Do You Understand?: The Prelude

by Mel Dau

Taelyn Astoria Smith is the baby girl of the Washington, Christianson, Smith dynasty. Sheltered living and timid decision making has caused her to put herself in harm’s way. After a traumatizing incident, will she ever gain the true understanding of who she is to understand how it feels to be loved by a man? What happens when a journey of mental wellness turns into a pleasurable ride of love?

Genres: Short Stories, Audiobook, African American Romance

Kindle Edition

Published February 19, 2025

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

[KweenBee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unnecessary and Busy

I really like most of Mel's books, but this one seemed like it should have been summed up to a prolonge in the beginning of the next book. It was also like a book reunion where she mentioned almost all of her other characters which started to feel a little overwhelming, because while I have read all the books of the characters referenced, I started getting distracted trying to remember their stories. Overall, I personally don't think a separate book was necessary for the backstory on what led Taelyn to meet Draco and for as short as this book was, it was very busy.

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

(2.75) This could have just been a summarized prologue for the second book. It was WAY too many characters introduced in a short period of time. I almost took out pen and paper to make a genogram just to keep everyone straight. But then she says at the end to understand who everyone is to read 9 other books first😕I wish that was put in the very beginning and then I wouldn’t have spent an hour confused at this family reunion. I’ll read part 2 I guess, but so far nothing is enticing me to go back and start from the beginning to learn more about these folks. Maybe by the end of book 2 I’ll feel differently.

[NubianJoí · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Kev, you want a mission? Suicide it is🤷🏾‍♀️‼️The obviously response to the rhetorical question, “Do You Understand?: The Prelude” Professor Kevin Bird Ummmm 😳 NO🤦🏾‍♀️‼️….Because a doctorate doesn’t automatically equate too nor is synonymous with darn common sense ‼️ Meanwhile, unfortunately Kevin learned a couple of valuable lessons the scenic azz backwards way: #1. be petrified when you punch a chick (several times) but she don’t whimper, grimace, flinch nor cry 🤦🏾‍♀️😬; #2. if your former employer’s firm has a female only reconnaissance team dedicated to locate you as a male by coordinates only, it’s safe to say you’ve F’d up royally, F’d around & found out the long way🥴🤷🏾‍♀️💋. And #3. maybe there was some merit to the women’s empowerment movement “Lady’s First” 🤭‼️All hail the Queen …QL🧡NJ🏍️‼️

[Camisha Crisp · Rating 5 out of 5]

The appetizer

This is just the appetizer to see the reemergence of the Washington/Christianson family and their offspring! I can’t wait for this ride!!!

[Antoinette Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best part of this book was Taelyn’s smart ass mouth lol …. Kevin didn’t have a chance!

[Cardi Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg

This background story. I wasn’t ready!!! Poor Taelyn! See she was too nice. But she def got that pettiness from Mauri lmaoooo

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

Well, damn! I didn't expect to be taken into the clouds with this read and then dropped back down like I ain't ish! 🤬 Glad to see the crew back together, but not like this! Kevin sir, you did have a death wish huh? Cause what in the hell were you thinking pulling that ish with them damn Christianson's? You gone find out the hard way playa!! 🤷🏿‍♀️

Taelyn was my girl. Never let em see you sweat and take em down with the sass and sarcasm! But girl how did you not know Kevin was a whole f**k boy? Ughh..... 😤 This thang got my heart pumping something serious. I hope we don't have to wait long for the conclusion.

[Tre · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to go back and review this one because I’m still thinking about it. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the importance of personal hygiene, but when you get a 911 message from your family, you don’t take a 10 minute shower. Every body in the family was super late even figuring out what was going on because they all wanted to hop in the shower. Meanwhile your family is in DANGER.

[Cheonica Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4.5 ⭐️ Do You Understand?: The Prelude (Understood Book 1) by Mel Dau. This book had me asking one question the entire time why is everybody so unserious?😂😂 Why are people actively in life or death situations and still delivering stand up comedy sets? Taelyn being beaten, kidnapped, threatened and still finding time to wonder if bees have knees had me in disbelief. Baby where is the survival instinct? Then again maybe that was survival. Refusing to let fear take her personality. Galiana is a Certified menace. That woman stopped an operation to drag somebody’s entire relationship and financial setup. Talking about section eight, life insurance, grandma inheritance and rectangle heads in one breath while everybody else acted like this was normal behavior. I was crying laughing.

Underneath all the chaos, humor and absolute foolishness, there’s something real here. The comedy almost acts like armor while heavier things are happening in the background.

This book was chaotic, funny at the most inappropriate times and somehow still emotional underneath all the nonsense. I don’t know if I was supposed to laugh this much but I absolutely did.

[Ashleigh Barbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the characters, to the plot, to the cover of the book Mel Dau did her big one. She is the best at giving us a MMC that knows what he wants and stops at nothing to get it. Draco becomes Taelyn’s therapist after a traumatic situation with an ex and he knows from day one that he can’t be her therapist because then he can’t date her. I can only imagine my reaction to a man confidently walking up to me telling me that I am his future wife...I would think he is absolutely crazy but I love to read about it. I will say the part about Taelyn’s mom calling her pretty girl had my eyes watering real bad but it was such a beautiful representation of their relationship. I listened on Audible so it included the prequel. Don’t forget that or the rest won’t make much sense.

[Lisareadsromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot damn

OK well that was definitely one hell of a prelude. So much happened like so much happened and I'm about to run over to read the next book because to know what happened. Kevin was a dumb a** period like how you gonna kidnap your girl threaten her family and not expect to be unalived in the end. Yup def got to jump to next book to see what going on with taelyn?? I guess you're gonna find it hard to trust a man after this...who is gone be her one. damn really all I gotta say is that this book was a good lead in.

[Mia L Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do You Understand? The Prelude

Listen, from the jump I knew this series was going to be good. Anytime Mega, Ned, Cory, Fiona, and the rest of the crew is involved, it's a good time. They don't play baby. Kevin should have known that he signed his death certificate when he decided to kidnap, shoot, and beat Taelyn. It truly was a bonehead move on his part. Jealousy is green-eyed heifer and karma is a big bad bitch. Whelp, we will see you next lifetime Kev.

Great beginning to the Understand series.

[Tatasha Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read at your own risk!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

If you haven't done your research first. Go catch up and then come back. Because you have to understand the assignment/family/organization first. Then comeback!!! I knew you were going to be on some straight BULL 🤬 at the condo.
I knew I should have waited to read this on next Wednesday. DAMN, DAMN, DAMN!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[_dulcekk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Lanta! It’s on Now!!

Lawd! I woke up and ATE THIS UP! This action packed quick read was just what I needed! Taelyn, my kind of girl… don’t let em’ see that crown drop! Kevin, boy-man ARE YOU SANE!? umm, there’s no way you thought this was the move! Sigh, I cannot wait for the next book! Mel Dau pen game is fire!!

[Crystal Luckey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice served...

I love a strong woman, and behind her was a strong family and organization. Taelyn has just endured a horrible experience by the hands of her ex, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. This was a great start to Taelyn story. I can't wait for the conclusion.

[Nisha Ni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now Mellllll

I was so glad to see the crew. I miss them. I remember the first time I ever read the author’s work and this family books were the initial ones I read. Let me just say the crew together and getting active is not for the faint at heart. I’m so ready for the actual novel. Definitely a good prelude!!!!

[Cre8tive Dreamz · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s A Fighter

The assignment was understood and it was fulfilled!!!…
I really enjoyed this book and I love how the women stepped up and out on this occasion!!!…
What’s gonna happen now that baby girl has been touched, but we know her spirit was not broken!!!…
I love how she stood tall with all the confidence, even though she was scared!!!…

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting Prelude!!

This was the most exciting prelude that I've ever read. It kept me interested and on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it. All I have to say is that Kevin made the wrong choice in life with Taelyn. Everything that followed was on him and I didn't feel sorry for him.

[Verlana Munn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always Think Before You Act

Mel Dau, good read. The family is still strong as ever. Tay, is still hanging on. She reminds me of my mom. Trell is still one of my favorite folk. To see the next generation grown is good as well. I for one enjoy when authors keep the line growing. I also know it takes a lot but I appreciate that pen.🤗🤗🤗🤗

[Cathyrn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is 🔥🔥

Ouuu! This is the way you set up a novel! I can't wait to read more of this. Kevin deserves everything he gets, how are you jealous of your girl because she's better than you? Clown stuff. This family doesn't play games. Taelyn will bounce back from this, and her prince charming is coming.

[Denise Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow!!

This sneak peak/prelude was mind blowing!! I can’t wait to read book 2! Mel Dau thank you for more of my favorite family, The Washington/Christianson/Smith plus Fiona and Croy from Mega and Dem.

Let me get to the next book, cause this was a must read so I know that’s going to be one also.

[Phaze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taelyn's Journey

This is the beginning of Taelyn's story. Her boyfirend pursued her so that he can get favors, but it isnt work out like he planned. Her relatives at the top saw him for what he was....a fool.

He comes up with a half brained scheme and involved his students who know nothing about this world all because his ego got hurt.

[Sandra Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Do Understand...Somewhat

I have never read a Mel Dau book that I did not love. This was no exception, but apparently I missed a whole series (I am currently with Mega Man) so there were all of these people mentioned multiple times and I didn't have a clue. Not Mel Dau's fault. All things considered, I still enjoyed the story.

[TammiMonique Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Washington, Christianson Smith family

I love reading the infamous Washington Christiansen Smith family.. Everyone is older the parents are older, and the kids are older. They still are untouchable. From generational wealth parents Past the Legacy on to their Sons and Daughters..family loyalty over everything..

[Lakeshia Shani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Prelude into the start of Taylor and Draco. Kevin surely didn’t think that plan through at all! Glad the youngin’s didn’t see the mission through! I wished Ebony would’ve been left alone! She didn’t do anything but she did know about Taylor.

Taylor is 28; Draco is 36 not to much of an age gap. Let’s see who this plays out!

[Antionette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explosive

If this was baseball, then Mel Dau would have hit this ball straight out of Christianson Park. Taelyn nor her cousins fail to entertain or bring the funk in this book. Bases loaded with Trell up to bat. GAME ON!

[Cheryl Sherrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Just wow....such a great start, appetizer, teaser... whatever you want to call it. I'm impatiently waiting for the whole shebang to drop next!! MELvin's DAUghter you are such a phenomenal writer!!!

[Taffany Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Kevin was dumb, no questions asked. How do do you work for an organization and not know what they're capable of? Taelyn was tough regardless of the circumstances. The crew came out and moved fast! Tell wanted to hunt everyone! I can't wait until the next book!

[Donnica Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yassssss

Whew this was a setup of all setups!!!!! This best prelude I’ve read. I felt like I was right there. On the edge of my seat. It has me so ready to read this book.

Taelyn also is a certified G!!!!

[Kristal Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prelude

This prelude has me ready to read the novel next. Taelyn is strong and didn’t lose he sarcastic nature even in the face of fear and death and Kevin, well he will get what’s coming to him I’m sure with his stupid self.