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When Love Standalone Series #1
When Love Becomes A Need
After being let down by the first man that was supposed to love and protect her, Fatima swears to never give another man the power to make her feel that abandonment again. Only dealing with guys that are just as emotionally unavailable as her, she continues guarding her heart until he walks in her job one day.Ahmad, passionate, charming and good looking, was screwed over by his ex-fiancée and swore to never fall in love again, until, his eyes landed on Fatima. All he wanted to do was grow his tattoo shop and continue life as it was.When two emotionally damaged people meet can any good come from it? Will they be able to heal what was once broken? Can Ahmad tear down the walls that Fatima has built up over the years? Everyone is cheering for them, but will they be able to find love in each other?
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2020
About the author
Tay Mo'Nae
99 books1,099 followersTay Mo'Nae is a 27-year-old Urban Romance author who pens about Black Love. She create stories to help her readers escape reality and create a movie in their head. She loves writing about characters that at least one reader can relate too.
With 50 books under her belt, Tay Mo'Nae hopes to gain at least one new reader with every release and have them connect to her characters and story in some way. If she would have to explain her writing she would say she loves "penning complicated characters that find a path to love".
With 50 books under her belt, Tay Mo'Nae hopes to gain at least one new reader with every release and have them connect to her characters and story in some way. If she would have to explain her writing she would say she loves "penning complicated characters that find a path to love".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 25, 2022
Love Wins 💕
I understood that Fatima had daddy and abandonment issues but I don’t get how she just wrote off love. She had a perfectly good example of love with her mom and Johnny relationship. I didn’t like the fact she was sleeping with a married man and her reason made no sense to me but anywho.
I loved Ahmad and how loving and caring he was with Fatima. He barely knew her but was always giving her advice and pushing her to be better. I’m glad Fatima took a chance on him and love.
I understood that Fatima had daddy and abandonment issues but I don’t get how she just wrote off love. She had a perfectly good example of love with her mom and Johnny relationship. I didn’t like the fact she was sleeping with a married man and her reason made no sense to me but anywho.
I loved Ahmad and how loving and caring he was with Fatima. He barely knew her but was always giving her advice and pushing her to be better. I’m glad Fatima took a chance on him and love.
November 12, 2025
I like this book. I like the couple and plot.
August 5, 2026
A Must Read!!
Initial Thought:
Tay Monae has such a talent for creating character-driven stories that leave you completely invested in the main characters. From the very beginning, I found myself rooting for Fatima and Ahmad, wanting them to find the happiness they both deserved.
One of my favorite things about Tay Monae's writing is watching her characters grow individually while their love and chemistry deepen. The romance in this book is incredibly swoon-worthy, with an undeniable magnetic connection that had me smiling throughout. Their emotional journey feels authentic, making every heartfelt moment between them even more rewarding.
I already can't wait to read the other two books in the series!
Book Overview:
We follow Fatima and Ahmad, two people who aren't looking for love after being deeply hurt in different ways. Ahmad is recovering from the betrayal of his fiancée's infidelity, while Fatima has spent years carrying the pain of being abandoned by her father.
This is a beautifully written fated mates romance where their chance encounter sparks an irresistible connection neither of them can ignore. Their chemistry is immediate, but it's the emotional healing they provide for one another that truly makes this story shine.
Ahmad helps Fatima believe in love again, while Fatima gives Ahmad the space to heal and trust his heart once more. Together, they prove that love can find you when you least expect it and that the right person can help mend even the deepest wounds.
Initial Thought:
Tay Monae has such a talent for creating character-driven stories that leave you completely invested in the main characters. From the very beginning, I found myself rooting for Fatima and Ahmad, wanting them to find the happiness they both deserved.
One of my favorite things about Tay Monae's writing is watching her characters grow individually while their love and chemistry deepen. The romance in this book is incredibly swoon-worthy, with an undeniable magnetic connection that had me smiling throughout. Their emotional journey feels authentic, making every heartfelt moment between them even more rewarding.
I already can't wait to read the other two books in the series!
Book Overview:
We follow Fatima and Ahmad, two people who aren't looking for love after being deeply hurt in different ways. Ahmad is recovering from the betrayal of his fiancée's infidelity, while Fatima has spent years carrying the pain of being abandoned by her father.
This is a beautifully written fated mates romance where their chance encounter sparks an irresistible connection neither of them can ignore. Their chemistry is immediate, but it's the emotional healing they provide for one another that truly makes this story shine.
Ahmad helps Fatima believe in love again, while Fatima gives Ahmad the space to heal and trust his heart once more. Together, they prove that love can find you when you least expect it and that the right person can help mend even the deepest wounds.
February 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this read from Tay. Ahmad and Fatima both experienced hurt and never expected anything to come about between them. Dan did a number on Fatima and it was crazy that he thought things would ever be good between them. Kylie really tried it. She was the reason she missed out on so much with Ahmad. I'm glad Ahmad didn't allow Kylie's pop up to set him back again. Two people dealt with hurt from the ones they never expected and helped each other heal in the process. I liked Autumn because she had her head on straight although she was a bit pushy when it came to matchmaking and being a hopeless romantic. I needed Isabella to get her mind right and realize it was time to move on and hopefully her friendship with Neal would help that. I can't wait to start on the next installment.
July 10, 2023
Entertaining enough
I was intrigued and engaged to where I wanted to see how things turned out with Fatima and Ahmad; I could dig their chemistry and Ahmad's encouragement. I also loved that they were both entrepreneurs.
Fatima's hypocrisy for dealing with Kevin while still being so upset with her dad over what he did was kind of a ding. And overall, the story was cool though the way things were often described in unnecessary play-by-play detail or the itemized descriptions of people's looks or outfits messed with the flow, for me. Too much of that becomes detracting. Somewhat subjective but definitely affected my reading experience.
I liked it, though; this was my first read by this author and it was a cool one.
I was intrigued and engaged to where I wanted to see how things turned out with Fatima and Ahmad; I could dig their chemistry and Ahmad's encouragement. I also loved that they were both entrepreneurs.
Fatima's hypocrisy for dealing with Kevin while still being so upset with her dad over what he did was kind of a ding. And overall, the story was cool though the way things were often described in unnecessary play-by-play detail or the itemized descriptions of people's looks or outfits messed with the flow, for me. Too much of that becomes detracting. Somewhat subjective but definitely affected my reading experience.
I liked it, though; this was my first read by this author and it was a cool one.
March 12, 2026
I actually enjoyed this book. It gave me all the feels of “The Right One Will Find You When the Time Is Right” I loved how Fatima didn’t let her past mess up her thing with Ahmad. I felt her deep on the Daddy Issues though. When she finally let it all out at that dinner, I was so happy for her! She needed to release that so that she could move forward. Now Ahmad had me soon as he appeared in the book lol. He said what he meant and meant what he said. Kylie ass would have gotten bopped! Doing what she did. I’m glad he stood firm in not letting her back in. I probably would have thrown my book if he slipped up with her. Not gone lie 😂😂😭 10/10 HIGHLY RECOMMEND
October 30, 2023
Fatima and Ahmad
I really enjoyed this book. I like how we understood why both of them were hesitant to get into relationships initially. Both had very relatable reasons. For Fatima, her dad leaving and for Ahmad, Kylie's cheating ways. This not only affected entering into relationships but how they related to other people.
It was interesting to see how they overcame their respective fears to be in a relationship with each other. I also liked how they checked in with each other constantly to ensure they still wanted to be together.
Awesome read overall!!
I really enjoyed this book. I like how we understood why both of them were hesitant to get into relationships initially. Both had very relatable reasons. For Fatima, her dad leaving and for Ahmad, Kylie's cheating ways. This not only affected entering into relationships but how they related to other people.
It was interesting to see how they overcame their respective fears to be in a relationship with each other. I also liked how they checked in with each other constantly to ensure they still wanted to be together.
Awesome read overall!!
June 11, 2019
Great read
Im so proud of you. This was a great story with real life issues. There are a lot of women with daddy issues and you showed that letting that go is very healing. I liked Fatima and Ahmad chemistry from the first time he walked in the door. Maybe in a spinoff you can tell how Isabella left her man and believed in herself more. Been a fan since book 1 and will continue to support.
Im so proud of you. This was a great story with real life issues. There are a lot of women with daddy issues and you showed that letting that go is very healing. I liked Fatima and Ahmad chemistry from the first time he walked in the door. Maybe in a spinoff you can tell how Isabella left her man and believed in herself more. Been a fan since book 1 and will continue to support.
June 14, 2019
This was my first reading from this author and it won't be my last
I loved watching Ahmad and Fatima grow in like and love for each other. They were able to heal each other's brokenness and truly witness what love feels like and how great it van be with both parties equal care for each other and want to make it work. I loved how Ahmad pushed Fatima to keep moving towards her dreams and to try to release some of that resentment and hurt
I loved watching Ahmad and Fatima grow in like and love for each other. They were able to heal each other's brokenness and truly witness what love feels like and how great it van be with both parties equal care for each other and want to make it work. I loved how Ahmad pushed Fatima to keep moving towards her dreams and to try to release some of that resentment and hurt
June 26, 2019
Love is
I enjoyed Fatima and Ahmad. There's nothing like finding someone that wants to heal the hurt in you but recognizing there's work that has to be done on a personal level too. There are so many people hurt behind the actions of absent or neglectful parents and like Fatima they have to find a way to work out and past those feelings. I need to know if there's more to Maurice and Autumns story and I want a happily ever after for Isabella too.
I enjoyed Fatima and Ahmad. There's nothing like finding someone that wants to heal the hurt in you but recognizing there's work that has to be done on a personal level too. There are so many people hurt behind the actions of absent or neglectful parents and like Fatima they have to find a way to work out and past those feelings. I need to know if there's more to Maurice and Autumns story and I want a happily ever after for Isabella too.
July 3, 2019
Nice very nice
This series is gonna be lit. I’m glad my babies is learning to love again and break down their walls. I hope Bella let that dang no good dude go he is doing way too much for me. And autumn she needs to let the past go and move forward. Now my girl daddy issues go real deep and I feel her on that one but her dad shouldn’t have done her like that. Sitting here patting my feet while sipping on Pepsi and eating popcorn while waiting on the next book
This series is gonna be lit. I’m glad my babies is learning to love again and break down their walls. I hope Bella let that dang no good dude go he is doing way too much for me. And autumn she needs to let the past go and move forward. Now my girl daddy issues go real deep and I feel her on that one but her dad shouldn’t have done her like that. Sitting here patting my feet while sipping on Pepsi and eating popcorn while waiting on the next book
April 28, 2023
Healing each other was what happened
Ahmad and Fatima both had an issue that only the other could help with. Fatima had every right to express herself to Dan. I was so happy she let it out. Ahmad was like a pressure cooker that needed venting whenever his ex's name was brought up. When Kylie popped up I was like 😡. Fatima girl stand your ground. So glad he did not fall for Kylie's tricks.
Ahmad and Fatima both had an issue that only the other could help with. Fatima had every right to express herself to Dan. I was so happy she let it out. Ahmad was like a pressure cooker that needed venting whenever his ex's name was brought up. When Kylie popped up I was like 😡. Fatima girl stand your ground. So glad he did not fall for Kylie's tricks.
August 7, 2023
Ahmad is perfection!
I enjoyed this read i almost wish it didn’t end. Ahmad was the true definition of a man. He was patient, reassuring, honest, supportive. I mean he was everything. Loved everything about him. I loved how both Ahmad and Fatima came with their views on relationships but didn’t let a good thing pass them. Tay has easily become a go to author for me to read without hesitation.
I enjoyed this read i almost wish it didn’t end. Ahmad was the true definition of a man. He was patient, reassuring, honest, supportive. I mean he was everything. Loved everything about him. I loved how both Ahmad and Fatima came with their views on relationships but didn’t let a good thing pass them. Tay has easily become a go to author for me to read without hesitation.
August 29, 2025
Sweet story
This was a sweet story. Ahmad was gem from beginning to end. At first I wasn’t feeling Fatima because of the Kevin thing but thru growth she kinda grew on me. The way the author brought out their growth through patience and closure from past hurts is was kept the story interesting. I know their story is over but I hope to see where their relationship goes in subsequent stories even if it’s just a glimpse.
This was a sweet story. Ahmad was gem from beginning to end. At first I wasn’t feeling Fatima because of the Kevin thing but thru growth she kinda grew on me. The way the author brought out their growth through patience and closure from past hurts is was kept the story interesting. I know their story is over but I hope to see where their relationship goes in subsequent stories even if it’s just a glimpse.
June 9, 2019
Great romance story!
I love Ahmad and Fatima together and the fact that they were able to heal each other is amazing. Ahmad is perfect and I really want to see more of them....maybe in a spinoff for Isabella and Autumn😉👀 For this to be your first romance book it was great and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
I love Ahmad and Fatima together and the fact that they were able to heal each other is amazing. Ahmad is perfect and I really want to see more of them....maybe in a spinoff for Isabella and Autumn😉👀 For this to be your first romance book it was great and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
June 10, 2019
Bomb
Yesss i loved it! I loved how fatima and ahmad broke down each other walls. There is alot of girls out in the world who have daddy issues and tay def touched on that with this book. It was def a great standalone but man i want more! Im glad bella walked away from the chris dude because he was bringing down her self esteem. Def was a great read overall.
Yesss i loved it! I loved how fatima and ahmad broke down each other walls. There is alot of girls out in the world who have daddy issues and tay def touched on that with this book. It was def a great standalone but man i want more! Im glad bella walked away from the chris dude because he was bringing down her self esteem. Def was a great read overall.
June 10, 2019
Needing Love
I loved the way this book flowed. Fatima finally realized that she needed forgiveness for herself. Ahmad needed that love Fatima gave him. I loved them together. Is the going to be a book about Isabelle and Neal? Autumn and Maurice? I can't wait to read Willow and Royal. Wondering who is Willow's daughter father?
I loved the way this book flowed. Fatima finally realized that she needed forgiveness for herself. Ahmad needed that love Fatima gave him. I loved them together. Is the going to be a book about Isabelle and Neal? Autumn and Maurice? I can't wait to read Willow and Royal. Wondering who is Willow's daughter father?
June 10, 2019
Vulnerability
I love both Ahmad and Fatima were able to connect in spite of their vulnerability. I completely understand why Fatima was turned off from love after her father’s betrayal. Man, men just don’t know the harm abandoning a child causes. I am so interested in Maurice and Autumn as well as Neal and Isabella! I enjoyed this romance!
I love both Ahmad and Fatima were able to connect in spite of their vulnerability. I completely understand why Fatima was turned off from love after her father’s betrayal. Man, men just don’t know the harm abandoning a child causes. I am so interested in Maurice and Autumn as well as Neal and Isabella! I enjoyed this romance!
June 12, 2019
Good love story
It was good love story. I like how Ahmad didn't let his past distract him from getting with Fatima. I get why Fatima had daddy issues. I hope her little brothers reach out to her. But all the characters were well written even the background characters. I know there will be a spinoff with more from all characters. Tay did a good job on her first love story.
It was good love story. I like how Ahmad didn't let his past distract him from getting with Fatima. I get why Fatima had daddy issues. I hope her little brothers reach out to her. But all the characters were well written even the background characters. I know there will be a spinoff with more from all characters. Tay did a good job on her first love story.
June 30, 2019
Good read!
This was such a cute love story!! Fatima and Ahmad really saved each other and helped break down those walls built around each other’s heart. Fatima had daddy issues and issues with abandonment, while Ahmad had issues with a cheating ex. It took time but they both proved they were just what each other needed!
This was such a cute love story!! Fatima and Ahmad really saved each other and helped break down those walls built around each other’s heart. Fatima had daddy issues and issues with abandonment, while Ahmad had issues with a cheating ex. It took time but they both proved they were just what each other needed!
July 27, 2019
Super Awesome Read
I loved this whole storyline. Two lost souls that dealt with two different types of heartache. Fatima and Ahmad were made for each other. I loved the buildup of their story and hope to catch a glimpse of them in Autumn's story. Tay Monae is doing her thing with these romance novels.
I loved this whole storyline. Two lost souls that dealt with two different types of heartache. Fatima and Ahmad were made for each other. I loved the buildup of their story and hope to catch a glimpse of them in Autumn's story. Tay Monae is doing her thing with these romance novels.
March 17, 2020
A must read
Sometimes all it takes is two broken pieces to form a Beautiful picture ! Ahmad and Fatima were both broken from different reasons and needed that extra special love to be made whole ! This book was beautifully written I can't wait to read Isabella and Autumn 'stories !!
Sometimes all it takes is two broken pieces to form a Beautiful picture ! Ahmad and Fatima were both broken from different reasons and needed that extra special love to be made whole ! This book was beautifully written I can't wait to read Isabella and Autumn 'stories !!
May 14, 2020
It was fate how Ahmad and Fatima met at her job and then through Autumn who stayed next door to Fatima. Fatima didn't know how to love because of abandonment issues caused by her dad and Ahmad was hurt by love when he caught his fiance cheating on him. Two hurt people got together and helped to heal each other. I can't wait to see what's going on with Neal && Isabella and Maurice && Autumn.
June 17, 2023
🤎🤎🤎
I enjoyed the healing process that this couple went on together to become one! I can’t wait to see what is in the next installment of this series. Highly recommended, it also showed me something’s that I need to work on in myself as well. Thank you for letting us meet Ahmad and Fatima.
I enjoyed the healing process that this couple went on together to become one! I can’t wait to see what is in the next installment of this series. Highly recommended, it also showed me something’s that I need to work on in myself as well. Thank you for letting us meet Ahmad and Fatima.
June 10, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Really good love story. I loved that it touched on real life issues. Fathers don't realize the damage they can cause their children by being absent. Finding someone who's willing to pick up the pieces is Everything!
Really good love story. I loved that it touched on real life issues. Fathers don't realize the damage they can cause their children by being absent. Finding someone who's willing to pick up the pieces is Everything!
June 10, 2019
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
My girl did not disappoint in the least. I loved this book from start to finish and could really relate with all of the characters and I couldn't put it down. Definitely worth the read!
My girl did not disappoint in the least. I loved this book from start to finish and could really relate with all of the characters and I couldn't put it down. Definitely worth the read!
June 10, 2019
Loved It!
I love how Ahmad and Fatima we’re both able to face their challenges without pulling away from each other. It was refreshing to read about characters who were able to communicate with each other, not keep secrets from each other and pretty much ignored theB.S.
I love how Ahmad and Fatima we’re both able to face their challenges without pulling away from each other. It was refreshing to read about characters who were able to communicate with each other, not keep secrets from each other and pretty much ignored theB.S.
June 12, 2019
Great book
Very different from what Taylor normally writes but it was good it shows that she can write anything and make it good. I love me some Fatima and Ahmad he was such a good catch for her and i love how they broke each other walls down great book
Very different from what Taylor normally writes but it was good it shows that she can write anything and make it good. I love me some Fatima and Ahmad he was such a good catch for her and i love how they broke each other walls down great book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews