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Pieces of Me
Cross DeCorte’
Known for our ruthless behavior and unforgiving nature, the DeCorte family paralyzed many. My cousin will pray for you before he kills you, and my grandfather will preach at your funeral. Without shame, we are known as the death dealers, and I was the biggest supplier. But I stepped away from that life when I met Mecca ‘Nine’ Strong, and he taught me how to love.
Nine was ruthless and angry, but he became my everything. My strength, my protector, and my secret. Then something changed. He changed. The man I fell in love with shattered my heart into a million pieces and left me to put it back together alone. Years passed, and although he abandoned me, Nine somehow made my family his.
Secrets have a way of coming back to haunt you, I should know. The man who promised to love and protect me – all the pieces of me – now has to prove it.
Known for our ruthless behavior and unforgiving nature, the DeCorte family paralyzed many. My cousin will pray for you before he kills you, and my grandfather will preach at your funeral. Without shame, we are known as the death dealers, and I was the biggest supplier. But I stepped away from that life when I met Mecca ‘Nine’ Strong, and he taught me how to love.
Nine was ruthless and angry, but he became my everything. My strength, my protector, and my secret. Then something changed. He changed. The man I fell in love with shattered my heart into a million pieces and left me to put it back together alone. Years passed, and although he abandoned me, Nine somehow made my family his.
Secrets have a way of coming back to haunt you, I should know. The man who promised to love and protect me – all the pieces of me – now has to prove it.
- GenresSecond Chance
458 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2024
834 people are currently reading
621 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
August 4, 2025
2.5 ⭐️MID. Cross and that damn “secret” was stupid. Cross is an idiot period. It was entertaining but that secret pissed me off.
October 16, 2024
too much
If it’s one thing I dislike is a drawn out story. It took 75% of the book for that man to learn about his child. Yet the whole time cross was having s*x with him but couldn’t open her mouth about their child? I honestly don’t like secret child books. It portrays black women as vindictive.. we couldn’t even see the relationship between Mecca and his so build up cause he was a secret most of the book. I’m sure other people will love this story but in my opinion it was annoying and drawn out for no reason
If it’s one thing I dislike is a drawn out story. It took 75% of the book for that man to learn about his child. Yet the whole time cross was having s*x with him but couldn’t open her mouth about their child? I honestly don’t like secret child books. It portrays black women as vindictive.. we couldn’t even see the relationship between Mecca and his so build up cause he was a secret most of the book. I’m sure other people will love this story but in my opinion it was annoying and drawn out for no reason
November 22, 2024
Whew Chile!!!
After 6 months of a reading hiatus (Due to writing my own novel) this was a great way to dive back in. Cross & Mecca gave me a headache and had my bonnet sliding off. The secrets, combined with the unhinged family members, haters, & betrayal had me reaching for my🍷 All & all… This one will definitely take you on a ride. They will in fact get on your nerves like Miss Aubry warned! 🤣
After 6 months of a reading hiatus (Due to writing my own novel) this was a great way to dive back in. Cross & Mecca gave me a headache and had my bonnet sliding off. The secrets, combined with the unhinged family members, haters, & betrayal had me reaching for my🍷 All & all… This one will definitely take you on a ride. They will in fact get on your nerves like Miss Aubry warned! 🤣
October 14, 2024
New author to me, and I really enjoyed this. Now, the author did warn us that these two would get on our nerves, and they sure the hell did!! 😤
Mecca and Cross had an intense, soul stirring love that you could feel through the pages. 🤩 Mecca was all about his woman, and didn't care what anyone else thought about it. He was that guy that was always on the edge of doing something crazy in the name of love.
Cross came from a family of killers, with her being one of the top dogs. Meeting and dating Mecca calmed her and allowed her to enjoy her life without the violence. However, there is a hater in their mist waiting to strike. When Mecca finds out who perished in the fire, he is crushed knowing that he has hurt the person who means the world to him. Then the ish hits the fan and Mecca punks out, hiding the truth and running from Cross; leaving her devastated. I wanted to just punch him in the throat for that bih move!! 🤬 This woman is your everything, why would you not talk to her and plead your case? Yes, she would be pissed at you, but with a love like yours, it could have been worked through. But you had so little faith in your love that you took the cowards way out!!! Ughh...
Then Mecca, you had the audacity to bogard your way into her family's life to keep tabs on her? Yep, unhinged behavior for sure! 👀 When they see each other again six years later, the air is tense, but the love is still very much present. They don't know how to navigate this new position that they are in, but you know they won't be able to stay away from each other.
Them damn secrets always come back to bite you in the ass!! Mecca why were you still holding out on telling her the truth after all these years? Then to have her find out from HIM!! 🤯 She was ready to kill your ass! Cross, you had ample time to tell Mecca about Deuce, but look what holding your tongue did? That damn hating ass Marus man!!😤 Lawd these two really took me around the world and back with the ish they had going on! Ready to go through the catalog and read more about the DeCorte' family, cause they are crazy fun bunch. Great read. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Mecca and Cross had an intense, soul stirring love that you could feel through the pages. 🤩 Mecca was all about his woman, and didn't care what anyone else thought about it. He was that guy that was always on the edge of doing something crazy in the name of love.
Cross came from a family of killers, with her being one of the top dogs. Meeting and dating Mecca calmed her and allowed her to enjoy her life without the violence. However, there is a hater in their mist waiting to strike. When Mecca finds out who perished in the fire, he is crushed knowing that he has hurt the person who means the world to him. Then the ish hits the fan and Mecca punks out, hiding the truth and running from Cross; leaving her devastated. I wanted to just punch him in the throat for that bih move!! 🤬 This woman is your everything, why would you not talk to her and plead your case? Yes, she would be pissed at you, but with a love like yours, it could have been worked through. But you had so little faith in your love that you took the cowards way out!!! Ughh...
Then Mecca, you had the audacity to bogard your way into her family's life to keep tabs on her? Yep, unhinged behavior for sure! 👀 When they see each other again six years later, the air is tense, but the love is still very much present. They don't know how to navigate this new position that they are in, but you know they won't be able to stay away from each other.
Them damn secrets always come back to bite you in the ass!! Mecca why were you still holding out on telling her the truth after all these years? Then to have her find out from HIM!! 🤯 She was ready to kill your ass! Cross, you had ample time to tell Mecca about Deuce, but look what holding your tongue did? That damn hating ass Marus man!!😤 Lawd these two really took me around the world and back with the ish they had going on! Ready to go through the catalog and read more about the DeCorte' family, cause they are crazy fun bunch. Great read. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
October 31, 2024
Hilarious, engaging and entertaining.
October 30, 2024
Love the cover!! Different from all others. Very cutesy. Very contemporary. Very these are not killerz. I saw it was an Aubrey J release, so I was going to read it anyway.
When I peeked at the synopsis (which I rarely do) and saw Cross DeCorte and Nine finally got their story, I literally screamed out! This ☝🏾 was definitely worth the wait 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾!!
"I love you forever, and that still wouldn't be enough." ❤️
For 2 people that undoubtedly loved each other, they did piss us off as warned, and the secrets kept us at the edge of our seats til the very end!
We got ALL the Gabriel and Mary DeCorte we take. Despite what Marcus said, he showed us where the Decorte's got their crazy and temperament from.
We also got some cameos and mentions from favs from earlier books.
🤔 Looks like Lady Krude, aka Mercy, may be up next.
🫡 See y’all in the next book!
Genre: Urban Romance
Troupe: Second chance Love
Spice Level:🌶🌶🌶
Possible Triggers: meh😕
Tissues: 0️⃣
I said what I said and as always: don't take my word for it. Read the book, form your own opinions, and support your authors!
When I peeked at the synopsis (which I rarely do) and saw Cross DeCorte and Nine finally got their story, I literally screamed out! This ☝🏾 was definitely worth the wait 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾!!
"I love you forever, and that still wouldn't be enough." ❤️
For 2 people that undoubtedly loved each other, they did piss us off as warned, and the secrets kept us at the edge of our seats til the very end!
We got ALL the Gabriel and Mary DeCorte we take. Despite what Marcus said, he showed us where the Decorte's got their crazy and temperament from.
We also got some cameos and mentions from favs from earlier books.
🤔 Looks like Lady Krude, aka Mercy, may be up next.
🫡 See y’all in the next book!
Genre: Urban Romance
Troupe: Second chance Love
Spice Level:🌶🌶🌶
Possible Triggers: meh😕
Tissues: 0️⃣
I said what I said and as always: don't take my word for it. Read the book, form your own opinions, and support your authors!
October 12, 2024
A headache. That’s what this book gave me.
I will preface my review by saying I understand that the author forewarned us that this couple would be annoying. But annoying is an understatement.
Cross holding onto her secret for so long was unnecessary. Mind you, in the beginning, she tells us she tried to call Mecca to tell him the secret, but he never answered the phone. He never answered any of her calls. We never revisit that after the secret was revealed.
Then, to top it all off, Cross knows she’s at war with a man who knows about her secret, yet she left her secret UNPROTECTED?! She’s a professional killer, and she never thought about securing her secret. Oh, okay.
I won’t even get into the grammatical and syntax issues throughout the entire book. I’ve sadly become accustomed to the lack of editing in most of these Indie books. However, Cross never looked into her mother’s rehab at all? Didn’t even get the name of the place? Again, oh, okay.
This book was a 3-star read. The story started strong and then dragged on with this redundant plot for most of the book.
Krude really redeemed this book for me. He is hilarious!
I will preface my review by saying I understand that the author forewarned us that this couple would be annoying. But annoying is an understatement.
Cross holding onto her secret for so long was unnecessary. Mind you, in the beginning, she tells us she tried to call Mecca to tell him the secret, but he never answered the phone. He never answered any of her calls. We never revisit that after the secret was revealed.
Then, to top it all off, Cross knows she’s at war with a man who knows about her secret, yet she left her secret UNPROTECTED?! She’s a professional killer, and she never thought about securing her secret. Oh, okay.
I won’t even get into the grammatical and syntax issues throughout the entire book. I’ve sadly become accustomed to the lack of editing in most of these Indie books. However, Cross never looked into her mother’s rehab at all? Didn’t even get the name of the place? Again, oh, okay.
This book was a 3-star read. The story started strong and then dragged on with this redundant plot for most of the book.
Krude really redeemed this book for me. He is hilarious!
December 21, 2024
two grown adults who don't communicate
October 15, 2024
Oh I absolutely loveddddd Pieces of Me. The amount of love and secrets in this book tore me up!
Mecca and Cross were a breath of fresh air in the most different way I have ever experienced. I could not imagine what could ever break the two of them up and boy did it break my heart. I wasn't even mad at Mecca for doing what he did after, I completely got it. And same for Cross, she did what she had to do to survive.
I never thought I would ever sympathize with family of killers but they absolutely got me. I loved them, they made laugh, cry, get mad for them, I felt every single emotion with this family.
My favorite parts: Anytime Krude was on the page, especially at the end of the book with the school scene. This man had ZERO sense lol and I want more of him.
This is my first read by Aubry J and I loved this book so much I'm def going back and reading all the books about the DeCorte's and Strong's immediately.
Mecca and Cross were a breath of fresh air in the most different way I have ever experienced. I could not imagine what could ever break the two of them up and boy did it break my heart. I wasn't even mad at Mecca for doing what he did after, I completely got it. And same for Cross, she did what she had to do to survive.
I never thought I would ever sympathize with family of killers but they absolutely got me. I loved them, they made laugh, cry, get mad for them, I felt every single emotion with this family.
My favorite parts: Anytime Krude was on the page, especially at the end of the book with the school scene. This man had ZERO sense lol and I want more of him.
This is my first read by Aubry J and I loved this book so much I'm def going back and reading all the books about the DeCorte's and Strong's immediately.
