What do you think?
Rate this book
Blerd and the Babe
Instant…something. Attraction? Connection. One soul recognizing the familiarity of torment in another. They settle for the physical. That part is unavoidable. But the burdens of their pasts are too much for them to desire normalcy. Or love. But the past can’t stay buried. Especially not when a literal genius has you in his sights.
Adam Hartison is known to fixate on problems. The way he wields ones and zeroes almost seems like magic. His track record is undefeated, and he plans to keep it that way. Until he comes across a problem he can’t solve in the form of a woman shaped like a pinup who is unlike anyone he's ever met. Her alluring face hides a painful past and he struggles with his desire for her. But he can't help but want more. More of her time, more of her sarcasm, more of her smiles. But everyone has secrets, and Diana Bailey is a walking mystery. When she's forced to reveal her truth, will Adam see past her lies in order to get the girl? Or will the secrets she’s kept be too much for him to handle?
Adam Hartison is known to fixate on problems. The way he wields ones and zeroes almost seems like magic. His track record is undefeated, and he plans to keep it that way. Until he comes across a problem he can’t solve in the form of a woman shaped like a pinup who is unlike anyone he's ever met. Her alluring face hides a painful past and he struggles with his desire for her. But he can't help but want more. More of her time, more of her sarcasm, more of her smiles. But everyone has secrets, and Diana Bailey is a walking mystery. When she's forced to reveal her truth, will Adam see past her lies in order to get the girl? Or will the secrets she’s kept be too much for him to handle?
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2023
81 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 6, 2023
All the nuggets dropped
The story was extraordinary, and the drama and care with which this author told this story had me shivering with anticipation. I knew the nuggets dropped throughout the telling of this story would be breathtaking. And oh my goodness! Diana was a real G. Midas and Adam, along with the rest of the Negus crew, added to the chutzpah. No spoilers here, but you will enjoy this story... One suggestion, read the Negus books first to follow this story better. The story is amazing....
The story was extraordinary, and the drama and care with which this author told this story had me shivering with anticipation. I knew the nuggets dropped throughout the telling of this story would be breathtaking. And oh my goodness! Diana was a real G. Midas and Adam, along with the rest of the Negus crew, added to the chutzpah. No spoilers here, but you will enjoy this story... One suggestion, read the Negus books first to follow this story better. The story is amazing....
February 4, 2023
Blerd for the win
Now reading this had me feeling everything Diana went through that abuse. Through everything Diana went through it was hard for her to trust. Also she isn’t the same that will just let anything happen anymore. Adam stays to himself he grew up being “different” because he is on the autism spectrum. The two are the perfect match and Dom exudes all the BDE one could need.
Now reading this had me feeling everything Diana went through that abuse. Through everything Diana went through it was hard for her to trust. Also she isn’t the same that will just let anything happen anymore. Adam stays to himself he grew up being “different” because he is on the autism spectrum. The two are the perfect match and Dom exudes all the BDE one could need.
January 8, 2026
Please Test his Gangsta...Keyboard Gangsta
Enjoyed this read with an awesome, sweet (I say he's sweet others say he's an a-hole), plain spoken MMC with Autism and his Lady Di. Di was a fascinating combo of strength and vulnerability. These character mashups are Dandridge Monroe's sweet spot, and the writing shines through.
#BlerdMMC #BabeFMC
🧮Our Blerd had a little bit of a rough teenage years with accepting from others and with how some treat and view him. He was happy to be a man-hoe because he didn't believe in love and was burned before.
🧮Our FMC, the good Lady Di, had a horrific traumatizing childhood and teen marriage to an abuser. The first 15% we are reading her beginning, and it's definitely dark and gritty, but the rest of the book we watch how she healed and thrived.
🧮I really loved Adam, aka Dom aka Keyboard Gangsta. He was a genius & he stood for his even when he didn't understand his emotions. But he understood that Diane was special and even though he was smitten at first sight he aggravated her so bad she was more like annoyance at first sight.
#BlackRomance
🫶🏿 this is a romance story so the romance arc comes first. Buuuutttt Adam knows how to work his heavy machinery. He knows how to knock the lining out Diane's coochie but this isn't an erotica fest. The sex scenes we get feed into the healing and growth of the characters
🗣Love the banter and healing these two did. I love the deep layers we got from their circumstances and how their love story unfolded. I love how they complimented one another.
Quotes:
"He didn’t need to shrink me to shine. He was happy to allow me to stand on his shoulders if need be for whatever advantage I needed."
"My femininity was no longer weaponized. I could be soft without having it be manipulated into submission because Dom was my protector."
"There’s no growth if you don’t do something different."
Overall:
😬Saying all that...some low reviews were mad at the abrupt ending. This is a standalone but that ending really isn't in a lot of ways. I don't mind because I'm a fan of the author, and I jump around a lot of her series. BUT when the ending linked up to another book in another series, it gave me whiplash because I remembered being so so so annoyed by Diane's presence in that scene in that book (don't want to spoil that book's ending). In that book, it felt abrupt in a way this one didn't. I think knowing Diane in this book and seeing her journey made the ending here easier. But I totally get why that might throw some readers off.
Enjoyed this read with an awesome, sweet (I say he's sweet others say he's an a-hole), plain spoken MMC with Autism and his Lady Di. Di was a fascinating combo of strength and vulnerability. These character mashups are Dandridge Monroe's sweet spot, and the writing shines through.
#BlerdMMC #BabeFMC
🧮Our Blerd had a little bit of a rough teenage years with accepting from others and with how some treat and view him. He was happy to be a man-hoe because he didn't believe in love and was burned before.
🧮Our FMC, the good Lady Di, had a horrific traumatizing childhood and teen marriage to an abuser. The first 15% we are reading her beginning, and it's definitely dark and gritty, but the rest of the book we watch how she healed and thrived.
🧮I really loved Adam, aka Dom aka Keyboard Gangsta. He was a genius & he stood for his even when he didn't understand his emotions. But he understood that Diane was special and even though he was smitten at first sight he aggravated her so bad she was more like annoyance at first sight.
#BlackRomance
🫶🏿 this is a romance story so the romance arc comes first. Buuuutttt Adam knows how to work his heavy machinery. He knows how to knock the lining out Diane's coochie but this isn't an erotica fest. The sex scenes we get feed into the healing and growth of the characters
🗣Love the banter and healing these two did. I love the deep layers we got from their circumstances and how their love story unfolded. I love how they complimented one another.
Quotes:
"He didn’t need to shrink me to shine. He was happy to allow me to stand on his shoulders if need be for whatever advantage I needed."
"My femininity was no longer weaponized. I could be soft without having it be manipulated into submission because Dom was my protector."
"There’s no growth if you don’t do something different."
Overall:
😬Saying all that...some low reviews were mad at the abrupt ending. This is a standalone but that ending really isn't in a lot of ways. I don't mind because I'm a fan of the author, and I jump around a lot of her series. BUT when the ending linked up to another book in another series, it gave me whiplash because I remembered being so so so annoyed by Diane's presence in that scene in that book (don't want to spoil that book's ending). In that book, it felt abrupt in a way this one didn't. I think knowing Diane in this book and seeing her journey made the ending here easier. But I totally get why that might throw some readers off.
January 29, 2023
At last….
At last, we get the story of tech Negus Adam Hartison, who has given us as many off kilter emotionally empty crazy thoughts and gadgets as Tony Stark since the Orphan series. Side note: Tony had Jarvis…Dom now has Rodney 👊🏾🥰🤗😜 but I digress.
When Dom & Diana meet, both are distrustful of people, rightfully so as who they are has been shaped by how they have been handled in their past. They both have a shield that they operate behind in worlds that are at minimum emotionally devoid of romantic love. The story delves into the confusion and denial these kindred spirits have regarding the connection they have with a light comedic touch that allows them to escape the heavy cords seeking to keep them tied to solitary worlds they each built. Both act and say one thing with each other, but run to their respective corners to fight/explore/question what is happening to them. The beauty of the story comes as their respective revolving thoughts change as they seek and allow the connection to slowly build. Dom’s side conversations with Midas, Nick, Ev and Nev are laugh out loud funny.
Note: In addition to Nev’s expertise with guns, Diana showed a skill with knives. 🤔 The Kill Bill rewatches wasn’t for naught! We know Avery is not to be played and I am low key looking for Chelle w/ Sparky. Girl power unite! 🤣 I look forward to seeing them in future books. 😉
Dandridge Monroe’s previous books have hit/highlights many social constructs and this one is no different. Convo regarding feminism and submission was a sublime little nugget and Midas’ comments to Dom concerning the ease of killing, ego and psych evaluations was so apropos given current events. I look forward to the continuation of the next installment.
At last, we get the story of tech Negus Adam Hartison, who has given us as many off kilter emotionally empty crazy thoughts and gadgets as Tony Stark since the Orphan series. Side note: Tony had Jarvis…Dom now has Rodney 👊🏾🥰🤗😜 but I digress.
When Dom & Diana meet, both are distrustful of people, rightfully so as who they are has been shaped by how they have been handled in their past. They both have a shield that they operate behind in worlds that are at minimum emotionally devoid of romantic love. The story delves into the confusion and denial these kindred spirits have regarding the connection they have with a light comedic touch that allows them to escape the heavy cords seeking to keep them tied to solitary worlds they each built. Both act and say one thing with each other, but run to their respective corners to fight/explore/question what is happening to them. The beauty of the story comes as their respective revolving thoughts change as they seek and allow the connection to slowly build. Dom’s side conversations with Midas, Nick, Ev and Nev are laugh out loud funny.
Note: In addition to Nev’s expertise with guns, Diana showed a skill with knives. 🤔 The Kill Bill rewatches wasn’t for naught! We know Avery is not to be played and I am low key looking for Chelle w/ Sparky. Girl power unite! 🤣 I look forward to seeing them in future books. 😉
Dandridge Monroe’s previous books have hit/highlights many social constructs and this one is no different. Convo regarding feminism and submission was a sublime little nugget and Midas’ comments to Dom concerning the ease of killing, ego and psych evaluations was so apropos given current events. I look forward to the continuation of the next installment.
August 2, 2024
A blessing with the right one
I love how "different" is played up in this story. Dom and Diana have been plagued by their differences but it is what unites them in ways they didn't think were possible. They accept each other's quirks and all, loving that they process things differently and it doesn't mean they don't feel. They tried to escape feeling anything but when love takes over, it's nothing that you can do about it but embrace it. I love them together and being different is not so bad but a blessing with the right one.
I love how "different" is played up in this story. Dom and Diana have been plagued by their differences but it is what unites them in ways they didn't think were possible. They accept each other's quirks and all, loving that they process things differently and it doesn't mean they don't feel. They tried to escape feeling anything but when love takes over, it's nothing that you can do about it but embrace it. I love them together and being different is not so bad but a blessing with the right one.
February 11, 2023
Dom and Di
2 people that were broken by society’s standards but were perfect for each other, can’t wait to see what happens next.
2 people that were broken by society’s standards but were perfect for each other, can’t wait to see what happens next.
May 26, 2023
Okay so I've been claiming Dom for a long time. I knew the moment he popped up in Fortunate that I loved him and he definitely delivered in this book.
I love the care that Dandridge took to represent Dom in this story and the care she took with Diana's backstory and the trauma she experienced.
The two of them are perfect for each other. Diana is a complete badass and yet she still has a good heart, though it's guarded. Dom is inexperienced with actually caring for a woman and being in a relationship, but he was willing to try for Diana and learn for her.
Dandridge keeps me in suspense with these people we need to take down in Georgia. I neeeeed the resolution but I'll wait patiently because I eat every single one of her stories up.
I love the care that Dandridge took to represent Dom in this story and the care she took with Diana's backstory and the trauma she experienced.
The two of them are perfect for each other. Diana is a complete badass and yet she still has a good heart, though it's guarded. Dom is inexperienced with actually caring for a woman and being in a relationship, but he was willing to try for Diana and learn for her.
Dandridge keeps me in suspense with these people we need to take down in Georgia. I neeeeed the resolution but I'll wait patiently because I eat every single one of her stories up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2023
this whatever
Diana has been through literal hell, barely survived, and has the mental, emotional and physical scars to prove it. As a result of escaping with her life, she reinvents it to stay free. She’s now a successful business owner. But she doesn’t open up to anyone and no one really knows her or anything about her. She wears a mask to hide her past, hurt, and pain because it’s life or death.
Adam is a tech genius millionaire who’s brain works differently than most. He’s a playboy who doesn’t mind an equal sexual exchange - you get what you want by being seen with him and he gets what he wants which is sex - No emotions, no promises, no attachments. He can’t do emotions and his struggle with this and others has shaped him into who he is - sarcastic, rude and he has no filter. He has a small secret that makes him this way. Those who he cares for gets all of him, and those outside of that small circle gets his mask.
