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LOVE ME NOW: BALTIMORE & MADELYN
Security guard by day. Billionaire by night.
For sixteen years, Baltimore Cooley has been the trusted, lead security guard for Duval Bell. Baltimore’s job is simple. Protect Duval at all costs. Although down for the cause, Baltimore’s intentions aren’t exactly in favor of his late boss. His eyes have always been for the missus. When he senses danger at the hands of Duval, Baltimore takes it as nothing to protect the one he really holds dear to his heart. Madelyn Bell.
“Is it crazy to want someone to love me now?”
Madelyn Bell was the perfect wife to her late husband. She was nurturing, loving, and most of all, loyal. Despite her efforts, remaining loyal to a man like Duval proved to be her undoing. Betrayal cut her deep. So deep that healing is a foreign concept to her. A woman who once believed in the sanctity and power of love, Madelyn is now left to pick up the pieces of her life. A spark she isn’t searching for lights a sequence of events that lead her straight into the arms of a man she believes to be off limits. A man who works for her. A man she barely knows. A man ten years her junior.
Baltimore is aware of Madelyn’s misgivings. However, none of those misgivings matter to him. He’s had a lock on his target for sixteen years. Nothing is going to stop him from showing Madelyn what love with him could be like.
For sixteen years, Baltimore Cooley has been the trusted, lead security guard for Duval Bell. Baltimore’s job is simple. Protect Duval at all costs. Although down for the cause, Baltimore’s intentions aren’t exactly in favor of his late boss. His eyes have always been for the missus. When he senses danger at the hands of Duval, Baltimore takes it as nothing to protect the one he really holds dear to his heart. Madelyn Bell.
“Is it crazy to want someone to love me now?”
Madelyn Bell was the perfect wife to her late husband. She was nurturing, loving, and most of all, loyal. Despite her efforts, remaining loyal to a man like Duval proved to be her undoing. Betrayal cut her deep. So deep that healing is a foreign concept to her. A woman who once believed in the sanctity and power of love, Madelyn is now left to pick up the pieces of her life. A spark she isn’t searching for lights a sequence of events that lead her straight into the arms of a man she believes to be off limits. A man who works for her. A man she barely knows. A man ten years her junior.
Baltimore is aware of Madelyn’s misgivings. However, none of those misgivings matter to him. He’s had a lock on his target for sixteen years. Nothing is going to stop him from showing Madelyn what love with him could be like.
- GenresAfrican American
117 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2025
178 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 30, 2025
The closer I got to the end, I knew
Cliffhanger endings are by far my least favorite thing. Baltimore and Maddy deserved their happiness for now, why you have to do me like that... Tell me why! Anyway, I guess I'll have to check back for the answer.
Cliffhanger endings are by far my least favorite thing. Baltimore and Maddy deserved their happiness for now, why you have to do me like that... Tell me why! Anyway, I guess I'll have to check back for the answer.
October 31, 2025
Whew... Aunt Maddie had to deal with that devil Duval, and now he leaves her to deal with his mess in the aftermath! 🤬 Although Maddie is ecstatic that Duval is out of her life, she is grieving DJ something serious. Even with his messed-up loyalty to his father, that was still her son! 💔 While piecing her life back together, Adir hits her with more news that rocks her to her core! 😲 Can I really do this? Will my heart and mind allow me to give myself fully to this? Hmmm....
Cooley has worked for the Bell family for years. He didn't always agree with the deeds and behaviors of Duval but stayed by his side for more reasons that one. He always had his eye on Maddie, bidding his time to make her his. Now that Duval is gone for good, Cooley/Baltimore is not wasting anymore time getting his woman!
Maddie is on the fence of wanting Baltimore and feeling like it's too soon to want love again. Baltimore helps her make that decision by applying that pressure baby!!🥰 The way he stepped in and took over like they were already his family was everything. This man waited too long sitting on the sidelines to take his time with her. Just as their lives are settling, ish hits the fan! That ending!! What???🤯 Who are they after, and why? 🤔👀 I believe we are going to see a different side of Baltimore now, and I'm here for it! Looking forward to the next installment. 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
Cooley has worked for the Bell family for years. He didn't always agree with the deeds and behaviors of Duval but stayed by his side for more reasons that one. He always had his eye on Maddie, bidding his time to make her his. Now that Duval is gone for good, Cooley/Baltimore is not wasting anymore time getting his woman!
Maddie is on the fence of wanting Baltimore and feeling like it's too soon to want love again. Baltimore helps her make that decision by applying that pressure baby!!🥰 The way he stepped in and took over like they were already his family was everything. This man waited too long sitting on the sidelines to take his time with her. Just as their lives are settling, ish hits the fan! That ending!! What???🤯 Who are they after, and why? 🤔👀 I believe we are going to see a different side of Baltimore now, and I'm here for it! Looking forward to the next installment. 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
October 26, 2025
My grandmother always said, “Patience is a virtue,” and for Baltimore Cooley, that saying proved true when it came to Madelyn Bell. From the moment he saw her, he knew one day he would show her what it was like to be loved by a man who actually likes you and loves you at first sight.
I know his name is Baltimore, but I’m going to call him Big Pressure because that’s exactly what he did, applied major pressure, and in the end, Madelyn couldn’t deny that in his arms and bed, was exactly where she was meant to be.
I have loved M. Monique since I was introduced to her three years ago, and the only thing wrong with this book was that it’s a novella. I could’ve read 100 more pages gladly. If you want a quick read about a man loving the hell out of a woman, this book is for you.
I know his name is Baltimore, but I’m going to call him Big Pressure because that’s exactly what he did, applied major pressure, and in the end, Madelyn couldn’t deny that in his arms and bed, was exactly where she was meant to be.
I have loved M. Monique since I was introduced to her three years ago, and the only thing wrong with this book was that it’s a novella. I could’ve read 100 more pages gladly. If you want a quick read about a man loving the hell out of a woman, this book is for you.
October 25, 2025
Baltimore and Madelyn
October 25, 2025
Baltimore loved this lady for 16 years from a distance. That’s insane. He was great and everything Maddie needed to rebuild her life. I guess the primary takeaways would be “you’re never too old to start over” & “you were never asking for too much. Just asking the wrong person”. For it to be a novella, the story was well written with good pacing and likable characters. I personally just didn’t care much for the storyline and even though I’m assuming Baltimore & Maddie’s story is complete, it essentially ends on a cliffhanger😩
December 30, 2025
Ma’am!!! Lord I’m addicted to this family! But these clif hangers and murder for my adhd brain lol but I love them! I’m going to go read the next book right now because I need to know what happens! Laaaawwwddd I love me some Maddie and Baltimore! GROWN AND SEXY !!! Chefs kiss!! Ok bye yall I gotta go read the next one!
October 24, 2025
yas ..cliffhangers and family drama
October 26, 2025
⭐️ 5/5
A grown, patient, and protective love that proves timing is everything. Mature passion, loyalty, and healing all wrapped in one 💜🔥
M. Monique did her thing again, per usual 👏🏾
A grown, patient, and protective love that proves timing is everything. Mature passion, loyalty, and healing all wrapped in one 💜🔥
M. Monique did her thing again, per usual 👏🏾
November 6, 2025
BALTIMORE “COOLEY” WHEW!!!!
This story was fast paced but fulfilling. Baltimore MY GOD his energy was everything we didn’t see coming.
Maddie needed him. She needed him to heal. She needed him know what love was and to feel how it meant to be loved by someone. She needed him so she could experience who she was meant to be. Baltimore DID NOT and WAS NOT playing when it came to her and their kids.
The way he came and put her in an extremely soft life. YES!!!
This was a beautiful story of healing, what love should look and feel like, and saving those who have been placed in circumstances out of their control.
M Monique DID NOT come to play with us and she gave us a story we didn’t know we needed. Here are your flowers Miss MaMas cause vou did that sis💐💐💐
Stamped,
The Urban Fiction Librarian
This story was fast paced but fulfilling. Baltimore MY GOD his energy was everything we didn’t see coming.
Maddie needed him. She needed him to heal. She needed him know what love was and to feel how it meant to be loved by someone. She needed him so she could experience who she was meant to be. Baltimore DID NOT and WAS NOT playing when it came to her and their kids.
The way he came and put her in an extremely soft life. YES!!!
This was a beautiful story of healing, what love should look and feel like, and saving those who have been placed in circumstances out of their control.
M Monique DID NOT come to play with us and she gave us a story we didn’t know we needed. Here are your flowers Miss MaMas cause vou did that sis💐💐💐
Stamped,
The Urban Fiction Librarian
October 25, 2025
This book takes place after Dr. Bell and we get to witness how Madelyn navigates life as a widow after losing her husband Duval and her son DJ to their betrayal. During this process, she’s trying to find herself, live her life and take care of her daughter who’s in college after years of physical and verbal abuse. Baltimore Cooley who’s been her security detail for the last 16 years is helping her through her grief by making things easier for her to navigate but he’s also been in love with her hoping one day she’ll see how’s he felt all these years but has never come at her disrespectfully due to her marriage. There’s so many layers to Baltimore and we get to see how Madelyn peels off these layers little by little to witness the lover boy that he is. And there’s many layers. She’s also navigating new changes and stressful dynamics within her family. There’s an age gap between Madelyn and Baltimore that Madelyn is not confident in but Baltimore never cared. This was a much needed story and I can’t wait to see more of the Bells and the Cooleys
November 20, 2025
Baltimore and Madelyn
I enjoyed seeing Maddie get her happily ever after especially after all the hell she went through with Duval. Baltimore played no games about this woman or his kids and he stood ten toes down behind her. This is a story of when a bodyguard becomes your lover and the one to love you best.
These characters were introduced in Dr. Bell’s book and their background starts there so I would suggest reading that first otherwise some things may be a little confusing. This story does end on a cliffhanger that segways into the next novella in this series. I read the second novella first and had to go back to read this one. I can’t wait to see what else will happen with the Bell family.
I enjoyed seeing Maddie get her happily ever after especially after all the hell she went through with Duval. Baltimore played no games about this woman or his kids and he stood ten toes down behind her. This is a story of when a bodyguard becomes your lover and the one to love you best.
These characters were introduced in Dr. Bell’s book and their background starts there so I would suggest reading that first otherwise some things may be a little confusing. This story does end on a cliffhanger that segways into the next novella in this series. I read the second novella first and had to go back to read this one. I can’t wait to see what else will happen with the Bell family.
November 29, 2025
Love Me Now Baltimore & Madelyn
M. Monique
Madelyn is faced with a complete change in the course of her life. The actions this pivot requires are grand. She finally has a moment to decide her own fate. She is no longer beholden to someone who cares nothing about her truly. Many of those choices force her to remain selfless. The light that she emanates can’t be contained.
Baltimore has played his position well. At this point , it’s not about if Madelyn will accept the love he has to give, it’s win. Far before the time it was possible, he was invested in her well-being.
Baltimore and Madelyn’s love story is a testament to divine clarity at the perfect moment.
#readandtellwithshantel #MMonique #LoveMeNow
M. Monique
Madelyn is faced with a complete change in the course of her life. The actions this pivot requires are grand. She finally has a moment to decide her own fate. She is no longer beholden to someone who cares nothing about her truly. Many of those choices force her to remain selfless. The light that she emanates can’t be contained.
Baltimore has played his position well. At this point , it’s not about if Madelyn will accept the love he has to give, it’s win. Far before the time it was possible, he was invested in her well-being.
Baltimore and Madelyn’s love story is a testament to divine clarity at the perfect moment.
#readandtellwithshantel #MMonique #LoveMeNow
October 24, 2025
Baltimore Cooley, that is a full sentence!!
If you ever want to read a book where a man has loved you from the first time he saw you, this is the book for you! Baltimore is a (secret) billionaire that does security for a family for over 15 years because of the love he had for his boss and she never knew. Maddie is now a widow of a abusive husband, and she is trying to heal and recover from loss. When I tell you that Baltimore was everything she could have ever dreamed of and more! The way that man catered to her and her children was a beautiful sight to see. That was truly an amazing man! Please go read this book!!
If you ever want to read a book where a man has loved you from the first time he saw you, this is the book for you! Baltimore is a (secret) billionaire that does security for a family for over 15 years because of the love he had for his boss and she never knew. Maddie is now a widow of a abusive husband, and she is trying to heal and recover from loss. When I tell you that Baltimore was everything she could have ever dreamed of and more! The way that man catered to her and her children was a beautiful sight to see. That was truly an amazing man! Please go read this book!!
October 27, 2025
I absolutely loved Baltimore and Maddie. AFTER READING DR. BELL, I REALLY WANTED AUNTIE MADELYN TO HAVE HER HAPPILY EVER AFTER.
MADDIE DESERVED SO MUCH MORE AND BALTIMORE WAS THE PERFECT MAN TO GIVE HER MORE. IMAGINE YOUR SECURITY GUARD BEING A BILLIONAIRE BUT HES STILL GUARDING YOU BECAUSE HE KNOW YOU'RE HIS FUTURE. And he waited 15+ years because he KNEW you were it for him. WHEWWWWW I LOVED IT!
I know that most ppl won’t agree with the decision that Maddie made, but Maddie had to be true to herself. Her heart wouldn’t allow her to leave an innocent party out like that. She had love to give so why not share it.
MADDIE DESERVED SO MUCH MORE AND BALTIMORE WAS THE PERFECT MAN TO GIVE HER MORE. IMAGINE YOUR SECURITY GUARD BEING A BILLIONAIRE BUT HES STILL GUARDING YOU BECAUSE HE KNOW YOU'RE HIS FUTURE. And he waited 15+ years because he KNEW you were it for him. WHEWWWWW I LOVED IT!
I know that most ppl won’t agree with the decision that Maddie made, but Maddie had to be true to herself. Her heart wouldn’t allow her to leave an innocent party out like that. She had love to give so why not share it.
October 27, 2025
Healing in His Arms
After enduring two traumatic losses, Maddie is learning to navigate life as a widow while taking on the new challenge of caring for someone innocent. The story was fast-paced, with a lot happening at once, but it kept me engaged throughout. I loved how Baltimore cared for Maddie; he patiently moved at her pace while making it clear that he wanted her to see him as more than just her bodyguard. Despite being younger, Baltimore was all man! He loved and cared for Maddie in a way that was foreign to her. I found myself wanting more of their moments together and a little less of Maddie’s parents, lol.
After enduring two traumatic losses, Maddie is learning to navigate life as a widow while taking on the new challenge of caring for someone innocent. The story was fast-paced, with a lot happening at once, but it kept me engaged throughout. I loved how Baltimore cared for Maddie; he patiently moved at her pace while making it clear that he wanted her to see him as more than just her bodyguard. Despite being younger, Baltimore was all man! He loved and cared for Maddie in a way that was foreign to her. I found myself wanting more of their moments together and a little less of Maddie’s parents, lol.
October 24, 2025
Lasting Love
I’m so happy for Maddie. What she went through with Duval was A LOT! Cooley aka Baltimore was just what she needed. Having a man love you deeply that he stands aside while you build a life with someone else—especially when that someone was a monster—was overwhelming. Baltimore stood ten toes down for his woman and I love it! He gave love freely and not just to Maddie, but to her children biological and adopted. Now that ending has been clutching my pearls—-I need the rest.
I’m so happy for Maddie. What she went through with Duval was A LOT! Cooley aka Baltimore was just what she needed. Having a man love you deeply that he stands aside while you build a life with someone else—especially when that someone was a monster—was overwhelming. Baltimore stood ten toes down for his woman and I love it! He gave love freely and not just to Maddie, but to her children biological and adopted. Now that ending has been clutching my pearls—-I need the rest.
October 27, 2025
Fast for sure
This one was a fast pace 1 for sure. The aftermath of Maddie's Husband and son and all the foolishness. Saying how she had to pick up the pieces and kind of put her life back together but Not having to do it alone was everything. Baltimore was That N*gga for sure. He said that that's about to be my future wife and everything she comes with is also his. I'm not sure what happened With this ending but I definitely got so many question. I can't wait for the next installment
This one was a fast pace 1 for sure. The aftermath of Maddie's Husband and son and all the foolishness. Saying how she had to pick up the pieces and kind of put her life back together but Not having to do it alone was everything. Baltimore was That N*gga for sure. He said that that's about to be my future wife and everything she comes with is also his. I'm not sure what happened With this ending but I definitely got so many question. I can't wait for the next installment
October 28, 2025
That ending??? 👀👀
We are back with the Bell Family, and I must say, this love story surprised me! I didn't see Aunt Maddie getting her groove back like this, but whew! I enjoyed the quick journey to love between Maddie and Baltimore, and it felt right. All their stops and pickups along the way felt right, too! The book ends with a literal bang that has me questioning what is next. Bianca Bell was witnessing some mess right before everything happened, and I need the next book like now!
We are back with the Bell Family, and I must say, this love story surprised me! I didn't see Aunt Maddie getting her groove back like this, but whew! I enjoyed the quick journey to love between Maddie and Baltimore, and it felt right. All their stops and pickups along the way felt right, too! The book ends with a literal bang that has me questioning what is next. Bianca Bell was witnessing some mess right before everything happened, and I need the next book like now!
December 3, 2025
Maddie and Baltimore are sooo stinking cute together! To know that this man has been pining for you for over 16 years as your security only to find out that he is actual billionaire is crazy work!! And it takes a special woman to take in and love the child of your deceased husband's indiscretion. I don't know if I am grown enough for that and I absolutely love children. I love a man that comes to you with true intentions and makes that known. Her mammy was different and she would've been out of my house. Aht tf aht!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2025
I love love!
I loved everything about this story. Billionaires that don’t play about their women is my favorite trope. Baltimore was all business when it came to Maddie and I was here for it! Of course Adair Bell in any book is always going to be a plus for me. Baltimore Cooley was every bit of a man earning himself a spot on my list of book baes!!!!
Well done M Monique and the set up for the next book was chefs kiss!
I loved everything about this story. Billionaires that don’t play about their women is my favorite trope. Baltimore was all business when it came to Maddie and I was here for it! Of course Adair Bell in any book is always going to be a plus for me. Baltimore Cooley was every bit of a man earning himself a spot on my list of book baes!!!!
Well done M Monique and the set up for the next book was chefs kiss!
October 28, 2025
blank stare
So at this point in time I am sitting here with a complete blank stare on my face. This is not the ending that I thought what I would get I hope I don’t have to wait long for the next installment. Love hearing what happened after the end of the last book love to see that everyone was able to move on in some capacity. But boy or boy am I waiting for the next book good job Miss Monique!
So at this point in time I am sitting here with a complete blank stare on my face. This is not the ending that I thought what I would get I hope I don’t have to wait long for the next installment. Love hearing what happened after the end of the last book love to see that everyone was able to move on in some capacity. But boy or boy am I waiting for the next book good job Miss Monique!
December 13, 2025
That cliffhanger 😳
I love Baltimore & Madelyn. They’re both so loving & protective over each other and their kids. Them taking Genesis and Maja in shows how big their hearts are. Baltimore being a billionaire but working as a security guard was crazy. Love makes you do crazy things 😂 I love his family & their history.
Madelyn deserved her happily ever after. Baltimore deserved love after patiently waiting for 16 years.
I love Baltimore & Madelyn. They’re both so loving & protective over each other and their kids. Them taking Genesis and Maja in shows how big their hearts are. Baltimore being a billionaire but working as a security guard was crazy. Love makes you do crazy things 😂 I love his family & their history.
Madelyn deserved her happily ever after. Baltimore deserved love after patiently waiting for 16 years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2025
🥰🥰🥰
Whew chile!!!! Talk about waiting for the right moment. That man knew his time was coming and stuck beside her until it all unfolded. I LOVED Baltimore for Maddie so bad!!! He gave her a little time and then immediately upped the pressure by 1,000!!! I love it here! Next book me please!!
Whew chile!!!! Talk about waiting for the right moment. That man knew his time was coming and stuck beside her until it all unfolded. I LOVED Baltimore for Maddie so bad!!! He gave her a little time and then immediately upped the pressure by 1,000!!! I love it here! Next book me please!!
October 26, 2025
Big Fun with Baltimore!
Yes, yes, and yes one more time!! Listen, I love reading a book about a woman getting her 2nd chance at finding the right kind of love. Maddie didn’t know what Baltimore was bringing, but baby when he brought it, she wasn’t saying no!!I I cannot wait for the rest of the series to roll out!!
Yes, yes, and yes one more time!! Listen, I love reading a book about a woman getting her 2nd chance at finding the right kind of love. Maddie didn’t know what Baltimore was bringing, but baby when he brought it, she wasn’t saying no!!I I cannot wait for the rest of the series to roll out!!
October 26, 2025
Mr. Cooley
M Monique and the giftedness of her pen game. This is a back story I didn’t know I needed. Baltimore’s love and dedication to Maddie is what dreams are made of. His character is most definitely patient. There are several layers to this novella, and enjoyed each one. Baltimore is definitely what book husbands are made of. can’t wait for part 2.
M Monique and the giftedness of her pen game. This is a back story I didn’t know I needed. Baltimore’s love and dedication to Maddie is what dreams are made of. His character is most definitely patient. There are several layers to this novella, and enjoyed each one. Baltimore is definitely what book husbands are made of. can’t wait for part 2.
October 26, 2025
Baltimore and Madelyn
Baltimore wasn’t playing about the love of his life. When a man knows, he just knows. Baltimore came and put his foot down Bell Estates who, that man was paid and putting her down. A good quick read, fast paced, and few different tropes. Ima eat a M. Monique book down any day!!
Baltimore wasn’t playing about the love of his life. When a man knows, he just knows. Baltimore came and put his foot down Bell Estates who, that man was paid and putting her down. A good quick read, fast paced, and few different tropes. Ima eat a M. Monique book down any day!!
November 2, 2025
I expected nothing less…
I don’t know what M. Monique dips her pen in but it’s got me hooked on every word. Maddie deserved love after everything she’s been through and Baltimore is just perfect!! Maddie mama still deserved to get slapped 😒 stop taking your problems out on everybody else and fix your attitude!!!
I don’t know what M. Monique dips her pen in but it’s got me hooked on every word. Maddie deserved love after everything she’s been through and Baltimore is just perfect!! Maddie mama still deserved to get slapped 😒 stop taking your problems out on everybody else and fix your attitude!!!
November 9, 2025
A Patient Love!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️.75
Cooley really waited for Maddie and was in love with her for years. I’m so happy Maddie was open to love and trust again. Maddie was truly a strong and honorable woman! She deserved all the love and happiness Cooley brought her!
I would recommend reading Dr. Bell first before starting this! 💖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️.75
Cooley really waited for Maddie and was in love with her for years. I’m so happy Maddie was open to love and trust again. Maddie was truly a strong and honorable woman! She deserved all the love and happiness Cooley brought her!
I would recommend reading Dr. Bell first before starting this! 💖
November 11, 2025
His heart
Okay now Baltimore... Get your woman and family. Show her the world she was missing and help rebuild the confidence that was lost.
I loved this growth for Madelyn as her light was dimmed. Let's not forget about her toxic non-supportive mother. I would have smacked her seven ways to Sunday. Her dad too.
Anyway. On to see WTH happened to cause that ending.
Okay now Baltimore... Get your woman and family. Show her the world she was missing and help rebuild the confidence that was lost.
I loved this growth for Madelyn as her light was dimmed. Let's not forget about her toxic non-supportive mother. I would have smacked her seven ways to Sunday. Her dad too.
Anyway. On to see WTH happened to cause that ending.
October 24, 2025
Not a cliffhanger!
M. Monique never disappoints, but that cliffhangar got me 😒. Warn a lady next time.
Baltimore, he said if she ain't Maddie, he don't want her. He got his girl and didn't play no games about her.
Ready for the next book.
M. Monique never disappoints, but that cliffhangar got me 😒. Warn a lady next time.
Baltimore, he said if she ain't Maddie, he don't want her. He got his girl and didn't play no games about her.
Ready for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews