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Tunnel Vision
“Previously published as State of Tunnel Love, loyalty, and revenge in the heart of New Orleans by J., Aubrey.”
Love, loyalty, and revenge collide in the heart of New Orleans. When Xavier “Zay” Stephens returns to the Ninth Ward, he’s ready to reclaim his city—and his life. But the streets have changed, and so has the game.
Deja is beautiful, bold, and untouchable—or so she thinks. When their worlds intersect, sparks fly, but danger lurks behind every corner. Secrets unravel, alliances shift, and betrayal cuts deeper than bullets.
Will Zay survive the chaos long enough to protect what matters most? Or will love become his greatest weakness?
Dive into Book One of the State of Betrayal Series today.
Love, loyalty, and revenge collide in the heart of New Orleans. When Xavier “Zay” Stephens returns to the Ninth Ward, he’s ready to reclaim his city—and his life. But the streets have changed, and so has the game.
Deja is beautiful, bold, and untouchable—or so she thinks. When their worlds intersect, sparks fly, but danger lurks behind every corner. Secrets unravel, alliances shift, and betrayal cuts deeper than bullets.
Will Zay survive the chaos long enough to protect what matters most? Or will love become his greatest weakness?
Dive into Book One of the State of Betrayal Series today.
686 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 5, 2026
I don’t even know where to start with a review, the ending has me so shook. This was one hell of a ride!
July 28, 2026
I don’t even know where to start!!! This book was sooooo good!! From the very beginning it caught my attention & I enjoyed it through the entire 500+ pages!!
Deja was a messss 😂 she treated men the same way men typically treat women! She was there for a good time not a long time! She didn’t want to be committed to anyone! She was going & turn living her best life until Zay came along! The connection between the two of them was undeniable! He was intrigued by her attitude towards men & he didn’t push her to change her ways right off the bat he accepted her for who she was & played his role accordingly! Over time their feelings grew so strong for each other they couldn’t deny them anymore! I love the way he stepped behind her! Zay didn’t play about his boobutt 🤣 she had that man down baddddd about her!! He loved her real bad!! They had their ups and downs & it got BAD at a few points but the chemistry between them was so undeniable I knew they would eventually get it together!
Kai, Jayla, Jamie & the rest of the gang were really good side characters that added to the story in the best way. They kept me laughing & I loved how the whole friend group meshed so well together!
The drama was NEVER ENDING!! This book kept me on my toes!! There were so many unexpected twists & turns I was literally up until after 5am finishing it cuz it was just that good!! The cliffhanger at the end has me in shambles omg!! I can’t wait to see what happens on book 2! If you haven’t already get into it!!
Deja was a messss 😂 she treated men the same way men typically treat women! She was there for a good time not a long time! She didn’t want to be committed to anyone! She was going & turn living her best life until Zay came along! The connection between the two of them was undeniable! He was intrigued by her attitude towards men & he didn’t push her to change her ways right off the bat he accepted her for who she was & played his role accordingly! Over time their feelings grew so strong for each other they couldn’t deny them anymore! I love the way he stepped behind her! Zay didn’t play about his boobutt 🤣 she had that man down baddddd about her!! He loved her real bad!! They had their ups and downs & it got BAD at a few points but the chemistry between them was so undeniable I knew they would eventually get it together!
Kai, Jayla, Jamie & the rest of the gang were really good side characters that added to the story in the best way. They kept me laughing & I loved how the whole friend group meshed so well together!
The drama was NEVER ENDING!! This book kept me on my toes!! There were so many unexpected twists & turns I was literally up until after 5am finishing it cuz it was just that good!! The cliffhanger at the end has me in shambles omg!! I can’t wait to see what happens on book 2! If you haven’t already get into it!!
July 13, 2026
what a ride!!
4.5⭐️
This series is starting off so freaking good! I have been locked in. The drama, storyline, the plot everything is just giving me all the urban feels I needed. Zay is really that nigga and baby Deja is THEE girl! Their journey has not been easy and still facing some challenges. I want to go to the 9th at this point! This is a true page turner and the way book 1 ended I am so happy I don’t have to wait for book2!
4.5⭐️
This series is starting off so freaking good! I have been locked in. The drama, storyline, the plot everything is just giving me all the urban feels I needed. Zay is really that nigga and baby Deja is THEE girl! Their journey has not been easy and still facing some challenges. I want to go to the 9th at this point! This is a true page turner and the way book 1 ended I am so happy I don’t have to wait for book2!
January 21, 2026
🤯🤯
I’m glad book two is already out because I would be knocking everything off my table right now! The ending has me shooooook!!! 😩😭🥺this book plays out like a movie! It’s so much going on, my head was on a swivel trying to keep up with everything. The twists, crash out moments from the characters, and the constant back and forth between Zay and Deja - OMG. I absolutely love Zay; the true head honcho of the 9th ward. Zay arrived back in Nola and shook the city up and snatched the “It Girl” from everyone. Deja has everyone eating out the palm of her hands but I can’t lie, she wore me to shreds with her antics. Smh! If you want secrets on secrets, twists, funny banter with that unique Nola flair - give this book a chance and don’t let the page count scare you. lol.
I’m glad book two is already out because I would be knocking everything off my table right now! The ending has me shooooook!!! 😩😭🥺this book plays out like a movie! It’s so much going on, my head was on a swivel trying to keep up with everything. The twists, crash out moments from the characters, and the constant back and forth between Zay and Deja - OMG. I absolutely love Zay; the true head honcho of the 9th ward. Zay arrived back in Nola and shook the city up and snatched the “It Girl” from everyone. Deja has everyone eating out the palm of her hands but I can’t lie, she wore me to shreds with her antics. Smh! If you want secrets on secrets, twists, funny banter with that unique Nola flair - give this book a chance and don’t let the page count scare you. lol.
November 19, 2025
It was so good. Like so so good. Stay up late and read good. Can’t put down. The emotion rollercoaster. Babyyyyy. I loved these characters. The ending hurts my heart and the fact that it was just released means it will be forever until the next release. I can’t say enough besides Nineth Ward for lifeeeee.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2025
This book was not at all what I was expecting. It started off a little ehh but quickly picked up and had me HOOKED! I stayed up all night to finish. I was rooting for Zay and Deja then my heart was shattered at the end like WHAT IS THISSSSSSS😭 It’s an authentic and relatable read. Zay will be added to my favorite book boyfriend list asap! So much drama happening that will leave your head spinning. 600+ pages of a bomb ass story!
June 30, 2026
This was a time! *review to come later*
February 6, 2026
Urban Fiction at it’s finest
Ate this up! True urban romance! The story had so much going on in it. I love Deja’s character, she was a menace. She basically treated men how men tried to treat females and I ate that up. One thing about Zay he did not play when it came to her. Once he locked in on her. That was it and it was up. But I’m still side eyeing the Deja and Troy situation. fingers crossed that nothing really happened, but I don’t know.
Ate this up! True urban romance! The story had so much going on in it. I love Deja’s character, she was a menace. She basically treated men how men tried to treat females and I ate that up. One thing about Zay he did not play when it came to her. Once he locked in on her. That was it and it was up. But I’m still side eyeing the Deja and Troy situation. fingers crossed that nothing really happened, but I don’t know.
February 2, 2026
a ride!
Secrets, lies, and betrayal ran deep in this book! Trust the process, that would be my advice. I absolutely loved the friendship between Jamie, Kairo, Zay, Lala, & Deja. Zay and Deja went through so much… they had me on an emotional rollercoaster… my eyes got misty multiple times throughout this read! The ending broke me down!!!
Secrets, lies, and betrayal ran deep in this book! Trust the process, that would be my advice. I absolutely loved the friendship between Jamie, Kairo, Zay, Lala, & Deja. Zay and Deja went through so much… they had me on an emotional rollercoaster… my eyes got misty multiple times throughout this read! The ending broke me down!!!
January 26, 2026
Street lit and love
Zay and Deja had me on an emotional rollercoaster. They both had their flaws. Zay was a menace from the beginning. Deja played a dangerous game. This was a great read.
Zay and Deja had me on an emotional rollercoaster. They both had their flaws. Zay was a menace from the beginning. Deja played a dangerous game. This was a great read.
January 18, 2026
Tug of War!
This was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed this story. I love the family dynamic the most between the gang & the siblings. Zay and Deja’s relationship was so up and down but it really was intriguing because their love was so powerful. There were a lot of funny moments along with some sad/frustrating moments. I dont know who pissed me off the most, Deja or Zay cause they were both crash outs. Zay was definitely bae worthy. I really loved how they stepped into their parental roles effortlessly and did not let what they were going thru with one another affect that. Now zay “mr michael meyers” and the gangy need to sit down, they stepped whether it was daytime or night with no shame, those scenes felt like i was watching a movie. I rate this story 4.5 stars!
This was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed this story. I love the family dynamic the most between the gang & the siblings. Zay and Deja’s relationship was so up and down but it really was intriguing because their love was so powerful. There were a lot of funny moments along with some sad/frustrating moments. I dont know who pissed me off the most, Deja or Zay cause they were both crash outs. Zay was definitely bae worthy. I really loved how they stepped into their parental roles effortlessly and did not let what they were going thru with one another affect that. Now zay “mr michael meyers” and the gangy need to sit down, they stepped whether it was daytime or night with no shame, those scenes felt like i was watching a movie. I rate this story 4.5 stars!
October 11, 2025
Wow. Just wow. This book had me hooked from the very first page and didn’t let go until the end. This story is gritty, emotional, and unflinchingly real. The New Orleans setting jumps off the page, and the mix of love, loyalty, and danger kept me on edge the entire time.
Without giving away spoilers, I’ll just say the last few chapters hit me hard, I definitely had to fight back a few tears. The characters are flawed yet magnetic, the tension is thick, and the betrayals cut deep. This isn’t just another hood love story; it’s layered, emotional, and unforgettable.
If you like books that keep your heart racing, make you care deeply for the characters, and leave you thinking about them long after the last page, this is one you don’t want to miss.
Without giving away spoilers, I’ll just say the last few chapters hit me hard, I definitely had to fight back a few tears. The characters are flawed yet magnetic, the tension is thick, and the betrayals cut deep. This isn’t just another hood love story; it’s layered, emotional, and unforgettable.
If you like books that keep your heart racing, make you care deeply for the characters, and leave you thinking about them long after the last page, this is one you don’t want to miss.
October 12, 2025
wow
Wow, that ending has me completely speechless. This book was amazing. Spice, drama, suspense, and flawed characters you can’t help but love. I didn’t want it to end. I even reread the ending just to make sure what I thought happened actually did. And that bonus scene?! I need more immediately.
Wow, that ending has me completely speechless. This book was amazing. Spice, drama, suspense, and flawed characters you can’t help but love. I didn’t want it to end. I even reread the ending just to make sure what I thought happened actually did. And that bonus scene?! I need more immediately.
February 21, 2026
Omg! This book was so captivating. I ain’t read a book that had me hooked from page one in a long time. Zay & Deja had my head spinning in some parts, but their love was just soo real! I loved how they managed to choose eachother over and over despite everything.
This is my first read by this author & I can honestly say it won’t be my last because this is a 3 part series because after the this ended I need to see something in book 2. Because ain’t no way!
This is my first read by this author & I can honestly say it won’t be my last because this is a 3 part series because after the this ended I need to see something in book 2. Because ain’t no way!
July 23, 2026
Another IT girl meeting her actual match, and then things go full Bonnie and Clyde on us? Yes, please.
This one was a fun and exciting ride from start to finish — so much tension, so many secrets, and just when I thought I had a read on where things were headed, it shifted. I loved watching this character hold her own against everyone circling her, refusing to let anyone else define what she's about.
A great, twisty vibe to start the world of this series.
This one was a fun and exciting ride from start to finish — so much tension, so many secrets, and just when I thought I had a read on where things were headed, it shifted. I loved watching this character hold her own against everyone circling her, refusing to let anyone else define what she's about.
A great, twisty vibe to start the world of this series.
July 11, 2026
what a ride!!!!!
Wow!!! I literally just finished reading this and I will be downloading book 2 immediately after this BRIEF review. The amount of mess….. banter, immature love, real life situations, and so much more that was TUNNELED into this book is unmatched!!! Thank you A. Denise for sharing your own game with us baby girl! There aren’t too many others writing stories like this anymore so you are much appreciated boo! Damn Zay… like for real? I sure hope he pulled through some kind of way
Wow!!! I literally just finished reading this and I will be downloading book 2 immediately after this BRIEF review. The amount of mess….. banter, immature love, real life situations, and so much more that was TUNNELED into this book is unmatched!!! Thank you A. Denise for sharing your own game with us baby girl! There aren’t too many others writing stories like this anymore so you are much appreciated boo! Damn Zay… like for real? I sure hope he pulled through some kind of way
August 13, 2026
THEY STRESSED ME TF OWT
I ate this book up, stressed out because Deja and Zay are so toxic and crazy! Lawwwwwd, my pressure! The suspense was driving me insane but it’s so wild how everything connected! The end?! That cliffhanger?! Ooooweeeeeeeee I know some crazy mess about to pop off in book 2! Ms. A. Denise, you are now stamped as one of my favorite messy authors known to man! You wrote tf outta this book! Brava!
