Connecticut Kings

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. Contains mature themes.

Jordan Johnson is a man under pressure, from his teammates, fans, family, and the one person who wants to see him succeed as badly as he wants it for himself. He'll do whatever he has to in order to not let anyone down... and maybe find an unanticipated connection along the way. Nicole Richardson is a woman with a purpose, prove herself worthy of her place in a male-dominated field. Fiercely competitive, wielder of tough love and motivation, and terrible at dealing with things outside of her control. Between making sure the players are thriving, and coping with a changing family dynamic, a relationship isn't even on her radar. Denying their chemistry would be a waste of words, but giving in isn't an option. A season on the line. Reputations at stake. The threat of seeing their personal lives played out on the evening highlights. With all of that swirling around them, Jordan and Nicole have to decide if it's worth the effort to make the play... or take a knee. Contains mature themes.

Sometimes, the best choice might be the one that leaves you vulnerable. The one that forces you to face a past that hurts or go through with something you never thought would come to fruition. The one that makes taking a risk your only option. Wilhelmina "Wil" Cunningham is no stranger to pressure. The child of an Olympian and a boxer, and a former Olympian herself, Wil has gained an "America's sweetheart" reputation, a high pedestal to fall from when her world gets rocked by betrayal and deceit. Not long ago, Ramsey Bishop dominated the field as one of the best running backs the league had ever seen. Personal tragedy drew him away, but he made a promise he can't take back. Keeping that promise though... easier said than done. But Wil believes he can. And Ramsey believes Wil can bounce back from the misfortunes that have the potential to destroy her. Their supportive, motivational back and forth is just one element of what has grown into a friendship. But could it be more? Wil and Ramsey have enough stress on their hands, but they'll have to make a choice, continue their friendship, or risk it all for the possibility of something amazing? Contains mature themes.

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. 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? Let's see if after the review, the ruling on the field still stands. Contains mature themes.

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. 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. Contains mature themes.

My bio might speak for itself, but I still have everything to prove. Everything to gain. Everything to lose. On the field, and off. I'm here for a reason, and Nate Richardson isn't one of them . . . except, he won't let me relegate him to a non-factor. Even knowing what's at stake, he won't let me pass him off. So I'll adapt. Open myself up. Dominate my position. Defend my right to be here. Who says a woman can't have everything? Or, better yet . . . who says a woman can't be a King? Contains mature themes.

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. 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. Twenty-two years is a long time. Or is it? Contains mature themes.

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, she's got the eyes of the world on her. Ambrose McNeil is familiar with the concept. 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. 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 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. 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 . . . Contains mature themes.

Maaz Zyad, number ninety-seven of the Connecticut Kings, wasn't a big name in his first three seasons in the League. Thanks to his temperamental girlfriend posting and tweeting her every grievance about the League and Kings franchise, Zyad's become one of the most talked about players in the media. The Kings cut him a contract extension with a huge pay increase under one condition. He had to get rid of the hyper-poster to keep his crown. That was an easy fix for Maaz. He made the swift decision and called on the competent team at Love Is Action sports agency. Sundryia Matthews is a real estate investor and entrepreneur. She's been Maaz's mother's protégé for nearly a decade. And she's been his fixation since he was sixteen years old. Sundryia was off limits to Maaz, though she'd been around since his mother bailed her out of jail years ago. Oh. And she's older than Maaz. Oh. And it must also be mentioned Sundryia dated Maaz's older brother. Forbidden love plagues this King. Well, it does, at least, until Maaz whisks Sundryia off to his family's vacation home in Macen Beach to kick off the summer. Can he convince her it's time to push beyond the lies created by their tawdry affair and pursue an honest romance he's always wanted with her? Contains mature themes.

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. 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. Contains mature themes.