Dallas Sincere Washington is a man who once had the world until it was snatched away from him. Now, although feeling like he has nothing to live for, he still chooses to pour into others what he never had. Well, when a well is running dry eventually the pouring must stop. When his ultimate sleeping fears are awoken, will he be able to cope? Will the fear cripple him to a point where faith has no room to operate, or will he be strong enough to smother his fear, restoring in him what was lost?
Oakleigh Moana Torrand has accepted what is for her life not realizing it can pivot at any given time as prescribed by the Creator. When a pivot in a situationship leads to something no one saw coming and worst what only one wanted, what will she do? Will her faith be strong enough to drown out not only her fear but the fear of a connection that should have never been?
When the fear is gone and faith takes over, the only thing we can hope is that peace is Delivered With Love.
Mel Dau (Melvin’s Daughter) was born in Vicenza, Italy but raised in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. She is the baby girl and only girl of three. She has always had a love for books beginning with the Baby Sitter’s Club, R.L. Stine, and Christopher Pike. She dabbled in writing as she grew up but never took it as seriously as she should have.
Mel Dau graduated from from Wando High School, then later matriculated to Benedict College (BSW) and Webster University (MHRM). She is a mother of a teenage daughter, a HR Professional, and a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Her love for Urban Literature did not arrive until Mid-2016. Reading over 900 books from 2016 to 2017, she was obsessed with reading--an obsession that helped her cope with her father’s illness and death. In March of 2018, she decided to finally come from behind the wall and submit a short story which resulted in her first Book, Khiaere and Phy: A Charleston Love Story being published under Queens of Lit Presents. Under Queens of Lit Presents, she successfully published 15 titles that were all debuted in the top fifty on Amazon Top 100.
In May of 2020, she was signed to her new publisher B. Love Publications where she continues her growth as an author. Her purpose as an author is to provide her readers’ with her E³ formula, Entertain, Encourage & Educate. She achieved her first #1 Bestseller with her Erotica title, Pet The Kitty. In August of 2020 she founded Mel Dau Publications, LLC to pursue self-published projects. Penning in a lane all her own, her Informational Dramas fulfills her purpose with every release. Her overall desire is to use her fiction catalog to help change at least one person’s non-fiction reality.
Trust the process. That was easier said than done for Dallas. At the tender age of 20, his world is upended when he loses his wife and his daughter during childbirth. Dallas has vowed to never love another person ever again. “If you don’t love, you can’t get hurt.” He took that to heart and for the next 14 years, Dallas closed his heart off and chose to never get into another committed relationship. He teaches high school football as a way to mentor young boys and nurture his love of kids but, he still hasn’t moved on from the death of his wife and daughter.
Oakleigh has moved back to Charlotte, NC when she’s offered the position as the new art teacher at Vickers High School and to be closer to her family. She just wants to focus on her students and building her brand as an influencer. Oakleigh has no time for a relationship or a situationship but, all of that changes when the head football coach pops into her classroom to introduce himself. The attraction is evident from hello and, after a night out drinking, these two are all over each other. But, Dallas makes it clear before they even get naked. This is sex and sex only. There will be no love connection so, keep your feelings to yourself and we’ll get along. Now, y’all already know how quickly things can go left when you get caught up in a FWB situation and they fell apart expeditiously when Oakleigh catches feelings and wants more.
I struggled with whether or not I liked Dallas because, I just didn’t appreciate the way he treated Oakleigh. This man was hot and cold 50% of the book and had my girl confused (in my Ms. Ceely voice) as hell. Yes, he was upfront and honest about what he wanted and didn’t want but, he was still an azzhole. Dallas just couldn’t reconcile the feelings he didn’t want to have for Oakleigh because, he thought he was betraying his wife. I loved how Dallas recognized he had some deep-rooted issues and wasn’t ashamed to admit he needed therapy. We love a black man who prioritizes his mental health. Once again, Mel Dau gives us an emotional read on a topic that should be talked about. I love the facts she included on the disparity of healthcare for black women and the black infant mortality rate. Delivered with Love is definitely going to have you in your feelings so, grab a box of tissues and be prepared for a good ugly cry.
“True faith is not a leap into the dark; it's a leap into the light.”
Growing up in the foster care system Dallas didn’t have much! In fact he had less than nothing! But one things he did have was the love of his wife Kimberly and that was a check he could take to the bank and cash any day of the week! They didn’t have a lot starting out but Dallas was determined to protect and provide for her and their daughter that would soon make her debut. With no other family, it was Dallas and Kimberly against the world!
We already know that the maternal mortality rate for African American mothers is high when compared to other races and when you add poor insurance into the mix, this increases the rates by alarming numbers. For Kimberly and their baby girl, they were unfortunately added to this statistic after her subpar doctor failed to take her medical concerns seriously. To say that Dallas was devastated is a severe understatement.
Overtime Dallas had allowed his heart to cement over and makes it crystal clear that he ain’t got nothing more to offer outside of a wet 🍑 and occasional conversation. Initially this was ok for Oakleigh. While this wasn’t her usual MO, she was willing to switch things up and try the no strings attached situationship. She’d just moved back home to be closer to family and just started a new teaching gig! It all made sense in her head but when she and Dallas settle into a level of comfort that has her wanting more she puts her feelings on the line only for Dallas to cut the line all together!
Dallas was an 🍑 wipe and there’s no getting around it! Did he make his intentions clear from day one? Absolutely! Did he lead Oak on? Meh maybe/maybe not…. But when things took a turn in their lives he was 1000% a 🍆 head! And I get it, the type of loss he experienced was one he couldn’t fathom surviving again so he protected himself the only way he knew how and unfortunately was really REALLY harsh with some of his methods!
Once Dallas opened his heart to love, he was not playing about Oakleigh! I loved how he cared for her and he redeemed himself as far as I’m concerned!
🔸It was Dallas adding an elevator to his home for Oakleigh’s comfort for me 🥰 🔸It was the portraits presented to Dallas during his therapy session for me 🥹🖼️ 🔸It was papa Oakleigh pulling out that thang on Dallas when he thought he was doing something #EnergyMatched 🔸It was the way they all poured into these students for me! They were everything as teachers / coaches / educators 🔸It was Kimberly’s Heart for me 😪💛
My only minor gripe was that I would have enjoyed seeing more development with Dallas and Oakleigh’s relationship. They went from vibing to hating each other to being obsessed with each other. The transitions happened so fast that more time could’ve been spent on that part of the story! While Mel has been a bit inconsistent with recent releases, this one did it for me! 🥰
Dallas suffers the most devastating loss of his life at the age of 20, losing both his daughter and his wife to childbirth. This makes him bitter, and since he fears and does not want to experience that sort of pain again, he cannot offer love to another person. Oakleigh returned to town and is now a new teacher at the same school where Dallas works. The attraction is strong from the start, and after a night of drinking, one thing leads to another. They are now caught up in a friends-with-benefits situation. While I think the story was well written, I found it difficult to enjoy it at times. I understood what the author was trying to get across, but nothing about Dallas was appealing. I understand that loss can change a person, but I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters. There were moments when the connection seemed rushed and solely dependent on the situation.
This story is breathtaking. The heartbreak and healing are real. I can't begin to say how emotional I am after reading this beautiful depiction of true love. Oakley is such a beautiful, solid character. Even her one mess up, didn't take away from the fact that she is a genuinely good person. These two together made me laugh, cry, and want to throw hands. I am so happy to have continued on this ride with the twins and their men.
Whew the journey this read took me and my emotions on! I was heartbroken, in disbelief, angry, anxious, smiling, laughing, frowning, crying, and finally rejoicing at the end. Mel, I love the topics you choose to write about, as you are bringing awareness to many of us, as well as teaching those who may have no idea.
Dallas had a plan for his family at his young age, and to have it snatched away from him like that was devastating! 💔 If this is what love is, I want no parts of it. He chooses to never get into another relationship, to protect his heart and his sanity. However, moving on is beyond difficult for Dallas. He has so many regrets, and never wants to feel that type of pain again.
Oakleigh, a reserved, kind soul, moved to a new city for a fresh start. She was looking forward to her teaching position, and not much else. However, when she crosses paths with Dallas, things look up. Oakleigh finds Dallas strange. Hot and cold, random with this thoughts and questions, but handsome. They easily fall into a situationship, until she wants more.
