Both of Us

Cross My Heart Duet Series 2

By: Amber Kelly

Narrated by: Nelson Hobbs, Lauren Sweet

After running away across the country, Brie Masters is finally settling into her life in California. She's surrounded by loving friends and her brother, who is there to keep her safe - specifically, to protect her from a man from her past who won't let her go.

But, as the danger starts affecting those around her, she flees back home, back to the life of Gabby Mastreoni.

When her stalker goes after the one thing that could hurt her forever, she has no choice but to run to the last person she wants to ask for help. And then all of her secrets will be exposed.

©2019 Amber Kelly (P)2020 Tantor

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced mafia romance

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

Amazing story continuation in the second part of this duet with great twists along the way and some totally unexpected moments, ending on a hea note. Gabby (Brie) continues her life in LA, while continuing to nurse her broken heart from Cross (Christophe) and a newly broken heart with Jake's betrayal in feeding information to Dante about Brie's whereabouts and more. Christophe is now seeing Gabby's former best friend Adrianna and is engaged to marry her breaking Gabby's heart further.
Turns out that Cassian is Gabby and Cross's son, hidden from him and the family to keep him safe from the Mafia world. Dante is back and trying to kidnap Gabby, and attempts to kidnap Gabby. While Gabby and her LA friends are in NY for a friend's wedding dress appointment, Dante grabs Cassian instead in hopes of luring Gabby to him. Gabby goes to Cross knowing he is the only person who could help get their son back safe and sound. Atelo is actually alive, in LA tracks down Dante, locates Cassian, and bonds with him during the trip to NY where Gabby and Cross. The hat is out of the bag that Cross and Adrianna had planned to keep Gabby safe while Cross and the families continue to hunt down the murder targeting his family for control of the business and ultimately Cross always wanted to end up with Gabby and now with a son cannot imagine being with anyone else.

Favorite Quotes: "'Things are always so simple with our first love. We go all in and completely give ourselves to them-hear, body, and soul. We hold nothing back because we don't know we need to....Our first loves, we love without fear. With utter abandon, we give them everything, and once that trust is betrayed, we never love like that again. We always hold something back for ourselves.'" - Gabby (Brie)

"'I'm not sure I'm even capable of love anymore. I care about you, and I don't think we have to always be at each other's throats. We don't have to be enemies, but I think we both know it will never be love. I gave my heart away over twenty years ago, and she never gave it back."' - Cross

"'That pain you feel now, it will never go away. When you lose the love of your life, it's like a piece of your soul is ripped from your body, and you will walk around half a man for the rest of your days.'" - Marcello

"Just goes to show, you can dress betrayal up in head-to-toe Chanel, and it will still be just as ugly." - Gabby

"I take a moment to look around at this room full of women-all strong and fiercely protective of Gabriella and each other. I can't help but fill with pride. We think of them as the weaker sex, but in reality, the are a force, especially when they stand together." - Cross

WE NEED MORE!!

We need Nico and Kelsey’s story! You can’t just leave us hanging after that amazing duet!

WOW

This is the conclusion of Gabby (Brie) and Christoff's story. Without giving away the secrets of this mafia family, I didn't see all the secrets hidden in this story. But secrets never stay secret. I really loved reading Gabby and Christoff's story. Love does prevail in this mafia filled world, it just takes time. Make sure you get this book!

Enjoyed this book.

Enjoyed the writing style of this author. The story line was well done and the characters were well defined. Looking forward to reading more books from this author.

Epically Perfect Ending

What an epic conclusion to this duet. There’s suspense and mystery and a load of secrets and twists you will be surprised at the outcome. It was filled with heartache, betrayal and a sweet happily ever after.

Once again Nelson Hobbs and Lauren Sweet voiced Gabby and Cross and did a fantastic job. They brought a new level to this story with emotion and heart.

I know this was the end but one could hope for more of these characters. I wouldn’t be opposed to a story about Nico and Kelsey.

Loved!

I absolutely loved this book, I felt every emotion possible. Anger, fear, love, happiness, sadness.

Both of us

This was a great story as well as the continuation of Both of me. It summed everything up and again the reads were amazing. I do feel like the end was rushed and although I’m a big fan of romance novels I do wish the male perspective is more true to real men and not the imaginary thoughts of us women. But overall this was great and would read again.