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The Strong Survive

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Frenchie Palmer never had an issue with accepting who she was, spots and all. Her life hasn’t been unicorns and butterflies. It’s been more like dungeon and dragon, but like a rose breaking through cement, she overcame. She’s not seeking love, however, sometimes you can be in the right place at the right time.

Love can be so disrespectful. What happens when one of those spots she so desperately tried to hide shows up with a vengeance? Will she try to continue to conceal it while inadvertently adding new spots or will she show all her spots, allowing herself to finally be washed clean?

Anthony “Ant” Strong is chilling right now but is not opposed to being with one woman. She just had to be the right woman because history hadn’t been too kind with him. He’s a man about that life… street and business. When he’s at the right place at the right time, will lust morph into love? Will he be able to accept the spots of someone else while trying to come clean of some of his own?

Find out if the spots are worth dealing with and if the Strong really do survive.

197 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2022

122 people are currently reading
65 people want to read

About the author

Mel Dau

101 books653 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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5 stars
340 (77%)
4 stars
76 (17%)
3 stars
18 (4%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,188 reviews414 followers
August 14, 2022
4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Considering what Frenchie went through, the title of this book is very fitting. With a pimp for a father and a drug addicted prostitute as her mama, Frenchie had to grow up a lot sooner than she should have. By the age of 14, she endured more than most grown women in their lifetime but, she overcame those obstacles. Thanks to a solid support system, Frenchie managed to overcome her traumatic childhood and live a healthy adult life. When she meets Anthony at Youme and Lo’s wedding, Frenchie has no idea she’s just met her forever. What started as a one night stand, turned into a whirlwind romance for these two. I loved that Frenchie didn’t let her past dictate her future. She was open to the possibility of love and welcomed the new relationship she and Anthony were building. Anthony was an absolute godsend. The way he protected Frenchie and rode hard for her was sexy as hell. When Frenchie’s skeletons came tumblin' out of the closet, he was ready to burn Charleston down to the ground to protect her. When Anthony said he didn’t play about Frenchie, he meant that shyt. That damn Nova just had to be the one to test his gangsta and find out the hard way. But, that’s okay because karma gave her azz exactly what she deserved. The Strong Survive was a phenomenal read. It was intense, suspenseful, and sexy. I loved the analogy of the spots. Frenchie wore her spots with pride and Anthony helped them flourish. She proved only the strong survive and I commend her journey and her growth.
Profile Image for Kameel.
1,059 reviews290 followers
August 2, 2022
Good Story

This was a very complex story of strength and resilience. Frenchie went through a lot in in 26 years and when she met Ant, that had to be the best thing for her. There were a few inconsistencies in the beginning of this story regarding Frenchie’s parents….but, this was definitely an interesting story.
Profile Image for Yasmine.
336 reviews16 followers
August 18, 2022
I would've like this more if the story focused more on Frenchie and Ant's relationship. We didn't need Nova's pov or Duane's. Nobody asked for that. Also the corny cringey terms used for vagina took me out of the story. What woman refers to her privates as a "golden pot" or "pot" . I hated it so much. I really need authors to free themselves from the shackles of corny cheesy terms for vaginas. If women aren't talking like that in real life then don't put it in a book. Also I didn't buy Frenchie and Ant being in love. They got along well, they also talked to each other but to me their connection seemed more sexual than anything. They literally had sex a lot.We didn't really get any chapters of them going on dates or anything. All the outside drama with Nova's delusional ass not knowing how to move on and Frenchie's pedo pimp POS father coming back took more focus than the couple's relationship. Too much focus on outside drama,not enough focus on the main couple and cringy terms for privates ruined what could've been a good story. 3/5.
Profile Image for DeWanna.
300 reviews9 followers
August 3, 2022
As usual Mel.Dau brings the heat with a great storyline in the Low Country. Frenchie endured the most humiliating teenage years but hid it well. Although she was surrounded by a lovingand supportive family, she kept those secrets to herself. She had an angel watching over her whenit all came to light. Ant was able to maintain a balance in his business dealings. A chance meeting charted both Frenchie and Ant on a romance that grew steadily. Duane is the kind of stuff that sits at the bottom of a thousand year old volcano. Oh but he got his. Bravo, I enjoyed it a 👍🏾
Profile Image for tanessia ford.
3,993 reviews
August 5, 2022
loved

I thought I would feel bad for Nova. But I couldn’t she was bat ish crazy. And had to deal with karma because she couldn’t move on. Frenchie and Ant were good for each other because they each had what they other was missing. They accepted the other for who they were. And played no games about each other! That man was BDE all day!
Profile Image for Alvina.
747 reviews23 followers
August 2, 2022
Strong

Ok, simply WOW! I mean, I keep expecting that this greatness from Mel Dau is going to wane, yet here I am, I don't know how many books in and she's STILL leaving me with my heart full, smile bright and completely infatuated with her writing. Geez that was great.

Ok, so I was feeling Anthony 'Ant' Strong in the previous book, and was excited to read about him. He was truly NOT one to mess with and he proved that here. The way he took to Frenchie after merely days from hooking up spoke to the man in him. I love that even though he didn't have to, he helped his despicable ex, Novalee with her son, whom was NOT his. That whole situation was one huge eye roll bc she had some nerve😒. When they say karma comes back with a vengeance, man listen...karma came to collect all her coins and Nova didn't have a choice but to pay up😏.

I like that Anthony not only had Frenchie's back, yet his family did too. The family bond with the Strong brothers is one I look forward to getting more of. I was glad that Anthony didn't see Frenchie's past as something to leave her for. He saw it as a way to help her be even better, even greater. I really loved him.

Frenchie's story absolutely broke my heart. My goodness, to be so young and endure so much, by the hands of your father no less, was a lot. Yet, she took each spot and allowed it to help her be stronger and better. Even though I wish they would've been honest about her mom's death, I'm glad her Aunt and Uncle took her in and helped raised her. I already loved Youme, so knowing that she had her younger cousins' back long before she knew of her true hurt and pain, made me love her more. Given all the pain she endured, I'm glad Frenchie is finally getting her HEA and helping others along the way.

Mel Dau not only gives you great writing, she educates too. This woman... Phenomenal!

I'm always going to love getting more on the Christianson/Smith/Washington Tribe. I like that we got to see the wives more in this one.

For this to be a quick read, it gave you so much and left me so full.

READ👏🏾THIS👏🏾 BOOK 👏🏾! Then just start at the beginning of her catalog and get lost in her genius. Your welcome😏.

Great read. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Beverly.
767 reviews7 followers
August 15, 2022
Interesting Read

I don’t really know what I was expecting this story to be about ,however it was surprisingly different from anything I thought I would find behind two people meeting at a wedding and hooking up .This was definitely not that 😂

Frenchie and Anthony happened to be paired up as bridal party members to walk down the aisle together in mutual friends wedding,harmless enough. Then at the reception they
Have a conversation that leads to what each of them thought would be a one night stand . After all Anthony knew he was
A little older than she, yet there was something about her that made him want to explore the possibilities. Frenchie on the other hand was just as curious as he was so why not. So they had their hot steamy night together, and another and than another. That’s when I found my self going down a rabbit hole that this author had created that had so many unexpected twists and turns to it that I just kept thinking 🤔 😳whoa what’s going to happen next.

This story deals with a number of very sensitive and vile subject matters and contains an overload of profanity, so I would say it definitely is not for the faint of heart . It got so dark at one point I wondered if there was even going to be light at the end of the tunnel for Frenchie. I don’t want to spoil the read for anyone so I’m just going to say prepare yourself because this is definitely not the typical guy meets girl at wedding. They hook up and in incounter a few small bumps
In the relationship. 😂😂😂it’s an interesting read however This is definitely not that. ❤️😂🔥❤️🤣
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,548 reviews99 followers
August 12, 2022
Come on now Mel! I loved how Frenchie and Anthony formed such an organic relationship, from a one night stand! Anthony seemed to be all in right from the beginning. He loved Frenchie's vibe, she was ambitious, fun and their chemistry was on point! Frenchie at a crossroads in her life, with moving and changing jobs; that meeting Ant was refreshing. They were so good together, even with that damn Nova lurking around causing havoc! 😠 Wow! The resiliency of Frenchie to overcome all that she had been through in her life! Thank God for the village that she had around her, to be of support when the ish ultimately hit the fan! But, Ant would not let anything happen to his girl! I swooned at the way he protected her, and was always right there when she needed him. I teared up when Frenchie thought that Ant wouldn't want her anymore, after all was revealed. He showed us the stand up guy he is, by telling her it was not her fault, and comforted her all night! ❤ I was so disgusted by Duane! Just how could you do this to those girls??? Why??? Glad karma came for his ass, but I wanted something much more brutal for him! Ughhhh...... Sad, but beautiful read! Great job! 👍👍👍
17 reviews
August 1, 2022
All the feels!

Emotional but Amazing read. You really pushed your pen game with this story!
I teared up a little knowing Priscilla tried to do the right thing but was a little too late.
Ppl like Nova who do theeee most over men deserve to go under the jail like girl bye take your L and move on.
I’m so happy Frenchie has a solid support system
And i love that her and Ant blossomed into their relationship and it was filled with transparency. So many times we bring our past and all of its ugliness and pain into new situations . It’s hard to do but i love that she opened herself to the possibilities of love and relationships and didn’t block that blessing
Also love getting updates from past characters (loved knowing Youme and Lo had another baby)
If i could rate this 10 stars i would’ve. Not your typical love story but it was beautiful and gritty

Which brother is next cause i need to prepare 😭
1,061 reviews8 followers
August 8, 2022
Only the strong survive

This was a great story on how loving someone through their spots can help them flourish in ways they couldn’t imagine. Anthony and Frenchie may have started out as a potential one night stand but their connection and chemistry wouldn’t allow for it to be just that. I felt for Frenchie and all she endured at a young age but I loved that she had family and Anthony to be there to help her through when those skeletons came out. Anthony was all about Frenchie and made sure she knew it at every turn. The trigger warnings did not prepare for what I read but thankfully there were no true explicit details but it was discussed a lot throughout the book. I’m happy that after all Frenchie went through, she was able to thrive and get her HEA and did not allow her past trauma to debilitate her from flourishing.
Profile Image for Denise Newman.
224 reviews
July 19, 2025
I love the Strongs!

Mel Dau did her big one with the Strong Survive.

We met Ant in Lo and YouMe’s story, he is Lo’s cousin and was breaking up with his girlfriend and was interested in renting YouMe’s house. I fell for his calm cool demeanor in that book and when I saw he was the MMC in this book I immediately knew I had to read this book.

Ant and Frenchie’s love story began as a so called one night stand/wedding party hook up and grew into something so much deeper. He was drawn to her and she enjoyed how she felt with him. Then all the drama happened and he never left her side and protected her at all cost.

Of course my favorite family the Washington, Smith and Christianson family made an appearance, which made me happy. Cause they are always with the shits!!

The book is a must read, so add it to your TBR list!
932 reviews13 followers
August 3, 2022
Anthony and Frenchie

Yes Mel Dau you came through with this one I absolutely loved it. Frenchie had endured the unthinkable from a parent and stood strong as a survivor. Meeting Anthony was everything that she needed he was her lover, friend, protector and biggest supporter their love story was so refreshing to read about. That damn Duane was a sick individual and deserved everything that he got. Nova was a delusional mess she just would not give up and move on from Anthony her ways caused her to get the karma she so desperately deserved and to think she still hadn’t learned her lesson.
If you are looking for a great read you should definitely download this book you will not be disappointed!!
438 reviews3 followers
December 28, 2022
All of these spots 👏👏

An interesting and amazing story by MS. Dau. It was educational as well because so many times you see these kids or grown ups becoming a statistic and we never could understand; but reading this story makes us realize how harsh this life could be on any level.
My god Frenchie went through it and Anthony was so down for her he was showing signs of being a simp, but a BAE simp.
Duane and Nova got exactly what they deserved while Dwight although not as bad as Duane was not technically better except that he was given a crummy business that he tried to make it as humanly as possible.
In any case now I am waiting so patiently on to the next book from MS. Dau because reading any of her work is so eye opening!!!!
Profile Image for T K Vaugh.
1,542 reviews7 followers
July 14, 2024
Healing Got Your Heart and Soul

As AMAZING as this book was, it was a heavy one!!!…Only the strong survive is a one liner until you encounter a strong person that survived!!!…
Frenchie was a strength she didn’t even know she was u til she needed to be!!!…
Anthony was definitely riding for her, even when she thought she was alone!!!…Saying you love you is one thing u til you truly love you!!!…Healing a broken heart can’t compare to a broken soul!!!…
I’m glad that her Uncle Dwight was accepted in her life and I love that he didn’t deny who he is or what he did!!!…
Frenchie was surrounded by a circle of wonderful ppl and I know her foundation will be one to help her as much as it helps survivors!!!…
Profile Image for martha fountain.
836 reviews18 followers
August 6, 2022
Whew!!!

Truly only the strong survive! What an emotional and at some points a heartbreaking story. Frenchie did not have it easy as a child and her past tried to put her in a stronghold. Then Anthony appears and loves on Frenchie "spots and all". This story had the right dose of drama and suspense, mouth-opening suspense. Let's just say some folks are not fit to be parents. Karma has a way of biting you in the rear end and Ant's ex Nova found out the hard way. This author continues to deliver and I look forward to reading more. I definitely need to reach back to her earlier works and check out the Christianson family because whew!
1,207 reviews4 followers
August 8, 2022
Deep, but Great Read

Anthony and Frenchie's one night stand turned into so much more! They couldn't let each other go after spending time with one another. Nova did her usual and thought she could run Frenchie off, but Ant and Frenchie shut her down. Since she couldn't run her off, she recruited help and tried to make her life miserable. Duane was the worst type of parent any person could have. He was pure evil. Karma paid him for all his wrong doing. Nova paid as well. Frenchie came out on top and gained so much more love. This was such an emotional read, but it was a good one.
Profile Image for Mrs Tee Booktique.
922 reviews13 followers
August 2, 2022
MrsTee_Reading_Realtor

I did not see this coming. The analogy of Cheetah spots was developed well. People carry their traumas like spots. Some can be concealed and others cant. Frenchie is definitely a survivor and I commend her journey. Ant was a wild card. I did not see his truth until he revealed it. Good entertaining story full of drama and trauma. The intimacy scenes with Ant and Frenchie lacked passion but his protection of her displayed his love and loyalty. There are a few editing errors that keeps this from being five star.
Profile Image for Mrs..
5,989 reviews106 followers
August 3, 2022
This author is killing me with these intense and highly emotional stories. I am overjoyed that Frenchie escaped her traumatic situation and thrived in her new life. Ant was no joke. He was a rider for his woman. I liked his methods and especially the way he problem-solved issues. Candy and Jasmine had me shaking my head. Duane, Duane, Duane... In my Whitley Gilbert voice.... He had to deal with the consequences, man....
450 reviews4 followers
August 16, 2024
The Strong Survive

Wow, wow, wow!!!

This book was a whole lot of things. It made you smile, laugh, and cry. Frenchie upbringing was a mess. And her dad was one sick mofo. He didn't care about anything but his money and himself. To pimp your own daughter out, just WOW!

And Nova....can we just say raggedy...smh.

Ant was that man. He loved Frenchie through all of it. He didn't play when it came to her. The happily ever after made my day!
220 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2022
Enjoyed this read!!

I enjoyed this read from author Mel Dau. Frenchie and Anthony were so cute from the beginning. Their relationship started quickly and with ease until Anthony's ex Novalee started her antics. The plot twist after plot twist that happened after that had my jaw dropping. I couldn't put the book down. I can't wait to see what's next from Mel Dau!
Profile Image for Roxy Reads.
648 reviews4 followers
August 2, 2022
read in a night

I could not put this down Frenchie and Ant were bomb Strong cause Nova sure as hell dropped one that blew up In her face ……this has a story line of prostitution but what Duane did to his own daughter was mind blowing But Frenchie overcame with the help of her family and the Strongs it was good to catch up with Youme Lo jemma and ian can’t wait for the next read
Profile Image for Paula Jones.
2,676 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2022
great read

OMG this book was so good and sad at the same time Freenchie went through so much it is such a blessing she survived.Ant was a true gentleman he had her from day one Nova was messy and got what she deserved. Suicide was too easy of a death for Duane . He was truly a demon.
1,706 reviews7 followers
August 4, 2022
🤩😍⭐️👏🏾💯

I honestly can't express how amazing Mel Dau is as a writer. I loved this book. I love all the characters. The two main characters Frenchie and Anthony (Ant) I'm so happy that they met. Now the title of this book describes Frenchie to a Tee. This is a must read you will not be disappointed. As always it's a pleasure reading your books 🥰.
Profile Image for Jahari Dowdy.
869 reviews4 followers
August 15, 2022
This read was AWESOME!!! Not surprised at all because this author is amazing. I loved everything about this book; the chemistry, love and seggs between Ant and Frenchie (her name was super cute), revisiting old characters from past books, the plot. I could go on and on!!!! Grab, you will love it!!!
Profile Image for Taneka Nelson.
137 reviews
October 1, 2022
good

This was such a great read! Frenchie went through hell because of her deranged sperm donor, but she still came out strong! I’m glad that she finally found out the truth surrounding her mother’s death! What started out as fun between her and Anthony turned out be true love and a great support system.
Profile Image for DeNae Sheree.
1,108 reviews21 followers
October 2, 2022
Great story

This author never misses. She will give you a great story, but throw in some real life issues. Frenchie and Ant, made an instant connection and it was on for there. I love how intentional they were in a relationship, they played no games and kept it real. I love how Ant was 10 toes down for Frenchie and had her back. I enjoyed everything about this book.
Profile Image for Antionette.
205 reviews3 followers
August 1, 2022
Scorcher

I absolutely enjoyed this book. Frenchie and Anthony were two people with polar opposite past yet connected physically and mentally from their first encounter. Strong subject matter but deeply engaging.
Profile Image for Lisa Mayers-McGruder.
1,158 reviews16 followers
August 2, 2022
Survivor

Once again hands down to this author. I absolutely love her work. This story really had me. I went through several emotions but I loved how the situation was handled. Great read.
882 reviews9 followers
August 2, 2022
Amazing

Another amazing story it’s been a minute since I left an review but your work always brings something out of me. This was an amazing story and made me cry and be happy all at once
Profile Image for Angie.
16 reviews7 followers
August 2, 2022
beautiful

Mel never disappoints with such thought provoking and beautifully gritty love stories. I’ve read her entire catalog and I jump whenever there is a new release. Great job!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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