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The Big Catch
“My mountain top was just a molehill in the deepest valley.”
Adabelle Caroline Lee “Belle” was the bell of her own ball in a castle with glass walls. When those glass walls shattered and the house collapsed, her ball was officially over, and her Prince Charming rode off into the sunset without her. Forced to go back to her meager beginnings, she packed her bitterness, hatred, and arrogance. When she meets a town fisherman, will she shun him away, or realize he might be the king she needed all along?
Holden Gunner Beckett Jr. was a country boy with big guns, strong dogs, and a line that could catch the biggest fish. He made sure he stayed out the way until the fish started jumping. When a strange fish comes into his waters, will he cast his line or let the current pull it away? He may catch his fish, but the question is whether it’s worth keeping, or should he throw it back?
Adabelle Caroline Lee “Belle” was the bell of her own ball in a castle with glass walls. When those glass walls shattered and the house collapsed, her ball was officially over, and her Prince Charming rode off into the sunset without her. Forced to go back to her meager beginnings, she packed her bitterness, hatred, and arrogance. When she meets a town fisherman, will she shun him away, or realize he might be the king she needed all along?
Holden Gunner Beckett Jr. was a country boy with big guns, strong dogs, and a line that could catch the biggest fish. He made sure he stayed out the way until the fish started jumping. When a strange fish comes into his waters, will he cast his line or let the current pull it away? He may catch his fish, but the question is whether it’s worth keeping, or should he throw it back?
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
302 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Mel Dau
103 books690 followersMel 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
June 6, 2025
Lawd, the way Belle worked my nerves and raised my blood pressure!! Whew! 😤 Born and raised in the country, she felt everyone was beneath her, and that she was above country living. She was on the first thing smoking as soon as she graduated high school. Finding a rich husband to set her up the way she "believed" she was supposed to live was great, until it all came crashing down. God humbled her quickly, and back to the country she goes with bitterness in her heart.
Well, them country folks don't care about what Belle "thinks" about herself, she can catch these hands if she keeps talking crazy! 🤷🏿♀️ It took some tough love from her parents, and getting her feelings hurt on multiple occasions, before she got some act right.
Belle and Gunner were adorable after they got past their differences. He saw past her bougie persona seeing a woman who really wanted to be accepted and loved. She was his missing piece. Good read.
Well, them country folks don't care about what Belle "thinks" about herself, she can catch these hands if she keeps talking crazy! 🤷🏿♀️ It took some tough love from her parents, and getting her feelings hurt on multiple occasions, before she got some act right.
Belle and Gunner were adorable after they got past their differences. He saw past her bougie persona seeing a woman who really wanted to be accepted and loved. She was his missing piece. Good read.
June 13, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ This was definitely a good and unique spin on a “fake marriage.” 😂🤣😂👏🏾.
Gunner had a very unique career, one that was interesting to read about. Now, Belle was not a very likable FMC, but she was tolerable in the end.
Gunner & Belle’s relationship was cute, but it didn’t give me the feelz! Other than that, the book was decent and funny!
Gunner had a very unique career, one that was interesting to read about. Now, Belle was not a very likable FMC, but she was tolerable in the end.
Gunner & Belle’s relationship was cute, but it didn’t give me the feelz! Other than that, the book was decent and funny!
June 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 Stars
July 6, 2025
Redemption
A third of the way through I didn’t see any redemption for Belle and lawd I didn’t like this character at all. Now when Adabelle rolling through and Gunner broke down that wall, now a girl was sighing because Gunner was that dude. Loved the side characters especially her daddy.
A third of the way through I didn’t see any redemption for Belle and lawd I didn’t like this character at all. Now when Adabelle rolling through and Gunner broke down that wall, now a girl was sighing because Gunner was that dude. Loved the side characters especially her daddy.
February 7, 2026
This was a really good read but phewwwwww Lawdddd the way Belle worked every single one of my damn nerves 😭😭 the girl had me fed tf up lmaoo but thank God for character development chile!!
September 27, 2025
Belle was insufferable. Gunner was a different breed literally and i can appreciate it. Gabrielle and Toolie stole the show. 😂
June 6, 2025
The Big Catch
This was an enjoyable read and start to this series.