These two together are “combustible”. It started with a drink, then somehow they penetrated each other’s protective walls and it turned into WHATEVER - which is more than they were willing to be, more than they saw coming, nothing they could stop, all of the feelings, raw, and they couldn’t put a name on it. This whatever is happening, expanding, and not stopping. They struggle with it, through it but they won’t let it go. It brings a healing, a oneness, acceptance and a bond that they would do anything to keep. They get each other and I loved to see it grow!
Excellent read!
Diana has been through literal hell, barely survived, and has the mental, emotional and physical scars to prove it. As a result of escaping with her life, she reinvents it to stay free. She’s now a successful business owner. But she doesn’t open up to anyone and no one really knows her or anything about her. She wears a mask to hide her past, hurt, and pain because it’s life or death.
Adam is a tech genius millionaire who’s brain works differently than most. He’s a playboy who doesn’t mind an equal sexual exchange - you get what you want by being seen with him and he gets what he wants which is sex - No emotions, no promises, no attachments. He can’t do emotions and his struggle with this and others has shaped him into who he is - sarcastic, rude and he has no filter. He has a small secret that makes him this way. Those who he cares for gets all of him, and those outside of that small circle gets his mask.
These two together are “combustible”. It started with a drink, then somehow they penetrated each other’s protective walls and it turned into WHATEVER - which is more than they were willing to be, more than they saw coming, nothing they could stop, all of the feelings, raw, and they couldn’t put a name on it. This whatever is happening, expanding, and not stopping. They struggle with it, through it but they won’t let it go. It brings a healing, a oneness, acceptance and a bond that they would do anything to keep. They get each other and I loved to see it grow!
Excellent read!
November 22, 2025
This was so good
See I knew my nerd would be everything... Dom is what I was waiting for and dom is what I got... I knew my guy had tism, I knew he did. Him and Diana were fireworks. The fact that both had to work through pain and hurt, and lack of emotions due to that. while learning to communicate effectively with each other, was such a beautiful thing to see. Sewing Dom, Literally have a connection die to now dealing with feelings and feelings so strongly for Di was not only hilarious but endearing. I also loved how he was not soft with Di, he really tried to understand and be direct with his feelings and wanting her to share. Her walls slowly allowing him in made my heart sore. Our girl went through so much but continued to thrive after surviving hell.
This mess that is going on in Georgia making me trigger happy and I can't wait for bodies to drop...specially HAM (iykyk)
I called Kyan Diallo being smitten with Persephone...excited to read their story.
See I knew my nerd would be everything... Dom is what I was waiting for and dom is what I got... I knew my guy had tism, I knew he did. Him and Diana were fireworks. The fact that both had to work through pain and hurt, and lack of emotions due to that. while learning to communicate effectively with each other, was such a beautiful thing to see. Sewing Dom, Literally have a connection die to now dealing with feelings and feelings so strongly for Di was not only hilarious but endearing. I also loved how he was not soft with Di, he really tried to understand and be direct with his feelings and wanting her to share. Her walls slowly allowing him in made my heart sore. Our girl went through so much but continued to thrive after surviving hell.
This mess that is going on in Georgia making me trigger happy and I can't wait for bodies to drop...specially HAM (iykyk)
I called Kyan Diallo being smitten with Persephone...excited to read their story.
December 31, 2023
As always a great read...but the end was anticlimactic
It's beautiful to see Dom finally find and finally believe in love. I'm waiting for it to come for Brian.
The ending was a build up with no release. That was a bit disappointing. The book suggested to find out what happens next is the 3rd book of "In the Midst Of..." so if you want to read what happens you have to skip 2 books which means spoilers and people you're not familiar with, because it's a new intertwining series with all new characters, while being ok to be a bit lost, while trying to immerge yourself into the book. Or you can read in order and try to remember what happened in this book when you finally get to the 3rd book.
I love this author, but this set up doesn't make any sense. I just want to know what happens to Dom and Diana.
It's beautiful to see Dom finally find and finally believe in love. I'm waiting for it to come for Brian.
The ending was a build up with no release. That was a bit disappointing. The book suggested to find out what happens next is the 3rd book of "In the Midst Of..." so if you want to read what happens you have to skip 2 books which means spoilers and people you're not familiar with, because it's a new intertwining series with all new characters, while being ok to be a bit lost, while trying to immerge yourself into the book. Or you can read in order and try to remember what happened in this book when you finally get to the 3rd book.
I love this author, but this set up doesn't make any sense. I just want to know what happens to Dom and Diana.
July 30, 2023
mmmm
I have mixed feelings about this one. I expected to read more about Adam and Diana.
This one was a harder read for me of this authors books. Grammatical errors were distracting and some sentences seemed incomplete. It was hard to follow what point of view is telling the story at times.
I have mixed feelings about this one. I expected to read more about Adam and Diana.
This one was a harder read for me of this authors books. Grammatical errors were distracting and some sentences seemed incomplete. It was hard to follow what point of view is telling the story at times.
October 1, 2023
The Blerd and his One
Man Adam and Di give hope to those who think their quirks are too much they too can find their one. Now it is crazy how these stories are intertwined however I can appreciate how this just adds to the layers and complexity of each book. Great read and I can’t wait to read more
Man Adam and Di give hope to those who think their quirks are too much they too can find their one. Now it is crazy how these stories are intertwined however I can appreciate how this just adds to the layers and complexity of each book. Great read and I can’t wait to read more
August 1, 2025
Love Me Some Adam
I am late to the party reading this series. I found this author recently and I have been going through her catalog. Adam has become a favorite of her heroes. This story started out so painful and I am jumping right into the next book of this series because I can’t wait to see how this story plays out.
I am late to the party reading this series. I found this author recently and I have been going through her catalog. Adam has become a favorite of her heroes. This story started out so painful and I am jumping right into the next book of this series because I can’t wait to see how this story plays out.
March 9, 2023
this was so good
I hate how it ended, because I needed more of Dom and Di but I trust the process. I really need to see all this author’s books come to life in like a Netflix or HBO max series .
I hate how it ended, because I needed more of Dom and Di but I trust the process. I really need to see all this author’s books come to life in like a Netflix or HBO max series .
February 19, 2024
Keep It Real
This was a wonderful mystery story. The finding of love between to tortured souls. Diana and Adam needed the love that both of them had hidden away.
Waiting for the next book.
This was a wonderful mystery story. The finding of love between to tortured souls. Diana and Adam needed the love that both of them had hidden away.
Waiting for the next book.
March 11, 2024
love it
I have not had a good night’s rest since I picked up the first book that entwines these storylines together. I don’t want to put them down once I get started. I love how these two learned to live together
I have not had a good night’s rest since I picked up the first book that entwines these storylines together. I don’t want to put them down once I get started. I love how these two learned to live together
October 9, 2024
beautiful connection
Di & Dom, yes please!! There’s nothing like being loved for who you are versus in spite of who are you!!! I am too hype to read the next story. This told an amazing love story while queuing up the next.
Di & Dom, yes please!! There’s nothing like being loved for who you are versus in spite of who are you!!! I am too hype to read the next story. This told an amazing love story while queuing up the next.
December 8, 2025
To Be Continued
I’m waiting for the next book. This was good. That ending was great.
I’m glad Di and Adam was able to talk and get on the same page. To have someone to understand you completely is amazing. I’m ready for the next book.
I’m waiting for the next book. This was good. That ending was great.
I’m glad Di and Adam was able to talk and get on the same page. To have someone to understand you completely is amazing. I’m ready for the next book.
December 18, 2025
Whew!
My poor Duchess. She built that life brick by brick, and her outcome was so rewarding. I loved how her and Man Genius complimented each other. They really were made for each other. Now onto pretty boy lol
My poor Duchess. She built that life brick by brick, and her outcome was so rewarding. I loved how her and Man Genius complimented each other. They really were made for each other. Now onto pretty boy lol
March 27, 2023
3.5⭐️
June 30, 2024
yay
I loved this book Diana and Adam are everything but this story with the Diallos got me tied up I need more info. I gotta see how this ends.
I loved this book Diana and Adam are everything but this story with the Diallos got me tied up I need more info. I gotta see how this ends.
November 25, 2024
🔥🔥🔥
This was a good read and I enjoyed it very much loved it I can’t wait to see what will happen next for this group if friend and family
This was a good read and I enjoyed it very much loved it I can’t wait to see what will happen next for this group if friend and family
August 1, 2025
Dom!!
I love Dom. His no filter having character is just what I needed in my life. Di is the perfect match for him.
I love Dom. His no filter having character is just what I needed in my life. Di is the perfect match for him.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews