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Henderson Family Saga #5

You Belong To Me

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Castrice “Cass” Hendricks knows what it’s like to long for love. While constantly encouraging her friend through her relationship issues, she’s secretly hoping that soon, she would have her own man to think about. When she meets Shylou Smith, she can’t help but think that he’s the one for her. Although she has trust issues due to failed relationships, she believes that he’s the man to change the way she sees life. He commands her attention from the very beginning, making her dizzy with desire. After embarking on a nine-month long-distance relationship, she moves to Houston to be with him. She soon finds out that things can be way more complicated in person, being around him every day, living with him.

Shylou Smith has never run short on women to show attention to. He was used to being chased. After establishing himself as a successful businessman, owning several businesses in Houston and one in Nome, he knows that he should soon settle down. When he sees Cass, he knows that she’s the woman he’s been longing for. Once they are living together, though, she brings out his inner demons concerning his business and she also knows how to tap dance on his nerves. While she brings out his best qualities, he doesn’t know how they will end up because of the issues between them.

While there is never a dull moment in their relationship, one particular issue has become a wedge between them, threating to drive them apart. The sense of humor that they both possess gets lost in their real-life issues. Can they overcome those issues to pursue happiness and fulfillment with one another, or will they decide that it’s not worth the trouble?

162 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2020

492 people are currently reading
160 people want to read

About the author

Monica Walters

133 books953 followers
Starting with poetry, writing has always been a constant in Monica's life. The interest began in her teenage years, being in love for the first time. Her love for writing has only progressed. Song lyrics and poetry led to short stories, then one day in her down time, a short story became a 56k word novel. It has been non-stop since then. Being a wife and mother, has only added to the joys of Monica's life. Attaining a BS in Sociology, helping her better understand people and their behaviors, has only helped her become a better writer, understanding characters and their complex personalities. Romance of all types has been her passion, and she plans to continue honing her skills in that genre.

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5 stars
733 (70%)
4 stars
236 (22%)
3 stars
63 (6%)
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13 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,581 reviews105 followers
May 24, 2020
You have done it again Miss Monica! Nobody can make county and hood sexy like you can! Shylou and Cass were a whole mess with those strong personalities, and ratchet mouths! I loved how Cass was about her business, and would not take no mess from Shy, no matter how much she loved him. She would rather be on her own, than let him treat her less than what she deserved. Shylou, was as passionate as he was stubborn. But, boy was he stubborn at times! I hate that it took serious actions for him to get himself together. However, the love and appreciation that he had for Cass was always at the forefront. Great work!!
Profile Image for JBucky.
467 reviews32 followers
May 18, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ This book started off as a bit too much! Although Shyloú and Castrice seemed to be made for one another, they did a lot to get to their happily ever after. They were both easy to anger, to me they didn’t know how to communicate effectively with one another as adults. Of course the breakdown in their relationship came from both of them not taking the time to heal themselves from their separate traumas before trying to come together as one. We are all human, and breakdowns happen because we don’t all have the same communication styles. It was good to read about a relationship like this and realize how we can all sometimes get in our own way, & to see how it affects certain aspects of our lives. Anyway, it wasn’t my favorite from Monica, but it was good!
Profile Image for Shanelle.
1,489 reviews22 followers
May 26, 2020
CASS AND SHY

The chemistry in this book was off the chain. Very well written and the character development was great. Castrice and Shylou definitely saw stars when they first met each other and the attraction made for some hot and steamy moments. But what they also had in common was trust issues that put their relationship to the test on more than one occasion. Cass and Shy were both independent, strong willed and at times stubborn but the love for each other never faded. Although at times Cass was ready to give up, Shy refuse to lose her and stepped up to prove that she is the woman he wants in his life. "She Belonged To Him". Through it all they overcame the obstacles hindering their relationship and worked things out while welcoming baby Shy into the world. Great read. Highly recommend reading.
Profile Image for Mrs Tee Booktique.
954 reviews14 followers
May 25, 2020
Cas and Shylou what a transition. I understand why Cas needed more security from Shylou but I don’t think she gave him time to give it. She decided to accept his offer and relocate without it. Their relationship was entertaining and their passion was hot. Thanks for a easy read with no trauma, it is greatly appreciated.
Profile Image for Kay Shanee.
Author 70 books509 followers
May 23, 2020
I loved this story. As usual, you hit it out of the part. Shylou and Cass both stubborn and passionate and their personalities clashed but their love for each other was apparent. This was a great read!
Profile Image for Jite.
1,318 reviews73 followers
February 24, 2023
Good

I enjoyed reading Shylou and Cass’s story. It’s much less dramatic than some of the others in this series but definitely still is marked by this author’s talent for stories that are messy, and super dramatic with lots of twists and turns. The premise of this Henderson’s spin-off related to “In Way To Deep” (Kenny and Keisha’s book) is that Cass (who we met in gave up her life in San Antonio to move to Houston with Shylou after maintaining a long-distance relationship with him for a while only to find he doesn’t trust her with his money. Left to her, despite loving him deeply, she would leave but tragic circumstances conspire to complicate things.

I liked Cass a lot and how principled she was about respecting herself and her boundaries. Shy had a lot to learn and I believe he was humble and gracious enough to see what he was doing wrong even though like Cass, I struggled to understand his lack of trust in her based on something his friend did- the reason behind his trust issues was a little surface-y for me. I would have rated this higher but it felt a little rushed and I never felt they got to interrogate some of their deeper issues. Content warning for a difficult pregnancy and a car accident - other than that this was pretty low key and I enjoyed it and would recommend.
Profile Image for Girl Truss Me.
468 reviews25 followers
February 20, 2023
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

This story follows Keisha’s friend Cass and Kenny’s friend Shylou. The relationship between Shylous parents were not ideal and him and Cass were leading into one just like that and I did not like that. The way Shylou handled Cass about not trusting her with his business was wrong, but the way Cass ran and got made at Shylou for something that he couldn’t control was wrong as well. She was a flight risk and he has trust issues that is not a good combination at all 🤦🏾‍♀️. This was a short story yet was good to see the family connection still, Storm and his kids will always have me laughing 😂.
Profile Image for Bianca.
1,002 reviews5 followers
June 12, 2025
decent

This was a decent story and I will say a lot of drama and angst could’ve been avoided with some talking. They’re trying to do a relationship without fully letting each other in. Shylou has past trauma that causes some trust issues and there were times that Cass needed to speak up about her feelings. I’m happy the author wrote a faithful character in Shylou because a couple times when they weren’t able to be intimate and it seemed that Shylou was turned on by other women some authors might’ve proceeded with that so we could have some manufactured drama
Profile Image for martha fountain.
838 reviews18 followers
May 23, 2020
Lawd hammercy...this book provoked all kinds of emotions! I could not put it down until I was done. Monica is a true storyteller and seems to be well acquainted with challenges that couples face. What I appreciate about Monica is that every story poses different challenges but you know it's real. I was appreciative how you can see the dynamics of Shylou's parents relationship and how it impacted his almost to his detriment. Yet because that man love Cass, he discovered the truth of himself and matured. Cass did as well. She was my kind of lady that held Shy's feet to the fire...she respected herself enough to demand it. I admire her for it. Thanks again Monica for another gem. I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Kema B..
Author 10 books230 followers
November 19, 2020
Where do I begin with Shylou and Cass. First of all their chemistry was off the charts. I could visualize the characters in my head not being able to keep their hands off one another but there has to be more and the Author did a great job with exploring their issues and navigating their way through them. It was also hilarious and I couldn’t put it down for real and I love the little glimpses into the Hendersons as well. One of my faves from her for sure.
Profile Image for 'The Book Queen'.
6,043 reviews116 followers
May 23, 2020
Cass and Shylou gave readers just what we expected with lots of love and drama in equal measures. It was obvious, they were meant to be together. The rollercoaster ride they took each other through helped them see the steep climb was worth the ride in the end. It's always nice to visit with Kenny, Keisha, Storm and the other crew...Yes, this was another great tale....
Profile Image for Malaika.
870 reviews4 followers
May 26, 2020
It seems as if every book Monica writes gets better and better. The layers to Cass and Shylou were so complex and as you journey through all the parts of them, you see two people healing hurts while trying to love one another. They both had wounds that were deeper than they realized and watching them fight for love was beautiful.
221 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2020
I was so excited to read this book and it did not disappoint! I'll take a Shylou any day! The way Shylou fought for Cass is the way a real man fights for his woman. This was true love right here. No matter what he kept fighting for them and their relationship! Loved it!❤🔥
Profile Image for Denishia.
223 reviews15 followers
May 24, 2020
Baby this book took me from happy to crying to ready to fight them!! Cass and Lou they were meant for each other they had some trials and tribulations and they made it and he needed to be able to trust ppl!! I’m happy he got through it!! Read this book it’s worth it!!!
Profile Image for Shajuana McDuffy.
428 reviews5 followers
September 21, 2020
Shylou Is The Man!!!!

All I'm going to say is Shylou can't be effed with. He is undefeated! Monica Walters you are the G.O.A.T of the country hood ninjas. I want more. Keep them coming!!!!! Literally 🤣😭
1 review
February 18, 2025
Very disappointing read

The main female character Cass made this book very hard to read. She was very ghetto, overly dramatic and insecure and ignorant at times. This story dragged on too long and at times became annoying.
Profile Image for Shatoya Roberson.
218 reviews15 followers
May 24, 2020
This was a great read. I’m glad Cass and Shylou figures it out and worked through their differences. I couldn’t put this down and excited to read more from this author. Great Read from start to end!
Profile Image for Q. Moore.
972 reviews39 followers
January 3, 2022
Trust issues can be damaging!

Mrs. Walters you have done it once again, the pen to paper or key to the screen is on point. You made this story seem realistic just like all of your others.

I enjoyed Shylou and Cass's story it was very loud, to say the least but a page-turner. They definitely had some valleys to go through but they made it. Trust issues in any type of relationship can definitely damage or break it. Shylou being burned by a past partner made him have some serious trust issues. He and Cass gave it to each other straight but some times his words were a little much when he was addressing her in my opinion. It was still a great read. I was shocked and happy by Cass being six months pregnant already with a nine-month-old. Their family is growing like Henderson's men's families are.

I enjoyed it so much that I want another story based around Nome and the Hendersons. I would love to read Tiffany's husband's brother's story. I also want a family tree of the couples and the kids. I am thinking although Cass said she was not from the country and she will not be pregnant often, I think by the next book (if a next book comes out) she will be.

P.S. I loved Mama Lou's vivid personality. It was beaming through the pages.
Profile Image for Ladi Tee Inferno.
134 reviews3 followers
December 17, 2025
You’re Mine!!

Shylou didn’t care what Cass thought, because he had no problem reminding her regardless of what was going on, she was his. Another strong willed woman standing on business, putting herself first in spite of loving her man. Attitude and all, Shylou was going to do what he needed to prove to Cass that they were meant to be. We actually have two hotheads together who speak their minds and those words sometimes came out the wrong way or taken the wrong way and assumptions then take over and ruin the flow. A traffic accident reveals Cass’s pregnancy and surprises them both. She was willing to coparent and raise their child but that was not going to work for Shylou. Broken bones, complications and stress throughout causes an early delivery of baby boy Shayden. Oh, but the joy baby Shayden brings. The bonds he fixes is beautiful. Shylou put everyone in their places to not have Cass doubt anything further and then put a ring on it. Another happy couple for me. Love it.
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,421 reviews157 followers
July 4, 2020
Finding your better half

3.5 stars for me. Cass was a bossy smart girl ready to move past the loneliness in her life. She met Shylou and although he wasn't her usual type she couldn't deny that he was fine and they had an undeniable connection. Shylou was intelligent and successful with a good mix of hood. Together they journeyed on almost a power struggle as they worked to build upon their relationship. I loved the eclectic names that were used. Also that the author shared the dynamic of Shy's parent's relationship. I was slightly put off by the amount of slang used, especially in the workplace. That part seemed completely unrealistic. I was also annoyed that Shy would get aroused by the grossest women, I think there could've been other ways to show his loyalty. Overall it was quick read and I enjoyed reading about the different dynamics that made up this black family.
328 reviews
June 16, 2024
Trust issues

Whew I didn't think this couple was going to make it. Both had trust issues that made it hard for them to move smoothly through a lot of things. Shylou had issues due to a business partner doing him wrong. When he moved Cass in with him he also gave her a job working for him. Although he didn't have a reason not to trust her just thinking about how others burned him it was hard for him to separate the past from the present. Cass had other failed relationships in the past. Because her connection with Shylou was different she expected everything would be great. She learned on a few occasions that he didn't truly trust her in regards to his business and it hurt her to the core because she proved on many occasions that she was more than worthy of his trust. They had to separate a few times but finally got things right.
Profile Image for Verlana Munn.
2,039 reviews40 followers
December 17, 2022
When It's Two Alpha People See Where They May Go!

Monica, Cass and Shylou were so much alike it was scary. Cass, thought she was fine on her own or not being committed until she met Shylou. Making some strong changes in their situation had them both looking at how they could get it together or walk away.
Watching them navigate life from a selfish position each of them had some soul searching to figure out how to learn to give the respect the other deserved. The fact they loved each other wasn't the issue, they just had to do the journey differently than they had before.
The road they were on was funny, hard, but in the end it turned out to be a great experience for them both.🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Profile Image for T K Vaugh.
1,620 reviews9 followers
August 3, 2024
SHYLOU AND CASSI, w/ All the Jokes

This series is getting better as the couples develop!!!…I was so happy to see that Kenny and Keisha were still doing good!!!…My heart broke knowing that although Tasha got the punishment for the crime she committed, Kenny and his family are also dealing with a hurt that time will never heal, but teach them another way to live with the without Kendrick!!!…
Shylou and Cassi were hilarious and I can’t wait to see what becomes of them!!!…I was happy that he put his foot down because she was definitely being extra and not understanding that it takes a minute to let a person all the way in!!!…
I’m glad he opened up about why he was feeling the way he was feeling and that he trusted her!!!…
1,725 reviews7 followers
June 3, 2020
Your a talent Monica 💕💕💕

You are a fantastic writer Monica. I love Cass and Shylou 😆. Although they had some issues I was definitely pulling for them to remain a couple. The love and support from their friends and his family priceless. It's always a pleasure when I'm reading your books. I believe I love these characters and this series because I actually know people like this🤭. Cass was ready to fight from the wheelchair 🤣. I needed the laugh after "In Too Deep." Another wonderful book. Hey everyone start from the very first book and follow these characters trust you will not be disappointed 💯.
Profile Image for V. Rena.
1,662 reviews17 followers
May 30, 2020
Made for each other

Cass and Shylou are made for each other, complimenting each other very well. I love the she shows him how to treat him, but she went through a lot. Shy wises up and realizes that Cass won't take his behavior like he used to. I love the relationship between Cass and Mama Lou and his dad grew on me. The friendship between them and the Hendersons is exactly what friends are supposed to be. I love this story and looking forward to reading more about the characters from Nome.
Profile Image for D'Evolution.
997 reviews11 followers
June 1, 2020
That Shylou is a handful but I like it

I loved the relationship between Cass and Shylou before the drama started. Both of then has trust issues to overcome but Shylou went too far alot. Cass tried to work with him but they both had some issues to work out. Idk if I could handle a man like Shylou but I would damn sure try. I understood where Cass was coming from once the accident happened. It was nice to hear a little bit from the Henderson clan. Great love story
Profile Image for SEXYCAP74.
183 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2020
NOT Impressed, at all by the Storyline....🙁

I could NOT complete this book and I actually LIKE Monica's writing style.😲 Cass and her Victimhood, wishy-washy Attitude, then the Very Immature "Situation-ship" w/Shylou was Too Much!!!🙄😑 I just couldn't get n2 the story.......it just Wasn't it for ME.🤷🏾‍♀️ Because the Author Does have writing skills (known from a previous read), I gave 'You Belong To Me' a 3-Star rating & review.👊🏾
Profile Image for fuquan holmes.
439 reviews
June 17, 2023
Roller Coaster

Cass and Shy's romance blossomed fast without to many difficulties. I'm glad they both had Tiffany and Kenny to lean on through difficulties. The baby seem to had humbled those alpha personalities. I'm glad Shy's dad has embraced being a grand dad and it hopefully will strengthen him and Ma Lou's relationship or they can continue to function in their disfunction. Looking forward to reading book 6 now Monica never fails me.
91 reviews
May 13, 2024
Sexy and funny!

This series has me in a choke hold! I can't get enough of these fine ass Hendersons and their friends. This story gave me all the feels. It was also laugh out loud funny. I started just wanting to read book one to see if I liked the new author I found. I am now about to download book six. I'm following her on Amazon and Facebook and looking up her other books. She's got a fan in me!😀
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews

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