Dallas, I understood your hurt, but damn, you were savage in the way you treated Oakleigh! 🤬 I wanted to whoop your ass myself! 😤 But God had a plan and he's always right on time.
I commend Oakleigh for the compassion she displayed in making sure that Dallas didn't forget his past and helped him honor it. Dallas did redeem himself, a lil bit, cause I was big mad at his ass! Beautiful story. ❤️👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
I went into this book unknown on what to really expect and enjoyed that process. The message behind this book is so encouraging, educational and heartwarming it made me shed some tears throughout the story. The reason I rate it a 4 star is because the story was underdeveloped meaning it had so much potential to be great but was lacking in areas. The characters interactions were at times felt random or forced it got better near the middle going to the end but it was still there. Oakleigh and Dallas almost had it but some developments were missing and scenes felt rushed with the characters. I loved the message behind the story and Dallas’s past and experience on maternal black health and tragedy and what can be done for the better especially in the U.S. I hope Author Mel Dau continues writing meaningful books like this and develops as she goes 🫶
Dallas sent me through so many emotions, I hated him, loved him, felt sad for him, and ultimately I was so damn proud of him. Oakleigh was as sweet as can be, but that does not mean she took any shit. I loved how she stood up for herself and didn't let anybody play on her top, including Dallas.
The two of them together was definitely God's plan because the way he asked for a sign and Oak gave him the news was crazy. My man straight up ignored it too and made a mess of the situation. I was so happy he redeemed hisself after her daddy had to pull up on him.
My favorite part of this book was the relationship that Omar built with Kimberly. He honored Kim as much as Dal did and that my heart melt.
The amount of representation in this book was amazing from African American maternal and infant mortality to black men in therapy. I loved every page of this book, this story was written with so much love and attention it leaped off the pages.
My first read by Mel Dau and it will not be my last, I can't wait to dive more into her catalog.
Went in blind not knowing what to expect and boy was I not prepared. I barely made it through the prologue without shedding tears. This book was amazing. Mel Dau’s writing and her ability to pull you right in creates a perfect story each time.
Dallas and Oakleigh will forever live in my mind. Oakleigh and Omar was just what Dallas needed to heal and learn that it is okay to love after loss. Especially when he said “I guess God wanted to show both of us that we both were worth more than we had put ourselves out to be.” I knew then this book would end beautifully.
Dallas went through a lot at a really young age being in foster care then losing his wife and child. I do think we didn’t see much development from him until the veryyyy end which threw me off a bit considering his and oaks relationship started in the middle (&very quickly). I felt like he didn’t grow out of his old ways of thinking before even getting in a relationship, so that threw me off of their connection. Granted their relationship started very early from an accident, I still feel like Oak accepted him purely because of that and not because she saw he had the best intentions and loved her from the very beginning. I don’t know very conflicted about this read…..
This was a really good book from beginning to end and I found it hard to put it down. I was locked in from the beginning with Kimberly and Dallas and found myself getting mad about the way he suffered his loss because it truly did not have to happen. I completely understood why Dallas wanted to close himself off to love after such a horrific tragedy, especially with not having any family to lean on during his time of need and loss.
They always say when we make plans, God laughs and that was definitely the case with this story. Dallas was determined to block all possibilities to love and then came along this beautiful art teacher named Oakleigh and he thought he could also keep her at a distance, but God said nope, I will restore you the love you lost at a young age with something greater than you could ever ask or imagine and that came in the form of Oakleigh and their baby girl. I definitely looked at Dallas sideways for the way he spoke to Oakleigh after finding out about her pregnancy because it was unnecessarily cruel but I also understood that for him, his feelings weren’t without merit or context. I appreciated that he quickly got it together and changed his way of thinking about having a needed conversation to get him to see things from a different perspective and that had him doing the work to heal from his previous loss to be better for his new family.
I loved the friendship Dallas and Omar had and that Omar told him when he was wrong and didn’t support his bs just because they were friends. I also loved how Omar always tried to get Dallas to see that he had the capacity to love again. This was a well written story and I would highly recommend.
I understood why Dallas didn’t want to be in a relationship or have any children because of what happened to Kimberly and Dina. Dallas trauma was running his life and I was so glad he did get therapy in the book. I didn’t like how he handle the situation with Oak especially the termination question. I really wanted to read more about them building a friendship during the pregnancy part of book. I feel like their situation was more of a benefits thing even after Oak made it official. I was happy that he honor his late wife and child at the end.
The foundation was good, great even. I'm sorry, but something was missing. Something big, too, because I couldn't connect with the characters or the story at all. I had to skim through some of it.
Y'all, I did not like Dallas. Well, from the moment he made the FWB statement to Oakleigh until about 66% of the book. Yes, he was abandoned as a child, a product of the foster care system, and suffered an unimaginable loss, but he didn't have the right to be an @ss. I admire Oakleigh standing on business, I admired everyone in his close circle getting him to realize that he needed to go back to therapy. Omar was the friend that Dallas ALWAYS needed and he didn't hold punches. Maeliegh was a hoot too. I just knew both sisters were going to have twins, but Mae got that honor. Did Dallas have the right to be upset with Oakleigh, absolutely because she did lie. However, she was under the impression multiple times by multiple doctors that she'd never conceive. I went from almost not finishing this book to needing to grab my box of tissues. Oakleigh truly was an amazing person. She didn't put up with Dallas scrap and definitely was going to leave him stuck on stupid, but he got it together. This book really took me through it, but I'm glad I read it. Happy Reading Y'all!💋
To me Dallas wanted love and he should have known Oakleigh was sent by Kimberly he was just too stubborn and didn’t want to listen and wanted to control everything (Jerk 🙄). This was a great story I loved these two characters the growth was good. Dallas had me shaking my head because my man if I was Oakleigh I wouldn’t speak two words to his ignorant behind because babe Dallas stressed me out for a second 🤣🤦🏾♀️🤨 but he made up for it. Dalla did not play about Oakleigh and she didn’t either. If unbothered was a skill Oakleigh would win a Gold medal and more because the way she took Trice soul made me holler 🤣🤷🏾♀️😍. I love when Oakleigh was able to let Dallas know she wasn’t mad at him but herself because she knew who she was!! It so much more great things I can truly say about this book but I will say this is a story you will not want to put down! I would like to have a visual of Dallas home because it sounds beautiful!
This was another great one from Mel Dau This author writes stories that touches your soul and brings forth feelings you didn’t think possible from reading a book The main characters Kimberly and Dallas Were two people destined to fall deeply in love although they didn’t know it when they met Dallas was dealing with trauma that had a hold on him and didn’t want to let go But Love found a way The supporting characters were awesome and the family love shines through each line We see how grief can hold you hostage but the burden can be lifted with the correct mix of love, counseling, friendship and family This was one of my most favorite books by Mel She outdid herself If you haven’t want of her books this standalone is a great start Her entire catalog is off the charts!
😩 omg. This story opens p with a loving young couple. Preparing to bring their little baby girl into the world together. And tragedy strikes 😔
A $ex only relationship never plays out how it's expected. Dallas seems like a cool down to earth guy. But he doesn't want a relationship. And he and Oakleigh were supposed to get busy ...and nothing more.
The fear that Dallas possed became much more..and it caused him to fear everything about love and lot be able to live. Hurt people, hurt people and that's what he did. But his homeboy!! That's where the understanding comes in. His homeboy was there to help him see what he keeps fighting.
I'm glad he was able to get help, even when he thought he was better. In the end, he was able to conquer his fear and get control of all his emotions to begin to live.
Once again, this author has written a Soul-touching book. This story is phenomenally written. Her characters are so relatable. Dallas Washington is the main character in this book. You will see as you read along that, unfortunately, for our community, this story rings true for many. I believe true love never dies, and thankfully, this is true for Dallas. When he is introduced to Oakleigh, she is a gift. Once you read this book, you will understand why I say that. This book is a must-read no, it's a "please read." As always, it is an absolute pleasure for me to read your books. 🥰 P.S. Thank you for introducing me to my new charity: Sisters of the Dove Charity Fund, Inc. You are truly a blessing and extremely talented author.
I appreciate this book because it speak highly of the disparities in African American women deaths and births . I’m currently in third year of a program that teaches you the disparities, diversity and advocacy of the healthcare system. Everything the author added to this book has some impact of disparities and how to advocate for it. I would say the mental health of Dallas is a great example of disparities in African American Men as well. Mel Dau you have provide readers an insight of a real life issue that goes on our community. I cried last semester from my research paper on mental health in the black community and i cried again for the birth deaths of women in our community. Thank you for being the voice and getting the message out to the world.
Dallas knew heartbreak from a young age, being abandoned at birth by his mother, then experiencing love and loss at 20! When all was said and done, he closed off his heart to love and relationships! The day he met Oakleigh and her sister Maileigh, he already knew his feelings were to stay locked up but realized it would be hard! Mai and his best friend Omar hit it off at once and became a couple! Through events he almost lost out on his good thing but he got it together with a lot of people's help and in the end he found love again, family and community as well as another chance to be a dad! Great read, shows God's love and His tender mercy towards us!
The more books I read by this author, the more I love that no topic is an off topic and the depth of what comes from those topics are ALWAYS one you can feel in your soul!!!… This book was soooo good and I love the way these characters struggles and love stories all came together!!!…I felt Dallas loss and understood his lack of trusting!!!.. Omar was full of AWESOMENESS and ENCOURAGEMENT!!!… Mai was definitely my kindred spirit and I loved how she did not hide who she was or how she will get down!!!… Oakleigh heart was so big and I love that she took a chance and put herself out there despite the outcome!!!…
What happened to Kimberly and Dina was extremely tragic. That doctor and hospital deserved the malpractice lawsuit and more. Dallas deserved every cent they had to pay him. Him educating himself and working was very admirable. Having Omar as a friend was helpful for him. Meeting Oakleigh was okay, but falling for her was unacceptable. Him realizing that she would help him heal, as well as love him was what he needed. Although they experienced ups and downs, he and Oakleigh's love was beautiful. Having a best friend and sister experience everything together with you was amazing. Their lives and love were inseparable. This was an amazing read! Job well done!
First thing first I really enjoyed this book ! Secondly I understand how grief can affect people and no two journeys are the same! 🗣️ However Dallas need a foot up his ahh 😒 he was the absolute worst and I don’t like him for oakleigh ! She should’ve made him a single father 🙄🖕🏾! This book brought out several different emotions from me and the main one was anger 😡 ! 🤣🤣🤣 I know it’s just a book but Mel Dau wrote it so good I felt all the emotions, specifically the anger 🤣 I love the fact they wanted to help other mothers and families to prevent them from experiencing a similar situation like Kimberly 🥰 that really warmed my soul ☺️
Hmmmm, 🤔 …I realize & acknowledge everyone grieves & mourns the death of their loved one (including children & pets) differently. However, although both tragic & negligent, his late wife Kimberly & Dina story was awful. Dallas’ his story or maybe more accurately how he managed his grief was creepy, weird & inconsistent. Consequently, “Delivered With Love” had the potential to be a great read. … yes there were some humorous moments and or memorable characters. Nevertheless unfortunately, I just didn’t care for the book’s ultimate directions.🤷🏾♀️
This is one of the most beautiful stories I've ever read. Mel Dau never disappoints, but she did her BIG thing with this one.
Dallas faced a lot of adversity, and it almost took him out. But the love of a good friend, a good woman, a hellava therapist, an excellent doctor, and a bonus mom and dad made those adversities easier to face.
Dallas was messed up and was truly against love, but meeting Oakleigh was his saving Grace. If you have not read a Mel Dau book, you should. Mel gives you all the feels. Her stories leave you full and hopeful.
Dallas was a man who experienced a great loss and decided love wasn’t for him. Oakleigh was a woman who was figuring it out in a new city and was the catalyst that God used to help Dallas not only heal but accept and give love. Great story as always Mel Dau’s pen doesn’t miss. I cried for a great amount of this book and as always true in Mel Dau books I laughed a great amount in this book. I love how she tackled the issue of infant mortality and healthcare issues for African American women. Can’t wait for book number 52!!!
Mel Dau is not afraid to write about any subject, and I love this about her!!! Delivered with love deals with the topic of maternal health disparities in this country while telling the love story of Dallas and Oakleigh . Mel Dau continues to write such great stories that touch on topics that affect the black community. The way she is able to weave moments of comedy with romance , while giving us education is fantastic. She is one of my one click authors and Delivered With Love is one of the reasons why!