I ate this book up, stressed out because Deja and Zay are so toxic and crazy! Lawwwwwd, my pressure! The suspense was driving me insane but it’s so wild how everything connected! The end?! That cliffhanger?! Ooooweeeeeeeee I know some crazy mess about to pop off in book 2! Ms. A. Denise, you are now stamped as one of my favorite messy authors known to man! You wrote tf outta this book! Brava!
August 6, 2026
Zay fell first and hard for Deja, a woman living her absolute best, unapologetic, unattached truth until he relentlessly wore her down and backed up his wild promise to "kill anyone you've been with after me." The reviewer highlights a frustrating double standard where Zay needed to realize Deja couldn't explain her side of a situation when he had never fully spilled the totality of his own, while also defending the siblings for having the right priorities because their loyalty belongs to family over partners. They ultimately give Zay a glowing friend-stamp of approval, calling him a ride-or-die 9th ward boy who stayed true to his heart, even while side-eyeing Deja's questionable, emotion-driven choices after giving birth to Zay Jr., which they generously (and perhaps thankfully) chalk up to postpartum stress.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2026
Sending A. Denise My Therapy Bill
Omg!
Omg!
Omg!
I’m sending A. Denise my therapy bill! The ending! My mouth dropped! Are you kidding me!? So many crazy and hilarious moments in this book. Deja is one of one LMAO and Zay was insane! Ugh. On to book 2!
Omg!
Omg!
Omg!
I’m sending A. Denise my therapy bill! The ending! My mouth dropped! Are you kidding me!? So many crazy and hilarious moments in this book. Deja is one of one LMAO and Zay was insane! Ugh. On to book 2!
July 12, 2026
!!!
This series started and ended with a bang! Dej and Zay had me hooked from the beginning. I read this book with the book club to prepare for the last book, and im not even gonna lie i ate them up and finished 😩😭😭😭 Im so ready to see how this finna play out in Blind Devotion.
This series started and ended with a bang! Dej and Zay had me hooked from the beginning. I read this book with the book club to prepare for the last book, and im not even gonna lie i ate them up and finished 😩😭😭😭 Im so ready to see how this finna play out in Blind Devotion.
October 25, 2025
Loved this book down! I was hooked from the beginning and felt every emotion possible. The ending had me speechless! Definitely a great read!
July 16, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
A. Denise is a new to me author & I fear we are officially locked in. This book was sooo good & chaotic in the best way!!! From the drama, the lies, the secrets, the NOLA culture embedded through this book, the love, the character development, the family vibes…it was all sooo freaking good
A. Denise is a new to me author & I fear we are officially locked in. This book was sooo good & chaotic in the best way!!! From the drama, the lies, the secrets, the NOLA culture embedded through this book, the love, the character development, the family vibes…it was all sooo freaking good
August 11, 2026
This was a rec to me and it’s also a new to me author. Pleeeeease get these people away from me! But I’m about to expeditiously follow them to book two. I’m just gone tell you now sit back and relax and prepare to be stressed while enjoying the ride. I like books that make me feel something I matter what the emotions are and this one did not disappoint.
July 20, 2026
LAWD!!!
Take me thru dere take me thru deeerrre
Deja Deja Deja
Young and turnt and just know one thing for certain and two things for sure. If you go low, Deja going to hell.
I love Big daddy Zay and dat nigga is a menace to society. That’s it, that all.
You gone feel every emotion known to mankind but you gone eat this up so bad. A.Denise did her big one
Take me thru dere take me thru deeerrre
Deja Deja Deja
Young and turnt and just know one thing for certain and two things for sure. If you go low, Deja going to hell.
I love Big daddy Zay and dat nigga is a menace to society. That’s it, that all.
You gone feel every emotion known to mankind but you gone eat this up so bad. A.Denise did her big one
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews