Hard To Love

The Berotte Family #14

by Monica Walters, Latisha Burns (Editor)

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. However, unexpectedly, 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?

Genres: African American, African American Romance

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2023

About the author

Starting with poetry, writing has always been a constant in Monica's life. The interest began in her teenage years, being in love for the first time. Her love for writing has only progressed. Song lyrics and poetry led to short stories, then one day in her down time, a short story became a 56k word novel. It has been non-stop since then. Being a wife and mother, has only added to the joys of Monica's life. Attaining a BS in Sociology, helping her better understand people and their behaviors, has only helped her become a better writer, understanding characters and their complex personalities. Romance of all types has been her passion, and she plans to continue honing her skills in that genre.

Reviews

[Kameel · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 Stars

[Nay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has finally come to an end. Rondo is dealing with the aftermath after finding out about Kennedi. Kennedi was just trifling even though she got hers. Why are we still talking about Knowledge he been dead how many books ago 😒. His plot twist was not needed. I liked Ali finding family with Dinalee. Seneca had the most growth and it was nice everyone was able to forgive him after the bullshit be pulled. This was a nice conclusion to a drawn out series.

[DC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up

This was one hell of an ending to an AMAZING series... The emotional rollercoaster I went through reading this book😮‍💨... Even when the communication wasn't the best, the acknowledgment of each others feelings had me fall8ng in love over and over again... There is nothing better than two grown ADULTS admitting when they are wrong and actively correcting themselves... I absolutely loved Rondo and Dinalee.. On another topic, without giving spoilers, SENECA!!!! His growth🥰🥰 This CANNOT be the end😭😭 #BerotteNextGeneration

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I see said the blind man! 😂 It makes sense now why Rondo wanted to off Kennedy at the end of the last book! Whew! That heifer had big balls to go up against Jungle, but that revelation about Sunni! Not only in relation to Rondo, but who she is connected to! Damn, can that ninja stay dead and buried already? Ughhh.... 🤬 I knew Kennedy was going to have to pay but was not expecting that outcome! Oh well..... Miss Dinalee hopped on the scene with a mission! She saw Rondo's fine ass and put herself in his space, and on his mind! Check and mate! Rondo had so much ish on his plate, but something about this woman pulled him in! I enjoyed their instalove, as they both needed each other more than they knew. Now, Seneca finding redemption almost took me out! To see him take the time to help himself, make amends with the brotherhood and slowly ease his way back to Kay Baby was beautiful! 🥰 Sunni bonding with Dinalee's children was the icing on the cake! The blending of families has been everything in this series! Lawd, all dem babies! 🤯 What a journey the Berotte's have taken us on and hope they will bless us again in the future! Great job! 👍👍👍

[Lette Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Well Rondo was nothing like I expected. I had him all wrong. Imo, everyone got what they deserved. I was even happy to see Seneca get it together. I loved Sophie... actually I loved all the kids in this series. lol

I've said in several reviews how much I love this series. I loved this family and the extensions of it. This was my first series by this author and I'll be checking out the Henderson family soon!!!

[Lisa Mayers-McGruder · Rating 5 out of 5]

book 14

It’s bittersweet to be ending with book 14. This whole series was fire!!!I highly recommend reading all 14 books. Now as for book 14 I loved how Rondo stepped up for his daughter despite the outcome and how he was there for Dinalee. Great read

[WellReadRuby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rondo rondo rondo! What do you want sir?! Lol Rondo’s indecisiveness nearly drove me up a wall! I’m sooo glad Dinalee eventually checked him on his actions because whew! I’m kind of sad this is the end to the series because I wanted more! The Kennedy situation fell a little flat for me, but there were other moments that made up for this in my eyes. One specific situation dealing with Ali and I loved that for him! Overall a good book and I’m looking forward to what is next!

[Kerry Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a great way to end such a great series. i can't believe i won't be seeing alexz and chad go at each other during family dinners anymore 3 im going to miss this family bad

[Mariah Sherley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s the brotherhood for me. 😩 This family will go to war for theirs by any means. Don’t play with them. Seneca really shocked me but he got it together. So proud of him. It’s the whole family for me. ❤️😩 What a way to end off the series…: for now. 😂🤞🏽

[BossyLadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

this is book 14 of the Berotte Family Series. Rondo and Dinalee's story. Rondo is Rondo was a country dude who picked ( Kennedy) the wrong woman to fall in love with and be his BM. Dinalee had a similar story. she picked the wrong dude to be the father of her two kids. Dinalee and Rondo meet at a gas station and quickly become mainstays in each other's lives. Dinalee is there for Rondo and his daughter as they mourn the death of a loved one. I loved how Dinalee was in need of family and family found her. over night she went from having no one to being apart of the Berotte clan.
I loved how this book came together to support everyone. the kiddos were so cute. hopefully we can revisit this family when the kids get of age.

[Kristal Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not so hard to love

I really enjoyed Rondo and Dinalee’s story. They were so cute together and their energy and love for each other matched. They were both made to think they were hard to love because of past situations but they both found out that you’re easy to love for the right person. I loved how they blended their families seamlessly and didn’t take any mess off each other which allowed them to stay pretty much drama free. There are some conclusions and answers to previous issues in the other books as well. I highly recommend this book a and series. I have enjoyed this ride tremendously.

[Catera Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yalll I wanna cry so bad, I finally finished all 14 books…. The LOVE I HAVE FOR THE BEROTTE FAMILY❤️❤️❤️❤️, these were the absolute best books I’ve read in a while! I wanted to cry so much, I laughed a lot and my heart fills so full! A complete 5/5!!! All books were good! There wasn’t a bad book in sight I swear it wasn’t, Im so happy everyone found love!!!! Yalll if you haven’t check out this book series by Monica you will NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!

[tayara tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

This was a very great series. All fourteen books had a special meaning behind them. The family dynamics and mannerisms of all the friends became one big berotte connection. Loved the entire series.

[Regina Farris · Rating 4 out of 5]

So finally we get to the Journey of Rondo... This was a nice series... It was a long journey for everyone... But to see everyone get their lives together and find happiness was amazing... Those that did not have family found a family with the Berotte family... This book had a nice flow and covered a little bit of everything... This series pulled me in and I am glad to be able to see the life and thoughts of every character... It gave me a better understanding of how everyone was feeling and thinking... I was able to connect better with each character... I definitely recommend this series... Although I know this is the last book of this series... I would love to have one more book as an update on where everyone is years later...
Rondo was a part of the Berotte crew by way of his sister... He is trying to get things right with his daughter's mother Kennedy... Only to get hurt then devastated by what she has done and said... I mean what she has done to hurt him is just horrible... Now look at what she has gotten them all tied up in... Then a stop at a gas station for Rondo to get gas and he has a meeting with a woman that will be life changing... But he has so much Chaos going on in his life right now... So he does not have the time to even entertain a new friend at the moment... But as we know life has a way of changing things for us when we least expect it...
Then we have Dinalee... She is a divorced single mother of 2 kids... She has been single for 2 years and has been doing just fine by herself... But at a gas station... A man with some nice boots catches her eye... And she decided to do what she has always done and went for what she wanted... She was just real slick about it... Little did she know all the emotions and changes and how fast this ride would be...
The connection between these two was super strong straight out the gate... They tried to fight it and slow it down a little... But again circumstances and life events changed all of that... This then became a fast ride with secrets from the past on display... Long lost family and new family all happening all at once...
Dinalee was ready to just give up and move back home to Puerto Rico just to be around family... But family found her first... Then just over night her family grew even bigger then she could ever imagine... But it was not easy... It was a little bit of a struggle and a lot of patience... but it all paid off in the end for her...
As for Rondo... It was a long hard journey for him... With so much heartache and pain... And a horrible loss with lots of mental breakdowns... He had so many life changing events happen in such a short time... I mean he moved, changed jobs, lost family, got in a whole new relationship... And even after all that... He still came out on top and was able to finally find the happiness that he has been searching for...
Now to see what other journey that this author will take us on... Because again this 14 book journey was definitely a nice ride...

[Tracy - loves to read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good bye for now

So we’ve come to the last of the Berotte Family series. What an incredible series it is . I feel like I was apart of the family too.

The series ends with Rondo and Dinalee. I couldn’t wait to get to Rondo’s story because the way his baby mama did him in Jungles story was horrible.

Rondo was a good dude, country and hood, made a good living, took care of his daughter and was a good brother and friend. He was giving a relationship with his baby mama a second chance and was considering marrying her. But she got caught up in her lies and dropped a bomb of all bombs! It had Rondo and his daughter devastated. He felt like he must be cursed in love to keep falling for the wrong woman.

Dinalee was done with her ex-husband and father of her kids but she had to deal with him because of them. He was a dead beat and the kids were always hurt . She was independent, a single mother, and didn’t put up with nobody’s mess. She’d recently moved to a city where she didn’t have any friends or family. She wanted love and to be loved.

These two met and it was instant chemistry! Neither one of them was in a place where they were able to fully give love to another person but the attraction was undeniable. I appreciated how they both recognized the emotional space they were in and communicated that to each other. He told her he had big baby mama drama and was getting out of a relationship and she was trying to get acclimated to her new place and make sure her kids were straight. But their instant connection couldn’t be denied.
This was a great instalove story and one of the very few that I’ve enjoyed. They both had ex’s from hell but they didn’t allow them to drag them to hell with them and mess up what they had together. The book also tied up the stories of all of the characters in the series which was a great way to end the series. The family is constantly expanding and the friendships, brotherhood and bonds are stronger than ever.

Awesome read!

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

oooh my Goodness


This was a heck of ending for an amazing series❤️. Monica Walters you wrapped this series up so neatly that I didn’t even realize Vegas was the only one in the crew who didn’t have a love interest until I read you closing notes ❤️. Thank you so much for addressing real life situations and family structures that may not be considered as normal by many but is a reality for so many of us, in such a sensitive entertaining way. 💕💕💕. I thought I had a favorite book in this series but after reading this one I’m forced to say they were all my favorite because I can’t have one without the other

When I first encounter Rondo in previous books I really wasn’t sure how I felt about him. When Kennedy pulled that stunt of showing up at the wedding with Jungle, I knew she was just as off the wall as I thought. 🤨. Rondo really loved her and their daughter Sunni. Kennedy basically treated him like he was less than something on the bottom of her shoe.
I was glad when he went and picked up his Daugther because he did not want Kennedy’s ratchet behavior to rub off on her. That was when I realized that Rondo was so much more than what I thought.

I couldn’t help but smile when Rondo was approached by Dinalee at the gas station to inquire about his cowboy boots ☺️( yeah right). That was the beginning of what most would call a whirl wind romance. Trust me when I say that it didn’t come without a great deal of drama twists and turns and something that nobody saw coming🤦🏽‍♀️ yet through every
Thing they both were dealing with we found that Rondo really wasn’t hard to love after all. 💕💕


If you haven’t read book one of this fourteen book series you MUST start with book 1 and read them in order so that you can truly appreciate how this last books puts everything in order.

[Hazel Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just want to say this first, Sophie had me ROTFL 🤣. She was just too grown!

I’m a fan of the Berottes’ and how they embraced their Famalay and others. They are truly one of a kind, and their family dynamics different from the others! I can go on and on about their support system. Big Zay always to the rescue and just love ❤️ him!

Dinalee was not for the ishes. She was not playing with her ex-husband LOL and loved her energy. I was happy she found family!

I felt for Rondo and Sunni with all the shenanigans they went thru. With all his past hurts, Rondo was struggling because he thought he was not lovable enough due to what he endured. Love 💕 you Rondo!

Rondo and Dinalee chemistry were so pure and they went through minor infractions, but those were handled expeditiously. They both had things to work on, but ended well.

In the prior books I didn’t like how Seneca was portrayed (and yes I may be the minority), but was happy to see that Rondo embraced him because he needed that IJS! He’s still working on, and wished him all the best getting back his family!

All in all I will miss this family and hopefully we will have a novella to catch up with their lives and all the new additions.

Note: Only thing I was not happy and perturbed about was that Knowledge being deceased will always be part of the family ugh 😩! I just could not get with it, and took away IMHO from this series. He should have stayed a non-factor even though he wrecked havoc on their lives,and that is why their should not be any memory of him, but alas that is the author’s vision shrugs!

[Jite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good conclusion to the series….

I’m a fan of the Berottes and can hardly believe the series has come to an end and this was a pretty good conclusion to this long-running series. It’s not that Rondo and Dinalee have been essential parts of this series. We’ve known Rondo for a while but he’s always been very much on the periphery. But this was a good way to tie together all the loose ends and threats that have lingered in some ways through the books and to give everyone the HEA of babies and to resolve Rondo’s drama which began in the previous book. As always, if you haven’t read the previous books in the series, there’s no point starting here. You will have no context and no idea what’s going on. Even though this is supposed to mainly be Rondo and Dinalee’s book, like with the entire series, it’s more or less an ensemble cast and the secondary characters especially Seneca and the Watchful Eyes crew feature heavily. If anything, one major critique I have of this book is that it could have done with a bit more actual Rondo and Dinalee. I think this is a good point to end this series, so it’s a little strange I’m saying I hope Luckey gets a book at some point in the future. I feel like he was really hard-done-by in this series and sacrificed for Kaysyn and Seneca’s HEA and I think he deserves a redemption story of his own. And as we know, no one writes redemption plots for seemingly hopeless cases like this author does.

[Vickie Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vickie J

Oh my God.... all these babies Whew, ok Rhondo was tired of Kennedy and I was too but I was so glad that he called Jungle and told him not to take her out ... Dinalee her ex husband was a butt head playing with her feelings and not being a good dad to his kids but when someone else comes in the picture now you are I'm your feeling. Where did you get your boots at ? I like that and she was woman enough to let him know that she was interested in him ....... When he seen that butt in those pants he knew he was too😀 I love the chemistry between them cause it was strong and he had doubts cause of other relationships but Kennedy was in a class all by herself especially when she told Rhondo Sunni was not his daughter and baby girl heard it that tore me up and then she wanted to take her.... I was like naw and look what happened she is taken out because of greed. Seneca thank you for saving Jungle cause that's what got back in the Brotherhood and like Ali said it happens again you will be taken out.... And to find out Ali and Dinalee are first cousins that was wild and he told her everything which was a lot I'm going to miss this series cause I cried laugh and sometimes a little angry but I couldn't ask for a better series. Great job Monica you are the bomb 😍

[NATASHA COLEMAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to love (Natasha Coleman)

Rondo had just just discovered that his baby momma was cheating on him with someone he called a brother. He didn't expect to come across someone else who would change his life forever. He didn't want to jump right into anything new but was finding it hard to resist Dinalee as he got to know her.

Dinalee had closed her heart off to love after her ex husband had convinced her she was hard to love. She dealt with raising her kids alone because their father was inconsistent with being in their lives.

Rondo and Dinalee fulfilled each others needs. They both lacked the parental support the needed for their kids and the emotional support the also needed and wanted. Both lacked trust issues due to failed relationships in the past. They broke down barriers and made it past every obstacle stopping them from having a great relationship.

I'm so sad this series is done. I looked forward to each book. I loved how each man in this story was dedicated to the commitment they promised their significant others even if it took time to grow and build. It was great to see the value of family and how they always stuck together no matter what the situation was. I will definitely be reading more from this author. Great job with this series!

[TrueBookJunkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, y’all know how I start my Monica Walters reviews. Let me give the Queen her flowers because she did every bit of this! This entire series was a five-star read; not one book was lacking, and I hate to see this series end😩.
Now… let me say Rondo and Dinalee are nasssssty and I was here for all of it😝. Their chemistry was through the roof and explosive. Rondo was always just a side character that only held my attention when mentioned, but while experiencing his story, I became fully engaged in his journey, which did not disappoint!
Dinalee hooked me in from her first scene because Sis said I want that one and pounced 😂. I loved her confidence. She was such a strong female after dealing with her past, and still maintaining her day-to-day without missing a beat was amazing.
This storyline was simply perfection. The plot twists, questions from previous books as well as more Happily Ever Afters made for a great conclusion. Monica Walters always gives us good. Still, this series is probably my favorite from her catalog. I have said it before I hate to see this series end, but at least my favorites went out with a bang!

[Deborah Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It

Monica, what a way to bring the Berotte story to an end! Rondo deserved love and Dinalee was perfect for him. I really love how the Berotte were so open to all of their kids friends and their families. Rondo was strong but vulnerable especially after everything Kennedy put him through. Rondo and Dinalee had their issues, but were able to work through them. I really liked how Ali was able to make everyone a part of his business. Rondo reaching out to Seneca was important as well, because it allowed Seneca to have a voice o to speak, mental illness is no joke and comes in many forms. Dinalee was strong and independent, but was seeking to be love and to love someone who was compatible with her, as well as, love her children. The children were placed throughout the story and they were so loving and respectful. I enjoyed the ending as well! This series was PERFECT in every way, family over everything and family doesn't necessarily mean having the same blood running through their veins.

[Barshina Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful ending too the BEST series!

The Berotte family is officially my favorite family! I love how they embraced their extended families. Rondo was a sweetheart that kept choosing the wrong women until he met Dinalee. Kennedy didn’t deserve a man like him and she paid the price for being shady as hell. I love this blended family and now they have a baby on the way and engaged to be married. It’s crazy how Dinalee and Ali are first cousins. Seneca got Kaysyn back and Jungle and Chelsea had a son. I guess Seneca will never have a baby of his own since Kaysyn can no longer have children. Thank goodness Chelsea allows them to be apart of Jericka life. I do believe that and the fact that Seneca got help for his mental illness is what gave him another chance. I love the Berotte family and my gentle giant Isaiah will always be bae ❤️💕🥰💜 I really hope there are more stories next year!

[Shea B · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Berottes are Family Goals

Listen if you know you just know. And something I know for certain is that Monica Walters is a queen with a fire pen game. This Berotte series gives you everything you need in a book if you want to know what true love for the people you love and ride for. From the first book to the last book in this series if you haven’t been blessed to have a family or be a part of this type of family all I can say is “you better come get you one of these” because this series is absolutely everything. I loved every single book and now will be going back to reread them all just because it gives black love, brotherhood, sisterhood, redemption, forgiveness and unconditional love just to name a few. The entire series is five stars. Monica Walters yet again has let her pen game crush it and then still have me wanting more. Love this book and series and love me anything from Mrs. Monica Walters. YEEEEESSSSS Ma’am!

[Shanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BEROTTE'S

This was a great series that I hate to see end. It was definitely fun getting to know each member individually through their own books. What I loved most about the Berotte family is how close they were. Their bond was undeniable, and the acceptance of friends into their fold was heartwarming.
Rondo and Dinalee meeting each other was at the perfect time. They didn't realize just how much they would need one another. Their story worked out just fine with minimal drama and the main focus being on their instant attraction and building a relationship that included their kids.
I was happy for Seneca. He was getting the help he needed to be better, understanding his diagnosis, and accepting that his actions were wrong.
Overall, book 14 ended how it should. Nothing was left unresolved, and everyone was starting new chapters in their lives with more babies added to the bunch.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the end neither of them are hard to love!

Rondo a physical Therapist and Dinalee A military employee began their relationship rather laughably but it turns out it was the real deal! For members of a P I firm, Watchful Eyes Personnel almost always has some drama going on! I noticed Rondo's hurt when his now deceased ex told him what she did about their daughter and how the Berottes and extended family rallied around him and his daughter! Then there is the almost instantaneous love by Dinalee for Rondo and Sunni his daughter! Reading the family support forged by Mr. Sheldon and Mrs. Annissa Berotte gave everyone that the sons, daughters, daughters in-law and sons-in-laws accepted into the family received their protection and their love! I so enjoy reading about the Berottes and all of their many exploits both legal and illegal! Such a great read Monica, thank you!!!!!

[Iyanna Samuels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to preface this review as letting anyone that is thinking about reading this to please pause and read the series in order! I promise you that you won’t regret it!!
When I saw this was the final book I wanted to pace myself but within 24 hours I was finished…. Yes the book was just that good! This book was an insta love story but was still a 10/10. This series was addicting and I loved seeing all the different characters fall in love. Monica hits the mark every time. While I hope Vegas gets a story and maybe we will get a 2nd generation serious is that too much?? Lol. I love that this book was more of a calmer one with little conflict being resolved. Rondo deserved finding this love. It was nice seeing a man’s vulnerability and how he worked through it. Seneca’s redemption was nice! Knowledge [ even in death ] still weaseling his way in was expected but also surprising.

[Malaika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another bestseller by Monica!

The Berotte series was simply amazing! I loved the layers of the characters and the diversity of country versus city. Rondo was an unexpected gem. He was a side character who quickly began a mainstay. He was a true gentleman at heart, who just happened to pick the wrong people to love. He met his match/soul mate in Dinalee. She had a similar story. Seeing Rondo be an amazing father and love Sunni the way he did and have room to love Dinalee’s children was beautiful! Dinalee being related to Ali was kismet to me. They brought healing to both of each other. She needed a family and Ali needed to know his mom was good at heart. Now Miss Sophie was a lot! Her little but is going to be beyond too much once that new baby comes. LOL This was a great way to end the series.

[Milcah Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rondo and Dinalee💕

Rondo and Dinalee drew me in from the beginning. The confidence Dinalee displayed when she approached him was off the charts. Talk about going for what you wanted. I respected Rondo’s honesty throughout the story and how receptive Dinalee was to it. The kids, well namely Sophie and Sunni, were too cute. I did wish I got to see more of Micah though. The connection between Ali and Dinalee was unexpected, but welcomed because both were seeking family. It was also good to catch up with the rest of the family and babies.

Now Kennedy…trash..but I still felt bad about her outcome. Knowledge is still causing ruckus from the grave. It was good to see Seneca making amends, but I’m glad that Kay and Jungle are making him work for that. I hate to see the Berottes go, but I enjoyed the ride.

[Lisareadsromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book in the series ending on a high note. I really liked Rondo and Dinalee story. Both had a go at love but those relationships turned sour. Rondo relationship with Kennedy was just toxic and resulted in him discovering that his daughter was not his bio daughter. He was hurt and def hardening his heart since love had caused hurt for him multiple times.

In comes Dinalee a divorcee with 2 kids doing her best to get by. Dealing with a Ex-husband who is an absent father and taking care of her babies who just wanted to be loved and love on others. She was the perfect match for Rondo.

I still love my Dawg Seneca...I feel he had the most growth and it was good to see him seek the help that he needed and be able to reestablished the relationships that he messed up in the previous book especially with Jungle. I am going to miss this family it has been a good ride and this was the icing on the cake to wrap the series up!!