The Berotte Family Series by Monica Walters

A love lost is hard, especially when that loss appears in your face weekly, reminding you of what once was. Anissa Dent is experiencing heartbreak like none she’s ever felt. Her husband of nearly twenty years has fallen victim to crack cocaine after a devastating loss. All her efforts to help him have failed, and to protect herself and her sons, she divorces him and has him removed from their home. That doesn’t stop him from popping in and out of their lives with promises of getting clean... moreA love lost is hard, especially when that loss appears in your face weekly, reminding you of what once was. Anissa Dent is experiencing heartbreak like none she’s ever felt. Her husband of nearly twenty years has fallen victim to crack cocaine after a devastating loss. All her efforts to help him have failed, and to protect herself and her sons, she divorces him and has him removed from their home. That doesn’t stop him from popping in and out of their lives with promises of getting clean. Anissa desperately wants to move on in her life, but her love for what once was is holding her back. However, attending a family barbeque with her son proves to be the restart she desperately needs. The host penetrates her exterior and has her questioning why she’s been single for the last fifteen years with someone like him available.Grief can be a hard thing to overcome. Sheldon Berotte has been grieving the loss of his wife for nearly twenty-five years, not giving another relationship a second thought. When she dies during childbirth, he is left to raise their five children, all under the age of ten, alone. His in-laws all live out of town, so help was minimal. However, he stepped up to the plate and devoted his life to his children. Now that they are grown, they are worried about him. He has lost his ability to even entertain other people, nearly becoming a recluse. The only thing that gives him purpose is volunteering as security at one of the local high schools. Allowing his children to convince him into having a family barbeque and them inviting some of their friends and their families, is the moment his life changes forever.Anissa and Sheldon have immediate chemistry that he tries to fight. The feeling of guilt consumes him and threatens to destroy their future before they can even have a present. Can Sheldon let go of the torment guilt is putting him through and embrace the budding relationship between him and Anissa or will he allow her to slip from his fingertips? less

Sometimes life can be tough to navigate, especially when you enter it at a slight disadvantage. Alexzandria Berotte has a loving family, and she’s made it through life all right. However, after discovering that she is pregnant and was nearly duped into marriage by a fraud, she misses something she’s never had. A mother’s love. Her mother died while giving her life, and she longs for that connection to help her navigate through one of her toughest times... moreSometimes life can be tough to navigate, especially when you enter it at a slight disadvantage. Alexzandria Berotte has a loving family, and she’s made it through life all right. However, after discovering that she is pregnant and was nearly duped into marriage by a fraud, she misses something she’s never had. A mother’s love. Her mother died while giving her life, and she longs for that connection to help her navigate through one of her toughest times. She has difficult decisions to make, but after connecting with her father’s new love, those decisions seem to become slightly easier to get through. Trying to move on with her life, she does her best to convince herself that her past is behind her, and she’s ready to experience the one thing she craves… love.Axton Vaughn is known as an arrogant prick, but he enjoys the title. As a newly certified gastroenterologist, he is living for the day that he can start his own practice. After reconnecting with his mentor from medical school, he accepts the task of temporarily running his office in Beaumont, Texas to get a feel for what it would be like running his own private office. However, instead of simply gaining experience, he’s introduced to the most beautiful nurse he’s ever seen. The problem is that he’s met his match, and he soon realizes that he can’t bear the same sarcasm he freely dishes out. Despite her fiery disposition and their constant bickering, he can’t seem to get her out of his thoughts.Alexz and Axton can’t seem to be around one another for longer than a few minutes without being ready to wage war against the other. However, when life happens in both their worlds, they are both vulnerable and their rough exteriors seem to deteriorate. Can they be there for one another, or will their strife drive a deeper wedge between them? less

Being rejected by girls during his teenage years, Dylan Berotte chooses to live his adult life on his own terms. When he finally emerges from what he considers his ugly duckling phase, he only wants one thing from women… temporary pleasures. Simply the thought of love sours on his stomach. It isn’t until the scare of his lifetime occurs that he decides to reevaluate his life’s choices... moreBeing rejected by girls during his teenage years, Dylan Berotte chooses to live his adult life on his own terms. When he finally emerges from what he considers his ugly duckling phase, he only wants one thing from women… temporary pleasures. Simply the thought of love sours on his stomach. It isn’t until the scare of his lifetime occurs that he decides to reevaluate his life’s choices. Taking a permanent hiatus from his lifestyle of loving them and leaving them, he stumbles upon a woman that literally renders him speechless. For the first time, he doesn’t know how to proceed.Skyler Fontenot is an upcoming attorney looking for a new start. Love has disappointed her, and, in her mind, she believes distance can be the cure. After accepting a case that is beyond her expertise, she solicits the help of another lawyer in Beaumont, Texas, with hopes of impressing him enough to where he will offer her a position at his firm. One thing she is not expecting is to meet a man that will change her life’s trajectory in the blink of an eye. Despite what she tells herself regarding love, every part of her is against her plans for herself the moment Dylan Berotte opens his mouth.Drama is the last thing either of them want, but it seems that is exactly what’s in the cards. Dylan’s pending circumstance, at the very least, would give any good woman pause. Once it’s revealed to Skyler, it brings her to a crossroads, and she doesn’t know if she has the patience or if she trusts Dylan enough to even take a chance on him. Will she choose to risk her good sense to be with Dylan, or will she just cut ties altogether and move on in life without him? less

Shyrón Berotte has always been the one to handle things. Although he’s the middle child, he takes protecting his family seriously. Since he’s a lawyer, it makes that feat a little easier to accomplish. He knows his way around the law, even when the law can’t seem to protect those he loves. While he has one foot on the other side of it, his driving force is the love he has for his family... moreShyrón Berotte has always been the one to handle things. Although he’s the middle child, he takes protecting his family seriously. Since he’s a lawyer, it makes that feat a little easier to accomplish. He knows his way around the law, even when the law can’t seem to protect those he loves. While he has one foot on the other side of it, his driving force is the love he has for his family. So, when he realizes his sister’s best friend is in a bad predicament, he doesn’t hesitate to offer a helping hand. His attraction to her only makes things more intense since she already has a boyfriend.Brittany Davis is where she wants to be in her nursing career. Financially, she’s in an okay place and her life is stable. However, her love life is stressing her out and she’s been wallowing in what seems to be a loveless relationship for months. Her passive demeanor and big heart has her hanging on to a commitment she should have long ago let go of. When her best friend’s brother propositions her, she doesn’t know how to proceed. Although she’s been attracted to him for some time, she’s hesitant because of her circumstance at home.Shyrón refuses to take no for an answer and that causes things to turn volatile. His forwardness and somewhat controlling behavior bother Brittany, because she doesn’t want to be in the same type of relationship she’s trying to get out of. Will Brittany be able to let go of the fear from her past to explore her future, or will Shyrón’s aggressiveness run her off before the exploration can begin? less

Isaiah Berotte, the eldest of the Berotte siblings, knows exactly what he wants out of life. He has a career that has treated him well, a loving family that has his back, and a beautiful home that displays the reward of his labor. A family of his own is the one thing he craves, but time hasn’t been forgiving. He wants to be in love and receive love in return, but it seems that won’t happen unless it’s with the only woman he has ever truly cared about... moreIsaiah Berotte, the eldest of the Berotte siblings, knows exactly what he wants out of life. He has a career that has treated him well, a loving family that has his back, and a beautiful home that displays the reward of his labor. A family of his own is the one thing he craves, but time hasn’t been forgiving. He wants to be in love and receive love in return, but it seems that won’t happen unless it’s with the only woman he has ever truly cared about. After experiencing a moment of grief and turmoil with her, he does his best to move on and forget. The problem is that he hasn’t seen her in sixteen years and because so much time has passed, he’s nervous to contact her for fear of rejection.Joyy Roberts once had it all simply by being with the man she loved. However, she never made him aware of just how much she loved him. After a painful event, he eventually left her in his past, and it destroyed Joyy. Thoughts of moving on don’t go far because the only man she craves has created distance between them, indicating that he didn’t care about her as much as she cared about him. Her life is spiraling out of control, because her demons have taken the reins. She’s only going through the motions until the day her past takes a huge leap of faith to exist in her present.Isaiah is determined to convince Joyy of his regrets and his love for her despite her insistence of being fine without him. Joyy is troubled because of his return, not knowing whether he’s sincere or not. Will she allow Isaiah to come into her life and change it for the better or continue to allow it to travel the path of destruction until there’s no life left to live? less

While everyone in the family is finding love and starting families, Chad Berotte feels like his life is at a standstill. His job is stressful as ever because of an issue that reaches back over ten years, and his past situations regarding love have affected him negatively, losing his mother being the main one. The loss of her has played a part in his ability to give and receive love, and he doesn’t know how to get past it... moreWhile everyone in the family is finding love and starting families, Chad Berotte feels like his life is at a standstill. His job is stressful as ever because of an issue that reaches back over ten years, and his past situations regarding love have affected him negatively, losing his mother being the main one. The loss of her has played a part in his ability to give and receive love, and he doesn’t know how to get past it. He doesn’t even realize it is an issue for him until Alexis Fontenot enters the picture. Whenever he decides to proceed in a relationship with her, an issue arises to make him retreat. His heart wants her, but his mind wants to refuse the mere thought that there is a woman alive that can make him happy.Alexis Fontenot has been in love with a man that doesn’t seem to even care enough to acknowledge it. Her body and heart crave love, and the lack of it causes her to make desperate decisions that only offer temporary relief, ultimately leaving her unsatisfied and unfulfilled. Like Chad, she also realizes that she’s craving love so strongly, because of her father’s absence in her life, although she is the one who kicked him out of it. When it comes to Chad, Lexi has the patience of Job and wants to wait for him to realize how strong their chemistry is, only for him to string her along throughout his indecisiveness. His communication skills are lacking, and Lexi’s endurance is starting to fade.The back and forth is wearing Lexi thin and destroying her from the inside out. What she wants from Chad seems to be impossible, and she wrestles with letting him go for good. Chad, however, realizes that he can’t allow her to slip from his grasp yet again, or he may not be able to get her back this time. Will he get it together in time or will it be too late? less

Dexter Dent, Junior, affectionately called DJ by everyone who knows him, has been ready to abandon the single life for a while now. His adolescent and entire adult life has always been about making sure his mother and brother were taken care of. Now that his mom is happy and living her life with his new stepfather, Sheldon Berotte, he’s ready to find that same happiness that only a woman can bring and that all his bonus siblings seem to have already found... moreDexter Dent, Junior, affectionately called DJ by everyone who knows him, has been ready to abandon the single life for a while now. His adolescent and entire adult life has always been about making sure his mother and brother were taken care of. Now that his mom is happy and living her life with his new stepfather, Sheldon Berotte, he’s ready to find that same happiness that only a woman can bring and that all his bonus siblings seem to have already found. That process proves to be tedious trying to find a diamond in a cesspool, but DJ is up for the challenge.Single mother of two and divorcée, Shavozz Simpson, is still reeling from the effects of her now defunct marriage. She constantly blames herself for choosing the wrong man and not listening to warnings from those close to her. The next man will have to suffer through rigorous testing, because she refuses to be stubbornly naïve and fall for another man like her ex-husband. It doesn’t help that her friend instigates chaos by bringing drama and allegations to her doorstep at every turn.DJ is smitten the day he lays eyes on Shavozz, but he realizes the conquest isn’t going to be as easy as he originally perceived. Shavozz knows in her heart that DJ is the man for her after a short while and that possibility causes fear to infiltrate her mind, sabotaging the mere idea that a man could care so much for her. Can she release her past failures in relationships so she can be free to love DJ, or will she allow them to cripple even the possibility? Will DJ’s love be able to weather the storm in hopes of seeing a rainbow? less

The way she moves keeps me in a trance. Her body calls out to mine without making a sound. It speaks my desires in a language I perfectly understand, and it tells me that it’s mine.Jamel Dent doesn’t know which way is up once Obsession graces his sights. The hypnosis she puts him under nearly every weekend is one that’s hard for Jamel to shake. However, he doesn’t want to shake it. He wants her to be his. There’s only one problem... moreThe way she moves keeps me in a trance. Her body calls out to mine without making a sound. It speaks my desires in a language I perfectly understand, and it tells me that it’s mine.Jamel Dent doesn’t know which way is up once Obsession graces his sights. The hypnosis she puts him under nearly every weekend is one that’s hard for Jamel to shake. However, he doesn’t want to shake it. He wants her to be his. There’s only one problem. He doesn't know her real identity, and she doesn’t allow anyone to get close to her. After five months of fantasizing, hoping she makes a move, he’s ready to call his obsession with Obsession quits until she makes him rethink that decision.Sandrene Jallow was suddenly thrown into a world of struggle when her dad died tragically. Trying to help her mom financially was tough for her as a teenager. After graduating and searching for the perfect job, she is left hopeless and in despair until she stumbles upon Club Onyx. After becoming acclimated by learning the ropes and establishing her lane, she dominates. Patrons are entranced with her beauty and enthralled by her mystery. Out of the many, she notices one that has seemed to become her number one fan.If he only knew that I was his number one fan too. The mystery surrounding me wants to engulf him and let him in on the secret. Sandrene can’t breathe the same air as Obsession, and that fact is holding me hostage.The cards are all in Obsession’s lap. Revealing her true identity as Sandrene Jallow frightens her and constantly makes her overthink. Will she allow Jamel to walk away without knowing the possibilities or will she overcome her fear of being truly seen and give him what he’s been craving? less

Arrow Vaughn is tired of random interactions with women. With everyone around him finding love and maintaining healthy relationships, it’s hard to not want the same thing. His career is intact, his financial status is stable, and he’s a likeable guy. He’s longing for intimacy with one woman who can claim his heart and share his intellect. Despite his need to settle down, he continues to play the field until the right woman presents herself in the form of a patient in need of an anesthesiologist... moreArrow Vaughn is tired of random interactions with women. With everyone around him finding love and maintaining healthy relationships, it’s hard to not want the same thing. His career is intact, his financial status is stable, and he’s a likeable guy. He’s longing for intimacy with one woman who can claim his heart and share his intellect. Despite his need to settle down, he continues to play the field until the right woman presents herself in the form of a patient in need of an anesthesiologist.Lynn Jolivet is at peace with who she is as a woman. There is only one problem. The doctor warns her that unless major changes are made, she could die within the next two to three years. Scared straight, Lynn decides it’s beyond time to get her health on the right track. When she arrives for surgery, she’s a bundle of nerves, but a certain anesthesiologist has a way of calming her fears but heightening her senses in ways unimaginable.Arrow knows immediately after seeing Lynn that she could possibly be the woman he’s supposed to do life with. Lynn is skeptical about his timing, because she doesn’t want to be just another conquest. Can Lynn rid herself of her trust issues regarding Arrow in order to navigate her way to love, or will she friend zone him indefinitely? less

The love she sucked from my chest blindsided me. I can’t function without her, and nothing is going to stop me from trying to be with her… not even her.Seneca Roberts is a man to approach with caution. He’s from the streets, and that’s the only way he knows to be until he is forced to be different. No other woman can control him like Kaysyn Anderson, and he is smitten from their first encounter. The moment she steps into his life emotionally, something inside of him changes... moreThe love she sucked from my chest blindsided me. I can’t function without her, and nothing is going to stop me from trying to be with her… not even her.Seneca Roberts is a man to approach with caution. He’s from the streets, and that’s the only way he knows to be until he is forced to be different. No other woman can control him like Kaysyn Anderson, and he is smitten from their first encounter. The moment she steps into his life emotionally, something inside of him changes. He no longer craves various women. He only wants one… her.Life has taken a toll on Kaysyn Anderson. She’s experienced the upheaval and is doing her best to recover from the trauma. Her heart is in turmoil, and she doesn’t know which way to turn. At one moment it’s pulling her one way, and the next it’s pulling her the other. Both directions seem to be toxic to her well-being, but there is one that she can’t seem to resist. Seneca Roberts. He’s who her body craves and who her heart wants.Seneca’s lifestyle is a determining factor in his relationship status, and he refuses to change who he is until he realizes what he could miss out on. Kaysyn is battling the risk of pursuing something more with him because of what and who she perceives him to be. Can they come to a common ground to get what they both long for, or will any effort toward a relationship be a waste of time? less

A man of few words is sometimes a man to fear. Ali Joseph proves that theory to be correct. He keeps his traumatic past under wraps and only trusts a few people, Shyrón Berotte being one of them. He’s been living amidst the turmoil for so long he’s finally reaching his breaking point. His anger is causing him to come unhinged and that’s no good for the people involved, especially since they don’t realize the danger they are in... moreA man of few words is sometimes a man to fear. Ali Joseph proves that theory to be correct. He keeps his traumatic past under wraps and only trusts a few people, Shyrón Berotte being one of them. He’s been living amidst the turmoil for so long he’s finally reaching his breaking point. His anger is causing him to come unhinged and that’s no good for the people involved, especially since they don’t realize the danger they are in. There is only one silver lining in his cloud and that’s the day he meets Riley Domingue.Riley has been recovering from the death of a loved one for the past two and a half years, trying to adjust to being a single mother and focusing on becoming a better woman than before. She’s done everything she knows to do to show her daughter an image of independence, strength, and love. While overcoming her struggles seem effortless from the outside looking in, her heart is longing for love and affection. Her eyes zero in on the most unlikely target for that. Ali Joseph’s swag screams bad boy, and while that’s something that could be dangerous, it’s also something that she could never resist.Ali and Riley are engulfed in their attraction immediately, but in a short amount of time, issues come to the surface that has them both rethinking their pending relationship. Will those issues overtake them, or will they be able to rise above for the sake of what they want to build together? less

Always having to look over your shoulder is a horrible feeling. Jericho Marcellus is living his worst nightmare. Having to flee from his home in Florida for a crime he committed to defend his sister years ago has been devastating to his mental. Even after sixteen years, he can’t get out of that rut. He feels like he’s become the very man he despised growing up and is having a hard time getting back to who he used to be... moreAlways having to look over your shoulder is a horrible feeling. Jericho Marcellus is living his worst nightmare. Having to flee from his home in Florida for a crime he committed to defend his sister years ago has been devastating to his mental. Even after sixteen years, he can’t get out of that rut. He feels like he’s become the very man he despised growing up and is having a hard time getting back to who he used to be. Leaving his sister and mother in his older brother’s hands was a mistake, but another mistake was leaving the love of his life behind. When he disappeared, it was like she disappeared too, because he hasn’t been able to locate her. Searching for her replacement hasn’t been easy, and he realizes that he’s looking for her in every encounter he experiences.Sometimes, starting over, no matter how difficult, is what’s needed. Whitney Paul had to leave her home to ensure her safety. She ends up in Dallas, Texas and has to change her name to assure she couldn’t be located, all because her boyfriend was on the run. He disappeared and sixteen years later, she still hasn’t found a man that compares to him. Settling in a mediocre relationship proves to be a horrible decision. However, when she receives a text message that offers the opportunity to reconnect with the man she’s carried in her heart all this time, she can barely contain her excitement and nerves.When Whitney and Jericho see one another again, time stands still. Their attraction is just as strong as it was all those years ago. The challenge is getting to know and accept the adults they’ve evolved into, especially Jericho. Can Whitney accept his new lifestyle and the aggressive nature he’s embraced, or will it all be just too much for her to deal with? less

Milton ‘Jungle’ Patterson, while brought up in the street game, was also brought up in love. Although he veers away from it in his adult life, as he’s getting older, he is starting to crave it. He knows that living the life he inherited, being a kingpin, isn’t something he wants for himself anymore. However, love comes to him from an unsuspecting source… one of his friends’ sister... moreMilton ‘Jungle’ Patterson, while brought up in the street game, was also brought up in love. Although he veers away from it in his adult life, as he’s getting older, he is starting to crave it. He knows that living the life he inherited, being a kingpin, isn’t something he wants for himself anymore. However, love comes to him from an unsuspecting source… one of his friends’ sister. Trying to keep their relationship strictly platonic just isn’t working, especially when she flirts every chance she gets, even while he is trying to pursue something with someone else. He can only resist her for so long, and he realizes that he needs her as much as she needs him.Chelsea Marcellus, formerly known as Jenetta, has had a rough life. Now that she’s free from the bondage she was once in, she finds herself in turmoil all over again. She loves a man that seems determined to keep her at arm’s length, and she longs for her daughter, a baby that was stolen from her. The adoptive parents are trying their best to keep her away, but she just won’t bow out without a fight, especially after the lengths they’ve gone to keep her away from her. Having Jungle and her family’s support helps, but the situation is tearing her a part.When Jungle finally concedes to Chelsea’s advances after a failed attempt at love with someone else, she wonders if he’s serious about her. She doesn’t want to feel like his second option. Can she trust him enough to give him a chance to love her beyond what she’s ever known, or will she just cut her losses and choose to strictly remain friends? less

Loving hard doesn’t do anyone any good when the love isn’t reciprocated. If Rondo Simpson could have a do over in his love life, he would jump at the opportunity. The woman he’s loved for over ten years has committed the ultimate betrayal and has convinced him that love just isn’t in the cards for him. Even attempts at love before her seemed to be one-sided and leaves him heartbroken... moreLoving hard doesn’t do anyone any good when the love isn’t reciprocated. If Rondo Simpson could have a do over in his love life, he would jump at the opportunity. The woman he’s loved for over ten years has committed the ultimate betrayal and has convinced him that love just isn’t in the cards for him. Even attempts at love before her seemed to be one-sided and leaves him heartbroken. However, unexpectantly, the type of woman he’s been longing for walks into his life when everything is in disarray, stealing his attention from the word go.Dinalee Cadien knows what it feels like to give her all to the man she loves, and it still not be enough. Now a single mother and divorcee, life just isn’t what she thought it would be. After being stationed in a city where she doesn’t know anyone, Dinalee attempts to make the best of it, creating a new start for herself and her children, thinking this is what’s best for them. A fateful day at the gas station changes everything.Rondo and Dinalee are on the fast track to something special, but unfortunate incidents cause doubt and hesitancy to rear their ugly heads, bringing their journey to a screeching halt. Their intense connection suffers, because they can’t seem to move past their insecurities about love. Will they fight for what they know their love can become, or will they continue to let destiny elude them and allow complacency to set in? less

Gangsta is a state of mind and a state of being… Everything I do is gangsta.Joel Knight, although the righthand of a kingpin, is a boss in his own right. Being raised by his father, who was a part of a kingpin’s inner circle, afforded him knowledge of the streets. His name is feared simply because he has followed in his father’s footsteps. He’s never known his mother and has no desire to even know who she is... moreGangsta is a state of mind and a state of being… Everything I do is gangsta.Joel Knight, although the righthand of a kingpin, is a boss in his own right. Being raised by his father, who was a part of a kingpin’s inner circle, afforded him knowledge of the streets. His name is feared simply because he has followed in his father’s footsteps. He’s never known his mother and has no desire to even know who she is. Recently leaving the game behind and traveling the world, he’s determined to find out what his next steps should be. While in Puerto Rico, he takes part in what he believes is an island rendezvous. However, when he sees her two years later in Houston, she smooths out his rough demeanor and has him questioning life as it is.I need a gangsta to always be down for me… handling me like I’m the only woman that matters.Losing her father at a young age, Keondra Mott has learned to make things happen on her own. Observing the code of the streets from the small amount of time she had with him proves to serve her well. She’s a no-nonsense type of woman and feels like if a man can do it, so can she, especially regarding her love life. While she’s looking for love, she’s far from being desperate. She’s about her money and about experiencing the pleasures life has to offer. All that comes to a screeching halt when she reconnects with a fling from a vacation two years prior. While hiding her true emotions to guard her heart, being around him makes her weak.Gangsta loving at its best… that’s what’s required.Fighting the feeling is the type of time Joel is on, and Keondra doesn’t mind following suit. He doesn’t know how to accept his emotions for what they are, because he’s always had to be hard and unapproachable. Keondra doesn’t want just another notch on her studded belt, but she refuses to accept his potential to be better and refuses to wait for him to fulfill it. Joel has a decision to make, but will he have the ability to make the right one? less