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Zuri Blues

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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 had 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.

Audible Audio

Published March 24, 2026

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About the author

Tiye Love

56 books226 followers
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...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for ♥Milica♥.
2,029 reviews802 followers
April 18, 2026
What a great followup to book one, I liked this one so much more. Both of the MCs were flawed, but likable, and I found it easy to root for their romance.

The storyline was emotional and really packed a punch, I loved that. The mental health aspect was handled with a lot of care (it was in the first book too, I just didn't mention it in that review), and I enjoyed the narration as well.

The only thing that didn't work for me was some of the "drama" between Zuri and Elias, it didn't feel totally natural, but other than that, I have no complaints.
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,473 reviews166 followers
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!
Profile Image for Jahda.
1,111 reviews333 followers
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.
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,660 reviews111 followers
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! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,227 reviews450 followers
March 27, 2026
Zuri is that girl. She’s an in demand real estate agent and interior designer that keeps her booked and busy. When she’s not meeting with high end clients, she’s spendin’ time with her mama and makin’ sure Ms. Divine is well taken care of. So, there’s not a lot of time for romance or relationships. Not that she’s lookin’ for either of them. But, isn’t that typically how it happens right? When you’re not lookin’ for love, it falls in your lap. While Zuri is celebrating a closing with her clients, she hears a voice that makes her weak in the knees. When she turns around to see the face attached to that heavenly voice, Zuri knows she’s just met her future husband.

After serving 15 years for armed robbery, Elias made a promise to himself and his brother he would rebuild his life and stay far away from anything that could send him back to prison. Five years later, Elias has made good on that promise. He’s the owner of a small but, successful moving company and he co-owns a rental property with his brother. Life is good and he plans to keep it that way by staying on the right path and not getting caught up. That includes love but, when the sexy real estate agent asks him for one of his cards, Elias is rethinking his decision on giving relationships a hard pass.

When I started listening to this book, I absolutely loved Zuri. She’s a flawed character, she’s a little bit selfish, and she prefers to deal with her own depression silently and alone because, she doesn’t want to be a burden to her brother. And while she wasn’t lookin’ for love, she readily accepted her attraction to Elias because, she was convinced the universe was tellin’ her he was her person. With that being said, Zuri was a walking contradiction. That whole breakup scene just pissed me off because, it was so unnecessary. It was painfully obvious the author wanted drama between these characters so, she just manufactured some shyt. Even the drama with Elias and his family didn’t come together very well. This man has felt unwanted and unloved by his daddy for 27 years but, all of their issues are suddenly resolved with one conversation?!!! Insert blank look here. Zuri Blues didn’t give what y’all said it gave. Some of the things that went on in this book didn’t make sense and the storyline just wasn’t fleshed out properly. I really enjoyed the first book so, I had high hopes for Zuri’s story. But, sadly, it fell flat. It just didn’t resonate with me.
Profile Image for Wind.
469 reviews8 followers
April 5, 2026
3.5🌟
This was a beautiful story about finding love while healing and seeing past the trauma of someone else’s life. Zuri and Elias both have some hurt they need to grow through. I felt Elias was more understanding than Zuri. But I’m glad Zuri finally got past it and got her HEA.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC!
Profile Image for Taees_Cozy_Corner.
878 reviews1 follower
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!!!
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,173 reviews130 followers
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.
921 reviews8 followers
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.
213 reviews2 followers
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?
Profile Image for Vonetta Evans.
433 reviews14 followers
April 17, 2026
Zuri and Elias had an instant spark when they first met. Although it wasn't love at first sight, there was definitely something there and Zuri took the initiative to explore what she felt was something. Elias was a little hesitant at first but once he agreed to meet with her he couldn't deny he felt what she felt too and they quickly formed a relationship. He had some secrets from his past that he was hesitant to tell her because he felt she would judge him for them and she had her own issues she was dealing with when it came to her mother and her ex.

I thought it was nice how he took the mother right away even when she was going through one of her episodes and they were able to connect through art. I also found it interesting how he basically manifested Zuri into his life with the painting that he made before he even met her. While I understood Zuri's hesitancy after his secret was revealed, I was kind of hoping she would give him more of a chance at that time but I was glad everything worked itself out in the end because I thought they made a good couple. I was also happy to see him get on better footing with his father after everything they went through when he was younger.
Profile Image for Corinne’s Chapter Chatter.
1,175 reviews49 followers
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
Profile Image for Raven.
626 reviews56 followers
March 27, 2026
2.5

This one had potential, but the pacing really held it back for me. The story felt rushed, and the romance leaned too close to insta-love. I needed more build-up between Zuri and Elias to truly feel invested in their relationship.

I did appreciate the deeper themes and some of the character development—especially Zuri and her “blues.” But overall, it felt like the book was trying to do too much for how short it was.

I liked the characters, but at times they came across as immature, and the lack of communication had me rolling my eyes. There were also moments where they felt inconsistent or contradictory.

As for the audiobook, it was narrated by La’Rey Aris and Myles Washington. La’Rey delivered a strong performance and did a great job differentiating characters, though her Caribbean accent felt a bit inconsistent at times. Myles was solid overall, but many of his character voices sounded too similar.

Overall, the audiobook was entertaining and easy to listen to in the background while I was busy, but the story itself didn’t live up to my expectations—mainly due to the pacing and lack of romantic build-up.

Thank you to Libro.fm for sending me an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Nicole  Henderson.
1,544 reviews24 followers
March 31, 2026
I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. This author has made a fan out of me. Reading about the Bentons was amazing. They are an amazing family that has been through so much. If you read the first book in this series, you know their story. Chicago got his turn. Now, it is time for his sister, Zuri, to tell her story. Zuri Benton is a a successful real estate agent. Zuri also battles the blues. Zuri’s case is very severe and comes with no warning. She knew how to handle the episodes, but when they happened they were debilitating. Then, Zuri met Elias Thompson. There was something about that man that would not let Zuri just pass him by. Both felt the connection, but knew long-distance relationship was not for either of them. At least that is what they thought. Elias came back and the attraction could not be denied.

This book flowed perfectly until the very end. Readers go through the trials and tribulations of their relationship. There were a lot of secrets as well. What will Elias do when he finds out about Zuri’s depression? What will Zuri do when she finds out about Elias’ past? I liked that readers got a chance to go through all of the emotions with the main characters. Zuri and Elias took readers on a rollercoaster ride. On top of the new couple getting to know each other, they are still dealing with Zuri’s mom’s condition. The narrators are top tier and give readers the emotion that they need.
1,152 reviews8 followers
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.
Profile Image for Princess Queen.
207 reviews
April 7, 2026
This was soo good!

The MMC deserved so much! I don’t think I’ve ever rooted for an MMC the way I did for him. He was amazing. This was so beautifully written.

This spoke alot about the system, and also the lack of help that a lot of our young black children face. His life could have went completely different if he would have just gotten to help that he deserved as a child.

the FMC.. insufferable. Horrible. I wanted better for the MMC but whatever! I love how Tiye writes!
It was great to see Chicago and Indigo again!
Profile Image for Jayda Coleman.
18 reviews
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.💙
Profile Image for Jimette J..
664 reviews5 followers
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.
Profile Image for Alicia (LitwitLeecee).
143 reviews14 followers
March 29, 2026
3.25 stars
Book was decent. I really wasn’t a fan of Zuri’s character. To come from such a flawed family she came off very judgmental and uppity. Which really took away from the story from me. I’m glad she got her HEA. But I def enjoyed Book One so much more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for BookinWithJess.
78 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2026
Audiobook 🎧: May is Mental Health Awareness month!
The way the author explains/describes depression in Zuri’s story is above superb! Elias her love interest has a learning disability too. The way this story talks about how depression, learning disabilities, & aggression all go hand in hand is very enlightening.
543 reviews4 followers
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.
Profile Image for Dafort.
634 reviews19 followers
April 15, 2026
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.

Audio Review (April 2026)
Note: I received an advanced audio copy from NetGalley

I enjoyed revisiting Zuri Blues in audio, and La’Rey Aris and Myles Washington deliver a performance that truly brings Zuri and Lee to life. Their pacing is smooth and consistent, making it easy to stay engaged throughout the story. Both narrators handle emotion, tension, and softer moments with clarity and intention, and their diction and enunciation are crisp without ever feeling stiff.

Aris captures Zuri’s strength and vulnerability beautifully, while Washington gives Lee a grounded, steady presence that fits his character perfectly. Together, they elevate the story’s emotional beats and make the connection between Zuri and Lee feel even more vivid.

A well‑produced, well‑performed audiobook experience that complements the Kindle version wonderfully.

Profile Image for From Love The Letters.
87 reviews3 followers
March 26, 2026
Some stories don’t rush you. They unfold you.

Zuri Blues felt like a quiet, honest exploration of what it really means to get to know someone. Beyond first impressions, beyond chemistry, beyond what’s easy to share.

Because the truth is… everyone has a past.

And this story didn’t shy away from that.

Zuri and Elias were both beautifully written in a way that felt human, not perfect. Their pasts—filled with depression, incarceration, mental illness, resentment, and unhealed wounds—weren’t just backstories. They actively shaped how they loved, how they feared, and how they showed up for each other.

And that part? Felt real.

There was something deeply relatable about the fear of being fully seen. Of wanting to be loved for who you are now… while quietly wondering if your past would change everything.

The book gently asks: What happens when someone finally sees all of you? And what happens when what you tried to hide… rises anyway?

Zuri’s character stood out in a way that felt intentional and necessary. Her experience with depression—“the Blues”—was written with care and clarity. Even for someone who hasn’t experienced it personally, the emotional weight was understandable. It didn’t feel dramatized. It felt lived in.

And Elias… was layered.

His internal struggles, the way he carried anger, the fear of not being accepted because of who he used to be all added depth to his character. You don’t just read him. You understand him. Even in the moments where he held back.

Because he did.

And that’s where the beauty and the tension of this story meet.

Their relationship was soft, growing, and genuine, but not without its cracks. The lack of transparency, the silence, the things left unsaid… it mattered. At times, it blurred the line between protection and secrecy. And without communication, even the most beautiful connections can feel fragile.

Still, the reasoning behind their silence—fear, vulnerability, the desire to be accepted—made it understandable.

Not right. But real.

The story also touched on multiple layers of mental health—Zuri’s depression, Divine’s schizophrenia, Elias’ bipolar disorder—and showed how differently it can exist from person to person. One detail that stood out was both Zuri and Elias stepping away from their medication. It felt intentional, though not fully explained, and left me wondering what the author wanted us to sit with in that choice.

Overall, this was a breath of fresh air.

A love story, yes—but more than that, a reflection of how past experiences shape present love. How healing isn’t linear. And how the hardest conversations are often the ones we need the most.


From Love,
The Letters
Profile Image for Bossmanaries Smith.
112 reviews
March 12, 2026
#ZuriBlues #netgalley

In the African American community, mental,health diagnoses and education are uncommon . This book makes the reader aware of potential mental health issues and the ability of handling such.

The MFC, Zuri is an educated ambitious real estate agent and interior designer who has mental health issues in her family. On the other hand we have the MMC , Elias, a successful moving company owner as well as athlete who struggles with anger and a past stint in jail for theft. Both characters are drawn together by unseen force or chemistry that includes both physical attraction and something cosmic or spiritual. Instant love is a trope that is used in this book however the author attempts to sharpen their relationships by the challenges they face individually and collectively. Does their love work? It shouldn’t work unless they are willing to communicate with each other and not fall into the often used miscommunication trope in romance novels. Tiye, does not fall into this trap and tries to elevate the discussion on a more adult level.

Sexual chemistry in romance novels, like this book does, uses adult and graphically explicit scenes to highlight their attraction for one another. The language used is graphic but also seems to be vulgar and adult at the same time. I appreciate the better language use of anatomy parts in this book over some non-melanated counterpart terms, such as c***. Thank you Tiye as that gave the book a star by its self for me.

The narrators, La'Rey Aris and Myles Washington, were outstanding in their roles to give emphasis to the story. Washington always presented a testosterone driven and sometimes thinking man tone when needed. We also believe in the naivety and sensuality of Aris at the appropriate times.

I would recommend this for romance readers and those who like to indulge in smut also.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #dreamscapemedia for providing the advanced audio version in exchange for an honest review. 

Rating: 3.5 stars
Profile Image for Crystal.
179 reviews4 followers
March 22, 2026
ALC Review
📚 Book Title: Zuri Blues (The Blues Series Book 2)
✍🏽Author: Tiye
🎙️Narrator: La'Rey Aris & Myles Washington
📕 Format: 🎧
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶 Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

🕑Quick Take:
Zuri Benton, 36, divorced and childless, is a successful real estate agent and interior designer. She has been the primary caregiver for her mother, Divine. Love and relationships have not been a priority for her.

Elias "Lee" Thompson, 37, owns EA-Z Moves, a moving company based in DC that operates along the East Coast. He's focused on rebuilding his life after serving a 15-year prison sentence.

Zuri and Elias share a kismet instant attraction, but he feels she's out of his league, while she takes a risk by putting herself out there.

✨ Tropes:
- Instant Connection
- Opposites Attract
- Healing & Self-Discovery
- Long Distance Relationship

🎭 Narration:
Loved La’Rey Aris for Zuri. I’d listen to Chicago Blues (The Blues Series Book 2), and La’Rey maintained consistent narration for Zuri from Book 1 to Book 2. I was amazed by her—her Creole Louisiana accent was top-tier for Elias’ parents. Myles has a range that exemplifies both the reformed and gritty parts of Elias! Overall, Myles and La’Rey were a perfect pair.

⚠️ Heads Up:
- Mental Health Rep: Schizophrenia & Depression
- Substance Abuse Recovery Pep (Off Page)
- Grief & Loss
- Loss of a Parent
- Caregiver Stress

💭Final Thoughts:
Tiye’s writing always feels like a warm hug to me! I loved many aspects of this audiobook. First, I was excited to read Zuri’s story—the yearning, tension, and attraction between Zuri and Elias came through from their first meeting. The narrative also addressed themes of caring for a parent with a serious mental health diagnosis, dealing with traumatic grief and loss, substance recovery, and post-prison rehabilitation. I found myself crying at the beauty of the found-family elements, the raw moments of truth and vulnerability, and the healing. Overall, I laughed, cried, and blushed throughout—this book is definitely a must-read!
Profile Image for Cat Lady Reads.
169 reviews
April 17, 2026
Oof, this book wrecked me! I cried at the gym listening to it and I must have looked absolutely unhinged...

I haven't read Chicago Blues, but the premise was interesting enough to jump on the chance to review this second book in the series. The characters from the first book play a pretty big role here, but it's perfectly readable as a standalone.

The audiobook uses dual narration, with each narrator voicing all characters in their chapters. Both did a great job overall. The female narrator's higher-pitched voices were a bit much for me, but I was listening at 1.5x speed so that probably didn't help!

Zuri is a successful NYC realtor and Elias owns a moving company in DC. They meet by chance when he does a long-distance move for one of her clients... their eyes meet and they just know there's something there. She takes the first step and asks him out despite the distance, and he agrees to see her again next time he's in town. Their love grows quickly and Elias is a wonderful boyfriend to Zuri, but secrets from his past put a serious strain on their relationship.

I agree with other reviewers that an epilogue was needed - there were some unanswered questions at the end that I'm not sure if it's intentionally open-ended or a setup for more.

Either way, it wrecked me in the best way. Do not read in public if you're prone to tears!

Spice level 4/5 - explicit, adult only.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the ALC received in exchange for my honest review.
426 reviews4 followers
March 24, 2026
This book was such an emotional journey. Zuri is a successful realtor with a history of depression, who meets Elias, a newly released convict who has changed his life for the better and now owns a moving company and rental property. This story takes shape as the two of them navigate the fear of love in the aftermath of tragedy. Tiye did a great job of slowing for the emotional parts and allowing these two characters to feel; this made Zuri and Lee feel like they could be a part of myh friend group. I became very invested in their stories. Zuri is a great MFC; she is strong, intelligent, and loving, but has an edge. But my favorite character in this novel is Elias. His heart is so big; he loves and cares so much about how his past can affect the lives of those he loves. The relationship between him and his brother Zeek is so pure, the conflict between him and his father is so real, so raw, and the strength of his mother, though she shows up close to the end, is so healing. The fact that Lee loved Zuri so much that he was afraid to tell her a secret that could end their relationship.

The tenderness Elias showed Zuri's mom, his attentiveness to her, his patience with Zuri... he has easily moved into possible "Book Boyfriend" territory.

La'Rey Aris and Myles Washington were the perfect choice to bring Zuri, Elias, and the rest of this well fleshed out cast to life. This was an emotional ride. I laughed, I gasped, I cried, I grew angry, and by the end, my wounds were healed. The only thing I didn't like was the insta-love, which always gives me the ick. However, Tiye took the time to allow the relationship to grow legs. There is a conflict between the two that feels realistic and lends the relationship weight. I appreciated this attention to detail.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Tiye for the ALC of this thought-provoking novel and for allowing me to share my listening experience.

This is a review of the audiobook.
Profile Image for Felecia  Rodney.
399 reviews5 followers
March 18, 2026
ALC Review:
Dual Narration by La'Rey Aris and Myles Washington

"Solitude had become my wife and quiet, my best friend."

Tropes:
Opposites attract
Healing love
Second chances
Emotional trauma

This story brings together two individuals who have grown comfortable in solitude—Zuri, shaped by years of caregiving and emotional strain, and Elias, determined to move forward from his past. Their connection felt organic and deeply emotional. The depiction of depression and Zuri’s internal struggles was very relatable. Her thought processes feel layered and realistic, offering insight into how past trauma can shape present choices.

La'Rey Aris conveys Zuri’s vulnerability beautifully, while Myles Washington brings a steady, reflective tone to Elias. Together, they create an immersive and emotionally engaging listening experience. As the second book in a series, it definitely leaves me curious about earlier stories, especially involving Zuri’s brother.

This story offers a meaningful look at love, healing, and personal growth, and it left me interested in exploring more from this series.

Huge thanks to Dreamscape Media, NetGalley, and the author for the ALC.
1,231 reviews3 followers
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.
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