In the beginning of the story, I did not like Belle. She was mean, nasty, rude, stuck up and entitled. You would think after her fall from grace with finding out Carson no longer wanted to be with her and having to move back home that she would change her attitude just a little, but she was still just as mean and nasty as she was known to be in her small hometown. It took for some self reflection, her best friend, her father and Gunner to tell her how horrible of a person she was before she finally realized that she needed to change and do better. I was pleased with her 180 and started to see her as a real person instead of a person putting on a facade or pretense for thinking she is better than others and that her hometown was beneath her. She definitely showed growth from beginning to end and I was here for it. I loved Gunner for her because he didn’t play any games about her or with her and wasn’t scared to put her in her place when she was acting up.
Now Carson played stupid games and FAFO that you can’t play with people’s hearts like he was. The dinner scene catch up was hilarious but also shocking because this man Carson was really out here fake marrying folks and then giving excuses on why he wanted to end the relationship or on why he never filed the marriage license to begin with.
This was an enjoyable read and start to this series.
In the beginning of the story, I did not like Belle. She was mean, nasty, rude, stuck up and entitled. You would think after her fall from grace with finding out Carson no longer wanted to be with her and having to move back home that she would change her attitude just a little, but she was still just as mean and nasty as she was known to be in her small hometown. It took for some self reflection, her best friend, her father and Gunner to tell her how horrible of a person she was before she finally realized that she needed to change and do better. I was pleased with her 180 and started to see her as a real person instead of a person putting on a facade or pretense for thinking she is better than others and that her hometown was beneath her. She definitely showed growth from beginning to end and I was here for it. I loved Gunner for her because he didn’t play any games about her or with her and wasn’t scared to put her in her place when she was acting up.
Now Carson played stupid games and FAFO that you can’t play with people’s hearts like he was. The dinner scene catch up was hilarious but also shocking because this man Carson was really out here fake marrying folks and then giving excuses on why he wanted to end the relationship or on why he never filed the marriage license to begin with.
June 10, 2025
5-Star Read, Mel….Hook, Line, and Sinker! 🎣
Ay mayne, say mayne, you know a book is really good when you go from wanting to square up with the main character to hugging her tight and cheering her on. That was me with Belle’s rude behind.
First, Belle had me heated and rolling my eyes hard af. She was so disrespectful and out of touch it was ridiculous. I said, “Okay Mel… you my good sis. I trust your pen. I’ma let you cookThere’s a lesson in here somewhere.”
And baby… my God, today—Mel delivered!!!!
My new country book bae Gunner was not the one, nor the two. He did not let Belle play in his face. He checked her with the same audacity she came with, and I loved every second of it. A sexy, a country man with boundaries and BDE, is for me!
Belle’s daddy, was a real one. Her held her accountable with the truth and love and didn’t sugarcoat a thing. When Belle finally pulled out that mirror and started doing the hard inner work, her growth and self-awareness was a beautiful thing to see.
My boy Gunner stepped behind her real bad and I loved it! The symbolism was chef’s kiss in how they caught each other.
Toolie had me cackling!! Everybody needs a Toolie and Gabrielle in their corner for laughs and accountability checks.
This book is going straight into my re-read rotation with all my other Mel Dau faves.
Mel, you did that. Again.
🎣 The Big Catch was exactly that. Hooked me from beginning to end.
Ay mayne, say mayne, you know a book is really good when you go from wanting to square up with the main character to hugging her tight and cheering her on. That was me with Belle’s rude behind.
First, Belle had me heated and rolling my eyes hard af. She was so disrespectful and out of touch it was ridiculous. I said, “Okay Mel… you my good sis. I trust your pen. I’ma let you cookThere’s a lesson in here somewhere.”
And baby… my God, today—Mel delivered!!!!
My new country book bae Gunner was not the one, nor the two. He did not let Belle play in his face. He checked her with the same audacity she came with, and I loved every second of it. A sexy, a country man with boundaries and BDE, is for me!
Belle’s daddy, was a real one. Her held her accountable with the truth and love and didn’t sugarcoat a thing. When Belle finally pulled out that mirror and started doing the hard inner work, her growth and self-awareness was a beautiful thing to see.
