Connecticut Kings Series by Love Belvin, Christina C. Jones

Can you tell the difference between a distraction and a blessing? It should be simple, but sometimes what we think is a distraction can actually be a turning of the tide required to bring life full circle, to a place of blessing. Meet Trent Bailey, who is fighting for the right to continue his stellar professional football career after enduring striking legal woes in the recent past... moreCan you tell the difference between a distraction and a blessing? It should be simple, but sometimes what we think is a distraction can actually be a turning of the tide required to bring life full circle, to a place of blessing. Meet Trent Bailey, who is fighting for the right to continue his stellar professional football career after enduring striking legal woes in the recent past. Trent cannot and will not blow his second chance for anyone; after all, this is the blessing he’s been praying for. After receiving confirmation that staying focused is all he needs, it’s what he aims to do. No distractions. That’s until he bumps into two unexpected overnight guests. Jade Matthews is doing everything she can for herself and her young son, Kyree. After journeying through her own bumps in the road, she’s finally getting it together. She’s doing what she has to do to make sure her family of two stays afloat. Life’s setbacks won’t stop Jade from providing for her little one, even though she fumbles each pass thrown at her. What starts out as a temporary favor turns into rapid passion. There’s one agenda here, but getting to the same meeting point has never been more difficult. Fighting their way through trust and self-esteem issues, the two must meet in the right zone; the red zone, where you may think you’re safe, but life has a way of intercepting blessings and…turning the tide. less

After losing an improbable opportunity at the Super Bowl, Trent Bailey still has something to prove. He’s come out, not only as America’s favorite redemption story, but also a married man; a marriage not yet known to the public. He’s trusting more, finding his home more comfortable and befitting a Connecticut King. Jade’s a new woman now. Her insecurities are under control at Trent’s side... moreAfter losing an improbable opportunity at the Super Bowl, Trent Bailey still has something to prove. He’s come out, not only as America’s favorite redemption story, but also a married man; a marriage not yet known to the public. He’s trusting more, finding his home more comfortable and befitting a Connecticut King. Jade’s a new woman now. Her insecurities are under control at Trent’s side. No more violent fits around Trent’s female admirers, she’s understanding the fanfare attached to her husband’s returning celebrity. She’s found her place in the big world, and is content figuring out the rest. The Baileys survived the red zone, that place where failure is unlikely, but still possible. But with old cast members resurfacing, can their secure love prove successful in this new position on the field? “We’re in the end zone, and I’m dragging everything I got to score.” ~TB Let’s see if after the review, the ruling on the field still stands. less

The league didn’t believe in me. I was the last pick of the first round.The Kings didn’t believe in me. They low-balled my contract and mandated therapy to begin immediately.My coach didn’t believe in me. But I get it; she’s a female.The General don’t halfway believe. He keeps threatening violence if I blow this opportunity.This chick I bagged at the first team event… Well, let’s say she’s listening.I’m a black, educated, and self-made man... moreThe league didn’t believe in me. I was the last pick of the first round.The Kings didn’t believe in me. They low-balled my contract and mandated therapy to begin immediately.My coach didn’t believe in me. But I get it; she’s a female.The General don’t halfway believe. He keeps threatening violence if I blow this opportunity.This chick I bagged at the first team event… Well, let’s say she’s listening.I’m a black, educated, and self-made man. I have no kids, and was rich and established before draft night. The odds are stacked against me, but I’ll show them all. They’ll understand my name before it’s all said and done.I was born a king, and now I am a King.Note: Love's Ineligible Receiver is book 5 of the Connecticut Kings series and is a completed installment. less

It was twenty-two years ago when Launz and Nye met at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Trenton, New Jersey. Both students, Launz played college football and gigged as a guitarist on the side while Nye was promoted from kitchen cleaner to a waitress. All due to Nye’s clever prowess, it took no time at all for a passionate affair to ignite. Then, as quickly as it all began, it all ended when Nye up and disappeared... moreIt was twenty-two years ago when Launz and Nye met at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Trenton, New Jersey. Both students, Launz played college football and gigged as a guitarist on the side while Nye was promoted from kitchen cleaner to a waitress. All due to Nye’s clever prowess, it took no time at all for a passionate affair to ignite. Then, as quickly as it all began, it all ended when Nye up and disappeared.Launz went on to become an accomplished football coach in both Division I college programs as well as the League. He’d just landed the coveted role as the head coach for the Connecticut Kings when Nye breezed back into his world. The position has come with great challenges, thanks to Launz’s predecessors. He must rebuild a team separated by scandal and betrayal.Nye has been gone, fighting demons in secret. Though she’s done well for herself as an attorney, her absence has been the most painful period of the life she’s had to endure—that or trying to explain to Launz the hell she’s been through. ~“Launz, I was hoping we could talk.”His head rolled over and the words of his expression could kill. Launz snorted, “Apparently we’ve had something to talk about for over twenty years, but now—today—is the day you’re hoping to?” His eyes went lazy, which was dangerously deceptive for me. He scoffed, shook his head softly, then stepped off. Launz left.~Twenty-two years is a long time. Or is it?Publisher’s Note: Love's Encroachment is book 7 of the Connecticut Kings series and is a completed installment. This book contains violence, angst, profanity, and sexually explicit content. If either of these elements is not what you prefer between the pages of a novel, this is not the venture for you. less

Pedestals are lonely places. Teagan Tolliver is learning the hard way that for every new trophy, every tournament win, comes more scrutiny, more pressure - far beyond what she can do on a court. As an elite, Black female athlete in a sport dominated by people she has little in common with beyond a match, she’s got the eyes of the world on her - for better or worse. Ambrose McNeil is familiar with the concept as well... morePedestals are lonely places. Teagan Tolliver is learning the hard way that for every new trophy, every tournament win, comes more scrutiny, more pressure - far beyond what she can do on a court. As an elite, Black female athlete in a sport dominated by people she has little in common with beyond a match, she’s got the eyes of the world on her - for better or worse. Ambrose McNeil is familiar with the concept as well. Coming out of BSU, he was a star cornerback, fulfilling a long term dream - and challenge - of having his name on the Connecticut Kings roster. Living the dream. Until what could’ve been a career-ending injury leaves him on the sidelines - forgotten about. But no more. With a hard-won full recovery on his side, and a new head coach at the helm of the Kings, Ambrose is poised to rebuild his reputation, and retake his place in the lights. Only… now that the dream is back within his grasp.. . he’s realizing the wisdom of old cliches, and wondering if the turf under his feet is going to actually be any greener. Maybe not, according to Teagan. She’s witnessed firsthand what the pressures of competition - and the addiction to public adoration can do. But she can’t let it go. Not while she still has a legacy to continue, a birthright to honor, and most importantly - points to prove. All motivations she and Ambrose have in common. From accidental enemies, to something softer, to friends, to something deeper than either imagined or was even looking for, they’re both navigating more than they can handle alone. So maybe together... less

For Rori Mitchell, delulu is decidedly not the solulu.Getting her lick back is.What starts as chance encounter at a sporting event ends up being a perfect distraction from the chaos of a broken heart. Instead of throwing herself into work, she throws herself - for good or bad - into Tatum Wilder.An offensive tackle for the Connecticut Kings, Tatum is used to high-stakes games and intense scrutiny... moreFor Rori Mitchell, delulu is decidedly not the solulu.Getting her lick back is.What starts as chance encounter at a sporting event ends up being a perfect distraction from the chaos of a broken heart. Instead of throwing herself into work, she throws herself - for good or bad - into Tatum Wilder.An offensive tackle for the Connecticut Kings, Tatum is used to high-stakes games and intense scrutiny. On the field, he’s a powerhouse; off the field, he’s a country boy with gentleman tendencies… and a propensity toward knowing the right thing to say at all times.Well.Most of the time.Their connection?Immediate and undeniable.Well…They can deny it.After all, with Rori on the heels of heartbreak, a relationship could be a disaster.Free Agency might be a position of power.Or maybe just a crutch. less