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Hood University : Covana Blues/Spring Semester
In the small college town of Covana, the town devours everyone without hesitation, trapping them in a sea of blues. There’s no safe haven for students or anyone around them. Spring Semester marks only the beginning, but the question who will endure life at the HBCU?
On the campus of Toussaint State University, the spring semester becomes the highlight for the new active dean, Cecily August. As she works to find ways to emphasize the school's mission, it becomes clear that the mission extends beyond just the institution itself, representing a personal goal for each student.
As you dive into the students of TSU, you learn that each of them is fighting bigger demons than passing a class. Take the journey and peel the layers to get to know who’s roaming the campus. With struggles over perfection, the dark side of Greek Life, personal trauma, broken relationships, newfound friendships, and pieces of a puzzle that everyone has in common. These students are raw, intelligent, sinister, lonely, broken, confused, and striving to excel in their own way while being Black.
Some call it Toussaint State University while others call it Hood university.
Welcome to the Spring Semester!
On the campus of Toussaint State University, the spring semester becomes the highlight for the new active dean, Cecily August. As she works to find ways to emphasize the school's mission, it becomes clear that the mission extends beyond just the institution itself, representing a personal goal for each student.
As you dive into the students of TSU, you learn that each of them is fighting bigger demons than passing a class. Take the journey and peel the layers to get to know who’s roaming the campus. With struggles over perfection, the dark side of Greek Life, personal trauma, broken relationships, newfound friendships, and pieces of a puzzle that everyone has in common. These students are raw, intelligent, sinister, lonely, broken, confused, and striving to excel in their own way while being Black.
Some call it Toussaint State University while others call it Hood university.
Welcome to the Spring Semester!
546 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2026
144 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 6, 2026
Emotional
Tati, This book was well worth the wait!!!!! It was excellent!!!!. You out did yourself!!!.
I cried, laughed, was angry, excited, scared, and went through every emotion I could think of while reading this book!!!!!
First, I want to say Dio and Mars. I love how they grew like the rest of the Zoo couples. I was glad they got the chance to experience the ups and downs of a relationship. At one point, I didn't think they would make it. I glad they made it. Mars got her OLS!!!!!!!!! It was worth waiting for it!!!!
I loved that the OG Zoo family was there to support Dio and Mars. The women were able to guide and show Mars what it was like being a Zoo Baby. Ilife wasn't easy, but they were able to evolve.
I can't wait for Chevy to get Mars' mother and Clark. They need to be handled!!!!!
The new characters are great.
Xavier and Pheobe, Harlem and Apple, Percy and Royce
I am glad Jesaiah got what he deserves. He thought he was in charge, but my boy Dio showed him!!!!
A lot goes on at college. Some people get out on top. While other lose themselves.
I can sit and write all day about this book!!! Just know that it deserves 20 stars!!!!!!!
I love that we are seeing the Zoo family and couples growing.
I recommend this book!!!!
Tati, This book was well worth the wait!!!!! It was excellent!!!!. You out did yourself!!!.
I cried, laughed, was angry, excited, scared, and went through every emotion I could think of while reading this book!!!!!
First, I want to say Dio and Mars. I love how they grew like the rest of the Zoo couples. I was glad they got the chance to experience the ups and downs of a relationship. At one point, I didn't think they would make it. I glad they made it. Mars got her OLS!!!!!!!!! It was worth waiting for it!!!!
I loved that the OG Zoo family was there to support Dio and Mars. The women were able to guide and show Mars what it was like being a Zoo Baby. Ilife wasn't easy, but they were able to evolve.
I can't wait for Chevy to get Mars' mother and Clark. They need to be handled!!!!!
The new characters are great.
Xavier and Pheobe, Harlem and Apple, Percy and Royce
I am glad Jesaiah got what he deserves. He thought he was in charge, but my boy Dio showed him!!!!
A lot goes on at college. Some people get out on top. While other lose themselves.
I can sit and write all day about this book!!! Just know that it deserves 20 stars!!!!!!!
I love that we are seeing the Zoo family and couples growing.
I recommend this book!!!!
April 6, 2026
Okay…I had a lot of feelings when starting this book. All the trigger warnings and topics that were going to be addressed on an HBCU campus.
I highly recommend reading ALL the ZooBoyz books starting with Prince of Park Cove for the best reading pleasure. But if you wanna read on the wildside this is a standalone.
The author really tapped in to any an all experiences students have on a college campus. As a D9 member initiated in college, some of the storylines stuck with me and some was a bit far fetched; but I got the point she was trying to make.
Dio & Samara will still be one of my fav Zoo couples, there’s nothing like young love and the drama that consumes you.
I cackled with the playlist having clips from Issa Rae’s Insecure.
Since this is an Urban Soap Opera, Urbico I think she calls it, I’ll wait for the next book!
Editing can be improved, at one point the entire font type/style changed.
I highly recommend reading ALL the ZooBoyz books starting with Prince of Park Cove for the best reading pleasure. But if you wanna read on the wildside this is a standalone.
The author really tapped in to any an all experiences students have on a college campus. As a D9 member initiated in college, some of the storylines stuck with me and some was a bit far fetched; but I got the point she was trying to make.
Dio & Samara will still be one of my fav Zoo couples, there’s nothing like young love and the drama that consumes you.
I cackled with the playlist having clips from Issa Rae’s Insecure.
Since this is an Urban Soap Opera, Urbico I think she calls it, I’ll wait for the next book!
Editing can be improved, at one point the entire font type/style changed.
April 5, 2026
Excellence
Hood University was such a deep read. It gave me major A Different World vibes but stayed grounded in real-world problems. There were a lot of moving parts and a cast of truly complex characters; early on, I actually had to keep referencing the author’s character posts on IG just to keep up! However, once the story hit its groove, I didn't even need them anymore.
Honestly, Author T.T. is a true creative. With every book, you can see her stretching her range and presenting topics that resonate deeply with her readers. It is excellence at its finest. Even though this story followed college students, it felt incredibly "grown." As a 42-year-old, I never felt like I was reading a juvenile novel—the themes were mature and heavy.
The Zoo still has me in a total chokehold, and Dio—the God—hands down represents strength, determination, and excellence. That’s my man, my man… yeah, I’m officially a cougar, lol! I also loved seeing Xavier envision a life for himself beyond the sports box the world often tries to confine Black men to. Watching the ladies find themselves and understand their worth was beautiful, and I’m so glad they got their HEA. Then there was Percy—his story was so touching I was ready to cry.
Good job on creating this masterpiece, Author T.T. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Hood University was such a deep read. It gave me major A Different World vibes but stayed grounded in real-world problems. There were a lot of moving parts and a cast of truly complex characters; early on, I actually had to keep referencing the author’s character posts on IG just to keep up! However, once the story hit its groove, I didn't even need them anymore.
Honestly, Author T.T. is a true creative. With every book, you can see her stretching her range and presenting topics that resonate deeply with her readers. It is excellence at its finest. Even though this story followed college students, it felt incredibly "grown." As a 42-year-old, I never felt like I was reading a juvenile novel—the themes were mature and heavy.
The Zoo still has me in a total chokehold, and Dio—the God—hands down represents strength, determination, and excellence. That’s my man, my man… yeah, I’m officially a cougar, lol! I also loved seeing Xavier envision a life for himself beyond the sports box the world often tries to confine Black men to. Watching the ladies find themselves and understand their worth was beautiful, and I’m so glad they got their HEA. Then there was Percy—his story was so touching I was ready to cry.
Good job on creating this masterpiece, Author T.T. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
April 13, 2026
I had to wait a day to make a review. This book is 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️stars across the board. I’d honestly recommend starting from the beginning. Just to get to this an understanding of who some of the past characters are.
Although she does give a brief description, of old characters. You still want to know why certain people feel a certain way towards them. Example Clark Mercier A LOT of ppl want him gone.
Samara and Dio- I’m so glad they came to the realization that they need each other.
Samara girl you scared me. You had me thinking you were about to go with ya Bio-mom. (Thank God for Chevy).
I LOVE Phoebe and Xavier. Both have been through some life changing events.
Jesaiah 😬 um you did a lot of people dirty.
Percy and Royce I really thought Percy found his person. Zeus and Sasha really helped him and it made my heart smile. Percy baby mama about to raise hell.
Apple got her second chance with Harlem. I wonder if she’s going to follow him or choose to stay.
Reagan sis idk what gotten into you and your relationship with Apple. But I can kinda piece together you wanted Jesaiah too. Although you did get him. You also got what came with him. FYKYK
Tatiana once again you did that as always. I love when the Zoo men and Zoo ladies make appearances in these books.
Although she does give a brief description, of old characters. You still want to know why certain people feel a certain way towards them. Example Clark Mercier A LOT of ppl want him gone.
Samara and Dio- I’m so glad they came to the realization that they need each other.
Samara girl you scared me. You had me thinking you were about to go with ya Bio-mom. (Thank God for Chevy).
I LOVE Phoebe and Xavier. Both have been through some life changing events.
Jesaiah 😬 um you did a lot of people dirty.
Percy and Royce I really thought Percy found his person. Zeus and Sasha really helped him and it made my heart smile. Percy baby mama about to raise hell.
Apple got her second chance with Harlem. I wonder if she’s going to follow him or choose to stay.
Reagan sis idk what gotten into you and your relationship with Apple. But I can kinda piece together you wanted Jesaiah too. Although you did get him. You also got what came with him. FYKYK
Tatiana once again you did that as always. I love when the Zoo men and Zoo ladies make appearances in these books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2026
After the last few books I read, I needed this BAD. And thankfully, this delivered. Going in, I adjusted my expectations because these are college students, and that made all the difference. The decisions felt age-appropriate, but what stood out to me was how self-aware a lot of these characters were. Nobody was just doing things to be doing them (and if they were, it made sense for where they were in life). The structure? Solid. Multiple storylines, but easy to follow. Each character had context, and I never felt lost trying to keep up. That alone deserves recognition because we’ve seen how bad that can go. Dio and Mars were easily my favorites. They had presence, personality, and actually felt like they belonged in the story instead of just taking up space. Now Samara’s mom… yeah, she’s weird as hell and I’m still side-eyeing her, but I’m assuming that’s intentional and tied to something deeper. Also, I clocked the extra characters that didn’t get much shine. It’s very clear this is part of a bigger universe, so I see what the author is setting up. Overall, this was a really good read and exactly what I needed to get out of my slump. No chaos, no confusion, just a well paced story with real character development and connection.
April 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this book definitely a 5 star read for me! I missed Dio so much, so getting to read about him again made me genuinely happy. I’m so proud of the man he’s becoming. After everything he’s been through, seeing his growth and how he’s stepping into himself as a Black man striving for excellence… I love that for him.
Now Jessiah? I could NOT stand him 😭 he was low down, dirty, and just straight up weird. The jealousy was too much.
Xavier and Phobe though? They ended up being so cute together I’m really happy for them. That was a highlight for me.
Overall, I NEED more. It feels like there’s still so much left unsaid, and I’m ready for whatever comes next. I also loved the HBCU atmosphere seeing a story centered around African American students made it even more relatable and enjoyable for me.
Tatiana did her thing with this one. I’m ready for the next book ASAP!
I really enjoyed this book definitely a 5 star read for me! I missed Dio so much, so getting to read about him again made me genuinely happy. I’m so proud of the man he’s becoming. After everything he’s been through, seeing his growth and how he’s stepping into himself as a Black man striving for excellence… I love that for him.
Now Jessiah? I could NOT stand him 😭 he was low down, dirty, and just straight up weird. The jealousy was too much.
Xavier and Phobe though? They ended up being so cute together I’m really happy for them. That was a highlight for me.
Overall, I NEED more. It feels like there’s still so much left unsaid, and I’m ready for whatever comes next. I also loved the HBCU atmosphere seeing a story centered around African American students made it even more relatable and enjoyable for me.
Tatiana did her thing with this one. I’m ready for the next book ASAP!
April 5, 2026
As always Tati doesn't disappoint. TSU represents Black Excellence. This one touched on several sensitive topics and highlighted many real life situations WE face. I appreciate her for incorporating it into her writing. Hopefully, this helps to encourage us to keep these conversations flowing. Moving in shame, embarrassment and other emotions, hinders us from greatness as well as healing. This was a very realistic depiction of everyday like for young adults on college campus. Reading along felt like I knew each character. As the story progressed, history allowed me to enter understand the root of the current situation. My Social Work brain really enjoyed this. Needless to say, Covana was filled with drama the entire spring semester!! However, summer break is here and Lexington Heights will not disappoint. Next up, we meet The Morwoods.
Clark still ain't sh*t!!!
Clark still ain't sh*t!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2026
Impeccable
I don’t usually like reading young adult stories but this one hit. It was tumultuous, emotional, funny and just plain entertainment. So much so, I read it from start to finish with no breaks.
I love the Zoo and it was beautiful to see Mars and Dio make it through the storm. Same for Streets and Phoebe (though I’m not sure how she got OLS before Mars). I’m still however wanting a HEA for priest it’s kind like he was given his story and then it was reneged, then a small blossoming and now a tidbit. Or maybe I just need more Zoo and we done ran out of people. I’ll even take a story on Mison! Or bring Percy into the fold; he got Zoo characteristics 😉.
I’ll still be checking for the next reads all the same!
I don’t usually like reading young adult stories but this one hit. It was tumultuous, emotional, funny and just plain entertainment. So much so, I read it from start to finish with no breaks.
I love the Zoo and it was beautiful to see Mars and Dio make it through the storm. Same for Streets and Phoebe (though I’m not sure how she got OLS before Mars). I’m still however wanting a HEA for priest it’s kind like he was given his story and then it was reneged, then a small blossoming and now a tidbit. Or maybe I just need more Zoo and we done ran out of people. I’ll even take a story on Mison! Or bring Percy into the fold; he got Zoo characteristics 😉.
I’ll still be checking for the next reads all the same!
April 9, 2026
Great Read!
Being a graduate of an HBCU, I loved how Tatiana touched on how HBCUs love and accept us, not just tolerate us. I'll be so glad when Chevy and the Zoo get his crooked tail grandaddy and Mars the Star's mammy and the cult leader. Samara kinda got on my nerves in this book. After you knew what was going on AND Apple told you to allow him to complete the pledging in take process, you still were acting childish. Either I missed it or Samara didn't tell Chevy and Z about her mammy and the cult leader. When it comes out, I'm sure it's going to be some smoke in the city.
I loved the supporting characters especially Percy. I hope he gets a do over with pledging!!
Being a graduate of an HBCU, I loved how Tatiana touched on how HBCUs love and accept us, not just tolerate us. I'll be so glad when Chevy and the Zoo get his crooked tail grandaddy and Mars the Star's mammy and the cult leader. Samara kinda got on my nerves in this book. After you knew what was going on AND Apple told you to allow him to complete the pledging in take process, you still were acting childish. Either I missed it or Samara didn't tell Chevy and Z about her mammy and the cult leader. When it comes out, I'm sure it's going to be some smoke in the city.
I loved the supporting characters especially Percy. I hope he gets a do over with pledging!!
April 6, 2026
NEVER DISAPPOINT
Whew!! Tatiana Timmons you have done it again honey I couldn’t put it down…. It gave us growth, new found respect, real life problems and grown man Dio. It made me love the zoo even more the person I had the most respect for will be Percy because even with the odds stacked against him he is the definition of a father and my any means necessary and I loved Zeus and his wife for helping him even when we think we have Dio figured out he show us why he’s the prince of the zoo….
Whew!! Tatiana Timmons you have done it again honey I couldn’t put it down…. It gave us growth, new found respect, real life problems and grown man Dio. It made me love the zoo even more the person I had the most respect for will be Percy because even with the odds stacked against him he is the definition of a father and my any means necessary and I loved Zeus and his wife for helping him even when we think we have Dio figured out he show us why he’s the prince of the zoo….
April 8, 2026
Amazing!!
And she does it again!! Such a great read!
I love how Tati poured into these new and old characters! I was anxious to how Dio and Mars would navigate this new journey, but it was everything and more. This a story that beautifully illustrated the HBCU experience and highlighted true elements of discovering what Black Excellence is as a young adult!
Tati took us through a world of emotions; I laughed, I cried and I ultimately loved experiencing the students of TSU!
So excited to see what else Tati has in store for future characters!💙💙
And she does it again!! Such a great read!
I love how Tati poured into these new and old characters! I was anxious to how Dio and Mars would navigate this new journey, but it was everything and more. This a story that beautifully illustrated the HBCU experience and highlighted true elements of discovering what Black Excellence is as a young adult!
Tati took us through a world of emotions; I laughed, I cried and I ultimately loved experiencing the students of TSU!
So excited to see what else Tati has in store for future characters!💙💙
April 12, 2026
This book was really a whole damn movie in my head 😩🔥 from start to finish it had me on a straight emotional rollercoaster. The good, the bad, and the ugly was all up in this story and baby Tatiana did NOT come to play! The character development, the drama, the love, the pain, the growth… everything was hitting. I was locked in bad! One thing about this book, it’s gone make you feel something. I loved loved loved it and honestly it deserves 10 fucken stars from me because whew 😮💨⭐️ definitely a read that kept me invested the whole way through.
April 14, 2026
Another Rollercoaster
Tatiana doesn’t disappoint ever. It took me a lil longer to start this one because I didn’t want to experience the break up of Dio and Mars. Once I started I couldn’t stop. I woke up with this book on my mind and eager for the next chapter. There was a lot of ups and downs in this installment but I truly enjoyed the ride. I am a lil funny about the authors I indulge in but I believe Tatiana is one of the few authors that gives you 5+ POVs and seamlessly ties in drama, comedy and romance.
Tatiana doesn’t disappoint ever. It took me a lil longer to start this one because I didn’t want to experience the break up of Dio and Mars. Once I started I couldn’t stop. I woke up with this book on my mind and eager for the next chapter. There was a lot of ups and downs in this installment but I truly enjoyed the ride. I am a lil funny about the authors I indulge in but I believe Tatiana is one of the few authors that gives you 5+ POVs and seamlessly ties in drama, comedy and romance.
April 7, 2026
Real Growth
This book made you like characters you initially didn't like. It tackled real events that our youths are dealing with in an appropriate manner. It's a story of determination, finding and loving your true self, and finding support from unexpected people. Also, how people in your circle can be the ones holding you back. Tatiana's pen game is tight. Zoo over everything. 🧡💙
This book made you like characters you initially didn't like. It tackled real events that our youths are dealing with in an appropriate manner. It's a story of determination, finding and loving your true self, and finding support from unexpected people. Also, how people in your circle can be the ones holding you back. Tatiana's pen game is tight. Zoo over everything. 🧡💙
April 14, 2026
hurry and head to enrollment/admissions asap
If this how we started off the first semester I hate to see what’s bout to happen this summer ! But I need to hit the bookstore on campus and get me some gear before I head out. I was too busy during the semester running from one end of campus to the other trying to be in the thick of it all! Tatiana you never miss keep doing your big one and inviting us into your world !
If this how we started off the first semester I hate to see what’s bout to happen this summer ! But I need to hit the bookstore on campus and get me some gear before I head out. I was too busy during the semester running from one end of campus to the other trying to be in the thick of it all! Tatiana you never miss keep doing your big one and inviting us into your world !
April 30, 2026
5 ⭐️
I’ve loved my sweet little baby Dio since he entered the scene but this book omg I just love him even more. He’s like the little brother I never had. I just wanna hug him. The growth in all the characters in this book was so good. I loved every moment of each of their stories. The college life, the family bonds, the heart aches and trauma to the sex scenes and OLS it was all so well written. Very good book.
I’ve loved my sweet little baby Dio since he entered the scene but this book omg I just love him even more. He’s like the little brother I never had. I just wanna hug him. The growth in all the characters in this book was so good. I loved every moment of each of their stories. The college life, the family bonds, the heart aches and trauma to the sex scenes and OLS it was all so well written. Very good book.
April 4, 2026
what a rollercoaster….that I was not ready to leave
Tati does it yet again!!! I mean each book just gets better and better. It was definitely a lot going on in this book but one thing about Tati is that she is definitely going to bring it back around and make everything make sense and leave you wanting more!! I loved every bit! Cuz we only f*** with the ZOO!!! 🧡🧡
Tati does it yet again!!! I mean each book just gets better and better. It was definitely a lot going on in this book but one thing about Tati is that she is definitely going to bring it back around and make everything make sense and leave you wanting more!! I loved every bit! Cuz we only f*** with the ZOO!!! 🧡🧡
April 9, 2026
my favesssss
I know she says you can read this as a stand-alone but dammit we are INVESTED in the zoo boys at this point. It’ll be sooo worth it for y’all to go back. Honestly I wanted more for Mars this book, but I respect how it ended. As an hbcu grad, I just want to say thank you. For bringing us here.
I know she says you can read this as a stand-alone but dammit we are INVESTED in the zoo boys at this point. It’ll be sooo worth it for y’all to go back. Honestly I wanted more for Mars this book, but I respect how it ended. As an hbcu grad, I just want to say thank you. For bringing us here.
April 13, 2026
Had to come back & leave a written review !
Who you know can master writing a book with multiple POVs, short chapters, heart clenching drama, bumping & grinding & controversial topics within the black community??? Tati Timmons is one of one! She can write a 800 page book & you’ll read it so fast it’ll feel like 300 pages. This book, along with the others before this one, kept me hooked from the first page. I laughed , I cried, I related to these characters in a personal way. Tati also knows that her fans are literally addicted to Chevy so for me it feels nostalgic to witness scenes with Samara & her parents. Soo many things to unpack from this book. I can’t wait for the next edition. I’m obsessed with the orange & blue
Who you know can master writing a book with multiple POVs, short chapters, heart clenching drama, bumping & grinding & controversial topics within the black community??? Tati Timmons is one of one! She can write a 800 page book & you’ll read it so fast it’ll feel like 300 pages. This book, along with the others before this one, kept me hooked from the first page. I laughed , I cried, I related to these characters in a personal way. Tati also knows that her fans are literally addicted to Chevy so for me it feels nostalgic to witness scenes with Samara & her parents. Soo many things to unpack from this book. I can’t wait for the next edition. I’m obsessed with the orange & blue
April 8, 2026
ooooooofffffffffff
Tatiana! Oooff Gurrrllll you done did it again!!! I’ve read every single one of your books and this one took me through a ride! Keep working that magic with the pen or keys! Can’t wait too read Whatever is next!
Tatiana! Oooff Gurrrllll you done did it again!!! I’ve read every single one of your books and this one took me through a ride! Keep working that magic with the pen or keys! Can’t wait too read Whatever is next!
April 10, 2026
UGH 😩
That is all I can say. Lord I love it here and never want to leave. Read this book in 2 days. Got mad when people wanted to call me or talk to me. Like please I’m at home with the Zoo and their friends. Tati girl you know what you doing and do it amazingly well.
That is all I can say. Lord I love it here and never want to leave. Read this book in 2 days. Got mad when people wanted to call me or talk to me. Like please I’m at home with the Zoo and their friends. Tati girl you know what you doing and do it amazingly well.
April 5, 2026
She just doesn’t miss!
April 8, 2026
GAAAAAAAANG!
This book was exactly what I needed! I felt every emotion! I laughed out loud and cried hard! This might be my favorite
This book was exactly what I needed! I felt every emotion! I laughed out loud and cried hard! This might be my favorite
April 9, 2026
phenomenal
Tatiana never misses this book was so good and so realistic. I love how the book played out I was stressed for must of it (in a good way) but for sure a must read
Tatiana never misses this book was so good and so realistic. I love how the book played out I was stressed for must of it (in a good way) but for sure a must read
April 11, 2026
Baby this book took me down through there. It definitely hit on everything college related. All the good and the bad. Im so glad everybody made it through everything the had going on. And big brother thick neck got exactly what he deserved. Cant wait for the next one.
April 11, 2026
Always a good read
This book was a lot to take in. Emotional, funny, and some of the characters were making me mad but I really enjoyed it. Was not disappointed!
This book was a lot to take in. Emotional, funny, and some of the characters were making me mad but I really enjoyed it. Was not disappointed!
April 18, 2026
4.5 stars. Dio can never ever do any wrong in my opinion.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews