She spent her whole life doing what was ‘right’—until doing right nearly broke her.
Taylor Bradshaw-Martin is the woman everyone counts on. Wife. Daughter. Professional. She’s the one who holds it all together—even when everything inside her is falling apart. But when her husband drops the ball one time too many, Taylor finally makes a call she never imagined herself making…
To Brooks Bishop.
Her best friend’s brother. Quiet. Protective. Unshakably steady. The kind of man who doesn’t ask questions—he just shows up. What starts as a lifeline turns into late-night talks, lingering looks, and a connection that feels safer than anything she’s ever known.
Choosing Brooks means risking it all—her family’s approval, her best friend’s trust, and the version of herself she’s spent years performing. But it also means choosing peace. Choosing presence. Choosing to be seen.
One man let her fall. Another is ready to catch her. The only question is... will she let him?
I'm Author C. Monet of Clarksville TN. I write transparent creative romance with a splash of urban. My stories feature, smart, witty boss women and swoon-worthy, loving, flawed men all looking for one thing..... LOVE. Yes, you guessed it I write about love. My novels usually center around instalove, opposites attract, and redemptive love. However, I've been known to come up with love that cant be placed in a box. All in all, love is the motive no matter how it's reached. My books will leave you full; full of love, gems, and pieces of me.
Once life started to happen for and around me I grabbed the pen and decided to unmute my truth. I pen love unfiltered and undefined because rules can’t exist with creativity. The poetry in my words takes you to a place filled with dreams and aspirations of love and how it heals the soul.
I really took my time with Brooks and Taylor. I really enjoyed their communication more than anything. All across the board. With each other, with their families, with their friends. They just laid it all out and we're so respectful about boundaries and expectations. Taylor had a right to be cautious but Brooks also had a right to want to be viewed from a different lens that what Taylor previously experienced. The timing made sense to me and I'm just so glad everything worked out the way it did. The author's note made me want to hug C. Monet and thank her for pouring her heart into these stories. Do yourself a favor and read these books for yourself.
Chasity!! Ma’am this read is perfection!! I felt every word; every emotion and I am forever changed by this experience. ❤
Taylor, a preacher’s kid, has always done everything by the book. Never one to step outside of the lines, and nothing to hurt or embarrass her parents. However, when did Taylor get to just be. Exist, live and learn on her own terms? Being married to a man everyone thought was perfect, but only she knew his secrets and flaws. Continuing to let her down, Taylor was exhausted, and sick of being disrespected and ignored. Just done! 😤 When she has to make that phone call, she knew he would come to her aid. But what she didn’t know is that he would also answer her call time and time again, in every capacity.
Brooks Bishop! I love me some him! 😍 Brooks has noticed Taylor over the years but never approached as he has some of his own demons to fight. When she calls, he knows the time is now to leave the past behind and be present for Taylor. While doing so, he finds the peace that he didn’t know he needed.
I loved the slow burn of these two. Brooks understood that Taylor needed time to release the pain that she had been holding. Time for healing, and to reconcile the brewing feelings that she didn’t know how to deal with. He would be patient, but only for so long. The love that grew between Brooks and Taylor was beautiful. 🥰 He showed up for her every time. Gave her space to learn and grow while catching her each time she thought she would fall. Taylor saw Brooks beyond what the world could see. She saw a man who had overcome great adversity and rose from the ashes. A man who took on the responsibility of caring for his sister like a badge of honor and built his legacy one day at a time. A man who was steadfast in his beliefs, actions, and intentions. Brooks was just everything!! Loved this read y’all. Do me a favor and indulge for yourself. Bravo!! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
5 stars no real complaints Brooks had me worried in book one lmao I was like oh this man annoying BUT BABY HE WAS EVERYTHING PLUS TAX IN HIS BOOK. He said “HAVE YOU EVER BEEN FOLDED TAYLOR” (Yeah close the book MISS AUTHOR GET ME TO HIM 🫨🫨) Other than wanting a lil more tea on ole boy the story was perfect. My biggest thing was while I know Tyree wasn’t the star I think we the readers deserved to know more. Like was he always a loser? Was he just a wolf in sheep’s clothing that whole time like what made him turn to alcohol like that? Kept saying job loss but what did he do for a living? lol like I need to get a feel of our opp. Otherwise this was beautiful and the message was clear and uplifting for sure. Taylor was that girl and I’m happy she overcame that validation desperation to be her most authentic self.
I love how Brooks assured Taylor he wanted only her and it showed through his actions. I was so glad when Taylor finally let him in and stopped running. They really did balance each other out and it was so cute to see.
Now Taylor did irritate me because one thing I can’t stand is FMC who put everyone else above themselves and that was what Taylor was constantly doing. Like girl pick yourself and fuck everyone else.
The reason this wasn’t completely 5 stars for me is because it became a little too preachy towards the end. Like I get her being apart of the church is apart of her character but in my opinion it was being overdone at the end.
I’m loving this series, can’t wait to read the last book!
I thought nothing could top THAT, but THIS was everything. The way Brooks showed up for Taylor had me swooning the whole team. He was a man about action and meant what he said. Taylor was better than me because I would have folded from the beginning. I understood her fears and hesitation. She needed to go on the journey of healing and finding herself before she could fully give in to Brooks. So far this has been my favorite read of 2025. I can’t wait for the next book.
This is a book that is one of my top 5 books for 2025 and rightfully so.
This book took me on a journey that I didn't know I needed. Reading not only the story but the authors note on how this story came to be really touched my spirit. The characters were so complex, beautifully flawed and imperfectly perfect at the same time.
BROOKS: This man was such a lover boy who really poured into Taylor. Though he wasn't looking for love he didn't avoid it when he helped Taylor out and decided that he wanted her and wanted to be the person that help heal her. He really met her where she was on her journey back to her. He was the solid structured that did so much for Taylor. The fact that he made her feel like she could be who she was unapologetically really spoke to his character. WE ALL NEED A BROOKS IN OUR LIVES.
TAYLOR: When I tell you that this character resonated so much in my spirit. I think that the way that she was written was done exceptionally well. As women but specifically black women, I feel as though some of us feel the way she felt in this book. I know as I read I def was like dang is she me because, the religious aspect and emotions that she dealt with hit home. The scene with the parents, not feeling like you deserve certain things....
The level of grown love, intimacy and healing that this book had really made me happy, it made me sad, and it definitely gave me a sense of peace, like no other book that I have read. C. Monet really showed out with this release, and I am so happy I got to experience the journey.
I HIGHLY RECOMMENT YOU READ THIS IF YOU HAVEN'T YET....YOU WON'T REGRET IT.
So let me get this right, C. Monet, you are just going to keep dropping these bestsellers all summer long. Got it! Here is the thing I thought Emon was bae because he skipped the book, bae title. No ma’am I have to add another one to the 2025 list, and that is Brooks Bishop. This man went above and beyond for a woman who wasn't even his yet. And he had enough audacity to threaten her sorry husband. I call this a man, a real one. Brooks made sure that whatever Taylor needed assistance with, she got from her car to the alarm system in her house. He also gave her the attention and love she yearned the past seventeen years. He actually celebrated her birthday instead of drowning his sorrows in a bottle at a bar. Taylor's ex-husband was doing exactly that. A bottle was his everything. And then here comes Brooks, who made sure to provide love, protection, and stability in Taylor's life.
Listen up, everyone, I do not know about you all, but I love a novel that yanks you in by the collar. This masterpiece touched on healing, lost, grief, and love. Taylor experienced so much in her seventeen year relationship with her husband. She had to heal from the pain he caused. Brooks was there through it all. He was willing to stand in the gap until they both were on the same page. Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, I highly recommend this book. You need to get into this series ASAP. You will enjoy reading how a real man obtains his lady.
