Can't Be Broken

by Mel Dau

Whimsy Coral Taylor has been bent, twisted, and shaken, but never broken. It wasn’t like her to be broken or to allow herself to get into situations that could potentially break her. A potentially breakable situation was a serious relationship. She had secrets in life that could detour the best of men. Will the entrance of a new man in her life and body make her reconsider all that she thinks she knows?

Riker Indigo Patterson (Rip) is the epitome of a man that came from the hard knock to the good life by strength, determination, smart decisions, and connections. Love has never put him in a position to be hurt, therefore, he’ll welcome it when or if it comes. When his sight is set on a woman who has built a wall around herself to keep out love, will he have the right tools to tear it down?

It’s true that there are some things and people that can’t be broken. What happens when what can’t be broken should be broken?

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, African American Romance, African American, Urban, Novella

163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2024

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay read. I did enjoy Riker and his unhinged behavior, but didn’t feel a real love connection between he and Whimsy. The dialogue throughout was fun, with some laugh out loud moments, but this one just didn’t hit the mark for me.

[Kameel · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd read was the newly released audiobook….story still lacked a bit…Extra star for nice narration.

[Sheronda H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Very short but I enjoyed the story.

[Goddess’ Smut Library 🩷 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️🌶️

[Arnell Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chef’s Kiss!

[SumFire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rip & Whimsy

They do say revenge is a dish best served cold, but Whimsy's shenanigans have tickled me to no end!

When she said:
"I wasn’t sure what threw him over the edge. It could have been erasing all his saved game data on his game system. Well, it could have also been me spraying adhesive on all his clothes then tossing glitter on them. It probably was me licking a bunch of Jolly Ranchers and sticking it to the windshield of his precious Benz. Baby, when he tried to take them babies off, that window cracked like a weak nigga about to snitch."

I was done !😂🤣🤣 and the poor fools shoes!

Mel Dau and her characters are always with the its!

Genre: Urban Romance
Troupe: Instalove.
Spice Level:🌶🌶
Tissues: 🚫

I said what I said and as always: don't take my word for it. Read the book, form your own opinions, and support your authors!

Start reading it for free on KU:

[TheVanityDoll · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok!! I didn’t like how the timeline kept jumping all around. Even the pace of this book was weird. Certain parts were unnecessarily dragged out and then the parts that should have been more detailed were fast paced and skipped over important info. I like how this group of friends all stood on business tho and were all equally crazy😂😂😂

[Keesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ I enjoy Mel Dau books but this one could’ve stayed in the drafts. The story was lacking and I didn’t connect to the FMC or MMC.

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whimsy’s glow up after heartbreak was everything. Imagine having a grandma riding for you so hard that she was willing to sell her house move a couple states over and build you and her a house. Whimsy’s romance with Rip was beautiful.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another unhinged man from the Mega universe that will make you laugh uncontrollably. There is nothing I like more than a strong main female character. This story also tackles the issue of dealing with a chronic illness.

[Jaye Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whimsy and Riker were so perfect for each other. Imagine thinking you’re about to marry someone and they’re already married. After a terrible situation, Whimsy moves and her life changes for the better. Fear almost ruined her and she overcame. Granny was my girl ! I loved how she loved her grand baby ! Fiona is and always will be my favorite friend of the female friend group. She’s the true definition of “ride and you’ll die about my bff.” Mega is still being Mega and I love it !! He came in with the bs per usual. Riker, Riker, Riker… he gave meaning to the famous Jill Scott line “if you can tell me what to do… you can tell me what to do but if you can’t tell me what to do then you can’t tell me what to do.” Those that get it get it lol.

[Taees_Cozy_Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely perfect

Mel Dau always gone write you a good unhinged man I tell you that. Rip was the perfect amount of dominate, unhinged, funny and loving. This story was told perfect. Not a single moment was too slow or unnecessary. Their love story was sweet and I’m glad she didn’t allow Teddy to hold her back from giving Rip a chance. The stunt Teddy pulled at the club was extremely childish and I love that Rip was there to check him for that lame stunt. Soooo good I can’t want to read the rest of the stories in this line up

[Tazja Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yoooo….I swear Mel is a comedian!!

I don’t know why the stuff that Rip said threw me when he’s friends with Mega and Cory…none of these fools have any couth. 🤣🤣

But I must say…I’ve never heard of 💦 referred to as baby elixir🥴🤣🤣🤣

Now I need to tap into Croy and Fiona’s book Pressure Cooker because babeeeee!!! Sis is not to be played with. In Mega’s book she did a whole gender reassignment operation on someone because they crossed them…whew chile…

[Shalana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐⭐⭐

Fun read overall. The romance was cute and I liked that Riker knew what he wanted and went after it. He played no games when it came to Whimsy. The best part of the book for me was the friendships between Riker and the other guys and Whimsy and her besties. I also loved how supportive Whimsy's grandma was of her.

[Toni Marquis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute little read with another unhinged man from Mega’s world! Not one man in that friend group has a lick of sense. I didn’t really get a romantic vibe from Rip and Whimsy, wish we could have saw more of that part of their relationship. Nonetheless, you’re definitely going to cackle cause the antics were at a high.

[Raena Ashanti · Rating 4 out of 5]

just catching up on this world.

Leave it to me to go into books blindly. I’m enjoying this world y’all come get into it. I think I have two more. I can hear from Pressure cooker and Mega man.

[readingsprints_and_chaisips · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t bad. This was actually lol funny. But there wasn’t that spark of romance you get from reading a Mel Dau book. It was ok.

[Lilah Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can she not write ?!? Just when I thought it would be cheesy it was surprisingly well written ! Excellent short story ! I look forward to the follow up

[Sha Sha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rip & Whimsy ❤️

[Lisareadsromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute short..

Okay so can't be broken was so cute. Whimsy and Rip were definitely a meant to be couple. This book had me hooked after the freaking prologue for Whimsy, When I tell you I did not expect it to pop off how it popped off with Teddy. Like you've been hiding a whole wife basically and a whole son and you're engaged and then have your audacity to basically lie and be like oh I literally just forgot to get the divorce, My n***** the f***. And then essence's tight entitled a**, Just roll up on all the girl with no type of remorse or kindness to demand some money... woulf of b**** slap her a** too. If only whimsy new Fiona at that time... But my favorite character thus far has to be Fiona and we haven't even gotten her book yet I cannot wait for that because the level of unhingeness in that chick like with the s**** was a person it would be Fiona. I liked how whimsy was a great boss and about her business. She was really given boss b**** stand on business so when she did meet rip and they basically was filling each other and she was like this just gonna be a f*** b**** relationship I was clapping for her. That she wanted to really establish boundaries after being hurt years ago select totally understood it, But when that man came at her one and something more I was like girl do not dismiss ur blessin. She was dead at Rome for bedazzling one of every 1 of his shoes I know that because you don't know who is savage de boundary so I agree with the girls. But he definitely got her back with her luggage. Basically they both were f***** crazy and would be on b******* behind each other no matter what. Teddy's a** popping back up in the last factor sent me and then him trying to be messy with revealing her condition like that s*** when already known by Her man. That's some pretty s***** a** s*** and I hope he ain't got sleeping because Mega, Croy, Ned, Rip Really be on some body and n***** get back... Let's not also include Fiona rushenkovich behind her best friend.. And literally change their gender identity without flinching... Yeah I like this little short it was a quick read I do recommend it.

[ShybutRude92 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t do the controlling mess. If you like it I love it but it couldn’t be me. The mention of hurting animals pissed me off! Especially since the animals didn’t do anything. Overall I would read another book by this author.

The following are all the thoughts I had while reading this book so it may contains some spoilers:

I really don’t like when i’m reading multiple perspectives at the same time. But this isn’t as bad as other books that have done the same thing.

Moving on…yall have got to start asking more questions! Mofos will lie by omission. You can’t just ask if they are divorced. Make them prove it. Can’t just ask if they have kids. Have to also ask if there are kids out there that could potentially be theirs.

Yeah nope! If i’m not in a relationship with you then you’re NOT going to tell me what to do! Don’t come into my office like you own shit. I would have refunded him the money for the outfit.

