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Off the Leash

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In a dog-eat-dog world, it is best that Boltin “Bolt” Abloy stay on his leash. He’s a man who doesn’t play nice with many, but many want to play. From a strong lineage of country boys, he thrives in his small town of Clover, South Carolina. When P’Nee Anderson pops back up in town, Bolt feels the need to pull against his leash. She just wants to live her quiet, unbothered life free of drama and heartache. Will his off the leash behavior scare P’Nee, or will it be just enough to get her ready to walk that dog?

133 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2026

202 people are currently reading
66 people want to read

About the author

Mel Dau

103 books681 followers
Mel Dau (Melvin’s Daughter) was born in Vicenza, Italy but raised in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. She is the baby girl and only girl of three. She has always had a love for books beginning with the Baby Sitter’s Club, R.L. Stine, and Christopher Pike. She dabbled in writing as she grew up but never took it as seriously as she should have.

Mel Dau graduated from from Wando High School, then later matriculated to Benedict College (BSW) and Webster University (MHRM). She is a mother of a teenage daughter, a HR Professional, and a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Her love for Urban Literature did not arrive until Mid-2016.  Reading over 900 books from 2016 to 2017, she was obsessed with reading--an obsession that helped her cope with her father’s illness and death.  In March of 2018, she decided to finally come from behind the wall and submit a short story which resulted in her first Book, Khiaere and Phy: A Charleston Love Story being published under Queens of Lit Presents.  Under Queens of Lit Presents, she successfully published 15 titles that were all debuted in the top fifty on Amazon Top 100.

In May of 2020, she was signed to her new publisher B. Love Publications where she continues her growth as an author. Her purpose as an author is to provide her readers’ with her E³ formula, Entertain, Encourage & Educate. She achieved her first #1 Bestseller with her Erotica title, Pet The Kitty. In August of 2020 she founded Mel Dau Publications, LLC to pursue self-published projects. Penning in a lane all her own, her Informational Dramas fulfills her purpose with every release. Her overall desire is to use her fiction catalog to help change at least one person’s non-fiction reality.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,041 reviews115 followers
January 9, 2026
Off the Leash

The title this time in the series made perfect sense. A young teenager was victimized by a family member, and her mother and grandmother took the appropriate actions. Years later she is back in town as a principal at the local private school and her old crush is still hot. The story covers their relationship rekindled and the karma for the family's sick sucker.
Profile Image for Brisace.
519 reviews
January 30, 2026
If you like gruff MMCs, small-town romance, and a little push-and-pull, this one is a fun pick. Bolt’s “don’t play nice” attitude mixed with P’Nee’s unbothered vibe is exactly what pulled me in. Watching him slowly unravel around the one woman who makes him want to try was chef’s kiss.

And when Bolt found out someone close did P’Nee wrong… baby. He had no problem stepping off the leash and right behind her 😮‍💨. Protective, feral, and ready to show folks how to properly get dog-walked 😂.
Profile Image for Danielle Phoenix.
89 reviews20 followers
January 20, 2026
As always Mel Dau delivers again. This was slightly tough to read because it shows how unfortunately in black households we cover things up for the sake of image. Not realizing the damage it causes.
Profile Image for Monique.
471 reviews23 followers
January 13, 2026
(3.5) This was a quick paced childhood friends to lovers story. And when I say quick paced, I meant it. They pretty much locked into one another almost immediately (as adults) when they reconnected. I liked them together though. He was a protector and she was no nonsense. I do wish we got to see more of their relationship on page, but I think we got a gist of their love. I appreciated the lightheartedness of the book for the most part. The characters inner dialogues added lots of levity. It did tackle a very heavy topic though but it was done in a way that was sensitive but didn’t feel super weighed down.

Also completely unrelated but I hate that the cover (while he’s handsome) is nothing similar to the visuals provided on the Author’s socials about what Bolt looks like🙄
Profile Image for Sharika Sellman.
105 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2026
4.5 Stars ⭐️ This book made me shed a tear 😢 I definitely didn’t read the trigger warnings but for that to happen to a young girl and her dad to ask “are you sure it wasn’t a dream?”…. is crazy ! Jacob definitely took the easy way out smh ! && Jordan it’s something about guilt that will eat you alive!

I love that Josh was riding for his sister and not pushing it aside after finding out but kinda wish he would have fault for a relationship within them two decades !

BOLT !!!! A protecter of his woman he was. I also love how his family surrounded her with nothing but love and support!

Loved this story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
75 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2026
Chefs kiss

While a VERY heavy topic was tackled in this book,it was handled w/o the need of a trigger warning. Granny Cat actually stole the book with her "payments" and cash app tag😂😂. Only complaint I have was I need more now😀. If I'm grabbing the hints correctly we should be seeing more of this couple in JoJo and Josh book. At that point P'Nee should have given Bolt a baby girl and Dash will most likely be giving his parents the blues😀😀. Short read but as this author always does, packed it with everything you need.
Profile Image for Shahtia Gay-hairston.
3,454 reviews27 followers
January 13, 2026
Leash

The synopsis didn’t give this book justice, It was so much more. Sometimes, I dislike the collaborations between these series, but Mel Dau writes a great story even when it’s part of a special project. I’m proud of Nee, as if I knew her in real life. Boltwas exactly what she needed.
Profile Image for Meme.
150 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2026
It was so sweet that at 13 and 15 year old found their true love together over 20 years later! Fuck Jordan for not having his daughter’s back and fuck Jacob, they both got what they deserved! Bolt was all man and played no games when it came to his woman
Profile Image for Antoinette Jones.
939 reviews8 followers
January 22, 2026
This book is a must-read!

Mel Dau's writing is seriously out of this world. Every time I pick up one of her books, it's like eating at a five-star Michelin restaurant. Your plate is clean, your palate is always satisfied, and you can't wait to read it again. That's exactly how I felt about this book.

P'Nee and the trauma she went through had me hooked and ready to unleash karma. The saying that you can pick your friends but you can't pick your family—so true! But years later, her crush, Bolt Abloy, would become her biggest fan, her greatest ally, the love of her life, and the reason why pillows were invented. If you know, then you know.

When I tell you how I marked these digital pages like I was writing in my journal, I'm not kidding. The storyline was intense, funny, sensual, sexy, heartbreaking, heartwarming, with a lot of visits from Karma thrown into the mix. No spoilers. But the J and J duo got exactly what they deserved. Sometimes you have to come off the leash to get things done the way you want them done. I absolutely loved that ending! I'm so glad Bolt and P'Nee got their happily ever after and the family they both wanted. After all the mess they went through, they both deserved all the happiness in the world.
Profile Image for Denise Newman.
254 reviews
January 11, 2026
Book 4

What can I say about book 4 of the BLP Breeds Series?!?! I can say that it was everything I expected it to be and so much more!!

When I say that Mel Dau and her pen are nothing to play with and they have not written a book that I haven’t absolutely loved!!

Bolt and P’Nee’s story was very well written that I didn’t want it to end. They met because she was his best friend’s little sister and she spent the summers with him and family until she didn’t. Then decades later they are back in the same country town and the crushes they had on each other couldn’t be denied and the rest is history. Of course there was drama but it wouldn’t be a Mel Dau book if there wasn’t drama.

I can’t say this enough add this book and the rest of the series to your TBR because you will not be disappointed!!
Profile Image for Phaze.
281 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2026
Bolt and Nee

Bolt and P'Nee

I was soooo pronuncing her name wrong until i listened to how the author pronounced it.

Bolt is the bestfriend of P'Nee's brother. He pretends not to have a crush on her because he is a couple of years older.

P'Nee lives woth her mother, but visits her dad in the summers. On summer while visitng her dad, something untinkable happens. When her dad comes to gey her the followimg summer, she tells her mom about the incident. After this, she no lonher visits her dad.

Years later, she accepts a job in the town where her father and brother lives. Now that she is grown Bolt is interested.

Secrets are eventually revealed.
190 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2026
I enjoyed this quick read

The story flowed nicely. P’Nee was splitting time between both parents. She had the biggest crush on her half-brother’s best friend. At the age of 13, something happened during a visit and she cut off everyone in her small hometown. After losing her granny and mother, she comes back but her brother not father knows it. It’s her father’s fault that she stayed away though. Thankfully, Bolt runs into her at the prestigious school she is a principal and lets her brother know. Her and Bolt finally get together, the family love her, he finds out what happened with her uncle causing her to stay away, and they end up married with a son. Great story soror!
1,217 reviews10 followers
January 15, 2026
Loved It

Bolt and P'nee were going to be together at some point, I could tell. Dealing with family who have issues with abuse, sexually and otherwise can tear a family a part! P'nee daddy failed to believe his daughter, which caused her to stop seeing her brother for many years!
After many years and loss, Bolt and P'nee found themselves back together as adults.

There were some difficulties during the relationship, but love, trust, and communication. Conquer those issues along with Bolt family, especially his grandmother! I enjoyed the epilogue and hope to see more of Bolt and P'nee!
Profile Image for T K Vaugh.
1,617 reviews9 followers
February 5, 2026
Bolt & P’Nee, Off The Leash Of Love

I didn’t expect anything less with a MEL DAU book!!!…
The story line is ALWAYS good, the delivery is AMAZING and the laughter is always there to balance out the message in the book!!!…
The subject discussed was an emotional one, but the splashes of Granny Deer made the heart rate ease a bit!!!…
Brought them off the leash!!!…
My heart broke for Josh because he loved his sister, missed his sister and wanted to fiercely protect her!!!…
Jordan’s life was destroyed while trying to protect his brother!!!…
Bolt and P’Nee story was a beautiful one though!!!…
Profile Image for Sherri  Jones.
85 reviews
February 5, 2026
Yes...P'Nee and Bolt

This was everything. P'Nee's mother and grandma were GOAT. I love when parents/ family liaten to the child. Love that Bolt and Josh had a true friendship/ brotherhood. Anna was a hot mess. P'Nee handled that for sure. Timing is everything. The fact that Jordan had a blind eye for that disgusting Jacob worked out as it should. P'Nee protected her peace no access granted. He was the adult and you did not protect or defend your daughter. Bolt was everything she needed. Bolt's family was refreshing and that gma was GOAT. Actions have consequences. I love love live this✨️✨️👍🏾
Profile Image for Mayas.
2,448 reviews49 followers
January 10, 2026
For real

Mel Dau, now why you do me like that. P'Nee and Bolt were building something as kids, until.... I had a time reading this book. I got pissed, then she'd a tear or two, on to laughing, and ready to throw hands.

The freaking audacity of Jordan. Worthless lying POS. He deserved the karma handed to him. He was just as bad as his brother in my opinion. Tried to Biggie my girl and she played the Uno reverse. I love a man with dog in him and a big brother who doesn't play about his sister.

Well done.
Profile Image for Taija Thompson.
413 reviews
January 21, 2026
Unleashed!

Okay so P’Nee baby went through it! I can’t stand a black family sometimes. But I’m glad she spoke up and had some ppl on her side. Eventually shit was handled. Jacob and his karma was truly satisfying. Jordan…well, don’t support predators mah boy 💁🏾‍♀️. Anywhoo, Granny Cat and her “whore mention payments” from Bolt took me out!! That lady was wild and funny! Love Bolt and P’Nee’s relationship. It was really straight forward. They liked each other before and now they like each other as adults. Simple.
Profile Image for Lisareadsromance.
654 reviews16 followers
January 25, 2026
Loved💜💜

This was such a good one...though it was tied up with trauma for our FMC, she still was a strong individual who accomplished great things. I loved the chemistry between her and Bolton, and the fact that they were able to just be on one accord was great. Bolton's grandmother was one of my favorite characters, The way she was reading these w***** was everything. Anna was a delullu dumb a**, And penny's father can go to hell swiftly honestly I don't feel bad for him at all.
Profile Image for Michelle_Reads_Books.
25 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2026
Off the Leash.....Babyyyyy

This book was a ride of the best kind.... We all need a Granny Cat 🤣😂.. Bolt is that guy...That man said "This is God's Plan" Love Josh he was the best big brother and was ten toes down about P’Nee... It's f*ck Jacob and Jordan for life...wellll🤭🤭🤭...P’Nee I love how she didn't playlist with stupid... And she was gonna make you feel it in your chest for playing with her.....It's best to keep some people on that leash!!!!!
482 reviews4 followers
January 9, 2026
Off the Leash (BLP Breeds Book 4)

As always, Mel Dau comes out swinging. My girl is a book writing Maven. Her characters are always well-rounded and funny as hell. Grandma Cat and Granny Margerie. Baby, you don't want to get in a pissing contest with those two.

Anyway, I am glad Bolt and P'Nee found their way back to each other. It took a few decades but as always love always wins.
Profile Image for Jacklin.
332 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2026
Great read!!!

Whew! This book took me through it, I wanted to get ACTIVE with the uncle, after the pretty girl comments. Just didn't feel right to me. Then ditzy Anna got crazy on the boat I knew she'd be a problem. Jealousy and delusion are a helluva drug. I was disappointed in the dad for not believing his daughter and I'm glad his brother got outed and caught. P'Nee deserved every piece of happiness she got! 10\10 I'd absolutely RECOMMEND
Profile Image for Shonta.
44 reviews
January 10, 2026
Keep your dog on the leash ma’am!

Another dope book from Mel Dau. From the beginning to the end there was drama, action, and always something for us to learn from and pay attention to. I love a fierce protector and BOLT gave me just that. The spice and flirting and sensuality was everything. Jordan and Jacob were huge disappointments. I loved that P’Nee was a big dog too and was a protector and faced her demons head on. Read the book you won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Terry Young.
573 reviews
January 19, 2026
nice read

This was a great quick read. It had me tuned in from the first page. Some people are just sick people and shouldn’t be allowed to walk this earth. Happy that Bolt and Nee were able to find a way back to each other. I loved the love that Joshua had for his sister. I just wished they didn’t loose so much time but they were able to build that bond again. Pop Jordan was very disappointing in this book. Bolts grandma….i just loved her.
58 reviews
January 19, 2026
I recommend you read this book I loved it so much couldn’t put it down . Bolt was p,nee protected and he would go thought he’ll doors for her . I feel sad for her when. She went though stuff when she was younger with her father and uncle . I was so disappointed in her father for not believing her . I loved her grandma. And mother because they didn’t care about anything they would go to war behind P’Nee , I love how their love story was I really loved this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
884 reviews5 followers
January 20, 2026
Off the leash

The title definitely goes along with these characters because the way their crazy activates when one on them is messed with is crazy. The thing I like most was the flow of this and how Nee and Bolt just picked up where they almost left off. That stank uncle out here messing up loves but it still worked out in their favor when P'Nee becoming the principal. Overall good story as many of this authors books are.
Profile Image for Theblkrtheberry.
102 reviews
January 24, 2026
Loved it

I enjoyed Off the Leash from beginning to end. I want to be like Granny Margie & Granny Cat when I grow up. This was definitely an entertaining, short read. I laughed throughout the entire book.

Without giving anything away, P'Nee's situation was emotional. I love how protective Bolt and Josh were. Great job, Melvin's Daughter.

You are right, your "Pen Game is Bipolar"

Keep'em coming!
51 reviews
January 28, 2026
I love the way you write

You are one of my favorite authors. I love how you tell the back story just enough to let a reader understand what's going on as you switch to the current. It was an amazing story shedding light on the importance of a parent to protect their child against anyone including family members. I'm waiting on your next story. I pray continual blessing over you and your gift.
88 reviews
January 29, 2026
Phenomenal Read

Great, entertaining and relatable MCs.
Wonderful and crazy supporting cast.
Compelling and complex story but easy an all in love with enough spice!
MMC has all the BDE and is not to come off the leash 🤣.
FMC is a real woman in every sense of the word 🤩
Family dynamics are strong with some deep traumatic turns.

Mel Dau is a bankable good read whose evolution as an author has no limit.

This is a phenomenal read!
185 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2026
Well dang

Yes this was a true and honest read. Mel day never disappoint. This had family drama, loyalty, jealousy and more. This book often can reflect real life scenarios. I love how she took her time to write this book and easy to follow. I’m so glad Bolt stood on business. Yessss I’m a fan
Profile Image for Kam.
31 reviews
January 12, 2026
Wow

This book will make you will laugh and cry her pen game is sick. I can believe how amazing her writing gets every time I read a Mel Dau book I’m surprise at how good it is .If you have never read a book my Mel Dau please go and explore her catalogue.You will not be disappointed. 💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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