written story that kept me intrigued and locked in from the beginning. I was excited to see Zuri find a love of her own after getting introduced to her in her brother’s story.
Zuri and Elias were a perfect match and complemented each other well. He understood her and loved her out loud. They experienced a bump in their road when his past came to light but they were eventually able to get past it. I liked that Zuri encouraged Elias to pursue one of his dreams but also supported him if he decided not to do so. Their love for each other was unconditional even with Zuri needing a break to process the things she learned about Elias’s past in comparison to the person he is now. They both operated out of fear at times in their decisions and their fears sometimes caused issues, but in the end, they couldn’t run from the love they shared.
November 24, 2025
Enjoyed reading Zuri & Elias' story. An encounter during a 'moving day" for a client, Zuri and Elias connect and begin a journey of discovery on the path to love that neither thought was possible. However, insecurities about the past, family, secrets and lack of transparency threaten whether love can cure the blues.
Overall, this was a good read. The characters are really likeable. Readers will enjoy getting to seeing Zuri finally get story. Elias' character is one who is determine and laser focused. He has the ability to read others and did not let past discretions deter him from becoming successful.
I would recommend this read.
Overall, this was a good read. The characters are really likeable. Readers will enjoy getting to seeing Zuri finally get story. Elias' character is one who is determine and laser focused. He has the ability to read others and did not let past discretions deter him from becoming successful.
I would recommend this read.
November 27, 2025
I loved Zuri’s Blues. Zuri and Elias were layered characters that felt real and left me feeling warm. Their relationship was passionate and emotional, and Tiye did a great job crafting their story. What I loved most about Zuri was her resilience and how she was finally able to let her walls down and just be. What I loved most about Elias was his willingness to change and be better and not let his past dictate his future. I’m happy they found their second chance with each other.💙
November 26, 2025
Blues and Love Can Exist
Elias was a man who showed no emotion
Zuri was a woman who showed no emotion
But they both loved one another but didn’t know how to be honest. Fear held them at bay. Their energy knew they should be together but how do they?
Loved the follow up from Chicago Blues….really would love a closure book on both couples.
Elias was a man who showed no emotion
Zuri was a woman who showed no emotion
But they both loved one another but didn’t know how to be honest. Fear held them at bay. Their energy knew they should be together but how do they?
Loved the follow up from Chicago Blues….really would love a closure book on both couples.
November 20, 2025
Zuri Blues
This book is so damn good. I am in awe of this story. Every word was so heartfelt. I had tears in my eyes by the time, I got to the end.
Zuri and Elias had a love like no other. They didn't expect it to be as complicated as it was, but it was definitely true. They both were caged doves waiting to fly. Absolutely Beautiful!!!
And since I read Book 2, I have to go back and read Chicago's story now.
This book is so damn good. I am in awe of this story. Every word was so heartfelt. I had tears in my eyes by the time, I got to the end.
Zuri and Elias had a love like no other. They didn't expect it to be as complicated as it was, but it was definitely true. They both were caged doves waiting to fly. Absolutely Beautiful!!!
And since I read Book 2, I have to go back and read Chicago's story now.
December 28, 2025
Random thoughts as I read…
So far I’m not feeling Elias and Zuni’s connection because except for a split second in the very beginning it just seems all sexual.
Idc how naturally talented you are, there is no way you are at MLB starter level when you haven’t practiced for at least two decades
Zuri is coming off as an immature brat. I’m not feeling her personality
Zeke’s argument makes no sense - “The whole world turns against us, and the one person we can rely on is the black woman, and if she doesn’t want us, then what? Then you mad if we're with a white woman?” So the white woman also turned against the black man in this scenario and he still goes to her. Bruh
Honestly not that impressed with mom dukes going off on Ezekiel mainly because she been should have when the boys were children. I respect her for being a mother to Elias but going off on Ezekiel is mad late
I made it to the end. It was just something about the relationship that never had me rooting for Elias and Zuri. I did appreciate. Elias character but something about Zuri annoyed me.
So far I’m not feeling Elias and Zuni’s connection because except for a split second in the very beginning it just seems all sexual.
Idc how naturally talented you are, there is no way you are at MLB starter level when you haven’t practiced for at least two decades
Zuri is coming off as an immature brat. I’m not feeling her personality
Zeke’s argument makes no sense - “The whole world turns against us, and the one person we can rely on is the black woman, and if she doesn’t want us, then what? Then you mad if we're with a white woman?” So the white woman also turned against the black man in this scenario and he still goes to her. Bruh
Honestly not that impressed with mom dukes going off on Ezekiel mainly because she been should have when the boys were children. I respect her for being a mother to Elias but going off on Ezekiel is mad late
I made it to the end. It was just something about the relationship that never had me rooting for Elias and Zuri. I did appreciate. Elias character but something about Zuri annoyed me.
January 9, 2026
These two took me through there!!!! Zuri, i wanted to ring her damn neck after a while like girl please. And Elias, he had me worried, thinking she was goin have to chase him the whole book but he fixed that thought real quick. I enjoyed this read, but i wish it would have ended with a little more or an epilogue because it was the last book of this series. I just discovered Tiye and I’m just happy to be here.
December 28, 2025
This was FANTASTIC read! I just love stories with older FMC/MMCs because they just move different. Elias loved Zuli loudly and he wasn’t afraid to do so! Ugh I didn’t want it to end. I wanted more of their happily ever after! I hope we get a peek at their lives in other books down the line.
Great great book! Easy 6 ⭐️ for me.
Great great book! Easy 6 ⭐️ for me.
December 1, 2025
Zuri Blues (The Blues Series Book 2)
Parenting, family, and culture are depicted in this HEA. Ending the story is something to be appreciated. Even though the book is fiction, there’s enough action to make a reader wonder about real life choices and how to deal with them.
Parenting, family, and culture are depicted in this HEA. Ending the story is something to be appreciated. Even though the book is fiction, there’s enough action to make a reader wonder about real life choices and how to deal with them.
December 6, 2025
Absolutely Beautiful
I loved the this love story. But I'm with Divine, Indigo and Zuri were super hard-headed when it came to love. Elias was that guy! I really enjoyed his character.
I loved the this love story. But I'm with Divine, Indigo and Zuri were super hard-headed when it came to love. Elias was that guy! I really enjoyed his character.
January 1, 2026
Sigh...I loved this love story
The lessons were real and relatable. Zuri and Elias were meant to be together and heal one another. I want to know what happened next! That's a sign of a great read!
The lessons were real and relatable. Zuri and Elias were meant to be together and heal one another. I want to know what happened next! That's a sign of a great read!
January 6, 2026
Forevermore...
Zuri and Elias..torched souls finding the blues residing withing each other..finding their shades of blue intertwined as destiny introduced itself into their worlds💙. God's will done. 💙 What a beautiful love story 💙
Zuri and Elias..torched souls finding the blues residing withing each other..finding their shades of blue intertwined as destiny introduced itself into their worlds💙. God's will done. 💙 What a beautiful love story 💙
January 9, 2026
Loved it!
Zuri and Elias were destined to be together, but getting to their happily ever after was a journey. I wasn't expecting to feel so emotional while reading this book, but I should have expected it after reading Chicago's story.
Zuri and Elias were destined to be together, but getting to their happily ever after was a journey. I wasn't expecting to feel so emotional while reading this book, but I should have expected it after reading Chicago's story.
March 5, 2026
This is book two of the Blues series. The first book is focused on Zuri's older brother and they have a close bond with each other. This book tells Zuri's story. The first couple of sentences of this book had me drawn in immediately. I liked how upfront but sensitive she was with everyone. I'm not one who really swoons over romance stories, but this one was really good. I enjoyed the ups and downs of Zuri and Elias's relationship. These are the type of romance stories I like to read, realistic ones. This was actually one of the best romance books, I've ever read. It truly felt like a romance in every sense of the word. I liked this one a lot more than the first book. I will definitely be reading more of this author's work.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews