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Stray

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a stray person or thing, especially a domestic animal. not in the right place; separated from the group or target.

His mother didn’t want him, so much so that she named him “Him” and dropped him off on his father’s doorstep. Because his father had an affair and cheated on his wife, he wanted nothing to do with the outside son that affair created. Derrick gave Him to his grandparents to raise, and they did until he was sixteen. At that point, he was forced to live with his father, stepmother, and three brothers—one of which made sure he knew he was a stray.

Cordova met Him while being tortured by her cousins at the age of fifteen. He’d gained a reputation in his father’s organization and the streets, earning the nickname Draco. He learned to be loyal, to provide, and protect—to give the things he wished he’d received—and he gave those things to Cordova.

From the first day they met, Draco made it clear he belonged to Cordova and that she belonged to him. Thirteen years later, they finally have the chance to be in a romantic relationship. Her cousins are unyielding when it comes to getting what they want from her, forcing Draco to prove who he is and why he’s Him. Will their street war end the romantic bond between Him and Cordova as soon as it starts, or will they prove all is truly fair in love and war?

139 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2026

312 people are currently reading
104 people want to read

About the author

B. Love

261 books1,426 followers
Voted AAMBC's 2018 Romance author of the year, Master storyteller B. Love is the unparalleled self-love teacher. As the powerhouse for modern-day womanhood, she pens contagious content that encourages readers to internalize admiration and intimacy. She allows her most powerful vessel to guide her stories, wholly.
Since age 12, Love has been spreading self-awareness, care, and appreciation. For over six years, Love has authored over 40 publications centered around heart-piercing, reverence-worthy romance. Her novels not only entertain but challenge the audience to explore love. With a keen eye for passion, desire and dynamism she includes heuristic methods in her beautifully curated accounts of life.
B. Love’s entire persona is spearheaded by her incredible infatuation with the power of love. Contained within each novel, is an edification created for the glorification of self. Her pen bleeds for the souls who need just an inkling of empowerment. Each story is written with the intent to enlighten, engross and enkindle the passion in whoever picks up her book.

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5 stars
495 (62%)
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195 (24%)
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88 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Thea Marquetta.
217 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2026
He was definitely Him and Cordova was a great compliment to him. I enjoyed this book. I just wish there was more "story" if that makes sense. Like I'd have preferred to read about the proposal and wedding than just the 5 years after the fact. and the last name things with the kids through me off a little but all in all it was a cute quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for perfectlyamberb.
630 reviews28 followers
January 13, 2026
Sweet!

The bond between Him and Cordova was so sweet! I loved the little phrase they would say to each other instead of just saying I love you"—so cute. The bond they developed as kids and kept into their adulthood was a great foundation for love. Him definitely stood ten toes down about her, and I loved it. There's just something about a man that's willing to tear the city up about you.
Profile Image for Sharika Sellman.
95 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2026
It’s just something about that guy that protects the girl from any and everyone that tries her !!! Him was just that HIM !!! That ninja because from the moment he saw Dova he knew instantly that we’re gonna be stuck together !

The fact that his mommy named him “HIM” and left him on his daddy and wife step straight out the womb is crazyyyyy …

This book shows you that just because you and someone shares the same bloodline don’t mean shit ! It doesn’t mean that they have the right to treat you like nothing !

I love that they held each other down all those years without crossing the line and actually got their happy ending !

30 years for his dad and big bro to get their shit together is crazy !!
Profile Image for Mayas.
2,437 reviews49 followers
January 8, 2026
Him is definitely HIM

Him was drawn to Cordova from the very beginning. Claimed her in his mind at 16 and built a friendship like no other. He was her protector and she was his peace. Their bond over being outsiders in their own families is what got at my heart strings.

Then the fun stuff happened and bonds were broken and alliances were formed. There was no way out when the pit bull was released. They didn't call him Draco in the streets for nothing. Mess with Cordova and you lose your breath. That simple.
Profile Image for Monique.
457 reviews22 followers
January 2, 2026
This was a really quick read. Your standard friends to lovers when they’re pretty much already in a relationship without the title lol. Him was, well him lol. He didn’t play with protecting Cordova. Even though this was a quick paced story, we still got to see estranged family dynamics from both Cordova & Him’s family. Plus a nice sprinkle of action and drama but not within the couple.
Profile Image for Tiamoya Jolly.
50 reviews
January 10, 2026
Quick read but very enjoyable. Him! Stray!very good. Enjoyed this book which seems to be the first installment of a collaborative series of themed standalones called Breeds.
Profile Image for LaKeisha W..
187 reviews5 followers
January 6, 2026
I liked it, but didn’t love it. interesting emotional backstory, but the execution felt rushed. The connection between all of the characters, especially Him and Cordova had potential, yet key moments needed more development to fully land. I wanted more, smoother pacing, and stronger buildup to make the romance and conflict feel earned. Some of the transitions were a bit off.
Profile Image for Readwithchan_.
Author 4 books44 followers
January 18, 2026
B Love Stray is a powerful, emotionally charged story that captures the beauty and messiness of love, healing, and self-discovery. From the very beginning, the author draws you into a world that feels raw and real, making it impossible not to become invested in the characters and their journeys. The storytelling is smooth and intentional, allowing the emotions to unfold naturally without feeling rushed or forced.

What stood out most to me was how deeply layered the characters are. Their flaws, fears, and desires are written in a way that feels authentic, making their growth incredibly satisfying to witness. The love story isn’t perfect and that’s what makes it so compelling. It explores trust, vulnerability, and what it truly means to open your heart after life has tried to harden it.

The emotional moments hit hard, the romantic scenes are tender and meaningful, and the overall message of healing and choosing love is beautifully woven throughout the story. By the end, I felt connected, fulfilled, and honestly wishing there was more to read. B Love Stray is more than just a romance it’s a reminder that love can find you even when you feel lost.

Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys romance with depth, emotion, and heart. 💫
Profile Image for Gwendolyn.
228 reviews3 followers
January 5, 2026
♥️♥️♥️ This was a heat filled w/love "Friends To Lovers" read. Admired the friendship "Cordova" and "Him" developed over the years as a result of her bully cousins (male & female), who made her life a living hell. Both Cordova and Him (Draco) came from rocky and loveless backgrounds, and their friendship blossomed after Cordova rescued her from her cousins fighting, chasing, & taunting her one afternoon. She had the meanest and evilest cousins!
He stood 10 toes down for Cordova and became her life-long protector and strengthened the deep love they shared for each other.

Yes, his name was actually Him, and you'll have to read the story to get the background for his name and the hate that brewed between he and his dad & one of his brothers.

Loved that he and his father and oldest brother were able to work on and out a father/son and brother/brother authentic family bond.

In the end, love and family won out for "Him" and Cordova.
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Profile Image for Miss Read A lot .
730 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2026
I don’t enjoy friends-to-lovers stories where the characters beat around the bush while doing full-on relationship things. These two are clearly in a relationship but refuse to acknowledge it. They spend all their time together, she kissed him, she calls him first for everything, fantasizes about him, yet is still trying to date someone else, then calls to tell him. They never grew out of being teenagers.

They even have a whole relationship mantra they repeat to each other regularly, which makes the denial even more ridiculous. You don’t exchange “forever and always” affirmations and then pretend you’re just friends. Pick a lane.

The dragging and refusal to let the relationship evolve killed my interest.

Also, the author’s notes at the beginning trend needs to stop. It won’t stop readers from speaking their minds. What one person dislikes, another may enjoy. Reviews are subjective, and readers should be allowed to express that freely without being lectured beforehand.
476 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2026
Stray (BLP Breeds Book 1)

“Who do you love?” I asked, making her giggle. “You.” “And who loves you?” “You.” “That heart my heart?” “Forever and always.” “I love you, boo.” “Mm…” Cordova tossed her arm around my neck, and as our heartbeats synced, she confessed, “I love you, pooh.”

Ms. B. Love, the Prolific Pen Pusher", you always have me smiling whenever I read your books. The characters are always amazing and so down to earth. Their flaws make them beautifully human, and I love that for me as an avid reader.

Him and Cordova are most definitely couple goals! They genuinely love, respect, and care for each other. They constantly check to see if each other is Good. This is a great start to the new year and series. Can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Phaze.
276 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2026
Him and Cordova

Cordova is raised by her auntvand uncle after losing her parents. Three of the four of theur kids, her cousins don't like her and mistrests her every chance they get.

Him is the product of an affair and after his mom leaves him with his dad, he is raised by his paternal grand parents. His dads wife doesn't like him, so es never really creates a relationship with his dad.

He resuced Cordova when her cousins are bothering her. He was joined to her hips from this day forward.

They both see each other as more thsn a friend, but afraid to ruin their friendship. They discusd it decides on theor next steps together.

However, her cousins still have grown up and now decisions have to be made.
Profile Image for Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin .
1,670 reviews10 followers
January 24, 2026
Him

Nobody wanted Him. His mama left after not giving him a proper name, and his Dad's wife couldn't accept him. His grandparents gave him all the love and lessons he needed until the left him too act 16. That's when he officially became The Stray, the spare no one wanted - until Cordova. She fell into his life and made it easy for him to love again. These two were inseparable and did life together as friends for so long that being lovers was the easiest solution. Derrick and Clover coming to their senses was a better late than never situation. Cordova's family...I don't even understand how they came out the way they did when it was evident their mom was an amazing person. Let's see if I can read all the breeds...Happy Reading Y'all!💋
946 reviews5 followers
January 25, 2026
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

I loved everything about this story had me in my feelings beautiful romantic adventurous on edge love story one of my favorite couple and love story😍😍🥹😭🫶🏽🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾the way he stood ten toes down for her him was definitely book Bae 🤤💞💕her family was a mess treated her like crab every since they were young kids her cousins made it well known she didn't belong their living in their mom house her aunt wow that's true facts how your own people can treat and betrayal you but him and his family were there for her dova 💞💕❣️I love how their relationship started from friendship to lovers soul mate 💕❤️💯I love how they had their saying who do you love? You ....awww💞I didn't want it end!!!! B love did her thing!!! Love her books are the best!!!!
Profile Image for NubianJoí .
2,142 reviews10 followers
January 10, 2026
Endless Love

Foremost, why does Draco’s name & his occupation sound familiar. …(hmmm, I have to query my journals for potential recurring character references.🧐💭⁉️). Meanwhile, “Stray (BLP Breed - Standalone Series) - Book 1 of 4 wasn’t the book/storyline I expected. However, “Stray” was urban poetry in motion. … “My Endless Love 💕🥰” (all versions) 🎶: …the good, bad, unfathomable, survival of the fittest, against all odd, loyal to the soil a ride & die couple. Like hood homies, Dova & Draco are ole faithfuls comparable to our fur babies, PB&Js and or classic R&B ….they’re always there, hit the spot & they just get better with time‼️
Profile Image for Ladii Zig.
1,193 reviews24 followers
January 5, 2026
Loved it

Yasssssssssss HIM was that NINJA. Because the character visual gave me LIFEEEEEEEEEE. I loved how he protected Dova since the beginning without even knowing her first. I also love how Dova knew how and what to do to get HIM to be calm in every situation. All of Dova cousins make me sick and I was really shocked with Lily actions but Dova did right by staying her distance. I was saddened by HIM upbringing but I was also happy the him, Derrick and Clover were able to make amends. Great read
2,080 reviews14 followers
January 12, 2026
Pretty good read!

Short friends to lovers story that was pretty good. Him and Cordova met as kids and had pretty similar backgrounds. Him was abandoned by his mother and raised by his paternal grandparents, whereas Cordova was raised by her aunt and uncle. They both didn’t have the best relationship with their relatives, therefore solidifying their friendship. Friendship turned into true love and they both got their happily ever afters. Now my question, what would posses a mom to name her son Him? He needed to grow up without her. SMH!🤦🏾‍♀️
Profile Image for Sherri  Jones.
81 reviews
January 20, 2026
B..you came through. That is often true that family is not always family. As Him said...you have to make a decision of what you will or will not accept. Let me be honest....I needed/ more wanted Cordova to put hands on Lily & Megan😂😂🤪🤪. They all knew what was happening. The love and relationship Cordova had for her aunt was beautiful. However, enough is enough. Him's father owning his actions were better late than never. Everyone handles situations differently. I loved the way Him and the family handled business. Loved it✨️✨️💕💕♥️
717 reviews
January 21, 2026
Vickie J

I !I've all of your books and this one was so good, you can pick your nose you can pick your friends but you can't pick your family. Him didn't play about Dova and would take you out about her too.... her cousins were trash and I thought that Lily had her back but I was wrong about that and Clover was a butt head calling him a stray but who saved his life .... Him. Cam and Brandon got what they deserved and Him told Lily.... you better stay in The ATL or you going to get got like your brothers 😂😂🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️
178 reviews
January 3, 2026
Excellent read!!

Once again B Love has given us the perfect friends to lovers story. Him was thee man the ultimate protector! He did not play about Cordova. I am glad he was the loyal friend she needed even when she didn’t have family. I am glad Him had Cordova to let him know he is capable of the family he didn’t have when he was younger!! All and all they were each others safe space that bloomed!! Five stars Ms. Love🥰
1,081 reviews8 followers
January 3, 2026
Stray

This was a good start to this new series. I loved the bond between Cordova and Him. They both gave each other belonging when their families treated them badly. I was happy that Him and his father and brother were able to make amends and sad that it couldn’t happen for Cordova but you can’t make people love you and treat you right no matter how much you do the same in return and I was happy that Cordova finally accepted that.
Profile Image for Denise Newman.
250 reviews
January 5, 2026
Book One!!! Wow!!

If book one of the BLP Breeds Series is a preview of how the rest of the series is going to be. I can’t wait for the books to be released.

Him and Cordova’s love story was very well written, they came into each other’s lives just when they needed each other and the rest was history. This friends to lovers romance does not disappoint.

So add book one to your TBR and get ready to fall in love!!
48 reviews
January 7, 2026
So So Good

I love how the story mimicked the attributes of specific breeds of dogs. It was such an amazing story with so many twists and turns leaving you wanting more. I love how the main characters started off together as friends with Him always protecting her blossoming into a beautiful relationship. Although her family sucked to the bitter end, I loved how his turned around. I will be reading more of your work. Thank you for sharing your gift of writing.
1,213 reviews10 followers
January 9, 2026
Loved It

I loved this story! Him and Dova were meant to be together. Both of their families were jacked up, especially Him.

In the end, though, Him family recognized their shortcomings, while the Dova family couldn't handle the blessing she received, especially her male cousins, which led to their demise. However, her female cousins were just as bad. There only was a reprieve that Him didn't deal with women in a tortuous manner!
I hope to see more of Him and Dova!
Profile Image for Dai Burton.
319 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2026
Did anybody else tear up towards the end or just us with daddy issue’s?? Nevermind, don’t answer that lol. B. really embodied the concept of loyalty in this book. There was one part i was just like ok i get it but you went too far lol. I loved both characters and im glad it didn’t take her too long into the book to realize her family wasn’t ish. I enjoyed this read, im looking forward to checking out the others.
1,214 reviews4 followers
January 13, 2026
Absolutely Amazing Read

Him and Cordova were destined to be frm the first time they laid eyes on one another. He became her protector the day he met her and nobody could change it. Cordova's cousins were cruel. Draco didn't care. He would have laid down his life to protect her. He didn't allow any harm to come her way. They basically had the same childhood. Their friendship became a long lasting love. Awesome read!
Profile Image for Kiara.
16 reviews
January 16, 2026
This is such a cute read. I loved Him aka Draco’s protectiveness over Cordova in this story. He was really there for her and their childhood was very similar. I’m not gone lie I would have liked to see Cordova beat Lily & Megan up but that’s beside the point. Him stood on business about Cordova and I just love that they both got their happy ending with each other to lean on and correct the mistakes of the past.
Profile Image for Taija Thompson.
405 reviews
January 17, 2026
Boy y’all got some names on y’all *Webbie voice*

Chile, them families were terrible! Boffum! i love how Him and Cordova met with Him protecting her! That never ended, only got more intense. I also can’t believe she thought that man didn’t want her! Cuz bihhh what!?!? Glad she came to her senses, well…he made her come to her senses. Cuz date who!?!?
Him’s family finally got their act together so they could be included in the HEA!
1,028 reviews5 followers
January 23, 2026
Stray No More

"Stray" was a short and sweet little story about best friends who loved each other because they had no one else. Spitefully named "Him" by his mother, he was dumped on his father's doorstep, who in turn, dumped Him on his parent's. At age sixteen, he met Cordova, who lived with her aunt after loosing her mom and dad. Her aunt truly loved her but her cousins hated her. The bond shared by Him and Cordova could not be broken.
6 reviews
January 4, 2026
teenage love

For me this book just gives teenage best friend love. I prefer more straightforward type of man instead of a “beat around the bush” type. I wouldn’t have thought these were two grown adult scared to say how they feel after all those years. Not a bad book but nothing I recommend or read again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews

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