My boy Gunner stepped behind her real bad and I loved it! The symbolism was chef’s kiss in how they caught each other.
Toolie had me cackling!! Everybody needs a Toolie and Gabrielle in their corner for laughs and accountability checks.
This book is going straight into my re-read rotation with all my other Mel Dau faves.
Mel, you did that. Again.
🎣 The Big Catch was exactly that. Hooked me from beginning to end.
June 22, 2025
This book is a definite must-read!! 💯💯
I knew this without a doubt that Mel Dau was going to take me on a wild ride when I read the synopsis. But I had no idea what lay in store for me. When I tell you, I began to immediately feel some type of way about Adabelle. Honey, I had to calm myself down because that chick had me cussing and calling her everything but the child of God. My sister Ruby told me to keep reading because it gets better. And omg, was she right! This book was lit!! Absolute fire!!
Gunner was just what Adabelle needed in her life. The "country boy" got her behind together and became what God had intended for her all along. And the ex Carson? Omg I never laughed so much in my life. Karma is indeed a sister with the clapback!
Let me not forget the best friends Toolie and Gabrielle. If there ever was a ride or die duo, it's them. They were down for whatever at all times. The scene at the restaurant with the table took me out! Lmao!! I loved this book. And that epilogue was Chef's Kiss! 💋 If you're a fan of this author and you haven't read this book, I encourage you to add it to your TBR list and read it when you can. It's funny, sexy, naughty, with some DEEP, need a shot of tequila, type drama thrown in the mix, with one of the most sweetest endings ever. I hope you enjoy it just as much, if not more, than I did.
I knew this without a doubt that Mel Dau was going to take me on a wild ride when I read the synopsis. But I had no idea what lay in store for me. When I tell you, I began to immediately feel some type of way about Adabelle. Honey, I had to calm myself down because that chick had me cussing and calling her everything but the child of God. My sister Ruby told me to keep reading because it gets better. And omg, was she right! This book was lit!! Absolute fire!!
Gunner was just what Adabelle needed in her life. The "country boy" got her behind together and became what God had intended for her all along. And the ex Carson? Omg I never laughed so much in my life. Karma is indeed a sister with the clapback!
Let me not forget the best friends Toolie and Gabrielle. If there ever was a ride or die duo, it's them. They were down for whatever at all times. The scene at the restaurant with the table took me out! Lmao!! I loved this book. And that epilogue was Chef's Kiss! 💋 If you're a fan of this author and you haven't read this book, I encourage you to add it to your TBR list and read it when you can. It's funny, sexy, naughty, with some DEEP, need a shot of tequila, type drama thrown in the mix, with one of the most sweetest endings ever. I hope you enjoy it just as much, if not more, than I did.
June 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book? Baby, it caught me and didn’t let go.
Mel Dau really be writing like she got a direct line to my soul, because whew—The Big Catch was IT. Belle has been through the fire, is trying to build herself back brick by brick, and her heart is guarded especially after dealing with a no good you know what who played not only with her time but heart She may think she is all big and bad but that’s until Gunner shows up with that country charm, those big arms, and that no nonsense attitude that knocks our girl back into reality and humbleness.
Let me tell you—this ain’t your regular small-town romance. This is soft life meets survival. It's giving enemies to lovers, pride vs. vulnerability, and that slow burn with tension so thick you can’t breathe. Belle had me wanting to shake her one minute and hug her the next. And Gunner? Listen. That man is patient, fine, and all about showing up—not just talking about it. We all know the men in Mel’s universe plays no games about their women.
If you're into:
* Slow-burn tension 🔥 (can I even call it that because once the fire started burning lol)
* Strong, grumpy-sunshine dynamic ☀️🌩
* Emotional healing arcs 🥹
* And a man who can fish and flirt? 🎣
Add this your TBR
Mel Dau really be writing like she got a direct line to my soul, because whew—The Big Catch was IT. Belle has been through the fire, is trying to build herself back brick by brick, and her heart is guarded especially after dealing with a no good you know what who played not only with her time but heart She may think she is all big and bad but that’s until Gunner shows up with that country charm, those big arms, and that no nonsense attitude that knocks our girl back into reality and humbleness.
