What do you think?
Rate this book
Star-Crossed
Star-crossed (adj.) - (of a person or plan) thwarted by bad luck
Casey,
We met by chance. I came to Kenton to meet the mother I’d been told was dead. She promised to protect me from my father and fiancé, and that night, I met the family she’d built when she escaped the life we’d both had been born into. I met Turk, Peanut, Shad, and you.
I knew who you were the second I met you. I’d been around men like you all my life. A Killer. Only, where the men in The Collective have TC etched on their skin, you and your friends have a blue rose.
But, I had it all wrong. That blue rose is more than a symbol of death and notoriety. It’s strength. It’s pain. It’s perseverance. It’s love. It’s family.
You all became my family, and you especially became my home. My salvation. My person. We carved something beautiful out of our past trauma, not knowing our past would collide with our present in the worst way, obliterating any chance for a future.
So much has happened. So many secrets exposed. Our entire lives have changed because of one decision. We fell in love, when we were always meant to hate each other. The things that have taken place, we can’t come back from. So, where do we go from here? When I find the answer, I’ll let you know.
Yours always,
Sabrina
Casey,
We met by chance. I came to Kenton to meet the mother I’d been told was dead. She promised to protect me from my father and fiancé, and that night, I met the family she’d built when she escaped the life we’d both had been born into. I met Turk, Peanut, Shad, and you.
I knew who you were the second I met you. I’d been around men like you all my life. A Killer. Only, where the men in The Collective have TC etched on their skin, you and your friends have a blue rose.
But, I had it all wrong. That blue rose is more than a symbol of death and notoriety. It’s strength. It’s pain. It’s perseverance. It’s love. It’s family.
You all became my family, and you especially became my home. My salvation. My person. We carved something beautiful out of our past trauma, not knowing our past would collide with our present in the worst way, obliterating any chance for a future.
So much has happened. So many secrets exposed. Our entire lives have changed because of one decision. We fell in love, when we were always meant to hate each other. The things that have taken place, we can’t come back from. So, where do we go from here? When I find the answer, I’ll let you know.
Yours always,
Sabrina
187 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2025
160 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Jessica A.
11 books23 followersJessica is an LA girl that has been writing fiction and poetry since middle school. She holds a BA in English from Xavier University in Louisiana, and an MFA in Fiction from San Diego State University. She's a dog mommy to the infamous Dijon Mustard, and in addition to writing all the stories that play out in her head, she enjoys yapping on facetime with her homegirls and long walks on the beach.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 29, 2026
3.75⭐️ Good start for the author’s debut novel. It’s a lot of characters introduced and keep up with. Set, Sabrina, Shad, Turk, Autumn, Nut & Tati + the side characters lol
The sneak peak at the end has me questioning Sabrina because how did we get there?!?!?! I got questions lol
“You played with me like you forgot who the fuck I am. It’ll be fun reminding you.” 👀 - Casey “Set”
The sneak peak at the end has me questioning Sabrina because how did we get there?!?!?! I got questions lol
“You played with me like you forgot who the fuck I am. It’ll be fun reminding you.” 👀 - Casey “Set”
October 26, 2025
OMG, this book was excellent. I fell in love with Casey, Sabrina, and the crew. This book is truly the definition of pew-pew love. I would recommend this book and find out that this is the author's 1st published book!! Ms Jessica came out swinging! If you can't tell 5 stars!! On to book 2.
April 3, 2025
What a Hit out of the park
I want to say this is a very loose retelling of Romeo and Juliet, but that's a bit of a disservice to this story. Sabrina and C meet each other in the midst of their parents' poor life choices, unbeknownst to them. Sabrina is getting to know her mother or trying to, and C is trying to be a get money man. Relationships are at the top of either of their lists, but the two of them have a magnetic pull to one another. The hardest part of reading about star-crossed lovers is to understand what a star-crossed trope means and that separation is hard on us all. This was a beautifully written story, and I can't wait to read more from her.