October 27, 2024
Cross annoyed my soul. She was selfish as hell and blamed everything on her trauma. Girl, at some point you have to take responsibility for the role you played in things. Her not opening her mouth left not only her son in danger but also Remi and Rue. They didn’t deserve that. And the way everyone just dismissed Cross’s behavior and forgave her immediately…comical. Lethal or not, if I was Remi, she would’ve had to see me about what happened to me and my baby. They didn’t deserve that because she wasn’t ready to say anything. Everyone else’s trauma be damned, as long as Cross is okay. Girl, go to hell.
Mecca has no backbone when it came to Cross. Yeah, he loved her but more than anything he feared her and him being a killer and willing to kill the whole world for her was unbelievable. He couldn’t even stand up to her when it counted. He tried then folded like a cheap law chair. There were also too damn many nicknames and people to keep up with. I was tired.
Mecca has no backbone when it came to Cross. Yeah, he loved her but more than anything he feared her and him being a killer and willing to kill the whole world for her was unbelievable. He couldn’t even stand up to her when it counted. He tried then folded like a cheap law chair. There were also too damn many nicknames and people to keep up with. I was tired.
October 21, 2024
grimy
I truly did not like how she had such a big secret for so many years and everybody gave her a pass because he hurt her feelings. It was bull crap. I felt like nobody was holding her accountable for the wrong she did. I did not like her character at all.
I truly did not like how she had such a big secret for so many years and everybody gave her a pass because he hurt her feelings. It was bull crap. I felt like nobody was holding her accountable for the wrong she did. I did not like her character at all.
October 17, 2024
4-4-5✨Don’t let the pretty cover fool you “Pieces of Me” was one of the most unexpected storylines I’ve ever encountered. Cross and Mecca’s story was a highly anticipated read for me, and it did not disappoint. The best thing about this book was it was a full-length story with just enough backstory to understand the tumultuous relationship between Cross and Mecca. I appreciated the love between the characters because they understood each other, but my only concern was how secretive Cross was about her family. I later figured the situation perfectly described the title because Cross only gave Mecca pieces of herself. Fast forward six years later, after a horrible tragedy and heartbreak, Cross and Mecca are back in each other’s space. The reunion was anything but pleasant, but it made perfect sense. Aubry J brought all the feelings out of me. I went through several moments of feeling anxious and overwhelmed, and at one point, my mouth was wide open because I couldn’t fathom the fact that Cross was as unhinged as she was. I questioned my ability to finish the story because things took a twisted turn but I am glad I stayed the course and finished. I loved that the characters accepted each other for who they were. There was never a moment when I didn’t think Cross and Mecca would reconcile their relationship. Seriously, I don’t think anyone else could handle Cross, lol! I loved seeing Cross as a mom and in her “soft girl era” when time allowed her to let her hair down. Of course, with the DeCorte Family, there were several laugh-out-loud moments, and trust me, the laughs were needed! I had a good time with this book! And according to Aubry, Cross is the calmest of the girls and now I am anxious for the next installment of this series. If you are in the mood for several jaw dropping moments, look no further. Good job on this one!
May 10, 2025
This is indeed an urban romance, filled with secrets and toxicity. I enjoyed this book, but there’s so many characters to keep up with. I’m learning now that most of the characters have their own individual stories (books), so that may help with getting background on them. Cross and Nine (Mecca)’s love story starts off pretty solid, then lies & secrets puts everything in jeopardy- nobody’s safe, not even them from each other. This read is a rollercoaster; however, the middle was full of fluff and a little long-winded and repetitive… and sex happens at the most interesting times (like, ppl, y’all lives are on the line here!) Also, there were many typos, for example, when the character Walt is introduced, he’s accidentally called Kevin in the book - Kevin is his own character, however. But it was a cool read and I think it would be great for those who enjoy urban romance. 3.5 boosted to 4.