Let me tell you—this ain’t your regular small-town romance. This is soft life meets survival. It's giving enemies to lovers, pride vs. vulnerability, and that slow burn with tension so thick you can’t breathe. Belle had me wanting to shake her one minute and hug her the next. And Gunner? Listen. That man is patient, fine, and all about showing up—not just talking about it. We all know the men in Mel’s universe plays no games about their women.
If you're into:
* Slow-burn tension 🔥 (can I even call it that because once the fire started burning lol)
* Strong, grumpy-sunshine dynamic ☀️🌩
* Emotional healing arcs 🥹
* And a man who can fish and flirt? 🎣
Add this your TBR
July 5, 2025
Fillet of Philanderer
This storyline was outlandish & inconceivable for fictional entertainment 🥴‼️Nevertheless, allow me to dream the impossible dream 💭. Once upon a time: In an ideal literary world, I’ll stumble upon a Mel Dau book void of extreme toxicity, overt alpha achievers, soft porn fetishes & or fiscally irresponsibly challenged beer budget overly confident women 🤔🥴🤭🤷🏾♀️‼️Until such a time, “The Big Catch (BLP Sports Series - Book 1)” (3.5 ⭐️’s) a mediocre read & didn’t make sense 🤷🏾♀️🥴‼️…The book was periodically humorous, yet more so felt disingenuous & annoyed with under developed principal characters & the plot. Moreover, readers were inundated with a “county boy” qualifier with mega streams of lucrative income, international acclaim, a local phenom, superficial accomplishments, endorsements & unrealistic industry accolades for Gunner to validated his financial stability. However, wasn’t the potential of capital gain (s) (& disillusionment🥴🌈🦋💳) the allure which attracted Belle to the serial fillet of philanderer ten years prior 🤷🏾♀️⁉️
This storyline was outlandish & inconceivable for fictional entertainment 🥴‼️Nevertheless, allow me to dream the impossible dream 💭. Once upon a time: In an ideal literary world, I’ll stumble upon a Mel Dau book void of extreme toxicity, overt alpha achievers, soft porn fetishes & or fiscally irresponsibly challenged beer budget overly confident women 🤔🥴🤭🤷🏾♀️‼️Until such a time, “The Big Catch (BLP Sports Series - Book 1)” (3.5 ⭐️’s) a mediocre read & didn’t make sense 🤷🏾♀️🥴‼️…The book was periodically humorous, yet more so felt disingenuous & annoyed with under developed principal characters & the plot. Moreover, readers were inundated with a “county boy” qualifier with mega streams of lucrative income, international acclaim, a local phenom, superficial accomplishments, endorsements & unrealistic industry accolades for Gunner to validated his financial stability. However, wasn’t the potential of capital gain (s) (& disillusionment🥴🌈🦋💳) the allure which attracted Belle to the serial fillet of philanderer ten years prior 🤷🏾♀️⁉️
June 28, 2025
This turned into a really good little read. initially, Adabelle(Belle) was on my nerves heavy. She had this superior attitude like she didn't come from humble beginnings and she was just stank! Well, the husband she only needed for his money humbled her in a way. She really got a rude awakening and had to move back to the place she despised...home. Gunner, the dog breeding, angler, hunter, country boy takes her down a peg or two as well when her dad takes her to get a dog to learn to respect and be responsibility for someone other than herself. She carries that same stank attitude back to Alabama with her and wasn't nobody having it. Plus her business gets spread all over town about her "marriage." All in all, she learned a lot about being rude, judgemental, and bitchy that allowed her to change her ways. Gunner and Toolie were whole fools, and Carson...a real scammer. A short read, but the growth was on point. Happy Reading Y'all!💋
November 9, 2025
A Few Lessons Learned
Now Mel know we don't like MFC that act the way Belle did in the beginning of this book, which was so UGH - it almost made me tap out. I stuck with it though, and this was a ride that was full of twists and turns. One thing I will forever appreciate about Mel Dau is how she always introduces us to something new. I always leave her stories with some new found knowledge and/or appreciation for her shining light on a little known topic. The way she weaves all this into a captivating storyline is a true gift. The main characters were a very unlikely pair especially in the beginning. But it really did my heart good to see Belle die to herself so she could really live her best life. There was indeed a lesson in that. Now Carson though.... Chiiiiiile- that was a HOT mess! Overall, the book taught me something, made me laugh, and kept me entertained. I enjoyed it.
Now Mel know we don't like MFC that act the way Belle did in the beginning of this book, which was so UGH - it almost made me tap out. I stuck with it though, and this was a ride that was full of twists and turns. One thing I will forever appreciate about Mel Dau is how she always introduces us to something new. I always leave her stories with some new found knowledge and/or appreciation for her shining light on a little known topic. The way she weaves all this into a captivating storyline is a true gift. The main characters were a very unlikely pair especially in the beginning. But it really did my heart good to see Belle die to herself so she could really live her best life. There was indeed a lesson in that. Now Carson though.... Chiiiiiile- that was a HOT mess! Overall, the book taught me something, made me laugh, and kept me entertained. I enjoyed it.
June 8, 2025
Gunner and Belle!!
Baby, if bringing a someone down a button hole lower was a person, that would be Belle. Belle lost everything and had to return to her country roots. With her return, she brought her stank attitude too, but no one was putting up with that, especially Gunner. Gunner effed that meanness right out of her, and I was here for it and happy for her. 😂😂 I loved how she fell in love with his dogs, and I laughed when just kidnapped them. Eventually, her change in attitude made Gunner realize she was the woman for him. The banter between Belle and Gunner as well Toolie had me cracking up. As always, Mel has introduced us to a subject matter/sport that I'm not familiar with. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book, and I hope we can get an update on them in the future.
Baby, if bringing a someone down a button hole lower was a person, that would be Belle. Belle lost everything and had to return to her country roots. With her return, she brought her stank attitude too, but no one was putting up with that, especially Gunner. Gunner effed that meanness right out of her, and I was here for it and happy for her. 😂😂 I loved how she fell in love with his dogs, and I laughed when just kidnapped them. Eventually, her change in attitude made Gunner realize she was the woman for him. The banter between Belle and Gunner as well Toolie had me cracking up. As always, Mel has introduced us to a subject matter/sport that I'm not familiar with. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book, and I hope we can get an update on them in the future.
June 19, 2025
this was definitely and interesting plot. The fact that we find out that the main female was not only in a relationship for almost 15 years but that she thought she had been married for a good portion of the marriage. Like Carson was really a bitch. I will say Belle attitude literally made her the easiest unlikable FMC that I have met, I was happy that she finally got off of her high horse and found some damn manners. I liked how her father was holding her accountable for her stank ass attitude
As for Gunner, LOVE ME country ASS BDE ninja...he really shut her the fuck up quick and gave it to her straight. Loved His Cousin Toolie, he was funny.
Back to Carson trifling ass, I would have been ok if you had killed his no-good dirty ass out of the book causes his griminess, surely pissed me the fuck off 3x over...like the utter
As for Gunner, LOVE ME country ASS BDE ninja...he really shut her the fuck up quick and gave it to her straight. Loved His Cousin Toolie, he was funny.
Back to Carson trifling ass, I would have been ok if you had killed his no-good dirty ass out of the book causes his griminess, surely pissed me the fuck off 3x over...like the utter
December 21, 2025
Cute and short but a bit boring
I don’t quite understand or for that matter do not like fishing, and so this to be about that sport was not something that motivated me. I got motivated because it’s a Mel Dau books and I can’t never not read anything that this )one) of my favorite author put out.
I actually thought the different angle of the FMC was great and refreshing. The brat, selfish, gold diggers of female characters are usually the side piece or a female family member, never the main one. This one had it different and it was cute, endearing and very captivating to read and use. Belle was a capital B🤬🤬🤬🤬 and MS. Dau explored it and made it beautiful. This is the 3 stars, besides that the usual excitement was not felt at all in this book.
In any case, MS. Dau will always be my go to and favorite author to read.
I don’t quite understand or for that matter do not like fishing, and so this to be about that sport was not something that motivated me. I got motivated because it’s a Mel Dau books and I can’t never not read anything that this )one) of my favorite author put out.
I actually thought the different angle of the FMC was great and refreshing. The brat, selfish, gold diggers of female characters are usually the side piece or a female family member, never the main one. This one had it different and it was cute, endearing and very captivating to read and use. Belle was a capital B🤬🤬🤬🤬 and MS. Dau explored it and made it beautiful. This is the 3 stars, besides that the usual excitement was not felt at all in this book.
In any case, MS. Dau will always be my go to and favorite author to read.
June 15, 2025
2.5 I just genuinely didn’t like it enough to round up. Belle was unlikable for far too long for her personality to just up and change in a few pages. Homegirl needed therapy. I felt as if as the reader watching her transformation was important as dealing with her being just awful for half the book. And honestly they all spoke to each other hella out of pocket. I’d be open to read something else by this author but I didn’t really get romance vibes. Yeah they bumped uglies but good golly homegirl had a chip on her shoulder that was never explained. You don’t just grown up in a small town and think everyone is beneath you to the extreme of a degree. Wanting different, wanting better is valid and common but goddamn that was egregious
June 20, 2025
Loved It
Gunner was just what Belle needed. Belle truly needed to be humbled! You can never forget where you come from, in the end you will find that very place is what mold you! Gunner was a man's man, I was here from it. He checked Belle in all of her self-absorbed nonsense! I loved Belle's parents they were straight shooters and did with disrespect.
I loved Gunner family as well, while they had their own generatio al wealth, they weren't boastful!
Toolie and Gabrielle were perfect for each other, and I loved that Gabrielle was a true BFF she didnt mince words when it came to what she thought, especially with Belle!
The epilogue was awesome, and I hope to see more of the couoles!
Gunner was just what Belle needed. Belle truly needed to be humbled! You can never forget where you come from, in the end you will find that very place is what mold you! Gunner was a man's man, I was here from it. He checked Belle in all of her self-absorbed nonsense! I loved Belle's parents they were straight shooters and did with disrespect.
I loved Gunner family as well, while they had their own generatio al wealth, they weren't boastful!
Toolie and Gabrielle were perfect for each other, and I loved that Gabrielle was a true BFF she didnt mince words when it came to what she thought, especially with Belle!
The epilogue was awesome, and I hope to see more of the couoles!
July 6, 2025
Definitely The Big Catch…Adabelle and Gunner!! 🔥🔥
What a story to start this series!! Belle endured a rude awakening and had to go home to regroup and recover!! And regrouping in the little “country town” is what she did!! Gunner asked Belle…”Are you sure you fell from grace, or were you elevated to where you were supposed to be all along? Change your thinking, change your ways, baby.”
Peaked your interest, didn’t I?!? 😉 Go on and grab your copy to see what really transpired! Take the journey with Belle, Gunner and the others! You’ll be so glad you did! You’ll have moments of laughter and just shaking your head!! I did and I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it!! Kudos, Mel!! 💜
What a story to start this series!! Belle endured a rude awakening and had to go home to regroup and recover!! And regrouping in the little “country town” is what she did!! Gunner asked Belle…”Are you sure you fell from grace, or were you elevated to where you were supposed to be all along? Change your thinking, change your ways, baby.”
Peaked your interest, didn’t I?!? 😉 Go on and grab your copy to see what really transpired! Take the journey with Belle, Gunner and the others! You’ll be so glad you did! You’ll have moments of laughter and just shaking your head!! I did and I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it!! Kudos, Mel!! 💜
January 23, 2026
This was cool. Carson definitely had some Tyler Perry level drama that I found amusing. Glad Adabelle got her attitude together. I wanted to slap her through the screen. Chortled strikes again! 🤢 I think i’m going to add tittered to it.
The following are all the thoughts I had while reading this book so it may contains some spoilers:
Wow this is some daytime tv drama!! Let me make some popcorn! 😂😂😂
Or some Diary Of A Mad Black Woman drama!! Ole Charles acting mofo!! Better remember what happened to him! 😂😂😂
What she needs to do is hire a lawyer and see what her options are. In the mean time sell that house to float you even more.
Belle’s parents clearly let her talk to them any kind of way growing up. I’m 33 going on 34 and I still would never talk to my mama like this.
The following are all the thoughts I had while reading this book so it may contains some spoilers:
Wow this is some daytime tv drama!! Let me make some popcorn! 😂😂😂
Or some Diary Of A Mad Black Woman drama!! Ole Charles acting mofo!! Better remember what happened to him! 😂😂😂
What she needs to do is hire a lawyer and see what her options are. In the mean time sell that house to float you even more.
Belle’s parents clearly let her talk to them any kind of way growing up. I’m 33 going on 34 and I still would never talk to my mama like this.
June 4, 2025
Loved every second!!
I loved every moment of this book from the main characters and when I say Gabby was my girl she was my girl. I grew to love Belle. Toolie was a fool! The man really told his cousin in so many words "be quiet I'm trying to be nosy" lmao. Holden was the exact words Glo said "got it out the mud, 6 footage 9 ,fine ass country boy . He wouldn't take shit from Belle. It showed you that sometimes home is where you need to be to grow. Sometimes you gotta get out of your own way. I'm glad my girl grew up though. And FORGET CARSON!
I loved every moment of this book from the main characters and when I say Gabby was my girl she was my girl. I grew to love Belle. Toolie was a fool! The man really told his cousin in so many words "be quiet I'm trying to be nosy" lmao. Holden was the exact words Glo said "got it out the mud, 6 footage 9 ,fine ass country boy . He wouldn't take shit from Belle. It showed you that sometimes home is where you need to be to grow. Sometimes you gotta get out of your own way. I'm glad my girl grew up though. And FORGET CARSON!
June 5, 2025
Love It!!
Book 1 of the BLP Sports Series was everything I was looking for in a sports romance book. Lately I have been on a sports romance kick and only reading them, so when I saw BLP was releasing a series of sports romance I was excited!!
Gunner and Bella’s love story started very shaky but they worked through all the drama and their love was able to grow. It was great to learn about a new sport in this sport romance and I definitely recommend reading this book/series to everyone that loves country men, sports and romance!
Book 1 of the BLP Sports Series was everything I was looking for in a sports romance book. Lately I have been on a sports romance kick and only reading them, so when I saw BLP was releasing a series of sports romance I was excited!!
Gunner and Bella’s love story started very shaky but they worked through all the drama and their love was able to grow. It was great to learn about a new sport in this sport romance and I definitely recommend reading this book/series to everyone that loves country men, sports and romance!
June 16, 2025
Nice story but dry
Good intro as book 1 into this next series but where’s the heat? The passion?
The first intimate encounter between Belle and Gunner was less than lack luster. Per usual Mel’s characters are written with plenty of attitudes and slick tongues but this is missing the fire these characters were written to have. Im glad Mel did write Bell into a better person of character as the story progressed but this doesn’t want to make me read book 2 if and when the series continues.
Good intro as book 1 into this next series but where’s the heat? The passion?
The first intimate encounter between Belle and Gunner was less than lack luster. Per usual Mel’s characters are written with plenty of attitudes and slick tongues but this is missing the fire these characters were written to have. Im glad Mel did write Bell into a better person of character as the story progressed but this doesn’t want to make me read book 2 if and when the series continues.
June 10, 2025
Belle x Gunner
What do get when you mix a saditty, wannabe city girl with a country, thug angler? Some good ol’ country lovin’! When the FMC was forced to move back to her small hometown, she had to learn how to quickly humble herself before she rubbed everyone the wrong way. The MMC was a take charge, country boy who was quick to put the “mean girl” in her place and never wavered on the BDE. This read was short, sweet and full of mess!
3.5 ⭐️
What do get when you mix a saditty, wannabe city girl with a country, thug angler? Some good ol’ country lovin’! When the FMC was forced to move back to her small hometown, she had to learn how to quickly humble herself before she rubbed everyone the wrong way. The MMC was a take charge, country boy who was quick to put the “mean girl” in her place and never wavered on the BDE. This read was short, sweet and full of mess!
3.5 ⭐️
June 13, 2025
Oh my goodness, so cute!!
Man, I need me rich country boy!! My goodness Gunner was so sweet but didn't play no games. It took him and her dad to bring Belle down a notch!! She thought everyone was beneath her, but she quickly learned differently. This book was so cute. It reminded me of why old folks used to say, never forget where you come from, you never know when you have to come back!! I loved this book!!
Man, I need me rich country boy!! My goodness Gunner was so sweet but didn't play no games. It took him and her dad to bring Belle down a notch!! She thought everyone was beneath her, but she quickly learned differently. This book was so cute. It reminded me of why old folks used to say, never forget where you come from, you never know when you have to come back!! I loved this book!!
June 29, 2025
Life Will Give You Lessons!
Mel Day excellent read. When I see Belle I see her in many people men and women. To only see dollar sings and never think about the real reasons of not taking life seriously but thinking everyone is beneath you but in reality your the one stuck. Gunner was all man. He knew what was real and how to treat folk. I finally found peace with Belle. She finally understood what was important in life. I enjoyed this from start to finish🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Mel Day excellent read. When I see Belle I see her in many people men and women. To only see dollar sings and never think about the real reasons of not taking life seriously but thinking everyone is beneath you but in reality your the one stuck. Gunner was all man. He knew what was real and how to treat folk. I finally found peace with Belle. She finally understood what was important in life. I enjoyed this from start to finish🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
July 25, 2025
Very cute, loved it!
Adabelle aka Belle came from a little town outside of Birmingham, AL and ran as soon as she graduated high school! Finding out her 10 year marriage was fake drove her from Cali back to Alabama. She ended up connecting to her high school nemesis family and she eventually fell for Gunner Beckton. A lot came to the light, but in the end, they got their HEA! Great read!
Adabelle aka Belle came from a little town outside of Birmingham, AL and ran as soon as she graduated high school! Finding out her 10 year marriage was fake drove her from Cali back to Alabama. She ended up connecting to her high school nemesis family and she eventually fell for Gunner Beckton. A lot came to the light, but in the end, they got their HEA! Great read!
August 12, 2025
Love in the Country
I truly enjoyed this fall from grace story and having to humble yourself and return to the scene of the crime!!!…
Carson was for the streets baby and had no cares about how the ppl he hit felt because it was all about him!!!…He hurt the wrong woman in Daphne!!!…
Gunner was not playing about nothing and not about Belle!!!…
Belles’s daddy spk true facts to her and I love that he got her right!!!…
I truly enjoyed this fall from grace story and having to humble yourself and return to the scene of the crime!!!…
Carson was for the streets baby and had no cares about how the ppl he hit felt because it was all about him!!!…He hurt the wrong woman in Daphne!!!…
Gunner was not playing about nothing and not about Belle!!!…
Belles’s daddy spk true facts to her and I love that he got her right!!!…
November 20, 2025
Love and Compassion
Was this really the MFC? I thought it very unlikely the reader could learn to love this character… I was wrong. However, the MMC, Gunner, I loved right off the bat. But! - the shocker was Carson👀. What an unexpectedly wonderful story! The level of drama was just right. The depth of passion and heat between Gunner and Adabelle was off the charts. A highly recommended read!
Was this really the MFC? I thought it very unlikely the reader could learn to love this character… I was wrong. However, the MMC, Gunner, I loved right off the bat. But! - the shocker was Carson👀. What an unexpectedly wonderful story! The level of drama was just right. The depth of passion and heat between Gunner and Adabelle was off the charts. A highly recommended read!
January 2, 2026
Great Catch!
Adabelle Caroline Lee was hit with the shock of her life. Her husband of ten years was leaving her to be with his real wife of four years and their two children. Their marriage was never legal because Carson had "accidentally" forgot to file the marriage certificate. She eventuality went home to Alabama with her tail between her legs where she had several run-ins with Holden "Gunner" Beckett, Jr., professional angler by trade, and all around country boy. This could be the start of something fishy! 🐟
Adabelle Caroline Lee was hit with the shock of her life. Her husband of ten years was leaving her to be with his real wife of four years and their two children. Their marriage was never legal because Carson had "accidentally" forgot to file the marriage certificate. She eventuality went home to Alabama with her tail between her legs where she had several run-ins with Holden "Gunner" Beckett, Jr., professional angler by trade, and all around country boy. This could be the start of something fishy! 🐟
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