The Love Spectrum

by Mel Dau

The only thing that ever matters is Love, and Love is Always on the Spectrum.

Kalypso Jenkins Jr. (KJ) has always lived a life of obstacles when it came to dealing with his autism, but with a strong support system and utilized resources, he’s overcome every one of them. Now as a grown man living on his own in Charlotte, North Carolina and running two successful businesses, a new challenge shows itself to be one that has the potential to change his life. Never feeling worthy of love, he tends to shy away from even the possibility of romance. After all, autism or not, he’s just a different breed. What happens when the stars align perfectly allowing the Moon to rise smoothly into his orbit without warning?

Luna Goodwin is simply a country girl with city girl dreams. From the small town of Estill, South Carolina, she has always been a party of one. As an only child and outcast because of actions that are not her own, she learns to be independently awesome and fearless at a very young age. Moving to Charlotte, she finds herself without warning orbiting a planet that is unfamiliar to her in so many ways. Will the climate of this new planet be complimentary to her needs as the Moon?

Will KJ look to the east for the rising of the Moon with acceptance of the love it has to offer, or will the planet’s climates be too much for the Moon, causing an early setting?

Genres: Romance, African American Romance

115 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2020

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Annette Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Love Spectrum was such a sweet love story! You couldn’t help but root for Kalypso and Luna. Kalypso is a little bit of a unicorn. He has autism but, he’s on the high functioning spectrum. Which means he can manage day to day life skills (reading, writing, speaking, and generally taking care of himself) without any assistance. Not only does he take care of himself, but he also manages and owns a restaurant with his best friends. Oh, and did I mention he’s a virgin?!!! So, yeah, Kalypso is definitely a unicorn. Then we have Ms. Luna who, in her own way, is a unicorn as well. Luna grew up most of her life in a small town isolated and alone with no friends because of her mama’s indiscretions. When her mama dies, Luna finally leaves her scarlet letter behind and moves to the big city right next door to Kalypso. I don’t think I’ve ever read about two characters who were destined to be together. They were both loners, they were both Harry Potter superfans, Kalypso loved to cook, and Luna loved to eat. Luna didn’t let Kalypso’s autism deter her from pursuing something special with him. Oh, how she did not let it deter her! That scene where she deflowered young Kalypso?!!! Whew chile! The hotness! I thought the author did a great job with this storyline. She painted the perfect love story and she didn’t put a lot of focus on Kalypso’s disability. The Love Spectrum was a beautiful love story. The chemistry and love between Kalypso and Luna was sweet and their love journey just soared.

[Rashawnda · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell y’all I LOVED KJ and Luna…..🗣️I LOVED THEM!!!! We were first introduced to KJ as a child in his father’s story “His Love Is More Than Enough Kalypso & Bellatrix” and baby he done growed up! In fact if there’s one thing KJ is going to do is tell you 🗣️he’s a grown ass man!!! KJ has endured obstacles throughout life but one thing that he had, was two loving parents that advocated for him and rooted for him and supported him. They took his success no matter how large or small seriously and it showed as he navigated through adulthood.

Luna has recently relocated from her small town and is ready for a new start. Due to her mothers reputation she was branded with the good ole scarlet letter and is used to being a loner. Her quirky ways are a match made in heaven for KJ. When they found out there was a mutual love for all things Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia and comic books they couldn’t believe how in sync they truly were.

One thing I absolutely LOVED about KJ was his ability to weed out the BS whether it be from women or his homeboys. He gave it to you straight no chaser and that was that. When Luna came into his life she made him look at things from a completely different perspective. Them navigating through their friendship and then love life was soooooo sweet to witness. They were patient with each other and kind. Luna treated KJ like a man and not a man with a disability. She held him to the same standards and expectations as any other man in her life. I could have read about them all day! Their story was everything and I HIGHLY recommend it!

[Jahda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful love story, The Love Spectrum! It was impossible not to support Kalypso and Luna. I adored Kalypso, he has autism but high functioning. In addition to caring for himself, he runs and co-owns a restaurant.Despite Kalypso's autism, Luna persisted in wanting to have a special relationship with him. I appreciate that his autism was not the main focus. I love that these two were a match Luna was very understanding and patient. 🤣🤣 but at one point Luna girl she just kept popping up mid conversations I’m like girl. A little miscommunication happened but I’m glad it was resolved.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute…. If you’ve read My Choice Is You by Mel then read this one too. The way she depicts autism representation in her books are always tastefully and informatively done. This book was too cute.

[Nikita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love on the Spectrum

All I will say is this is a must read. Beautifully written. Loved Luna and KJ, they found their person, the perfect fit🏮🌙…❤️

[Angelica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love them! This is my first by this author and my first time reading about a character with autism/disability. This was different but so beautiful ❤️

[Q. Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be the first to say that I am a sucker for a good African American romance, especially with a great storyline, character development and climax. This novella hit all those marks and a little bit more. The mere fact, one of the main characters has autism just hit me differently. Mrs. Dau made sure he was a great all around person. He was a very successful man that own multiple businesses. He had a few hurdles to cross or adapt to after meeting Luna but he accomplished them all. Luna was not on the spectrum, but she had her own personal issues. I was glad she was able to come into her own and enjoy her career. I loved how KJ's family embraced her and took her in like a daughter and sister. She really needed that familial love.

This was a magnificent book and I could honestly read a few more chapters and be just as satisfied. I love the fact the author wrote about a character with a disability. She made sure he found love and lived a pretty normal life just like anyone else. The brotherhood he formed with Liam and Justin was exemplary. The brothers and wives protected and treated KJ like siblings do. If you have never dove into one of Mrs. Dau books, I strongly suggest you do. Her passion is writing and you can most definitely tell when you read her work.

[Shameka Erby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kalypso and Luna meet when she moves in next door to him. He's feeling her immediately but doesn't know how to show it. Luna wants KJ too, but doesn't understand why he runs so hot and cold with her. The answer is his high-functioning autism, his wariness of women's response to it, and his overall lack of experience making him hesitate. But don't underestimate Luna.

Okay, I love these two nerds so much, lol. There were places where the writing felt stilted, like it wasn't quite flowing all the way, but it worked itself out. I liked KJ's matter-of-factness and Luna's boldness in standing up for herself, and then her relationship. KJ's protective and nosy family was endearing and funny and I liked how Luna held her own. I can't get enough of reading about nurses, lol. And I loved that about Luna too. The way they learned how to communicate best with each other, and settled into their bubble with all the things they liked together was so sweet. The ending wrenched at my heart, but I knew they'd work it out. KJ admitting his fear was the final piece and I loved it. And he gave her a nickname... swoooooon.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t expect this book to go like it did. This book was gobbled up instantly, in one setting. Luna and Kalypso was cute. I like how the relationship was real and flowed. I didn’t expect him to be a virgin though! But this book was short and sweet.

[Fatimah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book to my core! It was a very well written romance!! I found my stuff smiling while reading this book. It definelty made me happy while reading.

['The Book Queen' · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teary eyes goodness

Readers of you are looking for a story about real love under different circumstances, this is your story. The couple in this story were unlikely pairs. The guy was autistic, and amazing as well. The way the author wrote this wonderful love story gave me chills. The heroine was a nurse who loved people in general. The pacing in the story and the way the couple came together was just the vibe the story needed.

[Dahyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luna & KJ

This was a super cute love story. I loved being inside KJ's head. His reaction when he first met Luna was precious. Luna was so perfect for him. There were some stuff I wished the author would've taken us along with her, like the first kiss or like *clears throat* when he tasted her for the first time. But I enjoyed this story.

[Alvina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sensual Love

Kalypso 'KJ' Jr and Luna Goodwin were a breathe of fresh air to read about.

KJ didn't let his autism hinder him being a man, own and run a business, and have great friendships. Although he struggled as a child, his parents and therapist helped him be the functioning adult he was and he did it very well. He has 'ticks' or things he doesn't like until he's comfortable with you, yet he's very blunt in letting others know his uncomfortableness. I liked that he had pretty much no filter. Take it or leave it🤷🏾‍♀️. He was so cute when he was nervous around Luna, yet I'm so glad he took the chance to go outside his comforts and explore a relationship with her. I like that even though they could be super silly, Liam and Justin were supportive to KJ and gave sound advice when he needed it. I love these 3 brotherhood and friendship.

Luna was really nice, yet didn't take no mess. I'm glad she stood up to Maisie. I didn't really like Maisie if we're keeping it a buck, yet I loved the way Justin, her husband, could get her to calm down; she was a bit much at times 😒. Kree, Liam's wife, was sweet to Luna and I'm glad that all 3 ladies were able to move past that awkward encounter.

I love that Luna didn't see KJ as a broken Man or as an autistic man; she just saw a fine Black man working through things. She had things she was working on herself, so she didn't see him as any less of a person. I like that she wanted to make his first sexual experience memorable and went ALL out. It was sweet and spicy 😏.

I wasn't feeling KJs mom, Bella, yet I get wanting to protect your child. I liked his dad's chill vibes and that he let him know that even if he is a grown man, he's not more grown that him, so pipe down a bit 😏.

Although a short story, it was fulfilling and warm and light. One thing I like about Mel Dau is her ability to speak on mental health and how it flows in the story very well. These are things that need to be discussed and she's holding no bars; bravo for that.

Another great read. Highly recommend.

[Malaika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

This was such an amazing story! As a psychologist, I love stories that take psychological disorders and accurately show how many people in the mainstream live every day life. KJ and Luna were such a vibe! I enjoyed reading their love story. This was my first book by the author but won’t be my last.

[Lizzy Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww, that was beautiful💕

Yaaasss, Queen Mel Dau!!! I love me some Kj and although I'm late at reading his story, he definitely deserved to find a love of his own💕.
Kj bluntness at times was hilarious, like ik he couldn't help it, but he said the first thing that came to his mind🤦🏾😂. You couldn't help but love him, cause he was authentic and had such a big heart. Him a Luna Luna met through Justin and that chance meeting had him stepping outside of his comfort zone. When he finally decided he was ready to have sex, Luna giving him as he called it "the super Saiyan level of oral"😳😂😂😂. These two were the perfect match and their journey to HEA was so enjoyable and too funny.
Definitely great catching up with the rest of the crew💕

[Dédé · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love it!

The Love Spectrum by Mel Dau is about chef/restaurant owner Kalypso Jenkins Jr. and ER nurse Luna Goodwin. Luna leasing the apartment beside KJ from his best friend. From the moment they meet KJ is attracted to Luna, he flat out tells her she’s really pretty but that conversation ends awkwardly. KJ is a highly functional autistic person, he often just speaks his mind and ends conversations. Luna is feeling slightly rejected but the next day there is a welcome basket in front of her door with baked goods that KJ made himself. KJ is a sweetheart, he always pays her bill at his restaurant, he sends a car to pick her up from the hospital after a double shift and he sends her lunch when she’s at work. KJ is inexperienced but Luna isn’t complaining, he’s a fast learner! Let’s just say it gets hot and costumes are involved! This is an enjoyable read! 
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[Debbie Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it

I dove into this book without a clue about its storyline, so discovering KJ's condition completely caught me off guard. Reading about characters with disabilities isn't new terrain for me, but exploring autism through literature? That's fresh ground. Getting a peek into KJ's daily battles and his journey with love was truly enlightening and added a whole new layer to my reading experience.

[Angie W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This is the first book I read about someone with Autism. People tend to handle KJ with gloves while only giving him a little leeway to handle things on his own. But Luna is ready for the challenge. They build such a gentle, respectful relationship together. You can feel the love on this book..😍❤️😍

[Betweenpaperbackworlds · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.5✨

[Helen Winzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great love story.

[Lindaisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just got 80% through my review for this book...then it disappeared. And I'm not in the mood to write it over so...cliffnotes.

It started off strong for me, got pretty bumpy in the middle due to some writing, grammar, and pacing issues - to the point where I wasn't sure if I was going to want to keep going with the book. Which is saying alot considering its a novella and there wasn't much to get through by that point. But it finished super strong and thats all that matters to me. They say first impressions are the most important but I would argue that your last impression of something holds just as much weight.

[Kema B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read from this author and I was intrigued by this story from the description. I loved KJ and how the author took care in his chapters to voice him authentically and lovingly. I loved Moon she was such a joy to read and the way she embraced and loved KJ was everything. As a mother of special needs child and a crybaby I shed tears at the last few chapters. Now I have to add her catalogue to my list. Great job!

[Leanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a different read

My first read from this author. This book was really good. It kept my attention the whole time. Never read a book like this before and I really enjoyed it

[Karanna Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love has no limits

This is my 2nd book I’ve read by Mel and I must say I enjoyed it just as much as the 1st book I read from her. The storyline isn’t one you read about much yet it’s so beautiful to watch unfold. The Love Spectrum really shows how despite how the world may view someone it doesn’t define them. KJ was autistic but because the world makes you think if someone has autism their suppose to look different or look weird people either didn’t believe he was when he told them OR they did and treated him differently. But please know, despite being on the spectrum KJ was fine af, owned his own business, was a great cook and even greater baker, he worked out and meditated and had 2 best friends who didn’t judge him or treat him differently. KJ was the man! When KJ met Luna he never expected to like her and that bothered him slightly because he isn’t one to let people get close. He was blunt at times with her and it confused her but this was prior to finding out why he was so blunt (which was because he’s on the spectrum) Watching KJ and Luna’s love story unfold was so beautiful to see because she taught him so much while he taught her just as well. That girl said she had been in very few relationships and none of them were good, yet being with KJ showed her how a man should treat a woman. He fed her, protected her, made sure she was safe, checked on her well being, and gave her some amazing sex. Baby him being a virgin didn’t stop what they were building and Luna being patient with him in every sense of the way while they learned each other made them having sex an amazing experience. Again, reading/watching their story unfold was truly remarkable and I loved it from start to finish. The way they communicated and took the time to listen to each other and build the bond that they did. Chefs kiss!!!!! Such a well written story, thanks Miss MaMas

Love,
Prettygirlsmil3thebookworm

[The Urban Fiction Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 2nd book I’ve read by Mel and I must say I enjoyed it just as much as the 1st book I read from her. The storyline isn’t one you read about much yet it’s so beautiful to watch unfold. The Love Spectrum really shows how despite how the world may view someone it doesn’t define them. KJ was autistic but because the world makes you think if someone has autism their suppose to look different or look weird people either didn’t believe he was when he told them OR they did and treated him differently. But please know, despite being on the spectrum KJ was fine af, owned his own business, was a great cook and even greater baker, he worked out and meditated and had 2 best friends who didn’t judge him or treat him differently. KJ was the man! When KJ met Luna he never expected to like her and that bothered him slightly because he isn’t one to let people get close. He was blunt at times with her and it confused her but this was prior to finding out why he was so blunt (which was because he’s on the spectrum) Watching KJ and Luna’s love story unfold was so beautiful to see because she taught him so much while he taught her just as well. That girl said she had been in very few relationships and none of them were good, yet being with KJ showed her how a man should treat a woman. He fed her, protected her, made sure she was safe, checked on her well being, and gave her some bombssa d*ck. Baby him being a virgin didn’t stop what they were building and Luna being patient with him in every sense of the way while they learned each other made them having sex an amazing experience. Again, reading/watching their story unfold was truly remarkable and I loved it from start to finish. The way they communicated and took the time to listen to each other and build the bond that they did. Chefs kiss!!!!! Such a well written story, thanks Miss MaMas

Love,
Prettygirlsmil3thebookworm

[Chefgirlardee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful story! Klaypso (KJ) Jenkins Jr. had autism but it definitely added spice to his uniqueness! I loved how we got to understand his ticks, emotions, thoughts and day to day life. His friendships were solid. I just loved how everyone that surrounded him was so understanding and protective. The moments KJ would confide with Justin and Liam were funny and heartwarming. I liked how comfortable he was with being open with them and how eager they were to answer his questions about sex, relationships, and personal interactions. Luna was perfect for KJ. She was a red headed black girl with freckles. Their first interaction was awkward but it made me want to see their relationship grow even more! Her frustration with his abrupt departures during their interactions was so realistic. One thing I really liked is that KJ's friends let him tell Luna that he was autistic. Also, I liked the nickname KJ gave Luna. Their love of Harry Potter was the icing on the cake for me! Being a Potterhead myself this book was right up my alley! I loved that they shared common interests with Chronicles of Narnia, cosplaying and other aspects of geekdom. I liked that the topic of sex and becoming a parent were explored in this novel. I felt like the topic of autism was explored and respected. KJ's bond with his parents was also nice to see. I liked how they expressed how therapy was essential to keep their marriage together and help them raise a child with autism. Overall, I loved how this story gave an autistic adult male's perspective on dating while navigating life. The topics covered in this text were virginity, autism, dating, oral sex, friendship, anxiety, healthcare, Harry Potter, cosplay, culinary arts, entrepreneurship, and so much more. I really enjoyed this story!

[Tanisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the plot and the premise behind telling this story was good, I gave it 3 stars because I felt like the writing style of this author made it extremely hard to follow the story at times because I found myself having to reread sentences or paragraphs because they did not flow well due to them sounding as if the writing was coming from a 4th grader learning how to write a paragraph for the first time.

However, I did enjoy KJ, the main male character. Although he was autistic, he’s learned to find ways to cope with his triggers throughout his adulthood. But he still had one issue … dealing with women and learning to be loved due to him thinking his autism would scare most women away. There were definitely points in the story where he made me smile with his witty and truthful ways.

Now, Luna … I don’t know how I feel about her because I do not think we got enough of her in terms of her personal life. Yeah, she told us she moved from a small town and her mother and father were gone and she had no friends, but you don’t see HER develop throughout meeting KJ and the fast build of their relationship. We literally go from baby working in a hospital, to them spending with each all the time, to her accidentally meeting the mom, to her getting pregnant, and then she’s a graphic designer who’s now a kept woman? I know it’s a novella, but damn … I wanted to see Luna grow!

All in all, I did like the characters and their banter and the story itself, it’s just the writing and the timing really through me off so I couldn’t enjoy it like I wanted to.

[Trice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute Story, Typical Ending

i loveddddd Kalypso’s character and how he KNEW he was a grown ass man. i loved how protective and loving his family were. Luna was a good partner for him and i liked how understanding she was until she got bitchy. a misunderstanding almost sent kalypso into a spiral and she knew her actions would do that, that was quite selfish.

i took off 1 star due to dome grammar inconsistencies, and 1 more because i feel like the rushed unexpected pregnancy trope was unnecessary… they could have made it long enough to marriage and had some other kind of conflict other than the typical “oopsie i’m pregnant, now our relationship is tested” trope. i just feel it would’ve been a more fitting end and we need more black couples getting married in books. i understand maybe she chose this trope because she wanted this book to be on the shorter side, but she could have at least made them married after the pregnancy or during the pregnancy. then again, I don’t read many urban romance books, so I’m not really fond of the couples being tied together by a baby instead of marriage. I know this kind of stuff happens, but dang, the book was so fulfilling up until that point, then I was disappointed.

[Cheonica Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story touched me in a way I wasn’t prepared for.

KJ’s love journey was beautiful to witness. He's a man who has spent his life navigating the world differently and learning how to overcome obstacles. He’s accomplished, grounded and supported yet still unsure if love is something meant for him. That quiet insecurity it felt real.

Luna was exactly what his world needed. Soft but strong. Independent but open. She didn’t come to change KJ she came to see him. She listened intently and asked questions because she wanted to get to know him fully, completely and without conditions. Reading them learn each other, move in sync and find comfort in simply being themselves was such a beautiful thing to read.

Being able to exist as you are and be fully accepted is rare. That’s what made this story so powerful.

I’m not even sure why this one pulled on my heartstrings the way it did but I felt it. Deeply!! I cried and I didn’t fight it. Love looks different for everyone and this novella reminded me that love real love always meets you where you are. No modifications needed. This was tender, heartfelt and absolutely unforgettable.

[Melanin Readss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was smiling all through this book LOL

This book was really cute to me! Kalypso was a man that had a tough time growing up with autism, but with the help of his family and the resources given to him, he was able to live a full adult life without anyone’s help. Unfortunately, he had to keep reminding them of that. He was capable to do whatever he wanted to do and when he meet his new neighbor Luna he was stunned. Luna was beautiful & nice and I was glad that she wasn’t pushy with Kalypso. She let KJ come to her in all things whenever he was ready. In the past, as soon as KJ told women he had autism, they hurried away. But Luna was different. I’m glad he found love with Luna, he’s other half! I’ve never read a book where the main character had autism. I’m glad Mel explained and gave us some details inside the story. I know some people have this misconception that people who suffer from autism can’t live a “normal” life or have meaningful social relationship & it’s not true! I really enjoyed this book!