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Justify My Love
Emerson Pike is the spoiled duchess of the Pike family empire. Following in her father’s footsteps, she opens a successful tailoring business. She’s working hard to live her dream life without her family’s help.
Jessiah Cruz, a defense attorney, is no stranger to the streets. To get out of the hood he started out young working as a hitman and put himself through college. With blood, sweat, and tears he fought his way out of the trenches to make a better way for his two kids.
She’s been accused of murdering her fiancé. He’s been hired to clear her name. The fireworks between them are inevitable. The conflicts of interest could extinguish it all.
Jessiah Cruz, a defense attorney, is no stranger to the streets. To get out of the hood he started out young working as a hitman and put himself through college. With blood, sweat, and tears he fought his way out of the trenches to make a better way for his two kids.
She’s been accused of murdering her fiancé. He’s been hired to clear her name. The fireworks between them are inevitable. The conflicts of interest could extinguish it all.
- GenresAfrican American Romance
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2022
139 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Tatum James
63 books524 followersTatum James is a passionate author of romance, urban fiction, and women’s fiction. Since publishing her debut novella Identical Sins in 2018, she has written more than 30 titles—each one known for its unique storylines, unpredictable twists, and vivid characters. A true storyteller at heart, Tatum loves painting pictures with words, weaving emotion, tension, and passion into every page.
A South Georgia native from the small town of Abbeville, Tatum grew up surrounded by the quiet of the rural South—a place where imagination had room to run wild. That early creativity now fuels her writing, often infused with her love of storytelling and music. These twin passions frequently shape the themes and rhythm of her books.
Outside of writing, Tatum has worked as a dedicated nurse for over a decade. Her compassion and life experience shine through in the depth of her characters and the realism of her stories.
A South Georgia native from the small town of Abbeville, Tatum grew up surrounded by the quiet of the rural South—a place where imagination had room to run wild. That early creativity now fuels her writing, often infused with her love of storytelling and music. These twin passions frequently shape the themes and rhythm of her books.
Outside of writing, Tatum has worked as a dedicated nurse for over a decade. Her compassion and life experience shine through in the depth of her characters and the realism of her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 5, 2022
Emerson & Cruz
This was a very interesting couple…There were some twist and turns in this story that caught me a bit off guard….There’s A Whole Lot going on in this story. Interesting read.
This was a very interesting couple…There were some twist and turns in this story that caught me a bit off guard….There’s A Whole Lot going on in this story. Interesting read.
August 7, 2022
Amazing ❤👏🏾
This story had me in my feelings simply well written and amazing beautiful chemistry between characters 😍❤ I loved everything about it one of my favorite ❤
This story had me in my feelings simply well written and amazing beautiful chemistry between characters 😍❤ I loved everything about it one of my favorite ❤
August 30, 2022
Lawyer Bae is everything. You can’t fight temptation. She penned the hell out of this story. The story was good from the beginning.
December 5, 2022
what you do in the dark
spiked Emerson new what she wanted after losing Derrick the he deserved it she found love again but Cruz had a secret her narcissist daddy knew about and shined a light on it because he wanted his way to think j but oth Derrick and Carlita were being used
spiked Emerson new what she wanted after losing Derrick the he deserved it she found love again but Cruz had a secret her narcissist daddy knew about and shined a light on it because he wanted his way to think j but oth Derrick and Carlita were being used
December 3, 2022
Good book
I really enjoyed reading this book. It has an interesting story line with believable characters. It’s easy to follow the story while keeping you interested in what could happen next.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It has an interesting story line with believable characters. It’s easy to follow the story while keeping you interested in what could happen next.
August 6, 2022
😍😍😍
Okay, this was a well written book I really enjoy reading books that have a great story line. SO this story follows Jessiah Cruz and Emerson Pike and how they come together during a tough time and find love.
I will say Emerson for aways calling out that she is a grown woman is very childish. The signs were in front of her when she first started dating Derrick, plus he asked her abut getting hooked up with her brother. But then when she found out she wasn’t the only woman she didn’t believe it but she heard rumors and then she almost harms herself behind him 🤬🤬🤬 I was like come on now 🤦🏾♀️.
I will say I like Cruz I felt for him and how he was trying to find out what happened to his daughter. He was a damaged soul for sure, for the relationship between his mother, baby mother and father I see why he was not looking to get into a relationship with Teeka. I don’t see how she thought she could change his mind about them when all they did was have sex. Sometimes a lot of woman say they are okay with that type if situation but when they include their feelings things get mixed up and then they get their feelings hurt. But for someone who isn’t looking for a relationship when he sees Emerson BAM things change all of a sudden 🙄. I guess for the right woman you will do anything.
I definitely didn’t see the twist with who the killer was but my mouth dropped for sure I will tell you that 🤣🤣🤣. Pike Senior was wrong for holding that over Cruz and I’m glad Emerson came to an understanding about Cruz’s position when it came to getting his daughter killer (🤷🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️). She went and got her man 🤣
Tatum how you just going to end the book like that mannnnnnn 😩😩😩 yes last two chapters went by so fast, I want a sequel woman 🤣🤣🤣
Okay, this was a well written book I really enjoy reading books that have a great story line. SO this story follows Jessiah Cruz and Emerson Pike and how they come together during a tough time and find love.
I will say Emerson for aways calling out that she is a grown woman is very childish. The signs were in front of her when she first started dating Derrick, plus he asked her abut getting hooked up with her brother. But then when she found out she wasn’t the only woman she didn’t believe it but she heard rumors and then she almost harms herself behind him 🤬🤬🤬 I was like come on now 🤦🏾♀️.
I will say I like Cruz I felt for him and how he was trying to find out what happened to his daughter. He was a damaged soul for sure, for the relationship between his mother, baby mother and father I see why he was not looking to get into a relationship with Teeka. I don’t see how she thought she could change his mind about them when all they did was have sex. Sometimes a lot of woman say they are okay with that type if situation but when they include their feelings things get mixed up and then they get their feelings hurt. But for someone who isn’t looking for a relationship when he sees Emerson BAM things change all of a sudden 🙄. I guess for the right woman you will do anything.
I definitely didn’t see the twist with who the killer was but my mouth dropped for sure I will tell you that 🤣🤣🤣. Pike Senior was wrong for holding that over Cruz and I’m glad Emerson came to an understanding about Cruz’s position when it came to getting his daughter killer (🤷🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️). She went and got her man 🤣
Tatum how you just going to end the book like that mannnnnnn 😩😩😩 yes last two chapters went by so fast, I want a sequel woman 🤣🤣🤣
March 1, 2023
I Should Have Read This Boom First
🛑SPOILERS🛑
⭐️:3.75/5
After reading Emerald and Summers' book, I was confused about some things that transpired in the book moreso Emeralds family drama. After reading this, it made sense.
I enjoyed the book and the revenge aspect of Cruz. I knew he killed Emersons fiancé from the beginning based on the way he acted.
I liked Emerson, but I found her naive, especially about Derrick and his intentions with her. But, I loved her ambition and drive to be successful on her own.
The book was just too long and had unnecessary dialogue that could have been centered around more Cruz and Emmy. Plus, the women after Emmys father and his issues connected to them.
Not to mention there reconciliation was not explored well enough for me.
I would read this book to prepare for the second in the series. I do home more books come out because I would like to even see Sophia find happiness and move on from her hypocritical cheating husband.
🛑SPOILERS🛑
⭐️:3.75/5
After reading Emerald and Summers' book, I was confused about some things that transpired in the book moreso Emeralds family drama. After reading this, it made sense.
I enjoyed the book and the revenge aspect of Cruz. I knew he killed Emersons fiancé from the beginning based on the way he acted.
I liked Emerson, but I found her naive, especially about Derrick and his intentions with her. But, I loved her ambition and drive to be successful on her own.
The book was just too long and had unnecessary dialogue that could have been centered around more Cruz and Emmy. Plus, the women after Emmys father and his issues connected to them.
Not to mention there reconciliation was not explored well enough for me.
I would read this book to prepare for the second in the series. I do home more books come out because I would like to even see Sophia find happiness and move on from her hypocritical cheating husband.
August 4, 2022
jessiah ❤️
Loved everything about this book Cruz was definitely book Bae alpha male but yet so sweet and caring I loved how their stories came together.
Loved everything about this book Cruz was definitely book Bae alpha male but yet so sweet and caring I loved how their stories came together.
August 3, 2022
pretty good
Pretty good read! I was not expecting the secrets about the Carlitta chick. I’m glad that they got Their Happy endings
Pretty good read! I was not expecting the secrets about the Carlitta chick. I’m glad that they got Their Happy endings
August 3, 2022
What a twist!
I like a story when a plot twist gets by me. I felt that Cruz had another side, and I sensed that Senior was super devious, but honey, the truth was not what I expected. Bravo to this author for keeping me on my toes through this story. Emerson and Cruz got the ending they manifested. Good Job.
I like a story when a plot twist gets by me. I felt that Cruz had another side, and I sensed that Senior was super devious, but honey, the truth was not what I expected. Bravo to this author for keeping me on my toes through this story. Emerson and Cruz got the ending they manifested. Good Job.
August 16, 2022
Never Disappointed!
Let me start by saying that so far I love every book from Tatum James. This book in particular was steamy and exciting with a few twists. I fell in love with Cruz and Emmy while they built their relationship and the plot twist was crazy.
Let me start by saying that so far I love every book from Tatum James. This book in particular was steamy and exciting with a few twists. I fell in love with Cruz and Emmy while they built their relationship and the plot twist was crazy.
November 22, 2022
Love is everlasting
Passion, love and murder are all entertwined in this amazing story. Love at first sight. Emmy & Cruz encounter was e!ectrifying. Deep secrets could cause hurts that could never be rectified by Cruz. Both Emmy and Cruz are grieving only to find out their grief is connected. What's done in the dark will come to light. Wonderful story. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Passion, love and murder are all entertwined in this amazing story. Love at first sight. Emmy & Cruz encounter was e!ectrifying. Deep secrets could cause hurts that could never be rectified by Cruz. Both Emmy and Cruz are grieving only to find out their grief is connected. What's done in the dark will come to light. Wonderful story. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 12, 2022
Wow
This well written read really has the drama. With likeable, interesting, characters that I loved reading about. The craziness of their meeting, falling in love, breaking up and getting back together was definitely a great storyline. Her father with his evil, sorry self, really was a good definition of dysfunctional. The backstory of both of their pain really help them heal and move on together.
This well written read really has the drama. With likeable, interesting, characters that I loved reading about. The craziness of their meeting, falling in love, breaking up and getting back together was definitely a great storyline. Her father with his evil, sorry self, really was a good definition of dysfunctional. The backstory of both of their pain really help them heal and move on together.
December 18, 2022
Fantastic Ride
It started off with so many mysterious vibes, in so many ways, then the story started to unfold. The excitement was so over powering. This story never lost its alluring power to keep your attention, even in the end.
Fantastic
It started off with so many mysterious vibes, in so many ways, then the story started to unfold. The excitement was so over powering. This story never lost its alluring power to keep your attention, even in the end.
Fantastic
August 4, 2022
Liked it
The promo for this book had me highly anticipating it but I was a bit disappointed once read. Overall, the storyline was good but the attorney/client aspect didn't take up as much of the story as I thought it would. Also, I was a bit confused on the fact that Emerson was an activist but she never mentioned that herself. There was a scene where Jessiah is speaking to his mother and then discussing their relationship in Chapter 3 and then the exact same conversation and afterthought is in Chapter 13. I liked the book but as a reader who pays attention to details, it was hard to be entertained while confused.
The promo for this book had me highly anticipating it but I was a bit disappointed once read. Overall, the storyline was good but the attorney/client aspect didn't take up as much of the story as I thought it would. Also, I was a bit confused on the fact that Emerson was an activist but she never mentioned that herself. There was a scene where Jessiah is speaking to his mother and then discussing their relationship in Chapter 3 and then the exact same conversation and afterthought is in Chapter 13. I liked the book but as a reader who pays attention to details, it was hard to be entertained while confused.
August 6, 2022
Absolutely Amazing Read
Jessiah and Emerson getting together was pure fate! Pike was selfish. Everything he did was for his ow benefit, but it cost him in the end. The only good thing he did was hired Cruz as Emmy's attorney. Because of that, they managed to build an amazing relationship. Amazing read!
Jessiah and Emerson getting together was pure fate! Pike was selfish. Everything he did was for his ow benefit, but it cost him in the end. The only good thing he did was hired Cruz as Emmy's attorney. Because of that, they managed to build an amazing relationship. Amazing read!
August 14, 2022
Okay Tatum! I like to think I am good at figuring out what will go down, but this one had me stumped! Derrick seemed suspect right from the start, and I wonder why Emerson didn't peep game! He was too adamant about her brothers putting him on, that it was throwing red flags to me big time! But, I get it young, dumb and in love! Then Derrick turns up dead, and she is the suspect! Cruz, the reformed bad boy turned attorney, with demons and unresolved trauma, is asked to represent her. These two were drawn to each other like a moth to flame! Cruz never allowed anyone to get close to him, but there was something about Emerson that he kept pulling her closer. Emerson, still grieving Derrick, but so intrigued and enamored with Cruz. It took them a minute to find their footing, and they were cute together. NOW, my mind was blown when it was revealed who was responsible for Derrick's murder and why! Did not see that coming! Then Senior's trifling ass ughh...... He was not only doing dirt, but holding information that could potentially harm his family, for his own selfish use! 🤬 Where were Emerson's protective brothers when all of this was going down? Glad Emerson found the happiness that she deserved. Enjoyed this! 👍👍👍
August 11, 2022
Don't 😪😪��😴
Listen, folks, do not I repeat do not sleep on Ms. James. She is bringing the 🔥 to these books. This book had so many surprises and plot twists I am surprised I am not dizzy. Jessiah, Senior, and Derrick were not who they seem to be. They were multi-layered men. They were what you call a triple threat. It's ironic because I knew Jessiah had a past and I just assumed he was an ex-drug dealer however I was wrong. His past was slightly more hands-on. His intelligence was on point the ability to turn a case around in the opposite direction is genius. He was most definitely in the correct profession a lawyer was his calling. He was a loving father to his daughter Alissa and son Maleek. Senior was a master manipulator, cheater, and somewhat controlling. He needed some clinical help in any form he could get it. His last oops changed his life so it's safe to say his eyes are wide open now. Derrick was just doing the most but the "come up" he thought he was going to get turned into a trip on the highway to heaven. He deserved it with the life he was living. His life affected others in a traumatic way.
Ms. James, you did this. This was a magnificent read. Jessiah and Emerson tried to fight the love brewing but they were made for each other. The wedding scene at the end was everything. It was giving event planner vibes. Since other characters were in this book I hope there are more stories birthed. I wouldn't mind reading a story on Summer and Emerald falling for each other. Summer would be in the family for sure. And that would give an update on Emerson and Jessiah. I have to say I loved how Emerson made a name for herself although she came from a powerful well-established family. Maleek, Jessiah's son, was so mature for his age, he was already an activist which speaks volumes at fifteen. This is one of those books you pick up and has to read in one sitting. You aren't going to want to put it down. It is a lot happening but once you start to put the pieces of the puzzles together it becomes a full circle.
Listen, folks, do not I repeat do not sleep on Ms. James. She is bringing the 🔥 to these books. This book had so many surprises and plot twists I am surprised I am not dizzy. Jessiah, Senior, and Derrick were not who they seem to be. They were multi-layered men. They were what you call a triple threat. It's ironic because I knew Jessiah had a past and I just assumed he was an ex-drug dealer however I was wrong. His past was slightly more hands-on. His intelligence was on point the ability to turn a case around in the opposite direction is genius. He was most definitely in the correct profession a lawyer was his calling. He was a loving father to his daughter Alissa and son Maleek. Senior was a master manipulator, cheater, and somewhat controlling. He needed some clinical help in any form he could get it. His last oops changed his life so it's safe to say his eyes are wide open now. Derrick was just doing the most but the "come up" he thought he was going to get turned into a trip on the highway to heaven. He deserved it with the life he was living. His life affected others in a traumatic way.
Ms. James, you did this. This was a magnificent read. Jessiah and Emerson tried to fight the love brewing but they were made for each other. The wedding scene at the end was everything. It was giving event planner vibes. Since other characters were in this book I hope there are more stories birthed. I wouldn't mind reading a story on Summer and Emerald falling for each other. Summer would be in the family for sure. And that would give an update on Emerson and Jessiah. I have to say I loved how Emerson made a name for herself although she came from a powerful well-established family. Maleek, Jessiah's son, was so mature for his age, he was already an activist which speaks volumes at fifteen. This is one of those books you pick up and has to read in one sitting. You aren't going to want to put it down. It is a lot happening but once you start to put the pieces of the puzzles together it becomes a full circle.
November 9, 2022
A must read this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Of course I read the book out of order. Nevertheless Cruz and Emerson's love story is sweet. I felt really bad for Cruz and Emerson until 😯. I'm absolutely all in with the twist and turns in this book. I've read several of your books and it's always a pleasure 🥰.
Of course I read the book out of order. Nevertheless Cruz and Emerson's love story is sweet. I felt really bad for Cruz and Emerson until 😯. I'm absolutely all in with the twist and turns in this book. I've read several of your books and it's always a pleasure 🥰.
August 5, 2022
Justify my love
Emerson and Jessiah were cute together once he stopped fighting his feelings for her. There were several reasons for him to fight his feelings but in the end he fell in love. I enjoyed this story and the journey the couple took to get to the end.
Emerson and Jessiah were cute together once he stopped fighting his feelings for her. There were several reasons for him to fight his feelings but in the end he fell in love. I enjoyed this story and the journey the couple took to get to the end.
November 10, 2022
Such a beautiful love story
Jessiah and Emerson were brought together through death. The two didn't realize how much they needed each other. Secrets are revealed and their love is tested, but in the end the come together to justify their love for one another.
Jessiah and Emerson were brought together through death. The two didn't realize how much they needed each other. Secrets are revealed and their love is tested, but in the end the come together to justify their love for one another.
August 5, 2022
Chemistry ❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥
This book was amazing. I truly am here for all of Em and Jessiah. The chemistry between the two was strong.
*S/N : maybe we can get a wedding book (crossing fingers)
Tatum James you definitely did not come to play with this book.
This book was amazing. I truly am here for all of Em and Jessiah. The chemistry between the two was strong.
*S/N : maybe we can get a wedding book (crossing fingers)
Tatum James you definitely did not come to play with this book.
August 5, 2022
great Read
Emerson and Cruz needed each other. Derrick was sneaky and karma got him. Senior Pike was a bit too much. I’m loved the ending that was a amazing surprise .
Emerson and Cruz needed each other. Derrick was sneaky and karma got him. Senior Pike was a bit too much. I’m loved the ending that was a amazing surprise .
October 14, 2022
Emerson
Emerson and Cruz met when he came to her parent’s house to be hired as her defense lawyer. Emerson was intrigued by his good looks and charm. Cruz was taken away by her beauty. She tried to get him admit his feelings for her, he refused. He was trying to get her off for murder and mourn his murdered daughter. A great read!
Emerson and Cruz met when he came to her parent’s house to be hired as her defense lawyer. Emerson was intrigued by his good looks and charm. Cruz was taken away by her beauty. She tried to get him admit his feelings for her, he refused. He was trying to get her off for murder and mourn his murdered daughter. A great read!
August 12, 2022
I really wanted to love this book
Emerson and Cruz had chemistry out of this world! A refined hit man with emotional trauma that wants to be called sir and will let you know you’ve been a good girl…whew! However I love a good HEA no matter the plot, I just wasn’t too much a fan of the rushed ending.
Emerson and Cruz had chemistry out of this world! A refined hit man with emotional trauma that wants to be called sir and will let you know you’ve been a good girl…whew! However I love a good HEA no matter the plot, I just wasn’t too much a fan of the rushed ending.
October 14, 2022
🔥🔥
This was a really good read I’m happy em and Cruz could get through this hard part I loved it
This was a really good read I’m happy em and Cruz could get through this hard part I loved it
September 15, 2022
good read
This was a good read. Loved the name of the characters. Love will definitely make you do some things out of the ordinary.
This was a good read. Loved the name of the characters. Love will definitely make you do some things out of the ordinary.
October 9, 2022
Good read
This is a good read . But it just all of a sudden ended. But it was a good storyline
This is a good read . But it just all of a sudden ended. But it was a good storyline
January 4, 2023
Cruz Is That Man!
Love some Cruz for Emerson….stubborn, strong, no-nonsense and an enigma. Emmy couldn’t have found a better partner if she tried but as all stories, there is some mystery and background and of course her daddy was at the center of it.
Look forward to hearing more about the Pike family!
Love some Cruz for Emerson….stubborn, strong, no-nonsense and an enigma. Emmy couldn’t have found a better partner if she tried but as all stories, there is some mystery and background and of course her daddy was at the center of it.
Look forward to hearing more about the Pike family!
January 2, 2023
Emerson and Cruz
Loved the book and this couple
Getting to their love was not easy but it was worth it at the end
They both deserved their happiness and the outcome
Both had to let go of some things in the past and some revelations had to come to light for them to move forward
This made the storyline interesting and the characters relatable
A very enjoyable read and worth reading
Loved the book and this couple
Getting to their love was not easy but it was worth it at the end
They both deserved their happiness and the outcome
Both had to let go of some things in the past and some revelations had to come to light for them to move forward
This made the storyline interesting and the characters relatable
A very enjoyable read and worth reading
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews