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In the Safety's Zone: Desperados Book Seven
My brother saved my life. Pulled me from the waters and carried me on his literal back then and for years after. He gave me the world and in return I gave him my ass to kiss. Threw his grace, his patience, his love and his effort in his face all to impress people who meant me nor him any good. Mainly our parents. I let folks get in my head about what I should be and made me believe that he was holding me back. But truly I was my own worst enemy. So when I fell from grace, I refused to let him soften the fall. I wanted to be a man I could look at in the mirror knowing I’d built him piece by piece. And life was comfortable and I was content.
Until this pesky thing called love decided to put me in a choke hold. Now everyone has something to say. A think piece or an opinion about us. And to protect her? I’d revert back to the toxic me just to give them something to talk about. Be the brat they think I am just to ensure her image stays clean. The game of life and love ain’t fair, but I’m determined to win both.
Until this pesky thing called love decided to put me in a choke hold. Now everyone has something to say. A think piece or an opinion about us. And to protect her? I’d revert back to the toxic me just to give them something to talk about. Be the brat they think I am just to ensure her image stays clean. The game of life and love ain’t fair, but I’m determined to win both.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2025
58 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 7, 2025
Love and growth!
Loved being back in the Desperados universe. This was such a romantic read. Anthony was truly a lover boy. His growth and maturity really warmed my heart. His love for Aphrodite from the moment he sees her is sweet. Both of them came from such toxic family environments, and the moments where they find support in each other were beautiful. I also loved the moments we get to see Anthony and Antwan be vulnerable with each other. This book is just a beautiful couple embracing their sweet love on their own terms.
Loved being back in the Desperados universe. This was such a romantic read. Anthony was truly a lover boy. His growth and maturity really warmed my heart. His love for Aphrodite from the moment he sees her is sweet. Both of them came from such toxic family environments, and the moments where they find support in each other were beautiful. I also loved the moments we get to see Anthony and Antwan be vulnerable with each other. This book is just a beautiful couple embracing their sweet love on their own terms.
September 30, 2025
I had to sleep on it cus this book was that good, I loved the way Antwan & Anthony’s bond was showcased here so many moving and impactful moments between the brothers. Every time I think Dandrige done penned her worst parent yet lmaoo SHE PULL OUT SOMETHING EVEN WORSE lmao like my goodness. Aphrodite’s parents were neck and neck with Jilliana as far as raggedy parents go. I loved that Anthony and Aphrodite made each other a priority while still ensuring they were the superstars on the court and the field. I did notice a lot more errors throughout this one but it didn’t ruin the reading experience. This was another fantastic addition to the series.
October 1, 2025
No one was safe this time
Anthony and Aphrodite had the worst parents a pair could have. Let's make that clear. Then Anthony and Antwan had to deal with the debauchery from their greedy donors. Juliana, whew! I have never met a mother, or someone as evil. The best part of the craziness was their supporting cast holding them down. Billie is always the fixer; she Olivia Poped them real good. And let's not forget Aphrodite's greedy parents. I despised her dad more than her mother. The cheating, greedy b word. And finally, that ending with Silas, I see you DM...
Anthony and Aphrodite had the worst parents a pair could have. Let's make that clear. Then Anthony and Antwan had to deal with the debauchery from their greedy donors. Juliana, whew! I have never met a mother, or someone as evil. The best part of the craziness was their supporting cast holding them down. Billie is always the fixer; she Olivia Poped them real good. And let's not forget Aphrodite's greedy parents. I despised her dad more than her mother. The cheating, greedy b word. And finally, that ending with Silas, I see you DM...
October 2, 2025
Even though it’s an interconnected standalone, I feel like I would have enjoyed this more had I read the previous books to see how he was wildin’. I think that would allow me to appreciate the growth that Anthony experienced. It felt like I was missing something not just from him but the other characters as well. However, I did enjoy him and Aphrodite as a couple. They were super sweet and intentional with one another. And I think they both healed parts of each other. I always enjoy any book with a found family aspect, especially when the family of origin is trash. The relationship between Antwan & Anthony was beautiful. Their moment in the man cave produced real tears. But again I think I would have appreciated it more if I saw how they struggled to get there (which I would have had I read previous books lol. Don’t be like me)
Also I was super surprised at some crossover cameos at the end!
Also I was super surprised at some crossover cameos at the end!
September 30, 2025
AP AND BAM!!!!
I so enjoyed this story. Cried about 3 times, but so happy to see Anthony’s growth and maturity. It’s always great to catch up with the Desperados and I can’t wait for the next installment.
I so enjoyed this story. Cried about 3 times, but so happy to see Anthony’s growth and maturity. It’s always great to catch up with the Desperados and I can’t wait for the next installment.
September 30, 2025
Dare I Say my new Favorite desperado
Oh Anthony time will bring about a change his character development chef kiss. Love that the insta connect the AP2 shared. They ability to pour into each other during the hard times amazing. I’ll take 14 more
Oh Anthony time will bring about a change his character development chef kiss. Love that the insta connect the AP2 shared. They ability to pour into each other during the hard times amazing. I’ll take 14 more
October 3, 2025
Swoon
You can’t jinx what’s written in the stars.
I love this book so much. It's like a chill, pleasant version of new love. You know that love you fall into once your frontal lobe is developed and you have put away your post-high school childishness and you know you are entering that grown phase for real for real. That's the type of romance we get in this book and since everything was utterly perfection all I can do is keep sighing and swooning and give my Big List of yessssss! :
🤤 Let's start with the title "Safety's Zone" is protection given on the field against the other team's pass. And Anthony is a cinnamon roll gum drop protector. He's that 🥷🏾 who sees what he wants and immediately knows he needs to protect her at all cost. Her strength, will, spirit, mental and body enter into a safe zone that lil miss Aphrodite aka Prho aka AP doesn't even realize she needs and can ask for
🤤 I get it, bruh. She fine as fuck and she's got a good heart. But don’t wake up dead playing ‘round with me. You hear all this southern in my voice and you think that make my ass soft? Anthony is all of the tags #Protective #SouthernMan let me tell you, ain't no lovin like a Black man from the South who grew up in the hoods just a little bit. Those types of men are just top-tier (maybe I'm bias).
🤤 Nawlins’, baybeeh. Ain’t an ounce of bitch in my blood so if you don’t want yours spilled throughout this muhfucka learn some fucking respect. I would tell you to shoot your shot next time, but I ain’t even gone give you the chance to step into a spot meant for me Antony was on "lock her down imeediately" pace when dealing with his heart AP. This is not a slow burn at all people. They locked eyes and then it was on go from there. And for Anthony not only was he trying to block anyone else he was making sure his love blanketed AP in all the ways so she wouldn't want to look elsewhere.
🤤 Ok we have an Eater. Just likes to sit there and snack for days. The joke is that home boy has a praise kink but really he has got to be a pleasure dom because his pleasure is making sure to give her pleasure.
I pressed my lips to the inside of her thigh and felt her shivering with anticipation. The scent of her pussy was calling me and I didn’t have any patience to wait. I wasn’t even sure how we got to her being half naked on my bed but I damn sure wasn’t about to ask anymore questions after she gave me her yes 🤭
🤤 The cameos. Whewww I still don't know how Rachelle didn't fold immediately after seeing Coach Stew because gotdangallmightyupinchere that man is fine fine fine. And we get a few other surprises from around the Dandridge multi-verse that was nice seeing. Especially a wonderful murdery someone. 😉
🤤 Silas! That man there was the perfect parent to both boys
🤤 Men who cry. Oooo the way this book will get you in all your feels. Starting out with a little heart-to-heart to a bigger heart-to-heart between brothers that will have you tearing up. Seeing these strong powerful men break down and speak love into one another to heal hurt, pain, and miscommunication from their past was just breath-taking.
🤤 Found Family. AP had the worse set-up with the parental units. I mean not Jahmir bad but still bad. And going from noone in her corner on page 1 to the big penumltimate scene around 70% had my eyes moisting with thug tears. The overall message in this book that rising above toxicity in parents to pour into oneself, speak power into oneself through affirmative friends bonded as family, was just 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
You can’t jinx what’s written in the stars.
I love this book so much. It's like a chill, pleasant version of new love. You know that love you fall into once your frontal lobe is developed and you have put away your post-high school childishness and you know you are entering that grown phase for real for real. That's the type of romance we get in this book and since everything was utterly perfection all I can do is keep sighing and swooning and give my Big List of yessssss! :
🤤 Let's start with the title "Safety's Zone" is protection given on the field against the other team's pass. And Anthony is a cinnamon roll gum drop protector. He's that 🥷🏾 who sees what he wants and immediately knows he needs to protect her at all cost. Her strength, will, spirit, mental and body enter into a safe zone that lil miss Aphrodite aka Prho aka AP doesn't even realize she needs and can ask for
🤤 I get it, bruh. She fine as fuck and she's got a good heart. But don’t wake up dead playing ‘round with me. You hear all this southern in my voice and you think that make my ass soft? Anthony is all of the tags #Protective #SouthernMan let me tell you, ain't no lovin like a Black man from the South who grew up in the hoods just a little bit. Those types of men are just top-tier (maybe I'm bias).
🤤 Nawlins’, baybeeh. Ain’t an ounce of bitch in my blood so if you don’t want yours spilled throughout this muhfucka learn some fucking respect. I would tell you to shoot your shot next time, but I ain’t even gone give you the chance to step into a spot meant for me Antony was on "lock her down imeediately" pace when dealing with his heart AP. This is not a slow burn at all people. They locked eyes and then it was on go from there. And for Anthony not only was he trying to block anyone else he was making sure his love blanketed AP in all the ways so she wouldn't want to look elsewhere.
🤤 Ok we have an Eater. Just likes to sit there and snack for days. The joke is that home boy has a praise kink but really he has got to be a pleasure dom because his pleasure is making sure to give her pleasure.
I pressed my lips to the inside of her thigh and felt her shivering with anticipation. The scent of her pussy was calling me and I didn’t have any patience to wait. I wasn’t even sure how we got to her being half naked on my bed but I damn sure wasn’t about to ask anymore questions after she gave me her yes 🤭
🤤 The cameos. Whewww I still don't know how Rachelle didn't fold immediately after seeing Coach Stew because gotdangallmightyupinchere that man is fine fine fine. And we get a few other surprises from around the Dandridge multi-verse that was nice seeing. Especially a wonderful murdery someone. 😉
🤤 Silas! That man there was the perfect parent to both boys
🤤 Men who cry. Oooo the way this book will get you in all your feels. Starting out with a little heart-to-heart to a bigger heart-to-heart between brothers that will have you tearing up. Seeing these strong powerful men break down and speak love into one another to heal hurt, pain, and miscommunication from their past was just breath-taking.
🤤 Found Family. AP had the worse set-up with the parental units. I mean not Jahmir bad but still bad. And going from noone in her corner on page 1 to the big penumltimate scene around 70% had my eyes moisting with thug tears. The overall message in this book that rising above toxicity in parents to pour into oneself, speak power into oneself through affirmative friends bonded as family, was just 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
November 28, 2025
Anthony and Aphrodite are goals!
Book 7 of the Desperados series is Anthony’s story who we meet in his brother Antwan’s story, the Catcher’s Rye: Desperados Book One. The couple, Anthony and Aphrodite meet cute at a photo shoot centered on famous athletic families. Aphrodite, a Venus-like tennis player is there with her father, a former tennis player. Anthony, a safety with the Desperados is there with his brother Antwan, their star wide receiver. After the shoot, they go on an all night date through New York City and begin a connection so magical you’ll have stars in your eyes. There is drama and adversity in this book but it comes from outside of the relationship, never within it. Even the third act break up (that isn’t) is subverted because of the love the couple have for each other. It is one of the sweetest romances in this universe, and you will root for this couple from start to finish. As with any Desperado’s book, you will see some of your faves woven throughout their story. There were parts of the book that will make you tear up, especially regarding the brothers, but it is absolutely worth it. This is easily one of my favorites in the series. Enjoy!
Book 7 of the Desperados series is Anthony’s story who we meet in his brother Antwan’s story, the Catcher’s Rye: Desperados Book One. The couple, Anthony and Aphrodite meet cute at a photo shoot centered on famous athletic families. Aphrodite, a Venus-like tennis player is there with her father, a former tennis player. Anthony, a safety with the Desperados is there with his brother Antwan, their star wide receiver. After the shoot, they go on an all night date through New York City and begin a connection so magical you’ll have stars in your eyes. There is drama and adversity in this book but it comes from outside of the relationship, never within it. Even the third act break up (that isn’t) is subverted because of the love the couple have for each other. It is one of the sweetest romances in this universe, and you will root for this couple from start to finish. As with any Desperado’s book, you will see some of your faves woven throughout their story. There were parts of the book that will make you tear up, especially regarding the brothers, but it is absolutely worth it. This is easily one of my favorites in the series. Enjoy!
October 11, 2025
Freedom
Anthony and Aphrodite both had some trauma that held them back from being the best version of themselves. Anthony worked so hard to prove himself only to find out that the person who was supposed to be his biggest supporter, turned out to be his biggest opponent. For Aphrodite, her so called protectors turn out to be the people who caused her the most pain and trauma. When they released themselves from the hold that their parents had on they, both Aphrodite and Anthony were able to live and enjoy their hard work and each other.
As always, this author came through and gave his a book highlighting women’s strength and giving them the love and life that they deserved all along. Book 7 of the Desperados series gave me everything that I needed and more.
Anthony and Aphrodite both had some trauma that held them back from being the best version of themselves. Anthony worked so hard to prove himself only to find out that the person who was supposed to be his biggest supporter, turned out to be his biggest opponent. For Aphrodite, her so called protectors turn out to be the people who caused her the most pain and trauma. When they released themselves from the hold that their parents had on they, both Aphrodite and Anthony were able to live and enjoy their hard work and each other.
As always, this author came through and gave his a book highlighting women’s strength and giving them the love and life that they deserved all along. Book 7 of the Desperados series gave me everything that I needed and more.
October 6, 2025
Love at first sight and it doesn’t get any better. Anthony and Aphrodite not only needed each other but they DESERVED each other. Between the two idk who had the worst set of parents, actually that’s a lie Anthony definitely did but Phro’s was a close second. The growth and character development of Anthony was *chefs kiss* and it allowed for him to show Aphrodite the love and care that she was missing. My only critique is I would’ve like to see a little more drama from the parents throughout the book not just the beginning and the very end. Even that doesn’t take away from how much I enjoyed this book. Can’t wait for the next installment
October 12, 2025
heartwarming
I truly every one of the books Ms. Dandridge puts out but Ant and Phro were like the best icing on my favorite cake. It delivered just like I knew it would. I cried, laughed, cussed and cheered. If Ms. Dandridge ain’t goin do nothing else, she’s gonna make you go through the motions with her characters. I felt like a proud Mama reading about the growth of Anthony and the love between him and Antwan. The way he showed up for Aphrodite and protected her, even from her own father hit a spot I didn’t know needed healing. Thank you my favorite author’s favorite author, you’ve done it again!
I truly every one of the books Ms. Dandridge puts out but Ant and Phro were like the best icing on my favorite cake. It delivered just like I knew it would. I cried, laughed, cussed and cheered. If Ms. Dandridge ain’t goin do nothing else, she’s gonna make you go through the motions with her characters. I felt like a proud Mama reading about the growth of Anthony and the love between him and Antwan. The way he showed up for Aphrodite and protected her, even from her own father hit a spot I didn’t know needed healing. Thank you my favorite author’s favorite author, you’ve done it again!
October 13, 2025
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I loved this book. Anthony and Antwan’s brotherly love and support of each other was overwhelming with happy emotions. Their parents were shameful. How could a mother ever do that to her kids?
I’m glad both brothers found true love and family with their Desperados family and their women.
Oh Uncle Silas. That shocked me but he didn’t play about his boys. I love that they still have a man presence.
Grams was a mess. I know she was something else in her youth. Lil firecracker. I loved her. She definitely did not have a filter. Billy and Rye always showed up and showed out. True hitters for their family.
I can’t wait to see what’s next.
I loved this book. Anthony and Antwan’s brotherly love and support of each other was overwhelming with happy emotions. Their parents were shameful. How could a mother ever do that to her kids?
I’m glad both brothers found true love and family with their Desperados family and their women.
Oh Uncle Silas. That shocked me but he didn’t play about his boys. I love that they still have a man presence.
Grams was a mess. I know she was something else in her youth. Lil firecracker. I loved her. She definitely did not have a filter. Billy and Rye always showed up and showed out. True hitters for their family.
I can’t wait to see what’s next.
October 28, 2025
True Brotherly Love
Love the relationship between Antwan and Anthony,also the inclusion of their village.The Harpers,Antonio and Jillian need to compete for worst parents award or title. They make it easy to truly dislike them. Giving parents who truly sacrifice for their kids a bad reputation.
Love the excerpt with Anthony visualizing his run into the end zone,I got so emotional when he scored and then shed a tear when Twan and him began met on the sidelines.Twan truly is his brother’s keeper.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for no errors,I skipped book 2-6 but will have to go back and read each one. Great storyline without any cheating or breaking up.
Love the relationship between Antwan and Anthony,also the inclusion of their village.The Harpers,Antonio and Jillian need to compete for worst parents award or title. They make it easy to truly dislike them. Giving parents who truly sacrifice for their kids a bad reputation.
Love the excerpt with Anthony visualizing his run into the end zone,I got so emotional when he scored and then shed a tear when Twan and him began met on the sidelines.Twan truly is his brother’s keeper.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for no errors,I skipped book 2-6 but will have to go back and read each one. Great storyline without any cheating or breaking up.
January 10, 2026
That safety feeling
D. Monroe sure knows how to write a story. This entire interconnection of sports stories was nothing short of enjoyable and entertaining. The way the first book developed to show that there was going to be nothing breaking down how family isn’t supposed to be and bringing light to how family should be. AP and Bam was just the cutest little athletic couple the way they supported and built confidence in one another. That ended with Silas, Priest and Liam(I believe) was comical, they had been there for them all along.
D. Monroe sure knows how to write a story. This entire interconnection of sports stories was nothing short of enjoyable and entertaining. The way the first book developed to show that there was going to be nothing breaking down how family isn’t supposed to be and bringing light to how family should be. AP and Bam was just the cutest little athletic couple the way they supported and built confidence in one another. That ended with Silas, Priest and Liam(I believe) was comical, they had been there for them all along.
October 2, 2025
Full of love!!!!
While this book exposes some of the most toxic parents in this universe, the amount of love in this book was overwhelming in the best way. The love between sibling, friends, and of course Anthony and Aphrodite. There were so many nuggets and moments when I laughed or screamed because of appearances that it makes me want to read the whole universe again!! Dandridge always comes through with a banger and this was no different!!
While this book exposes some of the most toxic parents in this universe, the amount of love in this book was overwhelming in the best way. The love between sibling, friends, and of course Anthony and Aphrodite. There were so many nuggets and moments when I laughed or screamed because of appearances that it makes me want to read the whole universe again!! Dandridge always comes through with a banger and this was no different!!
October 5, 2025
A Brother’s Love!
I loved every page of this book! It was emotional, funny and some people got what they deserved. The love between these brothers was everything siblings should feel (shout out to my own big brother protector)! Family is not always those that birth you but those that stand for and with you!
Dandridge you are a master!
I loved every page of this book! It was emotional, funny and some people got what they deserved. The love between these brothers was everything siblings should feel (shout out to my own big brother protector)! Family is not always those that birth you but those that stand for and with you!
Dandridge you are a master!
October 5, 2025
Jahmir and Silas need a book......
These were some of the worst parents I have ever encountered while reading, it was sad honestly how deranged they were. The bond between Antony and Antwan was so amazing to read and then the unconditional love Antony and Afrodite shared just let me in a chokehold.
These were some of the worst parents I have ever encountered while reading, it was sad honestly how deranged they were. The bond between Antony and Antwan was so amazing to read and then the unconditional love Antony and Afrodite shared just let me in a chokehold.
October 9, 2025
Redemption
I was so happy to see Anthony get his redemption and his no good parents get their reward. I loved they way the brothers loved and supported each other and the strength and integrity of their characters. .I loved the purity of Anthony and Aphrodite's love. Can't wait to catch up with them in future books.
I was so happy to see Anthony get his redemption and his no good parents get their reward. I loved they way the brothers loved and supported each other and the strength and integrity of their characters. .I loved the purity of Anthony and Aphrodite's love. Can't wait to catch up with them in future books.
October 1, 2025
Did your big one
Ms. Monroe, you did your big one without this book. I good bit of this book had me in my feelings as it brought up so many memories of Aug 29. 😭 But overall, I loved this story. Keep up the great work Queen.
Ms. Monroe, you did your big one without this book. I good bit of this book had me in my feelings as it brought up so many memories of Aug 29. 😭 But overall, I loved this story. Keep up the great work Queen.
October 16, 2025
Love in Action
Great story about love, betrayal and loyalty. Two brothers
Pulling for one another find the love of their lives in the midst of parental betrayal. Enjoyed the plot twists and the tennis and football references. This is a great read!
Great story about love, betrayal and loyalty. Two brothers
Pulling for one another find the love of their lives in the midst of parental betrayal. Enjoyed the plot twists and the tennis and football references. This is a great read!
October 23, 2025
love a redemption
I LOVED the growth that Anthony went through in between Antwans book and his. He learned grew and began healing. It showed through so much in how he carried himself. THOSE HEART TO HEARTS HE WAS HAVING WITH ANTWAN HAD ME IN TEARS! Absolutely loved this book
I LOVED the growth that Anthony went through in between Antwans book and his. He learned grew and began healing. It showed through so much in how he carried himself. THOSE HEART TO HEARTS HE WAS HAVING WITH ANTWAN HAD ME IN TEARS! Absolutely loved this book
February 8, 2026
I loved Phro! She was sweet regardless of what she had been through and I think that’s really hard to do, life has a way of hardening us up! I loved Anthony for her! He did right by her and was exactly what she needed! Glad she stood up for herself! I loved Anthony and Antwan’s relationship
October 8, 2025
Perfect
I didn’t wan’t this to end. I love the way they ride for each other and how the brothers always reaffirmed each other.
I didn’t wan’t this to end. I love the way they ride for each other and how the brothers always reaffirmed each other.
October 9, 2025
I love this series
I love this entire universe of stories that intertwine 🥰 it’s perfect and I love when I get to read all of their stories! Definitely a 10/10!!
I love this entire universe of stories that intertwine 🥰 it’s perfect and I love when I get to read all of their stories! Definitely a 10/10!!
October 10, 2025
😭😭😭😭😭
This was beautiful. I love how in the DM universe, the men are able to so clearly articulate their emotions and needs. This one is a prime example of that
This was beautiful. I love how in the DM universe, the men are able to so clearly articulate their emotions and needs. This one is a prime example of that
October 11, 2025
Bam & Phro
I thoroughly enjoyed Anthoy and Aphrodite's story. They were great together and didn't let their toxic parents come between them. They were super sweet together.
I thoroughly enjoyed Anthoy and Aphrodite's story. They were great together and didn't let their toxic parents come between them. They were super sweet together.
January 21, 2026
Read 1/21/2026.
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