May 13, 2025
I enjoyed this book. It was an absolute rollercoaster that had me hooked from beginning to end… The craziness of BOTH of the main characters was insane 😂 There were parts of the book that it felt like a lot of fluff and unnecessary information. Also, I’m not one for a lot of filler sex scenes and I felt like this one had some. After like 2-3, I don’t care for the details of them doing the do. Also, the typos and inconsistencies made parts of the story hard to keep up with and I found I had to go back at times to make sure I hadn’t misread anything.
October 21, 2024
Whew
Aubry, you were upsetting me and my homegirls. I almost stopped reading, but I kept going. I was like, if she don't hurry up and say something. Cross irked all of my nerves. Nine was just, whew. He made me mad, also. I'm like, just contact each other. I loved hearing from everyone, but Krude will always be my favorite. Good read.
Aubry, you were upsetting me and my homegirls. I almost stopped reading, but I kept going. I was like, if she don't hurry up and say something. Cross irked all of my nerves. Nine was just, whew. He made me mad, also. I'm like, just contact each other. I loved hearing from everyone, but Krude will always be my favorite. Good read.
June 30, 2025
5 ⭐️
i’m obsessed.
i’m obsessed.
July 11, 2025
Perfection!!!
Cross and Nine were amazing!!! Cross was pissing me off with her lack of Communication at first, well they both were cause he has his secrets too But baby it was completely worth the read. I love how their love was stronger than anything and no matter time, distance, or craziness they were riding for each other and always forgave. Their love was undeniably strong and this was perfect. Krude is a clown and he gone always fine a way to make each book have him at the forefront some how and he gone keep u laughing !!! This was perfection!!!!!
Cross and Nine were amazing!!! Cross was pissing me off with her lack of Communication at first, well they both were cause he has his secrets too But baby it was completely worth the read. I love how their love was stronger than anything and no matter time, distance, or craziness they were riding for each other and always forgave. Their love was undeniably strong and this was perfect. Krude is a clown and he gone always fine a way to make each book have him at the forefront some how and he gone keep u laughing !!! This was perfection!!!!!
October 16, 2024
**A SLIGHT SPOILER**
While the story had potential, it felt unnecessarily dragged out, especially with how long it took for Mecca to learn about his child. It seemed unrealistic for Cross to be so involved with him romantically but keep the secret hidden for so long. That ish tapped danced on my nerves so bad!!
There were also several inconsistencies in the plot. Cross, a professional killer, should’ve been more careful in protecting her secret, especially since she knew she was at war with someone who knew about it. It’s also strange that her mother's rehab situation was completely glossed over. The lack of attention to these details made the story harder to believe.
On the plus side, the book started off strong and had a good premise, but the drawn-out, repetitive plot ultimately made it an average read for me.
While the story had potential, it felt unnecessarily dragged out, especially with how long it took for Mecca to learn about his child. It seemed unrealistic for Cross to be so involved with him romantically but keep the secret hidden for so long. That ish tapped danced on my nerves so bad!!
There were also several inconsistencies in the plot. Cross, a professional killer, should’ve been more careful in protecting her secret, especially since she knew she was at war with someone who knew about it. It’s also strange that her mother's rehab situation was completely glossed over. The lack of attention to these details made the story harder to believe.
On the plus side, the book started off strong and had a good premise, but the drawn-out, repetitive plot ultimately made it an average read for me.
October 22, 2024
2.5 stare rounded to 3
1. Very drawn out
2. How you a killer but leave your kid unprotected in the town you know the killer seen you in.
3. Why she ain't never say nothing about the kid it was literally the whole reason you was in town... make it make sense.
4. It's got the stupid moments. Like when folks Kiss while being shot at. Why they doing all that talking about nothing when they know their kid is kidnapped and being beaten make it make sense aint no time for all them sorrys we can do that after.
5. All that talking and giggling before they son was found was so unrealistic. Then the fucking took it straight over board how would you have the time to do any of this while your kids missing be fr
1. Very drawn out
2. How you a killer but leave your kid unprotected in the town you know the killer seen you in.
3. Why she ain't never say nothing about the kid it was literally the whole reason you was in town... make it make sense.
4. It's got the stupid moments. Like when folks Kiss while being shot at. Why they doing all that talking about nothing when they know their kid is kidnapped and being beaten make it make sense aint no time for all them sorrys we can do that after.
5. All that talking and giggling before they son was found was so unrealistic. Then the fucking took it straight over board how would you have the time to do any of this while your kids missing be fr
January 27, 2025
Star level: 5 stars Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Trope: black love, second chance romance, secret baby, miscommunication, BDE, psycho, OMD, crazy family, true love
Trigger warnings: drugs, guns, violence, death
Fav quotes: “ Tell me you love me, so I won’t have to kill every muthafucka on this earth that looks in your direction. Tell me you love me so I can walk out of this house tonight knowing that you just saved the fuckin’ world from my wrath!”
“I’ll love you forever, and that still wouldn’t be long enough time,”
“Cover him, lord. He isn’t perfect, but he was made for me. He is my protector, lover, my other half. I pray to you now just like I do every time he steps away from me. Allow this man to come home to me tonight and every night after. In your name, I pray. Amen.””
“I’ll have your back for the rest of our lives. Your fears are my fears. Your worries are my worries. I got you forever, and even then, that isn't enough time because you and I are infinite. If I died tomorrow, I’d fight every angel that came to get me. It’d take God himself coming to get me to even think about leaving you. Even then, it wouldn’t be enough because I’d beg him to let me stay by your side, even if it was just as your guardian angel. Then, when it was your time to die, I’d beg him to let you live longer because the world is better with you in it.”
About the book: I knew 17% into this book it was going to be a 5 star and I was not disappointed! This book took me on an emotional roller coaster and I love it! The story starts off giving the back story of Cross and Mecca love story and I knew it was going to be some drama because the relationship was too perfect and the had a strong foundation they both just sucked at communication like really really sucked at communication. A lot of things could’ve been avoided if the just talked! Yeah people would’ve been mad and relationships hiccups but as strong as they were it could’ve been fixed. The secret and miscommunication trope really dragged the story out some but Krude made it enjoyable with his entertainment. See I knew Mecca was crazy but Cross is CRAZY CRAZY the way she was slashing bodies left and right I see why her family calls her killed. And I knew from the start that friend was no good I could see the jealousy of Mecca and Cross relationship and Mecca come up even though he was bringing his friends and family along for the ride with him. Him and his family got everything they deserved jealousy is a nasty bug. And as funny as Krude was in this story I want to read his story now. I loved this family dynamic and how the alll blended together and was ready for war behind each other. See Cross and Mecca fall apart and then get back together like it was nithjng with a little drama and six years didn’t pass In between you could tell they are soulmates. Noowww what Mecca did was too much and he chickened out he didn’t get enough heat for me and he needed to gravel way more.
Trope: black love, second chance romance, secret baby, miscommunication, BDE, psycho, OMD, crazy family, true love
Trigger warnings: drugs, guns, violence, death
Fav quotes: “ Tell me you love me, so I won’t have to kill every muthafucka on this earth that looks in your direction. Tell me you love me so I can walk out of this house tonight knowing that you just saved the fuckin’ world from my wrath!”
“I’ll love you forever, and that still wouldn’t be long enough time,”
“Cover him, lord. He isn’t perfect, but he was made for me. He is my protector, lover, my other half. I pray to you now just like I do every time he steps away from me. Allow this man to come home to me tonight and every night after. In your name, I pray. Amen.””
“I’ll have your back for the rest of our lives. Your fears are my fears. Your worries are my worries. I got you forever, and even then, that isn't enough time because you and I are infinite. If I died tomorrow, I’d fight every angel that came to get me. It’d take God himself coming to get me to even think about leaving you. Even then, it wouldn’t be enough because I’d beg him to let me stay by your side, even if it was just as your guardian angel. Then, when it was your time to die, I’d beg him to let you live longer because the world is better with you in it.”
About the book: I knew 17% into this book it was going to be a 5 star and I was not disappointed! This book took me on an emotional roller coaster and I love it! The story starts off giving the back story of Cross and Mecca love story and I knew it was going to be some drama because the relationship was too perfect and the had a strong foundation they both just sucked at communication like really really sucked at communication. A lot of things could’ve been avoided if the just talked! Yeah people would’ve been mad and relationships hiccups but as strong as they were it could’ve been fixed. The secret and miscommunication trope really dragged the story out some but Krude made it enjoyable with his entertainment. See I knew Mecca was crazy but Cross is CRAZY CRAZY the way she was slashing bodies left and right I see why her family calls her killed. And I knew from the start that friend was no good I could see the jealousy of Mecca and Cross relationship and Mecca come up even though he was bringing his friends and family along for the ride with him. Him and his family got everything they deserved jealousy is a nasty bug. And as funny as Krude was in this story I want to read his story now. I loved this family dynamic and how the alll blended together and was ready for war behind each other. See Cross and Mecca fall apart and then get back together like it was nithjng with a little drama and six years didn’t pass In between you could tell they are soulmates. Noowww what Mecca did was too much and he chickened out he didn’t get enough heat for me and he needed to gravel way more.
October 12, 2024
Baby, where do I start. You got 2 people so in love with each other you’d think nothing could tear them apart and then tragedy hits and everything goes down hill. Cross and Nine had a love like no other. If you’ve read any other Aubry J books, this one tops it in regard to the strength and deepness of love.
Cross was stuck. She loved her parents even after the things she had to endure and do at a young age. She has addicts for parents, a family that will drop everything to be there for her, and she has a man that truly loves her unconditionally. Insert Nine, he loves Cross more than he loved himself. But when the accident happens, he spirals out, makes a haste decision and changes the trajectory of him and Cross.
If nothing else these 2 loved each other and was tied to each other’s souls because of that love. This book will take you on a journey and will show you what happens when time changes nothing and the love you thought was gone was only dormant until you saw each other again.
There will be love, heartbreak, secrets, friendships, confessions, and love again. People will be unalived and you may or may not shed some tears. Just know this story will not disappoint and it will give you everything you didn’t know you needed. Heartstrings will be tugged and anger will boil. But if nothing else, the ride Cross & Nine takes us on is a phenomenal one.
Stamped,
The Urban Fiction Librarian
Cross was stuck. She loved her parents even after the things she had to endure and do at a young age. She has addicts for parents, a family that will drop everything to be there for her, and she has a man that truly loves her unconditionally. Insert Nine, he loves Cross more than he loved himself. But when the accident happens, he spirals out, makes a haste decision and changes the trajectory of him and Cross.
If nothing else these 2 loved each other and was tied to each other’s souls because of that love. This book will take you on a journey and will show you what happens when time changes nothing and the love you thought was gone was only dormant until you saw each other again.
There will be love, heartbreak, secrets, friendships, confessions, and love again. People will be unalived and you may or may not shed some tears. Just know this story will not disappoint and it will give you everything you didn’t know you needed. Heartstrings will be tugged and anger will boil. But if nothing else, the ride Cross & Nine takes us on is a phenomenal one.
Stamped,
The Urban Fiction Librarian
August 2, 2025
It’s Cross For Me
My love for Aubry J started with Trenches. A real deal femme hitter, that’s the way to my heart, so she’s buried in there deep!!! So you should already know that behind Cross DeCorte it was automatically 10/10 however I do have notes. 1)Mecca can kick rocks I’m not going to use the “h” word but I definitely loathe him 2) there were times where it felt like the dialogue was on a loop. 3) It’s always has been a pet peeve of mine when vital information is withheld and the character is being more or less dumb or childish with the reasons they haven’t divulged the information. For me that’s the only thing Cross did wrong. I personally would have liked it to go a different route but I get why it had to be that way to make the story go in the direction the author wanted it to. But it did drawn things out longer than I felt like it needed to. Overall though my fav can (theoretically) do no wrong and we still 5 star strong!
My love for Aubry J started with Trenches. A real deal femme hitter, that’s the way to my heart, so she’s buried in there deep!!! So you should already know that behind Cross DeCorte it was automatically 10/10 however I do have notes. 1)Mecca can kick rocks I’m not going to use the “h” word but I definitely loathe him 2) there were times where it felt like the dialogue was on a loop. 3) It’s always has been a pet peeve of mine when vital information is withheld and the character is being more or less dumb or childish with the reasons they haven’t divulged the information. For me that’s the only thing Cross did wrong. I personally would have liked it to go a different route but I get why it had to be that way to make the story go in the direction the author wanted it to. But it did drawn things out longer than I felt like it needed to. Overall though my fav can (theoretically) do no wrong and we still 5 star strong!
July 18, 2025
Whew
Oh this was deep. I loved the backstory and current story with Cross and Nine. Especially because they’re always in the background. I love that Krude and his comedic relief is here with his nicknames for everybody lmaoooo. Even calling Deuce “little ghetto ninja” and Judah “silver tooth gang member.”
Oh this was deep. I loved the backstory and current story with Cross and Nine. Especially because they’re always in the background. I love that Krude and his comedic relief is here with his nicknames for everybody lmaoooo. Even calling Deuce “little ghetto ninja” and Judah “silver tooth gang member.”
October 21, 2024
4.5 ✨ Aubry J. told us both main characters would piss us and she didn’t lie about that. This one definitely kept my attention but there were a few redundant/slow parts that I had to push thru but the overall story was great. I laughed and dropped my jaw OFTEN.
October 11, 2024
Yes! Yes!! Yesssss ma’am, this book was everything. I love this family like they are my own family.
October 30, 2024
💯🔥💓
Another banger even though it took forever it was well worth the wait can't wait to see what's next keep up the amazing work 💯💓
Another banger even though it took forever it was well worth the wait can't wait to see what's next keep up the amazing work 💯💓
November 22, 2024
Amazing
I love this book I cried, got upset, and laughed … this book is a must read… I love all the characters in this book
I love this book I cried, got upset, and laughed … this book is a must read… I love all the characters in this book
February 11, 2025
This book was really good. Cross and Nine stress me out. I will be reading more books by Aubrey J.
November 10, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
July 1, 2025
DNF
I’m at 81% and Mecca still doesn’t know about Deuce his secret son that Cross has been hiding from him and her family. Her whole purpose was to find Mecca and tell him about his kid. It’s like she said eff that kid. I got my man back now. If you look at the full picture. She’s trash. Throwing your son off to your friend for weeks while you having a full blown rekindled relationship with his dad. Yet your son he constantly tells you he misses you, he wants to meet his dad, and although you found his dad. You still take forever, like I’m at 81 percent and Mecca still doesn’t know. When I say I have no idea why she’s hiding him. It’s so much unnecessary events it’s ridiculous. Then this family suppose to be a crime family, and they have recruited other killers, but they can’t find one person wrecking havoc. Then I think Cross being a killer also threw it off for me. I don’t know what angle the author was going. I paused reading Mercy’s book because I realized this was first. But I’m not with reading unnecessarily long books that take too long to get to the point.
I’m at 81% and Mecca still doesn’t know about Deuce his secret son that Cross has been hiding from him and her family. Her whole purpose was to find Mecca and tell him about his kid. It’s like she said eff that kid. I got my man back now. If you look at the full picture. She’s trash. Throwing your son off to your friend for weeks while you having a full blown rekindled relationship with his dad. Yet your son he constantly tells you he misses you, he wants to meet his dad, and although you found his dad. You still take forever, like I’m at 81 percent and Mecca still doesn’t know. When I say I have no idea why she’s hiding him. It’s so much unnecessary events it’s ridiculous. Then this family suppose to be a crime family, and they have recruited other killers, but they can’t find one person wrecking havoc. Then I think Cross being a killer also threw it off for me. I don’t know what angle the author was going. I paused reading Mercy’s book because I realized this was first. But I’m not with reading unnecessarily long books that take too long to get to the point.
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