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A Charleston Love Story #4

Trell and Tae: A Charleston Love Story Spin-off

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Back by popular demand, Trell and Tae are back to give the readers what they want. Life is good and moves have been made but what happens when a unexpected storm comes to settle over the Oasis that is Trell and Tae? Will their relationship be strong enough to withstand the winds that have come to blow apart a union that seems very much ordained by God? Trell's love for Tae is never dying and as strong as an ox. Will that love be enough for Tae?Claire and Rai Summers are two exotic girls from Fork, Washington. Being Native American and having been born in raised on a Reservation, they have lived a sheltered life. Both of them handled that life very differently. One allowing it to push her to be a social butterfly while the other closed herself in herself. What happens when they move far away from home to experience new things? Will the sisters be able to handle the curves life will throw at any given time or will they knock it out the park?Find out what happens in this explosive Standalone about love, trust, sisterhood and loyalty. Who will be left standing at the end? This is the Trell and Tae you love, with a twist.

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 22, 2021

197 people are currently reading
104 people want to read

About the author

Mel Dau

98 books610 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
499 (75%)
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129 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Kameel.
1,040 reviews283 followers
July 28, 2023
The Smith Update

I enjoyed the update on Trell & Tae…I also enjoyed the fact that their children were growing up and we were able to hear from them a bit….Trell & Tar’s marriage hit a bump in the road…but , you know they soon got it back on track.
Profile Image for SumFire.
632 reviews2 followers
January 21, 2025
Whoa, I had no idea this was her first work. Those dedications hit hard. Looking back, the raw emotion in them makes so much sense now. It's amazing to see how far she's come knowing her struggles. I am in awe of her work.

This book 📖 introduced a few more characters: Chad & his wife Claire & her sister Rai.

We got a little insight on Grandmama, her husband, and Trell's background and upbringing.

Tae and Trell's marriage was tested, but per usual, an HEA was found at the end. Love this couple and watching the kids grow up and come into their own little personalities.
,......................................................📓

The Washington/Christianson/Smith reading list is as follows:

Khiaere & Phy 1 & 2
Justice Rose
Trell and Tae
Heart of Tana
The Wrap Up
The Christmas Guest
Come into The Out Now
A Beautiful Mess

Whewwww! That's alot! If you go by the Amazon rec, they will have you read "Summers Howl" and "Willows Peak" after "Trell & Tae" because of the characters Claire and her sister Rae.

However, those are optional as they do not deal with the families or take place in North Carolina

It's an often dark and emotional ride. So, Buckle up, Buttercup 😉
Profile Image for Ashanti Burton.
600 reviews13 followers
July 2, 2025
This did not go the way I thought. Like what the helly. Baby needed help help. I don’t wanna give too much away but this was definitely messy. Lessons had to be learned, and hands had to be thrown. This series speaks a lot on mental health disorders and PTSD. Check your triggers.
Profile Image for Tanielle.
Author 0 books38 followers
April 1, 2019
Where's Claire??? Following along with Trell and Tae was okay and seeing them interact was good for a follow up but I really wished the author gave Claire something else then what she did. I wanted to see her win and having another woman with mental issues was a drag. Hopefully she'll have a story on her own that will clear her actions.
Profile Image for Shirley Mcqueen.
1,479 reviews13 followers
August 14, 2018
This was another good book

I loved how everyone was incorporated in all 4 books tht was awesome. I was glad Tana didn't die & Clarie got the help she needed & now is living her life & is happy.
207 reviews2 followers
January 24, 2021
Great Book

I love Trell and Tae story. I loved the way although he messed up they worked it out and she had his back in the end. Claire made me want to slap her, l like you can't make no one love you.
Profile Image for Carolyn King.
2,443 reviews42 followers
February 4, 2021
So Good

This book was so good. Trell and Tae went through it in this book. This little girl was crazy. I can't believe what she did to Trell and Tae. So happy things worked out for this family. We need an update book on all of them.
Profile Image for Kim Knight.
425 reviews16 followers
July 11, 2021
A love like THIS

This has seriously has to be my favorite couple in the family. The organic way they deal with each other is so good. I love this family full of bosses. I’m so glad I didn’t skip this book thinking I knew what would happen.
810 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2021
Tough as nails

I love this book such a great demonstration of black love. I love Trell and Tae relationship and I must say when you meet that one you go to bat for that one.
Profile Image for Alvina.
747 reviews24 followers
February 22, 2022
Deep Love

I knew this would be the best story yet, as Trell and Tae are by far my favorite couple out of all the Washington-Christianson Tribe couples. They're beyond funny and the laughs were definitely turned up in this book.

Trell has truly grown and matured since book 1. One thing he's consistently NOT played about was his wife. Now that they have 4 kids, he's even MORE protective of his crew, as he should. The amount of Love and adoration he has for his wife is one that is unmatched. He said she's his air and I am NOT mad about it. There's something extra sexy about a Black man who shows Love and affection for his wife, yet it's a whole other kind of Deliciousness for a Black man who nurtures, covers, comforts, corrects, protects, and will Die for his children. One thing I was hoping he'd do after his incident at the club with Claire, was be open and honest about it with Tae immediately. He missed that one and surely paid for it. He learned his lesson though; smart man😏. I was hoping that he would've let Claires' simple behind go as his TA after the incident, yet he thought it would be cool... wrong 😒. This chick was definitely off her rockers yet, Tae got her ALL the way together. Bet Claire learned her lesson.

Tae is such an endearing and loving wife and mom. I Love a calm Tae, yet I Love a rowdy ride or die Tae too. Baby, when she let loose on Claire I was laughing so hard. Once Claires' sister Rai stated that Claire looked like Martin in that episode where his head was all bumped and beat up, I HOLLERED😭😭😭. I bet Claire won't do that again; Sis almost lost her life over a man who never wanted her delusional behind, geez 🤦🏾‍♀️. I was kind of upset at Tae running up on Rai over Claires' mess, yet Rai could've told Tae what it really was, so there's that too🤷🏾‍♀️. Either way, Rai knew the real deal and I hope she learns from this situation too.

Claire was a mystery to me. There wasn't a time that Trell blatantly came on to her or even slightly seemed interested in her, so I was a bit confused how she got so enraptured with him as if he did. She was super bold. Poor thing. There are a lot of holes in her story, so I guess I have to read about her to put some missing pieces together.

I Loved that Trell and Tae were teaching their kids to have each other's front, back and sides. Their oldest, Lil Mont is going to be a beast as he gets older; a true protector of his siblings...I Love it. I Love the way the whole Washington-Christianson Tribe held each other down. Gotta Love Black Family Love.

This was a great way to end this part of this series. I'm aware this isn't quite over, so I'm looking forward to more from these families and any new characters to come.

Great series. Great read. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,371 reviews155 followers
April 30, 2022
Communication is key

4.5 stars
I have enjoyed this series, but this was my favorite of them all. Honestly this is how I would've preferred all the other stories to be, fully focused on the titled couple.

Trell and Tae were still a LOT and I loved it. Trell made a big move in his career becoming a professor at Benedict college which caused him and his family to move states. I didn't call this move at all, but I loved it for Trell. I could see how his silly self definitely came across relatable to the students. Maybe even too much which I'll get too.

Tae is still a boss babe doing her thing with interior design. I loved how Trell described her..With so much adoration and appreciation for both how she looked and who she was to him and their kids. Tae was still trained to go, but I still felt like her spirit was calmer. Originally Tae had issues with her self esteem, but it was so good to see her standing as a complete person. Adding to her marriage and unwilling to be treated less than the queen she was. I truly respected her growth and I felt like that came from being loved correctly.

That said their love was heavily tested and Trell did not pass the test. Honesty is always the best policy. Claire, Trell's TA developed a crush on him. Trell was his normal kind self and she mistook that kindness for something more. When things got out of hand instead of communicating to Tae he tried to handle it on his own which was a huge mistake. Claire was cuckoo for cocoa puffs and things got worse before they got better. Eventually Tae and Trell became a United front and fought to keep their family together. This was another reminder that in a relationship your ally deserves to be informed and not blind sided.

Overall I really enjoyed this story, especially the background on Trell's parents and grandparents. There were a couple of things I wasn't keen on. The grammar, there were spelling mistakes that needed editing. I don't enjoy the talking to the reader, I actually prefer just viewing the story. Definitely worth the read though!
Profile Image for Denise Newman.
185 reviews
July 4, 2025
My favorite family is back!!

Mel Dau did it again in book four of the Washington-Christianson-Smith Saga! I absolutely love this family!!

Reading the updates on this family and following how life came after Tae and Trell and reading how they got through it together. The new characters introduced all I can say is wow because even though they caused the drama you want to know more about them.

I definitely can’t wait to read more about this family and yes, I recommend reading this book/series to everyone who loves black romance.
Profile Image for Verlana Munn.
1,995 reviews40 followers
August 31, 2024
Love Worth Having
Mel Dau, This read shows just how relationships need to always be nutured even though we get comfortable.
Trell loved Tae with his whole entire heart. Thinking that silence was better ended worse than he had ever thought.
I love how Trell found his missing link even though he didn't know he needed it. I tell you showing how some folk get delusional because their low self-esteem can cause more harm than good. I will say I love Tae. She's the tic, tic ta boom! 🤗🤗🤗🤗
Profile Image for Sophia L.
242 reviews
March 19, 2025
Im tired of this series…

… it’s a lot of drama. I love Soror Mel and read her books to get away from real life drama. So this addition to the series is too much drama for me with the physco teachers assistant. Then to find out moving forward to the books after this and in the latest editions…phy dies and Tae had dementia. Man… after all that. Khiaere eventually gets a new love… Yaffa. Mmmmm… Im not here for it…. Messed up the loving fantasy for me. Oh well. Still love Mel!
370 reviews
May 10, 2025
great read

This collection had me hooked from the very beginning. The dynamic between the characters warmed my heart, creating emotional depth and real connection. At the same time, the ruthlessness of the men left me in awe—it was intense, gripping, and impossible to look away. Every book in the set pulled me in deeper. This is a must-read collection for anyone who loves strong character relationships, emotional intensity, and powerful storytelling!
Profile Image for Tasha Millner.
433 reviews4 followers
June 19, 2025
Trell and Tae

If one is for certain is that Tae gonna stand being her husband Trell. Trell’s only fault as Tae’s husband was holding on to a secret that could have damaged them, their marriage and their love. This story was a lesson of learning, truth telling and knowing how far your spouse will go for their significant other while letting no weapon, or person come between them.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,894 reviews13 followers
June 28, 2025
Loved the Smith's!

The Smith's were living life and doing ok but a misunderstanding and disagreement over how to discipline their son had them at odds. Claire, Trell's TA took a liking to him! She really crashed out for a time resulting in harm coming to Montana their little girl! In the end it all was resolved, Claire left the school and The Smith's regrouped and reconnected their souls, once again back in love! Great read!
Profile Image for Ieshia Shephard.
547 reviews
August 16, 2025
Trell & Tae

When I say this here book took me through wayyyyy to dang on much! So yes marriages have problems but some of this could have been avoided had Trell told the truth IMMEDIATELY! Tae is stubborn she would’ve been mad but it’s the principal. I love the developing relationship with Chad & Angie! Claire was strange & whatever is going on back home I’m wondering wtf is up with that!?!? Tana is strong & Lil Mont is as well! I love this family
Profile Image for T K Vaugh.
1,429 reviews6 followers
May 22, 2024
Great Read

Just when I thought I couldn’t love a character more than I loved Grandma, then come the memories of Grandpa!!!…
I loved this series and it was a great way to end it with all the puzzle pieces of Trell and Tae!!!…
This was an AWESOME ride and I’m glad I was able to take it!!!..
301 reviews2 followers
February 16, 2025
The Spin off

Ooooohhhh weeeeee this book will have you laughing and crying at the same time. I enjoyed that Trell and Tae continues to have each other's back even though it got really rocky. I was glad to see that Trell embraced his biological father, step mother and siblings. I always enjoy the family dynamics of the Washington, Smith and Christianson
302 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2025
.

The fact this crazy bitch claire got her own story is bananas. Trell and Tae I absolutely love them. Trell funny as hell and Tae is just with the shits. They compliment each other beautifully. I'm over this fuckwads fucking with this family getting a hea. They all need to be put in the dirt or locked in a mental health hospital.
Profile Image for Patrice Latimore.
560 reviews
June 13, 2025
Wasn’t expecting that

I love the Christenson, Washington, Smith tribe and all of their shenanigans but this was a pleasant surprise. Rae wasn’t playing any games with her family. Trell was down for anything when it came to his family. The cousins and friends was for whatever those two were for. It was a very good time.
906 reviews
July 15, 2022
Trell and Tae embarked on a new location and from whence they came to start a new life with their children.

Of course there will be obstacles in their way to test their commitment to each other.

Take a ride with this couple to see how they navigated and battle some delusional folks LOL 😂.
965 reviews
December 24, 2022
can you say delusional

Lawd that girl was delusional, you pay a compliment and be nice to people they take it and run. Trell needs to be more careful , you can be drinking and popping pills and not know your surroundings.
29 reviews
June 2, 2024
GREAT

I waited until I finished this book before I wrote an actual review. Let me tell you this…… EVERY last book in this series was absolute FIRE! (Four books) Mel Dau has definitely become one of my favorite authors. If you see here name listed do yourself a favor and read it!
Profile Image for Michelle.
299 reviews5 followers
March 10, 2022
Definitely my fav

This book was hilarious!! I even shed a tear. Trell and Tae are my favorite couple. Next CO and Lela.
Profile Image for Robbie Burnett.
697 reviews6 followers
January 24, 2024
Tell &Tae

This couple was too funny and don't play. I envy Tell's love for The and his non punishment penis. I need to be grown and say the correct word.
Profile Image for T.
39 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2024
When I say my body was tense for alot of this book
. Whew.. all the feels/emotions.. I think I csn breathe again
Profile Image for Diane Colvin.
2,142 reviews20 followers
July 13, 2024
Good Read

I have really enjoyed this series. I was well entertained from one book to the next. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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