Steele Waters

by M. Monique

Deja Ruben embarks on a new life in Crestview Waters, one she was thrust into, not of her own will. Loss has led her to a place she wouldn't otherwise step foot in. One fateful morning brings Deja’s new life spinning out of control and into arms of steel.Phoenix Steele wishes none other than to remain the reclusive lawyer that he is. He wants nothing to do with Crestview Waters and dares anyone place a foot on his land. As the head of his family's prestigious law firm, Phoenix has the world on his shoulders and doesn't need anything or anyone to add to it. If work isn't calling him, nothing is. That is until a hauntingly beautiful woman ends up on his land.Blaise Steele is the opposite of his older brother. He's social, outgoing, and flirtatious to the utmost degree. Although chaotic, nothing in his world is out of control. When he meets the emerging butterfly who is Janelle Peyton, he stumbles upon a side of himself he never knew existed.Janelle has issues that cut deep. Deja is her best friend and the only one who seems to get her. Unlike Deja, Janelle desires a new start of her own will. Moving to Crestview Waters could turn out to be all good for Janelle... or all bad.

Genres: African American Romance, Romance, Romantic Suspense, African American

354 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2024

Reviews

[Annette Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

**SOME SPOILERS**

I guess I’m the exception because, I did not like Steele Waters. Some of the reviews said it started out slow for some readers but, it eventually picked up. When?!!! Where Sway?!!! I kept waiting for it to pick up until the last chapter but, I guess I missed it. IMO, we could’ve done without the multiple POVs, the cliffhanger (if you can call it that) was unnecessary, and Janelle’s family drama was dumb. Their reason for cuttin’ her off was ridiculous and just didn’t make sense. She’s a whole grown azz woman and her parents threw a tantrum because she decided to move to a different state and live her own life?!!! 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️ The only part of the storyline that actually held my attention was Quinn’s secret pregnancy. I need to know why she didn’t tell Deja she was pregnant and how the hell Sheldra got custody of Nauni?!!! This book was a disappointment and I really should’ve DNFd it but, I’m a glutton for punishment. Steele Waters is definitely not M. Monique’s best work and I’m side eyein’ everybody that gave this book 4 and 5 stars. 😒😒😒😒

[Kameel]

DAMN, A Freaking Cliffhanger.

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

Well, this story started out a bit slow for me, and I almost quit. So thankful I pushed through. When it did pick up, bay bee….. 🤯

I loved how Deja just dropped everything to keep her friend’s memory alive. However, making a life in a new town is not easy. Then girl you go and get yourself lost and, in a bind…. Mr. Phoenix to the rescue, with his mean ass! Phoenix Steele the brooding, yet handsome man that everyone is talking about. Still bitter from his divorce and wants nothing to do with relationships or women on a long-term basis. When he meets Deja all bets are off.

I’m glad Janelle moved to get a new lease on life. But she seems to have something heavy on her spirit. I believe it is more than just the ish with her family. Now she is caught in the crosshairs of Blaise Steele, who has a lot of his own issues he is dealing with. However, he wants Janelle something serious, and will let nothing stop him.

There are so many damn questions! I purposely waited to dive into this read, as I saw that there was a cliffhanger. This is supposed to be an idyllic all black town! Where is all this drama coming from suddenly? 👀 Whew…. Let me jump right into the finale, cause I need to know what’s goings on! Enjoyed this. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[WellReadRuby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I wasn't expecting this!

I came into this book not knowing exactly what I was reading because I skipped the synopsis. I had no clue we would be following the lives of four people of which were 2 possible couples. phoenix and Deja were an interesting pair seeing that their first encounter was everything but romantic. They made sense but as we close this book and Deja and Phoenix deal with separate issues I’m not so sure their love story will be smooth sailing after all. The Quinn part of the story has me questioning a lot! Janelle and Blaise are not a couple and honestly, I want Blaise away from her immediately! Janelle has a lot of trust issues and family trauma that Blaise in my opinion is making worse because he can’t get his priorities in order. Lauren, the sheriff, and Jali are hell! I’m still unsure about Sheldra but that ending has me shocked and scared for her! There are a lot of twists and turns in this book and the cliff we are left on leaves so much to be answered in the next book! I’m making my way to that immediately! Things we are left to wonder about Deja’s discovery of Quinn, the secret she's keeping from Phoenix, and the issue of the Sheriff. Phoenix has his temper, the sheriff, and his ex wife to deal with. Janelle has her family trauma, Kendrick, and her situation with Blaise. Blaise has a lot to unpack with his situation with Janelle, the case, his friendship with Derek, and everything going on with Lauren (including her possessiveness). What happened to Sheldra? What's is the connection to Quinn and how is this all tying back to Phoenix's quote about a town with rich people and no crime is a red flag? A lot to unpack in the next book!!

[Shamaya Mickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more!

If its one thing Monique gone do is leave you with your mouth hung wide open wanting more cause why it had to end like that I need part 2 like now lol. Deja & Janelle sisterhood is beautiful I love how real they are with each other & no matter what always there for one another.Phoenix is that dude low-key & to himself until he need not to be & Deja is the quickest way to get him out of pocket. But it's something about Blaise that does something to me. Quinn was such a mystery & I don't trust that sheriff nor them church folk. I'm impatiently waiting for part 2 cause I got questions I need answers to

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 😍😘

Check Content Warnings

Trope: Black Love, Multiple couple, small town, found family,

Enjoyment: 4.5⭐

Character development: 4 ⭐

Emotional: 3 ⭐

Sweet: 4 ⭐

Romance: 3 ⭐

Heat\steam: 3 ⭐

Intrigue: 4 ⭐

Action: 0

Violence: 1.5⭐

Story\plot: 4 ⭐

World Building: 3 ⭐

Enjoy!!!

[Jerrell Everett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the Summers siblings, so I expected to love Steele Waters. Unfortunately, this fell very flat for me. I didn’t enjoy the writing style or the multiple POVs. And the timelines got muddled more than once. I’ll probably still read the follow up because I won’t be able to let the cliffhanger go, but this definitely wasn’t a favorite for me.

[Gheluy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars! Took me a minute to finish this part 1 , mostly bc of all the back and forth with Miss Janelle & Mister Blaise. Deja & Phoenix, I love y’all and hope to see any form of happy ending for them!! The way the story ended with these last minute plot twists thooooo, I can’t. I need to start part 2 asap

[kiriahsbookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This book was soo good! Ugh, i would’ve been so mad if I woulda read this and the second book wasn’t out.😭

This was my first book by the author and she didn’t disappoint. I thought the multiple POVs would annoy me but I actually enjoyed them and they were needed.

That cliffhanger tho?!?!

[Laneisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing about M. Monique… she’s going to write a good man, Savannah! I love a black romance that involves a grumpy man who becomes soft and gentle for a black woman. I enjoyed this read. I loved the balance of my two favorite things, romance and suspense, and a grumpy man falling first. I also loved that it centered around black men in law. I appreciated how the story also highlighted important issues such as domestic violence.

There were some things that fell flat for me. There were some instances where the plot became choppy. There were moments when we would jump to a scene or setting, but there wasn’t a lot of context about how we got there. Additionally, I felt myself becoming more intrigued by Blaise’s character and story, which seemed to overshadow Phoenix’s in a way. I felt that both Phoenix and Blaise should’ve had separate stories.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, but that cliffhanger?! M. Monique, when I catch you, Ricky! I look forward to the next book and reading more from her catalog.

[Jasmin Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steele Waters

This book was everything and held my attention from the very first page. I love the way Phoenix go hard for Deja and the way he love her. I'm so mad at Blaise he is messed up with Janielle. The ending was crazy I definitely can't wait for part 2.

[Pinks · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH my godddd🫣

Listen Monique came back for sure because no way did she just leave this book the way she left it in disarray like I need to know what the hell happened next. This story is so catching and addictive it doesn’t make sense but it’s makes sense. The way phoenix comes for Deja is everything he don’t play about his Bebe 😂 and she don’t play either but all that bombs that just dropped has me stuck on all ends. I need Blaise to get it together asap because he’s letting that women throw him down a winding road and making his one Janelle get away faster than lightning the way he keeps making her run from him. I love this little town and all the history, and family. The towns people are growing on me they just need to loosen up a bit with how they act like dam lol. So so much to uncover like the mysteries in this book has me on the edge of my seat and so much to dissect within certain people’s dynamics and ways. I really can’t wait till part two drops I should have never read this book till part two because my mind won’t stop thinking about it until it comes.

Side note After this series ends I gotta sit down and process what just happened to give my thorough thoughts 💯


Read this book you will love it but don’t read it if you cant take the suspension of waiting like me for more to come 😭

P.s. I saw that little gem drop of sis Jacoba w baby#2 w big man Blu awwww

[Brianna M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a little romance with my mystery and this book gave all the mystery romance vibes. This is perfect for the romance girly looking to switch things up. My only qual is the cliff hanger which is more like a cliff dive because gah damn

[Eve_choclate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was soo good🖤

[Ebony · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read all this just for it pop off in the last 2 chapters and there’s a cliffhanger………

[The Book Jawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agggghhh not a cliff hanger!!! I really enjoyed this book. Phoenix and Blaise are both two new book baes for sure. But now I need more. On to book 2 I go

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars! Deja’s best friend, Quin, recently passed away and left her home to Deja in her will, and her home is in Crestview Waters which is an affluent black city. Deja moves there and one day while she is on a run, two dogs chase her and she gets lost. There is a search for her and she happens to turn up on the Steele property, a well-known family in the community. Phoenix Steele finds her and lets the authorities know that he found her.

Phoenix is recently divorced and has an immediate attraction to Deja, and the same for her, and they eventually start a relationship. They both have their own separate stories and we learn about their past and follow their journey.

Janelle, who is Deja’s best friend moves in with Deja. Phoenix’s brother, Blaise has an immediate attraction to her, but Janelle just got out of a relationship and isn’t looking to start another one now, event though she is attracted to Blaise. She fights his attempts every step of the way until she gives in, but when she does there is something standing in the way of her not wanting to move forward. We follow their individual stories also and learn more about both of them.

There is also things going on with other people in the community and I think we will learn more in the second book. If you want drama,then you want to read this. It starts off slow but really picks up in the middle and end of the first book. I really enjoyed this book and looking forward to starting The Finale!

[The Urban Fiction Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEW!!!!!!! Where do I start???? I was hyped to read this book and then my Sister/Fren told me it wasn’t just urban fiction it was a mystery/suspense kinda book and I was like. WHET!!!!! I used my wheel picker and placed all my book in it and this was the book it chose right after I said I was gon wait to read this book. Welp! The way I read this book determined it was a lie, I did in fact want to read this. Bayyyyyybeeee them Steele Men are no joke. I was ready to ask Monique where can I find me one okay. If the right person can change you and make you better was a person that’s what Deja did and is for Phoneix. I’m loving there story. I mean he is loving her in the softest and strongest way ever. Janelle’s family needs to be off’d 1 by 1. They disgust me. I CAN NOT stand them. I’m rooting for her and Blaise to get together cause I think she’s exactly who he needs and so far he has shown he does not play when it comes to her. The Sheriff from Crestview Waters from day one gives me bad vibes and I think he’s dirty and I mean in a bad way. But see if he don’t ease up off Deja, he gonna make Phoneix body him. Lauren either needs to die or carry her a*as tf on cause she is pissing me clean tf off with her antics. I really want her husband to wake up because I got too many questions. Alright that’s it, diving into part 2 now. Just know this is a must read and Monique needs to find someone to turn this into a movie.

SN: the church folks at that church Quinn use to attend before she passed away gives me I got secrets and we all lying vibes so I’m dying to see how this plays out with Nauni.

The end!!!!!

[Karanna Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

STEELE that’s it!!!!!

WHEW!!!!!!! Where do I start???? I was hyped to read this book and then my Sister/Fren told me it wasn’t just urban fiction it was a mystery/suspense kinda book and I was like. WHET!!!!! I used my wheel picker and placed all my book in it and this was the book it chose right after I said I was gon wait to read this book. Welp! The way I read this book determined it was a lie, I did in fact want to read this. Bayyyyyybeeee them Steele Men are no joke. I was ready to ask Monique where can I find me one okay. If the right person can change you and make you better was a person that’s what Deja did and is for Phoneix. I’m loving there story. I mean he is loving her in the softest and strongest way ever. Janelle’s family needs to be off’d 1 by 1. They disgust me. I CAN NOT stand them. I’m rooting for her and Blaise to get together cause I think she’s exactly who he needs and so far he has shown he does not play when it comes to her. The Sheriff from Crestview Waters from day one gives me bad vibes and I think he’s dirty and I mean in a bad way. But see if he don’t ease up off Deja, he gonna make Phoneix body him. Lauren either needs to die or carry her a*as tf on cause she is pissing me clean tf off with her antics. I really want her husband to wake up because I got too many questions. Alright that’s it, diving into part 2 now. Just know this is a must read and Monique needs to find someone to turn this into a movie.

SN: the church folks at that church Quinn use to attend before she passed away gives me I got secrets and we all lying vibes so I’m dying to see how this plays out with Nauni.

The end!!!!!

[mimi 🧚🏽‍♀️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
i knew about 25% in that this was going to be a 5 star read for me and i wish i read it sooner because i instantly was hooked into this story and the characters 😮‍💨🙏🏽

m monique really must’ve put her all into this book because this was exactly what i needed and more!!

the love story that blooms between deja and phoenix was captivating to say the least. what i loved the most was how much pressure phoenix was applying once he realized he wanted deja to himself 🔥.

well also eventually see a “bond” forming between janelle and blaise that’s so rocky, but also understandable coming from both ends of the “relationship”. janelle is guarding her heart (understandably) and blaise is trying to uncover his (as he should) which causes a lot of angst between the two.

there’s also a suspense subplot in this book following a case that’s going on with blaise and the families company “steele law”. although i do wish it was more prevalent in the story, the snippets of tension we do get are interesting and leave you with lots of questions.

and that cliffhanger??! i might hop directly into the next book because this book ended off with a unexpected bang 😭‼️.

overall i really enjoyed this book, i loved the fact that the town of crestview woods was a fully black town, i also loved the evolving relationship between deja and phoenix. it’s especially more loving when we see a man try his hardest to change for someone he really loves. janelle and deja’s relationship was also so cute and pure, they’re definitely sisters at heart.

idk what it was about this book, but it grabbed my attention instantly and sucked me in right away. a good first read for me, from m monique.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG

OMG, this book was absolutely amazing! I just finished reading it, and I am still recovering from the intense ending. The author really knows how to keep readers on the edge of their seats with all the twists and turns.

But let me tell you, that ending was a double cliffhanger. I was not expecting that at all! It left me with so many questions, and I am dying to know what happens next. Three of the main characters are in such a precarious situation, and I am on pins and needles waiting to see how they will get out of it.

The writing in this book was captivating, and the characters were so well-developed. I felt like I was right there with them, experiencing everything they were going through. The world-building was also incredibly detailed and immersive, making it easy to get lost in the story.

I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it. Every chapter ended with a mini-cliffhanger that made me want to keep reading. And now, with that ending, I am eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. I need to know what happens next and how the characters will navigate through the challenges they are facing.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good page-turner with unexpected twists and turns. Just be prepared for a double cliffhanger that will leave you on the edge of your seat and count down the days until the next book is released.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oof! I had such high hopes for this one... The Steele brothers intrigued plus Deja and Janelle were my type of girls... however the writing left so much to be desired. Somehow Steele Waters felt rushed and slow at the same time. Sounds like an oxymoron right???

Here is what I mean...
1. It felt rushed because so much of the romance felt rushed.... there were interactions that never built up and things that had to happen off page that the reader could have benefitted from to make the couples dynamic feel believable. Even the intimate scenes with one couple in particular felt rushed. If you don't let me enjoy the moment. UGH!
2. It felt slow because this is marketed as a romantic suspense but the suspense never really came. I thought we were immediately going to jump into the action but that quickly fizzled out. There were so many opportunities for us to up the stakes but it felt like M. Monique kept teasing us. My good sis, WE ARE READY!!!

In addition there was just too much strange behavior going on for me...
1. How are these men highly accomplished lawyers and making so many questionable choices... The bathing scene, no questioning your client after the doctor made some details about your client known, threatening a sheriff! -- Y'all can't be serious!
2. Who calls their little sister baby? Nobody!

I will NOT be reading book 2.... Might have to try another series by this author.

[FlysLibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Cliffhanger in a book PERIOD‼️You DO NOT see any of them coming… even when you THINK you know what’s happening.

I am SO GRATEFUL that the second book is already available. Cause I WILL BE reading it. IMMEDIATELY

The beginning threw me off with the pacing. It’s very faced paced to the point you can skip days or even weeks between paragraphs…..Which at first I didn’t like… but once I got into the style of how the book reads… I actually enjoyed not having to deal with the “fluffy” stuff. I don’t need to read what happened at every part of every day we see… just give me the good stuff…..Even with the time jumps the story flows pretty flawlessly and you fly through the chapters.

The PLOT TWISTS were GREAT and the last 3 chapters of this book will have your mouth ON THE FLOOR‼️ I don’t know WHAT TO THINK or honestly who to trust. I just know there’s ALOT of “who dun it’s” going on and I NEED ANSWERS. There are Multiple POVs and EVERYONE has a conflict that makes you NEED MORE‼️‼️

I recommend this book for everyone who likes Mystery’s and Cliffhangers with a touch of Spice that makes your cheeks hot 🥵 … but I also encourage people to keep in mind that this is a true Urban Book… so don’t read it if you can’t respect stories written in ways that cater to Black people. ❤️❤️

[Readin'_Rainbeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

great start to a new series

M. Monique continues to improve her craft, creating characters who are engaging and funny. She’s wrong for ending on a cliffhanger, but I am fully invested. Phoenix is an alpha who doesn’t want anyone new in his life. Deja is self-aware and independent, but an injury brings them together. What I loved about their relationship is the straightforward manner they talked to each other. Janelle is Deja’s best friend, looking to change her situation, but running into Blaise reminds her of the life she was trying to escape. He wants to convince her that he’s different, but keeps going about it the wrong way. Hopefully I won’t have to wait too long for the next book. My only complaints are that the dynamic between Janelle’s family members seemed inconsistent. Also, there might be some mystery involving the death of Deja’s other friend (Quin) but that hasn’t been brought up yet. Actually, there seems to be several crimes going on but it all reads in a chaotic way. Not sure if it’s intentional, but it takes away from the rest of the story.

[Tracy - loves to read · Rating 4 out of 5]

whoa

That ending though - talk about a cliffhanger!

It was a little hard to get into the way both Deja and Janielle let Phoenix and Blaise have them so quickly. Hi then bam tongue down her throat or bam slammed up against a wall/door finger in Her la chatte. Once I got passed that I appreciated how P pursued and showed up for Deja. Blaise needed to clear his head, set boundaries and prioritize because he was loosing before he got a chance to run the race for Janielles heart.
Now all of the things happening around the 2 romances were very well written. I found myself very engrossed in Lauren’s accounting of things and her ever evolving actions and state of mind that didn’t quite add up. Also, P’s ex wife popping up out the blue. That sheriff definitely gives me pause and something ain’t right up in that church and the people.
I’m fully invested in finding out wth is going on with these people in this affluent black community and the secrets their keeping.
Good read!

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steele Waters started off a bit slow for my taste, but the story really picked up once Janelle moved in with Deja. That’s when the characters and plot began to find their rhythm. I especially enjoyed the dynamic between Phoenix and Deja—there was definitely chemistry there—but I wish their relationship had been developed more gradually. It felt a little rushed, and I would’ve loved to see more of them building their bond over time.

At times, the pacing of the book felt a bit jumpy. For instance, Thanksgiving was mentioned several times but then quickly skipped over, which left me wanting more continuity in the storytelling.

That said, I went into this book completely blind and was pleasantly surprised by the ending. It wrapped things up in a way that left me curious, especially about Blaise and JJ’s situationship. I’m definitely intrigued to see how things unfold in the next book. On to part two

[Marquitta Harlan · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Steele Waters* by M. Monique is a scorching, steamy romance that will keep you turning the pages. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and the tension is palpable from start to finish. M. Monique crafts a story that’s both enticing and engaging, making it a perfect light read for those looking for a bit of escapism.

However, be prepared to pick up the second book if you want the full experience. The first installment ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the story incomplete. While this might be a draw for some, I'm personally not a fan of books that don’t conclude within their pages. Despite this, the story is interesting enough that I might just have to continue reading to see how everything unfolds. If you're into passionate romances with a bit of mystery, *Steele Waters* is worth a read. Just be ready for the commitment of a series!

[bookClover · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow!

I stayed up all night reading this good ass book just for it to end on a cliffhanger???? At 95%, i said to myself there’s just too many loose ends to tie up and not enough pages. Omg, this book will keep you on the end of your seat, there’s just always something looming. It takes a minute to get things going romantically, but once intentions are out in the open from both Phoenix and Blaise, things heat up quick as hell lol. Love them, BDE is all throughout the book. Deja and Janell are really the perfect match too. Very unfortunate what Janell is experiencing with her family on top of Blaise letting Lauren derail them. Something in the milk isn’t clean with that anyways and I can not wait for book 2!!

[Sheena Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 me today por favor!

I just discovered this author by going through the reels of books under another book I read and I am thoroughly impressed! I'm going to look to see if she has any other books.

This book was a pleasant surprise. Them Steele men are titillating as a fool, do you hear me?! The way they love hard when they allow a woman into their hearts is hawt!

Bebe when Blaise grabbed JJ by her throat in that club....I melted! When Phoenix whipped that bouncers tail at that same club for having the audacity to ignore the fact that his WOMAN told him to move around...hunnnnaaayyyy! Had me clutching my pearls..lol.

Let's get that book 2 joint out here for a roller-coaster ride! Them cliffhangers and cliffhanging!

[Roxy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chile this book here

This is my first read by Monique an I was not disappointed….this was there was so much going on but you didn’t get lost there’s Phoenix and Deja who have this insta chemistry when she got lost jogging and found on his land and from that interaction they seek each other out….Blaise and Janell she has her caused because she doesn’t want to be hurt and he can’t separate friendship with Lauren to see he’s messing up with her and his case….there are so many twist and turns and strange townsfolk it just pulls you in I love the she she made the male characters humble with an edge and the females were strong and resilient this was truly an awesome read but I just despise cliffhangers now I’ll be on pins and needles for the installment BRAVO