When I finished That: Taylor & Brooks (Love by Any Means, Book 2) by C. Monet, my immediate reaction was a mix of emotional heaviness, admiration, and reflection.
At first, I felt emotionally drained in a good way—the kind of ending that makes you sit quietly for a moment. Taylor and Brooks’ relationship isn’t light or surface-level; it’s layered with grief, trauma, and hard choices. Brooks’ unresolved pain from losing his parents really shaped how he loved, and that weight was felt throughout the story.
I also felt proud of Taylor. She showed a lot of emotional maturity—loving deeply without losing herself completely. Her patience, strength, and boundaries stood out, especially when loving Brooks required endurance, not just passion.
There was a sense of realism that lingered with me. The book doesn’t romanticize brokenness; instead, it shows how love can be messy, imperfect, and still worth fighting for—but only when both people are willing to grow. That made the ending feel earned rather than rushed.
Overall, my lasting feeling was hope mixed with caution—hope that healing is possible, and caution about what it costs to love someone who is still learning how to heal.
Taylor called Brooks in her time of need, and he showed up for her with no questions asked. Tyree was dead weight that I was glad she finally decided to get rid of. Brooks didn't play with him, and Tyree knew to give Taylor what she wanted. I loved this book from beginning to end. The way that Brooks paid into Taylor was everything she needed and deserved. He spoiled her like no man had ever done for her before. Taylor was busy running from her feelings for Brooks, but eventually, she was able to get in the right head space to receive all of the love and passion from him. Great book that gave me all the feels the entire time that I was reading it. Awesome job!!
THIS BOOK RIGHT HERE deserve every star plus some, Taylor is many women who put their needs aside to be everything for others but themselves an when you do choose you,you feel selfish or like you disappointed others..well Brooks was there an he saw, claimed and spoke life into Taylor letting her know she owed no one nothing all while helping him open his closed heart…now her parent had to redeem themselves cause telling me to pray about my alcoholic husband after I tell what he’s not doing was a no-no they should have been the ones packing his stuff up…per the author this was written during a parental loss and the Angels truly guided you cause the gems dropped & healing in this were top their
I loved Taylor and Brooks. Sometimes love comes when we least expect it but need it most. The way the truly saw one another was something I can’t wait to happen in my own life. We all want to feel safe in our vulnerability with someone that truly loves us and all that comes with us. I loved how they brought out the best in one another and had hard conversations. This was truly a book about what it means to be about love and not just talk about it. Thank you for this story and I agree, grief shows up when and how it chooses and you have to learn to navigate its waves. But it’s a beautiful thing to have someone able to help carry you on those truly heavy days.
Brooks showed up for Taylor at the time she really needed someone. He didn't bulldoze, but he listened, he moved with intention, and showed her what it wss like to land in a soft place. Only ever really knowing one man, her husband, Taylor is exposed to a man that doesn't need to be told, but will make it happen if you mention it or look like you need it. Brooks was the blueprint. He wasn't perfect, but he made Taylor realize he'd always show up and he was 10 tens down firmly behind her. C.Monet was dropping some jewels in this one. I can't wait to see what happens with Paige. Happy Reading Y'all!💋
Second chances, thank you Lord. You are a good God that demonstrates time and time again that delayed does not mean denied. I am so moved by the breathtaking journey of Taylor and Brooks. The theme of religion and grief, was prophetic absolutely beautiful. A strong, steady love. This book was everything spiritual, sexy, enlightening, entertaining and REAL. It felt very real. This is an absolute must read. I have been Taylor and Brooks. There journey.... this book is a must read. I would give it six stars if I could.
Loooved loved this little love story. I felt for Taylor ! Being the strong friend and supportive person always showing up ! I also could appreciate the slow pace of the book. It made it feel more natural and realistic. I felt like personally they took way too long to tell the sister . Yes we’re grown and it doesn’t matter what people think I just feel like if she would have said something earlier it would have helped her ease some of her doubts . I lowkey wished they got engaged in Denver and had a whole scene with the family coming together. But I loved the storyline overall
Oh my how I needed this! Taylor and Brooks's journey was theirs. But did I see a lot of women including me in the journey to showing up for her. Not for everybody else but for Taylor. Allowing someone solid to enter her space and show her what she's deserving of. All the while, finding the healing she needed. Brooks was that man! I truly enjoyed this story. Every woman who's ever thought they wasn't enough, needs to read this!
I enjoyed Taylor and Brooks's love story. Brooks is the kind of guy who always makes sure family and friends are okay. Taylor is the type of friend who suffers in silence. One call changes everything. How good it is to finally be seen! Brooks opens himself up to a new love for Taylor and himself, and it's wonderful. It was my pleasure reading your books. 🥰
What an amazing Book Bae. I loved book 1 but this tops it. He was so patient with Taylor. That Tyree was a mess but Brooksie said here na go take this divorce and get out the way. Denver was a vibeeee Her at the strip club😂😂😂😂 Loved it. No drama outside of her marital issues.
Now, I love a "new start" romance with a slow build. Taylor, girl, I see you. I felt your tiredness through the pages. It was the audacity for me. I am happy you had Brooks to help navigate the life you were meant to live and in your purpose. He had you in his heart and soul. Straight swoon.
This book was great, and C. Monet, you have my condolences.
Oh. My Gah!!!! These grown Azz men are something else!!! Brooks is just as Alpha as Emon (This) Brooks showed up n kept showing up for Taylor. Fighting thru his own issues, neva once did he slip👊🏽this story deals with brokenness and grief… but let me tell you,, C Monet wrote it just as it should have been; real, raw n true! Bravo CMonet!!!!
Whew!! Brooks is top ten book boyfriend of the year ! Read this book and I dare you to say otherwise! I absolutely loved how sweet and tender Taylor and Brook loved story unfolded. The way Brooks had my kicking my feet in utter delight!! Go ahead and read this book so you can fall in love with Brooks too!
Just an all around phenomenal book. Brooks?? Now that’s a MAN. And when Taylor finally opened herself up to the path her life was supposed to take, she was a force to be reckoned with. Loved this book from start to finish. Just like that first. But I think this one’s my favorite so far!
Brooks was an amazing support for Taylor. He was there when she needed him the most. I love that he allowed her to grow into the person she needs to be. I also loved that Brooks made sure she didn't take advantage of him. He needed love, too. The road Brooks and Taylor were beautiful.
I really enjoyed reading book 1 ‘This’ however book 2 ‘That’ knocked it out of the park. This was a beautiful story. I didn’t think anyone could top Eamon and how he loved Blake but Brooks did that effortlessly. He was patient. He was soft and he applied just right amount of pressure to win Taylor over. Plus this book took me to church. Can’t wait to read book 3.
I loved this book even more than the fist one. I think it should have been the first one. Blake was pregnant at the end of the first one and it was barley mentioned in book two. Love loved this book read it. Urban fiction with a Christian twist. Great book!
ooooh Brooks🥰. The epitome of loving someone with everything in you. Despite his past, Brooks was much so more than most gave him credit for. Taylor has always known him as her besties big brother, but quickly came to realize she truly didn't know HIM. One phone sent them on a whirlwind journey. This is a story that showcases healing, acceptance and finding that one who truly SEES you.
Sometimes you read a book that hits home for you. A character you could be with a different name. Sometimes that character lives the life you live & gets the ending you desire. This may be fiction for some, but for other it's a dream yearning to be realized.
Taylor and Brooks book hit different. With the grief, putting on a facade, worrying about what others think, parental issues, hising in plain sight. These are real-life issues many are facing now. It hit different reading this one from the first one.
This story captured my heart. Real love comes when you least expect it. Taylor wanted someone to love and let explore her real self. Brook needed someone to love and respect the man he had become.
So, this book is definitely a slow burn. However, the author told you that in the very beginning. I loved it. I was glad to see Brooks soft side and he played no games about Taylor.