Not pop the dogs! That’s automatically 2 strikes. 🙄

Yeah Whimsy better than me because that shit Riker is saying has no sway with me. BLOCKED. I’m not with the crazy shit.

Just when I thought Whimsy had a little bit of sense she talking about breaking into Riker’s home. Why are you breaking into his home? Yall are not in a relationship! Yall are both single remember. So damn dumb.

Taiti sniffing Whimsy lets me know she’s pregnant.


“I’ll kick a fucking dog.” STRIKE 3! You’re out! ✌🏾

Well shut my mouth I was wrong. I thought he was certified to be an EMT. Maybe it’s just his employees.

[NubianJoí · Rating 3 out of 5]

Objectification

I read many of Author Mel Dau books 📚 over the past few years. I respect & appreciate her courage as a woman, Queen of color & writer to be vulnerable through her literary catalog of artistic expression. Although, some of the characters are familiar & reoccurring from other books I didn’t like Riker or Whimsy principal roles in this book “Can’t Be Broken”. This book however contradicts its own title. The veil of success, wealth, hostile masculinity and or physical gratification won’t obscure the superficial words/deeds of affirmation by objectifying & exploiting the fundamental brokenness of a woman, theft by deception twice🥴. …the promise of marriage “one day” again. Dude, love is an action not a feeling. Duh 🙄‼️ Riker’s character implies he knows Whimsy history of prior relationships yet he never demonstrated his love or honor for Whimsy. …just empty promises. “I’m going to marry your ass and put a baby in you before the year is out. We gonna send that b$!?!nigga and his gremlin a postcard. He’s gonna be butt hurt, and his gremlin is gonna be depressed because she knows he still loves you. That b?!$! is going to eat after midnight and kill his a$$.” WHAT 🤦🏾‍♀️⁉️He is/was a clueless buffoon 🤷🏾‍♀️‼️

[Antoinette Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Schooched in with another banger!!

Mel Dau ate and left no crumbs with this banger of a book ya'll!! My girl Whimsy had been done dirty by her ex Teddy, and with the help of granny, they relocated to Charleston, SC, where Whimsy opened her luxurious spa Whimsical Queen. Riker Indigo Patterson (sexy a$$ name) was a man who knew what he wanted. And the minute he set eyes on Whimsy, he knew she was his. But hang tight! Whimsy wasn't exactly into the twosome exclusive. This book was soooo much fun to read! The paces Whimsy put Rip through had me wanted to slap her silly. Girl is trying to block her blessings. But all good things come to those who wait. Or when you get tired of the BS and start showing certain people, you mean business. And omg, I loved seeing Mega Man, Croy, Fiona, Ned and Shandeli in the book!! It made this book even more awesome. Whimsy and Riker had their ups, downs, scary moments, and one heck of a karma payback to a certain dog named Teddy. I only wish there had been an epilogue to see how whimsy and Riker are doing now. I can't WAIT for Ned's and Shandeli's story!

[Tenika Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love Them Together!!

Teddy messed up Whimsy head so much, she didn't even want to ever open herself up to love again. She even moved out of state. Granny Melanie said let's go and they went. She opened up her dream business Whimsical Queen was born. Rip had a job over seas. He came back and took Croy' s advice and threw his workers a dinner party. They checked each other out first. He required Whimsy expertise and it was on from there. Whimsy is a spoiled brat if she didn't say what, that's why she didn't get her calls answered. Rip took a page out book Croy and told Whimsy she is going to be his and didn't expect no back talk. Her and Fiona is with the ish she bedazzled one of each of his shoe. He is also petty taking her swim suits. Him and his homies are all unhinged. He just about panic when Whimsy had her seizure. Whimsy thought Rip didn't want to be in a relationship after she had her seizure, but that was going make him want her even more.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rip and Whimsy!!!

Rip and Whimsy's love story was something else. Whimsy wanted one thing but Rip let her know what it really was. They went through some ups and downs. I was glad when they worked things out and realized they went together. The amount of petty in this book was huge and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 😂😂 I was cracking up at so many parts in this story. I was glad that so many people from the previous book showed up with their crazy selves. Fiona was just right person to be Whimsy's bestie. Those two didn't play about each other or anybody else that they loved. I liked how the author educated us on Whimsy's condition. Teddy was trash from the beginning of the story to the end. He definitely needed to be throat punched one good time. This book gave me me all the feels and I loved it from beginning to end. I'm anxiously waiting on the next book with Ned and Shandeli.

[Sinfunni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Juvenile attics

Whimsy not wanting to be in a relationship because she was hurt over a decade ago reflected her low emotional IQ and the ridiculous plot theme served to annoy rather than inspire me to root for her. It’s sad that an adult can be so competent and run such a refined business and be so emotionally immature in their personal life. She came across as a bratty. RIP was going for alpha and dominate male but too often it came across as bullying. I love an arrogant, strong man but, RIP just missed it for me. Calling your married bestie who the mother of twins holding down 2 jobs is unacceptable and a self-centered act again demonstrating Whimsy’s immaturity. To add insult to injury, grown highly successful women think it’s okay to break in their friend’s home to vandalize his property because Whimsy was given what she asked for. Definitely not a journey worth taking.

[Angellica · Rating 5 out of 5]

😂 Book Review: Can’t Be Broken by Mel Dau

Whimsy and Rip had me laughing so hard through this whole book! Their banter was hilarious, their chemistry was perfect, and the way they bounced off each other kept me smiling the entire time. Mel Dau really gave us that fun, feel-good energy mixed with genuine connection.

I absolutely loved how Whimsy’s epilepsy and her service dog were included—it was written with so much care and authenticity. It showed that strength doesn’t mean perfection, and that love can still be playful and powerful no matter what you’re facing.

And baby, don’t have me out here bedazzling a man’s shoes, because that part had me hollering. The humor, the warmth, and the little moments of tenderness made this story shine.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(For the laughs, the love, and Whimsy proving that joy and sparkle can be healing too)
“If loving a man means bedazzling his shoes—hand me the glue gun.” 💎😂

[Readaholic Running Realtor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Baby, I love, Mega Man and his crew. Now I need Nell’s book.

SIDENOTE (aka “Don’t come for my stars!”):
Just a quick heads-up my ratings are based on whether I’d reread the book or add it to my personal collection, not the quality of the story itself. So here’s how I roll:

5 🤩 = I’m obsessed with everything the storyline, the author, and the narrators! I read it yearly and own ALL the copies: physical, digital, and Audible. I can basically recite this book. It lives in my private library.
4 🌟 = Loved the story, the author, and the narrator (if it’s audio). I’d happily reread it when I need a solid comfort read.
3 ✨ = Enjoyed the story, the author, and definitely the narrators. A great addition to my yearly reading challenge likely to revisit if it’s part of a series I need to refresh.

[Gwendolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprise

What happens when a man shatters your heart and makes it hard for the next man that comes along, that's actually a good guy?
Well,, Rip was that good guy Rip! Rip and Whimsy had that instant attraction and explosive chemistry. Whimsy thought that she was gonna have her cake and eat it too. But Rip shut that down! He wanted a real relationship and she wanted friends with benefits.

Once she decided that she wanted Rip's attention and he ignored her she was hot! Well, the revenge she came up with backfired on both her and her best friend, Fiona.
Rip made fun of the revenge, along with them becoming a couple like he wanted. He was absolutely that guy for her and proved his worth and vise-versa.

[Ki Taeni]

One thing that’s guaranteed to put me off a book I was enjoying is when any character says they want one thing and when they get EXACTLY that, they start showing their ass or are being entitled as fck.

Case in point, Rip wanted more than casual sex and he expressed it to Whimsy, Whimsy said no. Then Rip pulled back on relationship wtv, only for Whimsy to be in her feelings 🙄 yooo the way I wanted to enter the book and smack her upside the head. I was so heated

She said she was on some casual stuff WITH HER CHEST by the way, then had the nerve to be mad. Instead on being grown and addressing her feelings, she was being a two year old throwing a tantrum f/outta here w that.

I can’t even explain how mad I am bc I was enjoying this, then she just ruined the vibe