Maximus Burton is home after four years of sitting in the state penitentiary for a crime he didn’t commit. While time passed him by, he devised a plan to get his money up and to finally stand in his light. Waynesville might be crawling with affluent citizens, but Trae Way is one hundred blocks of crime, murder, and deceit. Where family is foes and foes want your life.
Eden Sage is trying to get out and stay out of Trae Way by any means necessary. She’s attempting to leave her past of stripping and hustling men behind her and look forward to the future. That’s when scandal breaks loose and the fall from the most sought after to ignored is rapid. Refusing to go backward, she has to step out on faith and bet on herself.
Now back in the belly of the beast, Maximus and Eden are determined to swim against the current and make it. What they weren’t expecting was to crash into each other, unable to break what destiny saw fit to bind. Will Eden’s distrust have her running away from something she’s prayed for? Will Maximus deprive himself of peace to chase a dream that seems so far away? They say there’s no love in the city, but can they create it and be a beacon of hope?
Find out in Are You Going to Love Me? A Waynesville Novel.
I'll confess, Aubree, you did your thing with this book. This was a great novel that felt COMPLETED. We follow Eden and Maximus' love journey as they navigate love, betrayal, self-love, redemption, and forgiveness. Max pursues his dreams of becoming a rapper, while Eden rebrands herself in the entertainment industry.
MB's passion for Eden ugh a MAN. They ensured that they fed each other mentally, spiritually, and physically. They spoke LIFE into one another. The reassurance and support they offered each other was beautiful. I loved how natural their love felt, and MB wasn’t coming out of Eden’s skin, so she either got with the program or got with the program. MB did not play about Eden; he was going to protect his "sanctuary" no matter what.
The side characters carried out their part to help the main characters in the greatest way possible. The losers all got what they deserved, and I admire how the villains' actions did not overshadow the novel or the couples' relationship development. I appreciate how MB and Eden were able to recover from the trauma inflicted by their mothers. A real power couple.
Eden and Maximus were a vibe. They definitely had that Bonnie and Clyde type of love without the crazy. 🎶All I need in this life of sin is me and my girlfriend🎶 While doing a four year bid, Max’s cellmate shows him a video of Eden vibin’ to his single and puttin’ her followers onto his music. And, just like that, his single blows up and life as he knows it changes before he’s even released from prison.
Eden was on top of the world livin’ her best life until she wasn’t. In the blink of an eye, she lost her career and became a pariah in the industry because of a handsy NBA player and a frenemy disguised as her best friend. Now she has to figure out how to put her life back together. When these two meet, it was kismet. The chemistry was evident from the first hello. I loved the slow burn of their relationship. I loved their uplifting conversations. I loved how they encouraged each other. I loved how they rode for each other. I loved how they protected one another. I loved Max’s vulnerability. I loved how Eden encouraged him to be vulnerable. I loved their cheeky back and forth banter. I loved them flirting with each other. I loved when they made each other blush. I just loved me some Eden and Maximus and you will too. Heard me?!!! 😊
Whenever I need a jailbreak from a reading rut, Aubree shows up with the key and this might be my favorite escape of the month. The plot is tight, the chemistry sizzles, and the found-family vibes are chef’s-kiss delightful. You can feel the author’s extra effort on every page, and yes, it’s worth every blink
Minor grumbles:
1. Eden’s street-sense malfunction. Raised by a queen-pin yet barges into danger like a Disney side-kick? Sis, survival instincts please! 2. Loop-de-loop self-doubt.I get the trauma cycle, but watching Eden clock the red flags and still sprint past them got old fast. 3. UVE blow-up logic gap. She works in entertainment but never hears a peep about Anzels shady empire? Close that hole for me. 4. Legal cavalry inconsistency. The same heavy-hitters who flatten villains for MB can’t break Eden’s NDA? C’mon share the legal hotline!
Still, those nitpicks barely dent the fun. Romance? On fire. Found family? All the feels. And the villains? Served their just desserts. If you’re stuck in a slump, let Aubree set you free just be ready to side-eye a plot hole or two on the way out.
"Are You Going to Love Me" is a story about perseverance and breaking the cycle of generational trauma. Maximus and Eden share a unique bond; they are both strong yet gentle with one another. I truly appreciated how they became a safe haven for each other, creating a sense of wholeness. Their ability to be vulnerable together is incredibly beautiful. Even the challenges posed by their families are not enough to tear them apart, which I found admirable. I loved how they chose each other and prioritized their love above all else. This book has officially earned a spot among my top five favorites. Aubree, you did your big one!
Are you going to love me, this story, whew! The author had me in a chokehold with this story. Now, I don't know a thing about urban life, gangsters, or anything related to that lifestyle. Yet, I could see and feel the change in both characters as the author took us through the paces. Taking a charge is one thing, but this was different. The MMC had every right to be successful. Even when it appeared the cards were stacked against him. The MFC also had the right to be happy and at peace with her life. Even though her parent were a pos... I cannot tell you the number of times I wanted to give the parents a pass, and they disappointed me repeatedly by being self-motivated. The author did her job by telling her story, her way. I recommend this story. 4.5 stars.
This was a very bittersweet story. This couple had to overcome so much to get to their HEA. They both deserved everything good and I loved that they had their tribe of people that stood for and with them. It made the snakes in their garden more palatable. I really have a soft spot for both main characters. They were just good people. I hope we hear from them again.
Eden and Maximus got that ride-or-die vibe that hits different 🔥❤️🔥. Their love is messy, deep, and full of growth — raw and authentic 💯. Watching them work through their past and build something solid had me hooked from start to finish 📖✨.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a heck of a roller coaster ride!
Poor Gangster Rapper, Max, and his Lady, Eden went to hell and back in this book. First, they had to fight their way through their dangerous neighborhood, filled with brutal violence, drugs, prostitution, and betrayal on every hand.
Both Max and Eden had disgusting, low life, family members that they should have run far, far away from! False friends stabbing you in the back is one thing. But your parents and siblings! OH HELL NO !!!!!
Max and Eden were awesome together. And it was fascinating watching them fight their way through the madness!
Aubree knows how to put us on our heads. This book was good from beginning to end. The character development in both main characters was amazing. Going from being set up by your blood to having your blood put you on a pole to pay a debt, I was tuned in. It takes a special skill to lock you in like you actually know the characters in the book and their life story. Well done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I love a good comeback story, and Maximus and Eden story is just that. Max is fresh out of prison after being betrayed, and Eden is burned by someone she considers a friend. They get a second chance together, and watching them boss up and overcome the obstacles thrown in their way truly had me kicking my feet. Aubree Pynn is a master at writing familial trauma and character development that has you rooting for the main characters and cussing everyone else out.
This might be my favorite read of the year so far—and I mean that with my whole chest. Aubree Pynn snapped with this one! Are You Gonna Love Me? was everything I want in a love story: real, raw, emotionally fulfilling, and straight-up unforgettable.
We’re dropped into Trae Way City, where we meet Maximus “MB” Burton and Eden Sage—two souls who are tired, scarred, and just trying to survive without losing themselves in the process. Both of them are surrounded by betrayal, family drama, and situations that feel inescapable. But when their paths cross? It’s like the universe said “Here. Finally. Someone who sees you.”
And listen… I LOVED watching Max and Eden pour into each other. This was a story about being chosen—about finding someone who sees your broken pieces and doesn’t try to fix you, but instead sits beside you, holds your hand, and says “You’re safe now.” Their love was patient, protective, consistent, and loud without needing to shout. It wasn’t about saving each other—it was about showing up. And that’s what made it hit so hard.
MB told Eden he had her, and he meant it. There was no struggle love here. He loved her soft and solid, right from the start. They’d both been through so much, so to finally receive that same energy back? Whew. Healing.
A few of my favorite moments: • Max surprising Eden at that photo shoot 🥹 — STAND-UP MAN ENERGY!! • Staysha & Keon 👀👀 — oh I need more of them!! They were adorable. • Eden and Glennette’s relationship — give me all the healthy mother-daughter bonds, please. • And let’s not forget MB on demon time 😈 when it came to anybody stepping to Eden. He said “play with something safe,” and he meant that.
And yes… THE SPICE?? Whewwww. Let me say this: there’s something extra satisfying about steamy scenes when the relationship has already been nurtured and the love is real. Max and Eden’s chemistry was already simmering, so when it finally hit full boil? Yeah… they cooked. 🔥
Aubree did her BIG ONE with this book. Not one loose end. Every storyline got closure. The character development? Flawless. The pacing? On point. The plot twists? Delivered. There’s nothing I’d change.
5 stars. Zero skips. All the feels. And a book bae I will NOT be forgetting anytime soon.
Book: Are You Going To Love Me? Author: Aubree Pynn Genre: Romance Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵
This book had a lot of moving parts but honestly none of it is worth mentioning because the thing that made this book everything was the love 💕!!!
Maximus was dealt a shitty hand in life. The shots kept coming from left and right and the worst being from his older brother, his protector. After serving time for a crime he did not commit Max has to pick up the pieces of his life and make it all count for something.
Eden, from the same tragic place as Max, has also suffered at the hands of others. In more ways than she even knows. Eden is given an opportunity to take her sister and find their way out of the hell they were born into…
This is a story of turning trauma in triumph and not letting anything stand in the way. Love being a force that is stronger than pain and how some lights, even the devil can’t even dim.
Okay, this is not the kind of book that is meant to make you cry but the way their love flowed off the pages, kept me with watery eyes. Eden was a prayer who despite everyone trying to dim her light, kept her head down and kept pushing no matter how much the world pushed back. She kept everyone around her covered in prayers and refused to al her man, friends or sister to doubt themselves. She was positive and uplifting and always had a positive affirmation to give her man…. She was a light that refused to be diminished and she truly deserves all the love and all the accolades she was given.
Maximus was only ever looking for love, family and companionship and he found it in the best place, in Eden. I love how he pulled himself from the depths of hell and refused to give up. Even with all the doubt he felt, he kept going and was determined to not only help himself but wanted to build up the community he came from and the younger generation there to show them a better path then the one he chose and was forced into.
The found family aspect In this book was chefs kiss and made me cry because for both Eden and Maximus to find a group of people wanting, willing and able to come in, see their vision and back the while adding them to their family/ friend group was everything . It was well deserved and I love the entire circle!!!
Listen I could go on and on about this book, but I’ll stop here with this: you will be doing your heart a disservice if you don’t go read this book!!!
Heard you! Loved this couple. Even with all the people actively preying on their downfall, they stayed grounded, present, and spoke life into one another.
Aubree Pynn absolutely ate with this one. Are You Going to Love Me? is more than a gritty romance—it’s a powerful story of redemption, second chances, and healing from the very people who were supposed to love you first. Maximus Burton and Eden Sage are two deeply broken souls, trying to break generational curses and the cycles of pain that shaped them. And when they crash into each other? Whew. Destiny knew exactly what it was doing.
Maximus, fresh out of the pen for a crime he didn’t commit, is focused, grounded, and walking in his truth. He’s not here for games, and what made him so lovable was how intentional he was with Eden. He saw her pain, her past, and her dreams—and chose her still. No pressure, no rushing—just a man loving a woman out loud, the right way. That kind of patience and understanding? Rare.
Eden Sage is a force. Despite being knocked off her pedestal and dragged through betrayal, she refuses to fold. Her journey from stripping and survival to stepping into her own power was raw and beautifully written. And when Maximus entered her life, he didn’t "save" her—he stood beside her while she saved herself. That dynamic was powerful.
Their relationship wasn’t just about romance—it was about rebuilding. They fed each other spiritually, emotionally, and mentally, not just physically. They spoke life into one another, and that foundation made their love feel authentic and earned. And Max’s unwavering loyalty? Protecting Eden like the sanctuary she was to him? 10/10, no notes.
The villains in this book… whew. Let’s talk about Mama, the sister, the ex best friend and that bitter, hateful brother. I was ready to throw hands! But the satisfaction of watching each one get exactly what they deserved? Chef’s kiss. Aubree didn’t let their nonsense overshadow the story—she used their chaos to elevate Eden and Maximus’s growth.
And can we give it up for the supporting cast? Keon? A real one. Quiet strength, always moving smart, and holding Max down like a true brother should. Brody? Had me laughing, and I need him to find love ASAP. Staysha? Another standout. The whole crew was solid and added to the story rather than taking away from it.
This book felt complete. There was no rush, no loose ends, no forced drama. Just a well-paced, emotionally satisfying ride from brokenness to wholeness. Max and Eden chose each other again and again, and that’s what made this story unforgettable.
If you love a hood love story with depth, heat, betrayal, and heart—Are You Going to Love Me? is it. Maximus and Eden are the blueprint for what it means to grow in love while healing from pain. This is a certified power couple tale, and Aubree Pynn? She did what needed to be done.
Aubreeeeee you did your big one girl oh my god 🙌. This was so excellent and I’m proud of your hard work these last six months down the rabbit hole and trials has paid off. The work shows through and through it was such a phenomenal read. I had so many emotions reading this and you had me cheesing so bad throughout the book. At this point Aubree you better be a rapper and poet because your way with words from either the life lessons and prayers from Eden or the words spitting from Max. In this story we get the couple Eden Sage and Maximus who have been dealt with such hard times and had to get it out the mud through the constant battles of getting attacked spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally. Both pursuing their dreams a rapper artist and an entertainment in film while navigating what was meant for them after continuous doubt and naysayers. I loved this couple so bad the way they were in each others skin the chemistry was offff the charts lawwwwd !!! I’m just sitting here reeling after come off that high of this book makes me wanna go back and read again. I DID NOT want this story to end. The supporting characters chefs kiss as well as seeing some drop in’s from the other legendary people of Aubree’s other books. This book showed the elements of society in my opinion especially the truth of the nitty gritty in the black community and the toxicity of the hood and its environment as well as the family trauma and betrayal. Max and Eden created their own family and healed the generational trauma by writing their own story of happiness; making smart and intentional moves that sets them up for a life time of greatness.
I’m most of all glad the people who did them wrong were dealt with Eden and max got their lick back !
There is so much I can say but I would be here for hours what I will leave with is read this dang book and enjoy the ride full throttle 👏👏
This book really brought out all the feels❤️.I ate this 581 book in 2 days 😌. Watching two people, get the love that they deserve will always do it for me.The chemistry was so organic .This book gave genuine and pure love.The way they constantly pour into each other… never room for second guessing. They was living in eachother skin and I was here for! They did not play about each other 🤏🏾. My favorite thing was the way the ALREADY knew what the other needed. Whether it was a phone call, a text, a pop up or prayer it was already done🥺.I loved their growth together but I also enjoyed them individually. They both didn’t allow situations from their past to determine their future. So many prayed and played on their downfall … but God DID not play about them! Everyone who tried to break them got EXACTLY what they deserved! The family they built may not have their blood but they do have their loyalty . I love watching their tribe get pour into as well, they all started from the bottom. S/ o to my girl Staysha she stepped up and showed out behind her sister .. love their relationship. This book was so good… I hope we get more about Staysha and Keon .. and Fatima maybe giving Brody a chance 🤭
(4.5⭐️) This was so good & well developed. I absolutely loved Maximus and Eden, not just as a couple but individually. I love that they had so much grit & resilience and as a couple were so in tune and attentive to each other, almost on a supernatural level. Them constantly asking the other “what do you need?” & speaking life and affirmations to each other made me swoon each time. Also I loved their relationship banter, it felt authentic and helped you see reasons why they fell In love. The way they each had so much parental trauma, self doubt, and fear that they had to work through but took turns supporting/loving each other through it🥹Their team: solid and I loved that for them. Brody was a fool & I loved him. Even when things got super angsty in the story and full of tension I love that they felt the feelings, processed it, didn’t let it tear them apart, and had to figure out how to continue to boss up.
My first Aubreé Pynn book and I absolutely loved it and will be reading more of her titles! The love shown through these pages was everything and more. The way these 2 characters came from such hard times but came out in the end and found their matches was beautiful.
They were so in-tuned with each other and always felt each other energy and was able to be that pillar for each other and speak life and encouragement into each other. That’s exactly what I want in my relationship. I loved Eden and Maximus separately as well and how they really grew into themselves.
Also the side characters , chefs kiss 💋 Fav quote ☺️: “Heard me?” “Heard you”
4.5/5 — Hear me? Heard you. I loved this couple and had a time being a part of their journey. Maximus and Eden had to overcome a lot to receive the love they deserved — I loved how they spoke life into one another. I had all of the feels while reading. Not only did I enjoy their growth together, but also individually. — This story embraces a number of topics — redemption, healing, forgiveness, love and self love.
4.75⭐️ Aubree has done it again. She writes such good romance. You can feel the love through the pages. Maximus and Eden have to be one of my top couples from her catalog. They were both hardworking and wanted to change the harsh cards life dealt them with. I loved them together🥺 Loved how they were each other’s safe space and allowed vulnerability without judgement
This story was more than just a love story. This story is filled with betrayal, love, redemption, Forgiveness, self love and so much more. I feel like I was in Trae Way with the characters! Eden & Maximus deserves their HEA and so much more!! Highly recommend!! Go read!!
There's so much that I can say about this book but I'm gonna keep this brief. This was such an amazing read... After getting through it I literally understand the blood sweat and tears that went into writing list and I appreciate everything you do miss author ma'am. You literally wrote the hell out of this story. As always the way your characters love on each other and pour into each other is just such a beautiful thing to behold. Eden and max were just everything, Literally I couldn't have asked for a better book.
This is an absolute 10 out of f****** 10 read💜💜
PS now there are a lot of ain't s*** people in this book and karma definitely came back 10 fold and beach slept every last one of them which I appreciated. Now did I want their mother and aunt to die absolutely cause they sucked in the worse way, but I'll take what u gave me. This is one of them books where almost half of the characters I can't stand like I hate deep in my spirit.
I really enjoyed Maximus and Eden, their story pulled me in immediately. As a fan of celebrity romance, this hit the mark. I highly recommend paying attention to the warnings, because both characters dealt with some heavy stuff.
Seeing them win made me so happy and as promised everyone got what they deserved. My only con: someone around 85% of the story, it began to lag to me. But the ending was beautiful and the last tidbit surrounding Anzel and Mama brought back that initial interest.
Now if we could only convince the author to give us Fatima and Brody. Because man, I would love to read that. The small glimpses of what could be has me excited. My girl Fatima deserves more than Rudy playing in her face. Let Brody handled that.
This book really didn’t need to be almost 600 pages. The story was okay, but it felt like it dragged on for an additional 300 pages unnecessarily. I was ready for the book to be wrapped up by page 300. The book does deal with heavy topics, but the story just wasn’t penned masterfully for me to feel any real emotions or connect with the characters or story. In addition, there were spelling and grammar issues peppered throughout the book that disrupted an already mundane read for me.
With the way other readers were hyping this book up, I was excited to get into it. But this story fell flat for me.
Are You Going to Love Me was so great—Aubree Pynn did it again with this book. Honestly, I think I loved this love story between Maximus and Eden just a tab bit more than Julius and Daysha… but only slightly, because both couples were amazing.
Eden and Maximus were so deeply connected from the very beginning, pouring life into each other as they journeyed to climb their own mountain and reach the peak. I really loved the slow burn—it gave us time to fully experience their friendship blossoming through conversations, banter, and vulnerability.
Maximus was such a MAN—the type that shows you how a real man treats the woman who is his sanctuary. He was protective, understanding, and fierce when needed. Eden, on the other hand, was strong, his heart, and the lightness in his darkness—never willing to give up. Together, they faced tribulations without letting their crowns slip.
The side characters added so much heart as family and friends, supporting them through growth and success. I also loved how all the villains got exactly what they deserved. Maximus and his mom choosing to go to therapy to rebuild their relationship was such a powerful touch, while Eden’s mom absolutely did not deserve reconciliation—and I loved that Eden stayed firm in that truth.
Maximus and Eden deserved their love—hard earned, the Trae Way way.
Aubree cooked, and I ate! From the trigger warnings to the acknowledgements I read every word. I was sitting in the car reading and had to call my daughter to read something to her and we fell out laughing. Max, Eden, Staysha, Keon and Brody are family and nobody messes with family. Sometimes though, it be your own plotting and snaking. Mama, Anzel. Augustus, Ashya all got what they deserved. Mama and Anzel were both something I can't even put into words. Knowing they came from Poppi was a mystery. Poppi may have been deep in the streets, but she held down Trae Way until she couldn't. This book gives so much and in reading it I can tell AP put her all into it. Max and Eden is connection was electric from the start and that it never wavered, stuck with me. The lengths these two went for each other was real love. Having a person be your peace in the way these two found is really exceptional. Eden would never know the love of her actual mother, but put her heart and soul into making that happen for Max. Go read this book the first chance you get, I promise you WILL NOT be disappointed. Karma, you gottta be careful what you put out there because what you get back...whew. I'm not saying more, just read it! Happy Reading Y'all!💋
I loved Maximus and Eden's relationship! They both came from hard backgrounds and worked to make it out of the hood for good! They loved each other how they knew how and worked on the rest, and I really loved that! Eden and Maximus were so broken from love of their family, but once they found each other you could tell they immediately loved each other but they were slow because they wanted to make sure they navigated correctly! I love when a man knows your background and he proves to you that he has you before sex is involved...Maximus knew he wanted Eden in all ways but he took it slow at her pace and didn't pressure her at all!
I loved that they also got back at each person that tried to set them up! I wanted to put my hands on Mama and her sister, along with the former bestfriend but they got everything they deserved! Oh and the brother! I was just outdone with his brother! I couldn't even believe him! But it shows that jealousy doens't care who it goes after!
I loved Staysha, Keon, and Brody (he kept me laughing...and I wanted him to find a boo also)! I loved Keon's character! He was a quiet but powerful mover and I loved that about him! And how he held Maximus down, he was a true brother!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.