I want to say this is a very loose retelling of Romeo and Juliet, but that's a bit of a disservice to this story. Sabrina and C meet each other in the midst of their parents' poor life choices, unbeknownst to them. Sabrina is getting to know her mother or trying to, and C is trying to be a get money man. Relationships are at the top of either of their lists, but the two of them have a magnetic pull to one another. The hardest part of reading about star-crossed lovers is to understand what a star-crossed trope means and that separation is hard on us all. This was a beautifully written story, and I can't wait to read more from her.
October 20, 2025
This being my introduction into the writing of Jessica A. Was unimaginable. First I wanna say her character development is pure genius. The way she makes you feel so connected to even the worst of the characters is shocking. Even though they are villains you can feel their pain and trauma and you want to help them too or at least know more about them.
You can feel how she poured her all into building a story with substance, dimension, emotion, power & growth. As an avid reader I can always fine a book bae, but the way she got so many amazing characters I can’t choose just one. Hell even the women got me adding them to my roster 😂😜. I can say I truly loved everything about this book. I never wanted to put it down and literally no bullshit even in my sleep I just wanted to wake up and get back to it. It’s rare for me to find a book that consumes my waking thoughts but baby Jessica A. Is doing it with this series. Okay now to the good stuff lol..
Casey (Set): is my man lol. Idc how u feel about it but it’s taken 😝😆!!! This crazy sweet man has dealt with so much in his life but still somehow finds room in his heart to give his all to everyone around him. Constantly protecting and providing and being there for everyone, even when his shit is falling apart. He’s the perfect lover, homie & friend.
Rashad (Shad/Shotta): this my bestie for the restie!!! I cannot wait to get more of his story because he’s so precious I love him. He’s is truly the sweetest out the group and the easiest to talk to. The problem is though he’s there for everyone but who’s truly there for him?
Royce (Turk): Our comedian & lover boy. This class clown 😝 gone keep you laughing but he gone have your back 10 toes down!!! He’s an interesting nut to crack and I know he’s gone give me a time with his backstory lol.
Last but not least: Patrick (Nutty): This is the safest you will ever be. He’s hard shelled but he loves harder . This is your truest protector and he will forever be real with you. He hole piss you off and probably put u in a chokehold lol but he will never not be your protector.
Okay I’ve said enough. Lol I told you who all gone be there now you just gotta come to the party for the rest I promise you will not be disappointed. My girl did her big one with this series!!
You can feel how she poured her all into building a story with substance, dimension, emotion, power & growth. As an avid reader I can always fine a book bae, but the way she got so many amazing characters I can’t choose just one. Hell even the women got me adding them to my roster 😂😜. I can say I truly loved everything about this book. I never wanted to put it down and literally no bullshit even in my sleep I just wanted to wake up and get back to it. It’s rare for me to find a book that consumes my waking thoughts but baby Jessica A. Is doing it with this series. Okay now to the good stuff lol..
Casey (Set): is my man lol. Idc how u feel about it but it’s taken 😝😆!!! This crazy sweet man has dealt with so much in his life but still somehow finds room in his heart to give his all to everyone around him. Constantly protecting and providing and being there for everyone, even when his shit is falling apart. He’s the perfect lover, homie & friend.
Rashad (Shad/Shotta): this my bestie for the restie!!! I cannot wait to get more of his story because he’s so precious I love him. He’s is truly the sweetest out the group and the easiest to talk to. The problem is though he’s there for everyone but who’s truly there for him?
Royce (Turk): Our comedian & lover boy. This class clown 😝 gone keep you laughing but he gone have your back 10 toes down!!! He’s an interesting nut to crack and I know he’s gone give me a time with his backstory lol.
Last but not least: Patrick (Nutty): This is the safest you will ever be. He’s hard shelled but he loves harder . This is your truest protector and he will forever be real with you. He hole piss you off and probably put u in a chokehold lol but he will never not be your protector.
Okay I’ve said enough. Lol I told you who all gone be there now you just gotta come to the party for the rest I promise you will not be disappointed. My girl did her big one with this series!!
December 2, 2025
This author’s pen game is on a whole different level. Solid 10/10. The storytelling, the engagement, the character development, the plot twists, everything flows effortlessly. Exceptional writing. On to the next in the series!
January 30, 2026
This was a really good prequel. I loved how she tied the prologue into the ending; it came full circle. It started off fast for me, but once I remembered who was who, I completely devoured it. Highly recommend!
January 15, 2025
Omg!!!!
First, I shouldn’t have read that sneak peek because I’m ready to snatch that rose off her chest! Whew, people just vindictive, and honestly, they always get what’s coming to them. I’m definitely a blue rose for life lol. The four warriors and getting to know them and their women was everything. How they band together against all obstacles. I’m nervous for Shad and Set though. I need the next book ASAP!! Definitely gained a new reader for life!
First, I shouldn’t have read that sneak peek because I’m ready to snatch that rose off her chest! Whew, people just vindictive, and honestly, they always get what’s coming to them. I’m definitely a blue rose for life lol. The four warriors and getting to know them and their women was everything. How they band together against all obstacles. I’m nervous for Shad and Set though. I need the next book ASAP!! Definitely gained a new reader for life!
May 8, 2025
Jessica! (Roger Rabbit voice)
Aint no body told me nothing!!! I didn’t know she had it like this. This book was so fire! Ima sucker for brotherhood.
Tiny…..you lollipop guild, inch high private eye, two bit, bevo laddy got more head than she got body, vertically challenged, miniature skank. What a trash bag.
Casey, Patrick, Rahshad, and Royce. Better know as the leaders of Foe Dub have lived more life than men twice their age. Groomed, used, abused and then spit out by the streets all before they turned 18. This book follows them as they play the awful hand they’ve been dealt.
Kinships forged thru trauma bonds, loyalty, and blood. New relationships form while others are tested by lies and unveiled secrets.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Aint no body told me nothing!!! I didn’t know she had it like this. This book was so fire! Ima sucker for brotherhood.
Tiny…..you lollipop guild, inch high private eye, two bit, bevo laddy got more head than she got body, vertically challenged, miniature skank. What a trash bag.
Casey, Patrick, Rahshad, and Royce. Better know as the leaders of Foe Dub have lived more life than men twice their age. Groomed, used, abused and then spit out by the streets all before they turned 18. This book follows them as they play the awful hand they’ve been dealt.
Kinships forged thru trauma bonds, loyalty, and blood. New relationships form while others are tested by lies and unveiled secrets.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 15, 2026
Foe Dub
I really enjoyed this read! I think this was a really good foundation to start this series. I am happy that karma caught up with a few ppl! I really enjoyed how accepting the group was to Brina and the bond she built with this group of friends/ family. I also really enjoyed the journey that her and Set had and how they were okay to allow the other space so they can get through the things they needed to. I love that there wasn’t a cliff hanger but I also am curious as to what’s getting ready to happen now lol! Looking forward to Book 2!
I really enjoyed this read! I think this was a really good foundation to start this series. I am happy that karma caught up with a few ppl! I really enjoyed how accepting the group was to Brina and the bond she built with this group of friends/ family. I also really enjoyed the journey that her and Set had and how they were okay to allow the other space so they can get through the things they needed to. I love that there wasn’t a cliff hanger but I also am curious as to what’s getting ready to happen now lol! Looking forward to Book 2!
March 6, 2026
This was a great authors debut. I really enjoyed this book and didn't want to put it down. Set was that guy. I loved his demeanor. While I found Brina enjoyable, she pissed me off because she kept running and blaming herself. I wanted to smack her a time or two so she could sit down. There were a lot of ugly truths that came out in the end. Sometimes, it's best not to go looking for things. I really did enjoy the chemistry between Set and Brina, so that sneak peek at the end threw me for a loop. I will be continuing the series.
January 28, 2026
🥹
This was a breath of fresh air. I really liked the family bonds and the way it was truly family over everything- even if the ops were blood related. Sabrina and Set’s chemistry was everything but I didn’t like how Sabrina kept running - like girl, you are not responsible for your mother’s behavior 🤔ugh. I will be continuing the series.
This was a breath of fresh air. I really liked the family bonds and the way it was truly family over everything- even if the ops were blood related. Sabrina and Set’s chemistry was everything but I didn’t like how Sabrina kept running - like girl, you are not responsible for your mother’s behavior 🤔ugh. I will be continuing the series.
