Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Not A Homie, Lover Or Friend

Rate this book
One night of pure fun and games changes the world for two people. After a month and a half, the Zoo learns about Monfua and Lakia’s marriage. Lakia’s brother Foe is surprised by what the two did and starts making it difficult for Monfua to accept his decision to say I do, while Lakia’s intentions are quite different.
As Monfua tries to get a handle on his new wife and brother-in-law, he also struggles to consider a career in which he doesn’t believe his street life world can coexist.
Lakia, who initially didn’t think her involvement would be long-term, has found herself with not only a husband but also a secret that has been growing inside her for two years. As she searches for ways to reveal what she’s been hiding, her honesty about Harvey upends everything.
Unnoticed by everyone, the newlyweds are not living in paradise as they struggle to love each other. Will their decision to start backwards work for them or against them? Or will they learn to love beyond the rules?

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2025

157 people are currently reading
97 people want to read

About the author

Tatiana Timmons

49 books345 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
341 (70%)
4 stars
108 (22%)
3 stars
32 (6%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for She Reads What She Wants.
377 reviews13 followers
November 9, 2025
My Zoo Queen has done it again, y’all! At this point, anytime Tatiana drops something, I’m clearing my schedule because I know it’s about to be a ride. But this story right here? Whew, it was messy, emotional, and had me clutching my imaginary pearls more than once.

Let’s start with Monfua. MON–FUA. Did you get to know that man?! Because listen, he stood on all business and didn’t back down for anybody. The way he carried himself? Yeah, that’s a man right there. 🙌

Now, Lakia… girl. I’ll be real, I did not like her at first. The way she used Monfua? Ugh could not stand it! She was pissing me off every few chapters. I’m glad he eventually found peace and love, but part of me still feels like she got off too easy. I needed her to really feel the mess she started.

And can we talk about Flex? her and her snake a**, and she just wanted to be a lil hopper from one to the other didnt she. 😂

This whole story was wild in the best way. The growth, the loyalty, the love… it’s what makes the Zoo Boyz so addictive.

Tatiana really snapped again. I don’t know what’s coming next, but best believe I’ll be there the second it drops. 🔥🐅
Profile Image for Chameria Dade.
319 reviews
October 26, 2025
I still don’t like Harvey

she doesn’t deserve a HEA. This was a good read but I’m tired of having to learn new characters. I just want the story of the current set to end.
Profile Image for Maya Mckenzie.
176 reviews11 followers
November 6, 2025
Tati!!! Girl Bishop and Navi better not get together he supposed to be waiting for my girl Indigo. I just knew they were about to get Kareem ass at the party but noooo you just had to leave me hanging.
Profile Image for NJaya B.
54 reviews
November 21, 2025
Why so many people don’t like Harvey lol. Because of the homie hopper thing??? I like Harvey and Foe. His people though is whom I don’t like.
Profile Image for Mz_MELLO YELLO from the BAY.
424 reviews4 followers
November 29, 2025
Urban Soap Opera At Its Finest!!!

Though you don’t need anyone approval to the decisions you make in life once grown, but know there are consequences to the wrong decision. Remember blood doesn’t always make you family but an unbreakable does. The truth will always set you free though the outcome of truth can cause some pain.Sometime moving off impulse can be for the best and sometime is can be for the worst. One drunk night can be one of the best night or it can be one that ends up being an eye opener. Let start by saying I ended up loving Fua and Lakia union, but at first I was side eyeing it😒. Let’s Chat. Will try to not make this a long review🤭!

Lakia irritated me to the core at first 🫣! Like girl are you cool? Now I get it’s always been her and brother Foe along with their other siblings but everyone deserves to find their person🫣. That drunk night changed her life. We all know past trauma can affect the future but that’s only if you allow it to and that she did😔. I thought the girl was slow cause she was moving weird. How many signs do you need to see before you really open your eyes😳? Ole girl was really playing with Fua and it had me hot. She was unhappy and wanted everyone else to be too in my opinion. Once thing for sure she learned that Fua wasn’t playing with her. One thing for sure, she was a replica of her mother and it took BS for her to see it🫣. The momma was a hot mess and trifling. Ya girl had to humble herself and quickly☺️. Then let me not forget how she played Foe (my sneaky link🤭) and Harvey. She was wrong and deserved more from Harvey but my girl was the bigger person so Kia couldn’t do nothing but tuck her tail. Now as for what she did to Foe, yeah ya girl was tripping and disrespectful. Like she went above and beyond for man who wouldn’t do the same! Oh but Fua stepped up, that light came on and my girl started moving and processing things differently for the better. Once realize the greater good, things started move in a positive way🥰.


Monfua was that 🥷🏽 and played no games. Ya boy plays chess not checkers 🫣! He did not and will not back down from anyone. See I love the Samoan culture and always have🥰! Though he wasn’t an angel or perfect he had no issue to do what needed to done. My guy was in love with Kia from jump but actions cause his reaction🥰. When I say ya boy played no games, he played none and Foe wasn’t exempt🫣. Though he loved to ride and being apart of the ZOO his respect meant so much more. He was ready to say F it all for his respect and that included Lakia🫣! There was one thing, ya boy love wouldn’t allow him to turn his back completely and seeing her at her lowest changed it all. The way he step up after learning her past had me smiling for cheek to cheek🥰! What I respected the most was he made her put on her big girl undies and come clean with her brother. Ya boy realized that once they got it right, they were each push to be better🥰. With him not having the best relationship with his father due to his past, when he needed him the most, his father was there. That there let him know that he would be good moving forward as long as he had, his parents, Lakia and the Zoo🥰. Oh can I say I smiled hard when he did chant when he was in the Zoo handle business or should I say Kia threat🤭. Lastly the conversation with two grown men🥰🥰!

Harvey, I’m loving the new her🥰. She is not and will not allow anyone to disrespect her. My girl grew a backbone. She loved Foe down but she would leave before she allowed any disrespect or conflict between his family😔. She wanted what he had - family and she wanted it with him🥰. My heart went out to her as I can imagine. Now from the beginning to now, you see the growth in her. I love it🥰. She wasn’t just a that timid woman anymore. Then there’s Flex😒! I didn’t like her from jump. She all about self and the come up.The way I wanted to jump into the read when she was plotting on Foe😒, however, I was speechless when it wasn’t him she wanted when all said and done 🤭! She about to put herself in a situation dealing with that ex of hers.

Now you know I can’t write this review without mentioning my man CHEVY🥰! Him still being him and I love it. Him in daddy mode was everything and had me teary eyed 🥹. One thing he is going to do and that’s ride for him family -THE ZOO but he will call BS and call you on it. I’m still team Chevy & Zaria

The outcome of Lakia and Monfua was a good one but still need to grow as they really don’t know each like that🥰. May not have started the traditional way, but it worked for them🥹🥰! The relationship with Harvey and Foe, I believe will get better with time cause he’s not coming off of her🥰. They both were able to grow to love, support and understand each other. Listen I’m never disappointed when Tati drops. The Cove/Zoo Universe - Urbico will give you all feels from emotions and shenanigans. Definitely bring us that Urban Soap Opera🥰 and I’m here for it all!
521 reviews
November 17, 2025
The stress I endured reading this book was not even funny. I swear my Zoo men can catch a damn break just when everything seems to being going well a damn cloud comes and ruins everything and test their strength and my patients. The way Lakia came in and started a bunch of mess got under my skin. How she start so much mess and is not touched in any of this? She needs to feel this like everyone else is. Monfua was a patient man and didn’t deserve the smoke coming his way, but he held his own every single time. He stood on business and was teaching Kia she could keep the game and play with someone else. Him wanting to be a husband and do right was giving Zu all over trying to prove to everyone and his self he is not a mess up. Loved he wanted more for his self-outside of the crew too. Glad he was able to get his HEA and somethings he never though would be happened and then some.
Harvey and Foe still being tested. Poor stinks can’t catch a break on all ends. I hate that Foe family will be his downfall but glad he was setting boundaries at this point. His raggedy momma knows she wrong and bet not come back around. Harvey is opening up more and this showed just how much she loved and trusted Foe but they both needed to communicate better and more. Flex ya’ll better watch her I know she is coming back with BS and trying to find any angle possible to get in. Again, Lakia’s fault she brought her in and got this girl around their people. Then you add Kareem/Scooter to the mix its all going to be real bad I feel it. Oh yea and Mali snake ass need to be checked if they can figure out who got him.
On a positive side you have Dio coming into his own and the Chevy is still chevy no matter how much he wants to step back he is trying to show his crew that growth is what makes them better as men and a crew. I not sure how Chevy and Bishop are going to keep everyone in line but they need to come together again. Bishop better get his life and wait for Indigo I know that much. Now Navi better sit down and or go on back home she don’t want heart broken when Indigo come back. Ready for the second part now!!!!
Profile Image for Monique McKinney .
150 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2025
Another Episode

Tati has taken us for another ride!!!!
I couldn't put the book down!! I love how she allowed us to show how the crew is growing and developing into men with their ladies. Her pen was outstanding as usual!!!!
There is always drama from each one of them. They always come together as Zoo over everything!.
I love how Monfua had to teach Kia that she wasn't going to play with him. Then she had to learn that he could love, protect, and take care of her. It was great to see what they had to go through to understand that they could be husband and wife.
Foe and Harvey went through a rough patch so they could reveal more about themselves. They needed this moment to understand and communicate better. True love was revealed for them.
Flex was interesting. It is going to be interesting to she what happens with her.
Chevy is still growing and leading.
I love how Dio is stepping into his own. I wonder what is going on with him and Samara.
There is always something going on the crew. I can't wait for the next episode !!!!!
There is so much more I could, but I would be here all day!!!!
Tati has done it again!!! I appreciate all that you pour into your books and allow us to come on the journey with you!!!
We are Zoo family for life!!!
Profile Image for Denisa Claudia Raicu.
425 reviews11 followers
October 29, 2025
Povestea este despre două persoane destul de mature și o noapte de dezmăț, care se lasă cu o casatorie ( care vine ca o bombă pentru toti).
Secretul Lakiei iese la iveală, cauzând dezamăgiri și frustrări.
Foe încearcă să îi înțeleagă pe sora și noul membru al familiei, și sa ii facă să realizeze dacă ce trăiesc acum este ce își doresc cu adevărat pe termen lung.
Este despre încredere tradată, despre tradare, dragoste de frați și susținere, flirturi și relații complicate.
A fost dificil de urmărit acțiunea pentru că au fost multe personaje și nume de reținut, însă accentul este pe două cupluri.
Mi-a plăcut cum Monfua a fost acolo pentru Lakia, mereu când avea nevoie, mi-a plăcut cum a evoluat relația lor, deși am impresia ca Lakia suferea de prea multă mândrie.
Greu de urmărit povestea dintre Navi și Bishop, prea multe amănunte acolo.
Per total, o poveste drăguța, despre acceptare și nevoia de a fii iubit, însă plină de detalii inutile, de cele mai multe ori.
11 reviews
November 13, 2025
Lakia and Monfua were okay I suppose. I honestly felt no connection to them.

I was mainly here for Foe and Harvey and they both pissed me off so bad. I think they are the only couple who was not gotten their sensual/soft storytelling (no im not only talking about hunching either). I feel like so much detail goes into how much the author builds up the intimacy around the other characters and for Foe & Harvey it's almost nonexistent. I don't know if that is supposed to be intentional or not but I'm not feeling it. Let my babies experience sommmeethingggg soul binding together on those pages!!!

I loved them together in Hood Shiesty, and I was hoping to build off of that but I can't say I am feeling the direction thier story has taken. If Harvey effs this up trying to find herself opening Pandora's box her character is a wrap in my eyes.

And then the cliffhanger?! My heart is weak right now! 😭
October 25, 2025
And Another One!!!

Tatiana has done it again… Man it was nice to see the 2 couples eventually get to speaking terms at least. I think Harvey will only be cordial though for Myles sake. I definitely think the guys will be more friendly than these ladies. This was crazy Kareem/Scooter is psycho. Don’t know what will happen with Mali, but I hope he gives that man something and stop playing with him. The nerve of Flex though she was real funny. Don’t know what’s next but I can’t wait to see where this universe goes.
Profile Image for Onehellofalady.
181 reviews2 followers
November 2, 2025
🧡🧡🧡🧡

Laila needed to suffer a little more I feel like she got off to easy for what she had going on. Using Monfuoa like that was trifling! I’m glad that he feels like he found his person but her not so much. This was a good installment to the Zoo boys. Seeing all of the members grow in love, life, relationships and family is the best but the way they quick to paint the city orange for each other makes it even better. Oh! Flex got put right in her place lol I can’t stand a snake bit I enjoyed the flip of who she wanted.
Profile Image for The Book Jawn .
255 reviews21 followers
November 2, 2025
I ride with the Zoo real heavy and this book did not disappoint. Enter Monfua. Babyyyy, I appreciated how he stood on business with Lakia and Foe even though he was new to the Zoo. I enjoy watching Kia and Fua’s love story unfold and it seemed like they came into each others lives just at the right time.

Now, even when Chevy makes small appearances, he has a heavy impact and him being the leader came into play in this book.

Dio-is the comedic relief we all need and I need more of him. I love how he’s Chevy’s right hand lol.

This book was definitely a good one.
Profile Image for Brisace.
483 reviews
November 8, 2025
Tatiana did it again, lovers and friendssssss (whatever Usher said). She really had me locked in with this one. Monfua and Lakia’s story was messy, emotional, and full of tension that kept me turning the pages. I’ll be honest, I did not like Lakia in the beginning. She still has to earn her spot because that girl had me frustrated. But let’s not forget why we came, because baby, the drama was drama-ing. That ending had me sitting there like… whew. All the side characters acting a fool and trying to get my babies to slip Lawd, pray for us.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,952 reviews13 followers
December 11, 2025
Loved it!!

Lakia and Monfua marrying secretly and during a drunken night stirred up so many issues between her and Foe but in the end Chevy made them come to a resolve, Zoo over everything! Not sure what Mali has going on but its not going to end well. Flex is about to get her tail handed to her messing with Harvey and Foe. Kirk found out the hard way not to mess with the Zoo ladies! This Zooloween party has everyone out and having fun but there's always some drama lurking. That ending, wow so many things still need to be resolved. Tatiana Timmons keeps us on our toes!!!
Profile Image for Jill Holt.
10 reviews
October 25, 2025
still loving the zoo.

I admire how Tatiana is showing the growth of each guy. But why something tell me flex can’t be trusted. Also it’s something strange about this Mali person and it’s more than he took scooter money. Also why we can’t keep peace for longer than 2 secs. Mali should have just come clean. Now they got to fight again. Also love the patience of Monfua because Lakia would have been put in her place quickly cause who you playing with girl.
Profile Image for Shynetria Murrah.
37 reviews
October 26, 2025
Tatiana puhlease.......

Stop doing this to my emotions. You got me ready fight, fuxk, and play therapist. I loved this real bad. Preach may have to share his spot with Fua for my second choice, lol. Speaking of Fua he definitely gave that's my "typa” ninja. BDE and I mean heavy on the "B". Can't wait for the next episode of this Urban Soap Opera!!!!!!
Profile Image for Jus Kishhh.
100 reviews3 followers
October 26, 2025
And another one

Never a disappointment reading..love how the story line flows from book to book..it really keeps me engaged…However Lakia was really urking me…can’t wait to see what’s next 🧡🧡🧡🧡
Profile Image for SumFire.
668 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2025
🔥🔥🔥 The drama continues!! "Ou te mana'o ai tele"!!!

What's up with Mali??
So over Harvey 😒!

Monfua and Lakia backward never looks so good. It's been so long since we've had a new Zoo-light Special!!

Can't wait til the next episode!
559 reviews
October 27, 2025
Five Stars

Tatiana doesn’t miss. Just when I think we all good there is a twist and the story continues. And I thank her for that. I don’t ever want it to end lol

It’s so good. Get into this series ASAP!!!!
51 reviews
October 28, 2025
TATIANNA GONE HAVE ME HOOKED EVERYTIME

Now here I am not wanting to read about Foe's sister to me not being able to put the book down. Girl this was so book but you're going to have to drop that part two. For Halloween maybe....
81 reviews
October 29, 2025
Five fucking stars

I am so locked in its a shame I love it here at the zoo. Love thats unexpected is the best and there's no right or wrong way to find love. The right person will bring it up out of you.
85 reviews
October 30, 2025
Welcome Back to the Zoo!

This series never lets me down! Author Tatiana introduced me to this Zoonation and I never want to leave. Love Lakia and Monfua’s story! Long live the Zoo!!!! 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
31 reviews3 followers
November 1, 2025
My Husband!

This was good love hate read. Loved the book, hated the characters. If we could just reach them n shake em a little bit. Kia n Deena I hope they grow up.
I love the family dynamic

Tatiana doesn’t disappoint!
Profile Image for Jacquita.
119 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2025
loved it

Can't wait for the next book. Always a great read you never fell me I can't get enough of the Zoo men I need one of them in my life lol can't wait to see what happens next did Mali steal Scooter money with his drunk butt or was it flex with her crazy self
Profile Image for Pooh.
91 reviews
November 7, 2025
Another banger

Truly love your creative writing style. Your books always keeps me wanting more and you are so talented. I love the way you brought the characters together and kept us waiting more. I will sit on the edge until the next episode 😘
268 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2025
Queen of the Pack!!

Tatiana Timmons keeps hitting it out of the park every time she releases, and this one was just outstanding.

Getting into each character is so exciting, but seeing how they interact and tie into each other is the chef's kiss.
Profile Image for Anastasia   Meadows .
3 reviews3 followers
October 25, 2025
Zoo over everything!!🧡🧡

It just keeps getting better. The stories, the character development, the world building. I laughed so much. Hands down one of my favorite series ever.
19 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2025
LOVE, LOVE

I stayed up until 3AM to finish this book. Tatiana Timmons does not disappoint. Can’t wait to see insight into the other new members.
Profile Image for Ieshia P..
Author 1 book1 follower
October 25, 2025
🔥🔥🔥

Don’t sleep on this book! Lakia was making me mad because she was so hung up over a dude he helped put her in the situation she was in.
Profile Image for WhatKiReading .
137 reviews
October 26, 2025
I enjoyed learning a little about Samoan culture.

Lakia & her mom are the worst. I wouldn’t be upset if I didn’t read about them anymore. I do like Monfua.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.