September 4, 2025
gang gang
I live for a good messy gang story. The author delivert that and then some. Can’t wait to see what she does next
I live for a good messy gang story. The author delivert that and then some. Can’t wait to see what she does next
May 17, 2025
I enjoyed this story! I can’t believe it’s the author’s first novel. Set really left a mark on my heart.
The trauma they all have is heartbreaking but the love they show each other is unmatched.
Brina, girl. Idk how to feel after reading the sneak peak at the end.
I highlighted so much trying to put the pieces of this story together. A part of me wants to continue this series but I’m only invested in Set so idk.
The trauma they all have is heartbreaking but the love they show each other is unmatched.
Brina, girl. Idk how to feel after reading the sneak peak at the end.
I highlighted so much trying to put the pieces of this story together. A part of me wants to continue this series but I’m only invested in Set so idk.
September 1, 2025
Allow me to welcome you to South Kenton
Star Crossed by @jessssieeee is book one on the South Kenton series. And let’s just say I was ready to pack my bags and head south on I-5 and relocate to South Kenton
Star Crossed is for my project babies, my round the way girls, the girls with the layered gold chains and acrylic nails. For the girls who fell for the bad boy. But most of all the girls who went out and found a family of their own.
Casey is the leader of the notorious FoeDub gang and Sabrina is a run away bride with Mafia ties looking for a safe space. However, Sabrina soon realizes she ran straight into the arms of a devil thats worse then the one she escaped. . Family secrets, betrayal, and a whole lot of gang shit takes us on a journey of healing, love and finding yourself while dodging a few bullets.
Casey doesn’t play when it comes to Sabrina and will burn the whole city down when it comes to protecting her. Even if that means going against the ones that’s had his back from day one.
FoeDub is more than a gang. They are a family and will go to war to protect theirs. So just make sure you standing on the right side when shit pops off.
Yes this is part one of a series and needs to be reread before reading anything else in this series. 💚
Star Crossed by @jessssieeee is book one on the South Kenton series. And let’s just say I was ready to pack my bags and head south on I-5 and relocate to South Kenton
Star Crossed is for my project babies, my round the way girls, the girls with the layered gold chains and acrylic nails. For the girls who fell for the bad boy. But most of all the girls who went out and found a family of their own.
Casey is the leader of the notorious FoeDub gang and Sabrina is a run away bride with Mafia ties looking for a safe space. However, Sabrina soon realizes she ran straight into the arms of a devil thats worse then the one she escaped. . Family secrets, betrayal, and a whole lot of gang shit takes us on a journey of healing, love and finding yourself while dodging a few bullets.
Casey doesn’t play when it comes to Sabrina and will burn the whole city down when it comes to protecting her. Even if that means going against the ones that’s had his back from day one.
FoeDub is more than a gang. They are a family and will go to war to protect theirs. So just make sure you standing on the right side when shit pops off.
Yes this is part one of a series and needs to be reread before reading anything else in this series. 💚
March 12, 2025
so good!
The layers! This book was so good. So many books in this genre lack character depth or engaging plots….but this isnt one of them. There were so many dots to connect, new details revealed. You definitely have to have patience as it comes together. I was a little confused at points trying to piece it together and understand the different connections. So I had to flip back and forth at times but it made it engaging rather than frustrating. And i just loved the little cast of characters. They are each a little crazy but the love and loyalty is evident. They are young but have been through a lot. And still handle business when they need to. Im so glad the second book is out!
One thing I will note - I kept trying to figure out where this book takes place. London is mentioned at the beginning and it seemed like sabrina didnt travel far so i thought it might be somewhere in Europe. And they would mention other existing countries but where they live seems to be a made up place. the dialogue gives US but if so I was wondering its east coast or west coast, south. Just something I kept thinking about.
I discovered this book/author from an IG ad and I am so glad I did.
The layers! This book was so good. So many books in this genre lack character depth or engaging plots….but this isnt one of them. There were so many dots to connect, new details revealed. You definitely have to have patience as it comes together. I was a little confused at points trying to piece it together and understand the different connections. So I had to flip back and forth at times but it made it engaging rather than frustrating. And i just loved the little cast of characters. They are each a little crazy but the love and loyalty is evident. They are young but have been through a lot. And still handle business when they need to. Im so glad the second book is out!
One thing I will note - I kept trying to figure out where this book takes place. London is mentioned at the beginning and it seemed like sabrina didnt travel far so i thought it might be somewhere in Europe. And they would mention other existing countries but where they live seems to be a made up place. the dialogue gives US but if so I was wondering its east coast or west coast, south. Just something I kept thinking about.
I discovered this book/author from an IG ad and I am so glad I did.
March 25, 2025
This book was like an onion… so many layers to pull back.
Brina, our FMC was going through a LOT. And ends up on the doorstep of the mother who “died” 15 years ago and meets men who would become the love of her life and found family.
This book was action packed and filled with drama for sure.
Set, our MMC. Whew 🤭 just read it yall. It’s captivating for sure.
Brina, our FMC was going through a LOT. And ends up on the doorstep of the mother who “died” 15 years ago and meets men who would become the love of her life and found family.
This book was action packed and filled with drama for sure.
Set, our MMC. Whew 🤭 just read it yall. It’s captivating for sure.
March 18, 2025
5/5
Writing style is a 10/10 especially the transition between scenes, Story line 10/10 perfect climax, emotional connection and more!! I will be moving on to book 2 now.
Writing style is a 10/10 especially the transition between scenes, Story line 10/10 perfect climax, emotional connection and more!! I will be moving on to book 2 now.
March 16, 2025
Mr. set it off!
For this to be the author first book it was really good! I enjoyed the story and the details she put into the book.
For this to be the author first book it was really good! I enjoyed the story and the details she put into the book.
March 6, 2025
Set
Omg this book was sooo good. I definitely had an unforseen plot twist , let me go to book 2
Omg this book was sooo good. I definitely had an unforseen plot twist , let me go to book 2
February 8, 2025
STAR Crossed
I'm a first-time reader for Ms. Jessica A and I am definitely in love with her writing style. The book was intense and a real page turner. I was never sure what was going to happen next. I am feeling a way about Casey and Brina, though, for real.
I'm a first-time reader for Ms. Jessica A and I am definitely in love with her writing style. The book was intense and a real page turner. I was never sure what was going to happen next. I am feeling a way about Casey and Brina, though, for real.
January 25, 2025
Drought over
I was in a big book drought, starting and stopping books. Nothing could hold my attention until this one. Good book for a first time published author. Looking forward to the next one.
I was in a big book drought, starting and stopping books. Nothing could hold my attention until this one. Good book for a first time published author. Looking forward to the next one.
January 6, 2025
loved this
Loved the storyline and the character development. It ends on somewhat of cliff hanger but it was a great read. Can’t wait for the next book.
Loved the storyline and the character development. It ends on somewhat of cliff hanger but it was a great read. Can’t wait for the next book.
July 31, 2025
🔥
Loved it!!!!!! Wonderful book for a first time. Can’t wait for more novels from this author i definitely will be reading them.
Loved it!!!!!! Wonderful book for a first time. Can’t wait for more novels from this author i definitely will be reading them.
March 31, 2025
Read the book!
Come through foreshadowing within the first few pages!! Very good and it’s bringing urban fiction back to soul stirring while also staying true to the grittiness of our stories. I’m not a fan of multiple character stories and I love that she introduces characters and their backgrounds but stays focused on the main characters, Set and Brina. She’s crafty because you’re going to be invested in the supporting characters, so she sets up the series nicely.
She took a chance with the epilogue. I’m honestly interested to see if she can top this book with the next one in the series because to be honest it’s going to be challenging based on the epilogue and the synopsis she has for the next book.
If you love a MMC with BDE and a FMC that can hold her own, you’ll enjoy this book. Great job Jessica!
Come through foreshadowing within the first few pages!! Very good and it’s bringing urban fiction back to soul stirring while also staying true to the grittiness of our stories. I’m not a fan of multiple character stories and I love that she introduces characters and their backgrounds but stays focused on the main characters, Set and Brina. She’s crafty because you’re going to be invested in the supporting characters, so she sets up the series nicely.
She took a chance with the epilogue. I’m honestly interested to see if she can top this book with the next one in the series because to be honest it’s going to be challenging based on the epilogue and the synopsis she has for the next book.
If you love a MMC with BDE and a FMC that can hold her own, you’ll enjoy this book. Great job Jessica!
June 9, 2025
Wow, I wasn't expecting all of that. I'm speechless. This was my first time reading anything from Jessica and apart from some editing issues. I thoroughly enjoyed this. I liked all the characters, especially Cassey aka Set🥵😍The steamy bedroom scenes were intense. It was almost like he was hypnotising Sabrina 🥵🌶️... Such deeply layered characters. And Sabrina is so flighty. But in her defence, she went through a lot in a short period of time. And Tiny was a piece of work. It's funny how the script was flipped. I thought Tre was the villain the whole time... I'm excited to read the next book in the series. Oh and, I enjoyed the friendship group that felt more like a family than a gang.
October 27, 2025
4.25 ⭐️s - As this authors first novel, I thought she did a great job. I was hooked from the beginning. I love a found family trope & Casey is one of my fav type of MMCs - he don’t play any games when it comes to the ones he love 🥰 I also liked Sabrina, but she got some explaining to do so I’m definitely side eyeing her into the next book 🤨 I had to reread certain parts because I was confused but the story was interesting enough and kept me flipping pages in the middle of the night
November 19, 2025
This book had me laughing, crying, rubbing my feet together and screaming at my phone.”
⭐ 5/5
The foreshadowing alone??? NOBODY could’ve prepared me. I had to reread the moment three times before my brain finally put it together 😭😭
Miss A delivered:
✨ instant love but forever love
✨ hella secrets mixed with chaos
✨ a family you'll fall in love with instantly (pick wisely)
If this is book one of the series?? Oh Yeah, it's Foe Dub Fo' Life
⭐ 5/5
The foreshadowing alone??? NOBODY could’ve prepared me. I had to reread the moment three times before my brain finally put it together 😭😭
Miss A delivered:
✨ instant love but forever love
✨ hella secrets mixed with chaos
✨ a family you'll fall in love with instantly (pick wisely)
If this is book one of the series?? Oh Yeah, it's Foe Dub Fo' Life
November 30, 2025
Definitely enjoyed!!!
Jessica A. is a new to me author that I discovered during BRAE & is turning out to be an auto read.
My only gripe is that it was difficult for me to keep track of who’s who and who did what and who’s who’s parent lol That could just be me being slow but I could’ve definitely used a family tree! lol
Jessica A. is a new to me author that I discovered during BRAE & is turning out to be an auto read.
My only gripe is that it was difficult for me to keep track of who’s who and who did what and who’s who’s parent lol That could just be me being slow but I could’ve definitely used a family tree! lol
January 5, 2026
Loving the series!
So much happened in this novel, Sabrina running from her dad not realizing the mother she's craving, missing, is nothing but another sad disappointment! Meeting Set and the crew gave her what she was missing but in the end she runs once again taking his heart with her! Can't wait to dive in to the next one!
So much happened in this novel, Sabrina running from her dad not realizing the mother she's craving, missing, is nothing but another sad disappointment! Meeting Set and the crew gave her what she was missing but in the end she runs once again taking his heart with her! Can't wait to dive in to the next one!
February 17, 2026
WOW
This is a new to me author and what an enjoyable ride this was. There are so many moving parts but it was not challenging to keep up with. I enjoyed the brothers/cousins group. These men are A LOT, but in the best way! I just love Sabrina and Casey “Set”! Sabrina’s mom was beyond ruthless and conniving.
This is a new to me author and what an enjoyable ride this was. There are so many moving parts but it was not challenging to keep up with. I enjoyed the brothers/cousins group. These men are A LOT, but in the best way! I just love Sabrina and Casey “Set”! Sabrina’s mom was beyond ruthless and conniving.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews