Cross Jacobs was a screw-up.Everyone knew it, especially him, and the point was hammered home when Kallie Welch drove herself right out of his life. But, she’s back. Seeing Cross wasn’t on Kallie’s to-do list. She didn’t think she could avoid him forever but trying never hurt anyone. One minute she’s standing by herself and the next she’s accosted by a rich, velvety scent that could only belong … scent that could only belong to one man: Cross.
At face value, he’s divine. All rugged and confident with a smile that melts her right where she’s standing. It doesn’t take long to find him to be charming, witty, and the owner of a few legitimate businesses. Not at all like the mischievous boy she left.
He laughs and her heart flutters. With a touch of his hand, she’s dizzy. She’s fairly certain she’s going to die when he pulls her into an embrace and touches his lips to her forehead.
It feels right. It feels so right.
But is it?
Cross is a novella, originally published in the Team Player Anthology. Cross includes three chapters not included in the original story. There are also two Gibson Boy short stories, Restraint and Crash, included at the end for your enjoyment.
more
When Adriana Locke writes and gives you a novella, she never makes you feel like you’re reading just a novella. Hell, she ends up making you want so much more even after you’re done reading it. The feels and emotions, the build-up, the swoon factor, and the blazing chemistry are all still vividly present in the 20k or so words. She makes it a point that even in the very limited word count she has, you’re still able to connect with the story and get to know her characters on a deeper level. I’m pretty sure that’s an even bigger challenge for authors to accomplish, most especially since they’d need to contain and fit all the elements of a full-length novel to maybe a third of its normal length. And Adriana? She absolutely killed it and gave this one her all—this novella is clear proof of that.
“You taught me a lot, made me who I am, in a roundabout, heartbreaking kind of way.”
Cross is a second chance romance that won my heart right off the first page. Not only was it set in the world of the Gibson boys that I’m already head over heels obsessed with or that it’s about Machlan’s best friend… but it was all because of Cross Jacobs himself—he won me over. The way he’d make you feel deep in your bones that he truly has changed from the time his girl—the only girl he’d ever love—left him for his immature ways. He made a lot of mistakes, but he learned from them. They were both younger then. But now that Kallie Welch is back in town, he’ll do anything and everything to prove to her that he’s finally grown up. That he’s now a way better version of himself. The thing is, will he be able to win back that trust and love he shattered so painfully when she fled town?
“You’ll stay with me for a while tonight.”
“Why?”
“Because holding you in my arms is my favorite part.”
If you adore the Gibson boys as much as I do and could never get enough of them—read this. If you’re a fan of sweet, sexy second chance romances—read this. If you love a hero who has words and actions that feel like jabs to your gut and chest; one who will steal your heart in the blink of an eye—read this. If you’re craving a quick and easy read that packs one helluva punch—Read. This.
This is a second chance romance novella for Cross (Machlan Gibson’s best friend) and Kallie. I always thought there was something intriguing about Cross and his ways… Now, I know what; his soulmate left him and until she returns again back to their small town, he’s never truly forgotten her and when he sees her again, he’s determined to stake his claim and make her his again.
Kallie left Cross because of several reasons (not going to spoil it, so go read this story to find out) but there were some misunderstandings and miscommunications that caused these two to be apart. Cross wants a second chance to prove to Kallie that he has changed from the guy he was years ago and to not only win her back, but win her trust, heart and love back as well <3
Kallie has returned to her hometown, Linton, after being gone for about 3 years and living in Indy. Life hasn't been all that great to her; between her ex-boyfriend cheating on her, her boss going to jail and no job, her luck hasn't been great and now running into the love of her life is going to be a tad difficult, at least that's what she thinks; fate has its hands in Kallie & Cross's destinies and it has decided that it's time for them to be together again...
Of course, there's some obstacles, miscommunications/misunderstandings, as well as steamy, funny and sad moments but at the end, these two persevere and get their happy ending 🙂
Can't wait to see who's story is next and hoping it will be Machlan's story, fingers crossed 😉
I loved the Gibson Boys series and Cross is another great read. Cross Jacobs is Machlan’s best friend since they were kids so they got into a lot of trouble in their younger days. Cross’ wild days cost him his one true love, Kallie. Kallie felt that she had to leave Cross because she felt that he wouldn’t ever grow up. Cross did grow up and changed and is now a business owner of a few businesses.
When Kallie finally comes back home, she knows that she will run into Cross but hope that she would be able to deal with it. But when the 2 of them run into each other, the attraction and love is still there. Kallie tries to resist at first and Cross gets advice from Walker, Peck and Machlan (with solicited and unsolicited) about how to get Kallie back and be able to keep her.
Kallie and Cross’ love for each other is strong but Kallie has to figure out how to deal with the small town rumor mill and gossip about everyone, especially Cross.
Great novella and I can’t wait for more Gibson Boys!
I absolutely loved this novella! I originally had read Cross & Kallie’s story, when it was part of the “Team Player Anthology” which was released late last year. I was curious to see what Adriana would add (if anything ) to their story. What she added was perfect and fit seamlessly into the novella. The added content made it feel like a novel. I’m a big fan of author’s re-releasing a novella on it’s own. After it’s been a part of an anthology. Especially if they add to the original story. Reading this novella again felt like catching up with old friends. I was able to pick up/notice some things that, I had not the first time around. I really loved how open Cross was about his feelings (& his mistakes) when it came to Kallie. I also loved how Adriana gave voice to Kallie’s concerns about her hopes & feelings about/for Cross. She did a great job capturing their vulnerabilities. I also really enjoyed seeing their friends/family help them navigate through their concerns about being together. I absolutely loved getting a glimpse of Machlan’s back story. I’m so excited for his book. “Cross” is a must read for any fans of Adriana’s books. Especially any who have read her other books in the Gibson Boys series. I can’t wait to see/read what she writes next.
I originally read this novella when it was a part of the Team Player anthology last fall. I love the original version, but it is revised with some added chapters which add more depth to the characters.
Cross and Kallie had dated when they were younger. Unwilling to “grow up”, Kallie broke things off with Cross and moved away. Now she has moved back to Linton, and while some things have changed (Cross, for one), not everything has (small-town gossip). Cross is determined to prove himself to Kallie, who is still skeptical about his intentions.
I absolutely loved both Cross and Kallie! They were both so real, and I would love to hang out with this group! I loved revisiting the Gibson boys and getting to know Machlan a little better.
This novella also has a couple of other shorts that Adriana Locke had previously released (through newsletters, I believe). I enjoyed Blaire and Holt’s story (Blaire is a Gibson sibling), who run into each other at the airport, as well as with those Landrys. I also very much enjoyed the short with Nora (who works at Crave) and Kip (the cop). Yum!
I definitely recommend this novella!
Cross and Kallie’s story takes novella form. This shorter work is written in first person dual POV and includes 2 other short stories at the back. I enjoyed this second chance romance as they find their way back to each other and recognize they have both grown.
I read the boxset, which included Crank, Craft, Cross, Restraint, Crash, Crave, and Crazy.
Thank you Adriana for creating such amazing alphas that are so protective of their loved ones and the strong head-strong women that are perfect for them! Nana had my heart from the first book, I just want to hug her and sit and listen to her advice and stories.
These book are an ABSOLUTE MUST READ!!!!
Sweet novella proving first love can always get a second chance. Cross and Kallie have to fight for the love they lost.
This was the perfect second chance story!!
Cross has been in love with Kallie for years. Being a dumb kid he didn’t realize what he had till it was gone. He just didn’t want to grow up. Kallie leaving was actually the best thing that could have happened to Cross. It forced him to reevaluate his life and make something of himself in case he ever had a chance again. Luckily for him, Kallie moved back and it was game on!!
Kallie was much more reluctant to start again. He hurt her before and also living in the small town where gossip runs wild made her want to pump the breaks with Cross even though her heart and body wanted him.
I really liked this book and I was also very happy with the two other short stories that were with this book. I liked that they were about people in this world and we were able to see them get their happily ever after.
If you enjoy cuddling up with a good book, under some soft blankets on a day off or even during the rain and just losing yourself in a awesome story, well this is your go to. Cross is the novella in the Gibson Boys series featuring Cross Jacobs. In this we welcome back Walker, Sienna, Peck and Nana of course.
Cross has finally made something of himself, he has his gyms and his stuff together, but he wasn’t always like this, no he used to be a major screw up. A screw up that let someone very important to him walk out of his life, but now she’s back…
Kallie is back home and that means she has to face small time life all over again. She and Cross hit it off again, like things never ended, but small town gossip and old issues rear their ugly heads. Can Kallie trust Cross with her heart?
This book, once I finished left me swinging from a rope over a sea of emotions, and let me tell you, I could not down load the next book fast enough. Just read it!
So glad to have Cross’ story! Listened to the audiobook & again….loved it!
Loved Cross & Kallie’s story! Adriana did a great job with this novella. You could feel Cross and Kallie’s feelings! Their connection is undeniable!
A great quick read in the Gibson series. A second chance romance about overcoming insecurities and finally growing up. Fighting for your one and only love.
This was a super sweet novella. A second chance romance that had me grinning from ear to ear
*This was part of the Team Player Anthology*
I am loving all of her books and this novella was just perfect. It is a pre-sequel short story to the new Gibson series. I really loved the story of Cross and Kallie.
Kallie is back in town after not only leaving her family but she also left Cross behind. She has a lot of reasons to come back to town but when she sees him again, feelings she thought were gone, come crashing back in a heartbeat. But she doesn’t want to get involved with him again, not after having her heart broken.
When Cross sees Kallie again, he can’t believe she’s back in town. This time he won’t let her go that easily and will do whatever it takes to get her back!
Will he succeed or will the past come in between them again?…
Adriana truly delivers with this novella. A second chance romance that manages to be both sweet and steamy!
4 out of 5 stars
Cross and Hallie are looking for their second chance at love now that Hallie has returned back to her hometown and Cross has grown up since she was last there.
I love second chance books that don’t dwell so much on the past and really try to give them a clean start and though Hallie dwelled a little, overall the story was all in the present. It’s a short, sweet story that will leave the reader happy with the outcome and wishing for more!
At the end of the novella, there are two more quick tales for readers with Gibson family members and friends. These were fun and like most of Ms. Locke’s stories left me wanting more 🙂
*** I voluntarily read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
I have been listening to The Gibson Boys by Adriana Locke on audio and I am loving this series! The men in this series are tough, confident and at the core, very caring men. This time around we get Cross’s second chance romance. He is Machlan’s best friend and very close to the family.
I absolutely loved this novella. For a short, sexy and sweet story, it packed quite the punch. Cross Jacobs had the woman of his dreams in his grasp, but then he lost her. He had years to think about her and what he would do different. In that time he made something of himself. I loved Cross. Once he had that second chance, nothing was going to get in his way. He was ready to lay his heart out for Kallie.
Kallie walked away from the man she loved because she wanted better. But now she is back for a fresh start when her past is standing in front of her. Can she trust her heart to Cross again or will it be more of the same? Kallie was sweet, honest and caring, but not sure if some things deserved a second chance.
Like I mentioned, I am loving this series and cannot wait for more. Cross was a charming and sweet second chance romance and I could not stop listening. I highly recommend both this book and this series!
Listened and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Audiobook Version: Cross by Adriana Locke is a delicious swoon worthy guilty pleasure read. Set in the Gibson Boys world this novella is the perfect compliment to the series. Cross Jacobs and Kallie Welch are childhood sweethearts that will have you rooting for them to find a way back to each other. Supporting character’s crossover from previous books in this series, including (Best Friend) Machlan Gibson & Walker Gibson which is a sweet dessert. I absolutely love that this series is being narrated by Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross. Kai & Wen are able to capture all the intense moments of the narrative as well as the passionate ones. The narators have a way of bringing the character’s to life. Absolutely love this novella as well as the naration. Looking forward to listening to other novels in this intoxicating series.
CROSS by Adriana Locke is set in the Gibson Boys world. It takes place before Crank so can be enjoyed as a wonderful standalone. Cross is also a moving story of epic love and second chances. Kallie and Cross grew up and in love together. But where Kallie was a responsible old soul, Cross was not ready to settle down. She had the courage to leave before they destroyed each other. Now Kallie is back in town and Cross is older, sexier, and still a charmer. Kallie wants to believe he is a different man, but can’t forget the pain from before. Cross has waited for Kallie to return home and will not let her walk away again. I absolutely loved their rediscovery of each other.
“You’ve always been mine, Kallie girl, just like I’ve always been yours.”“Yes,” I eek out.
I also loved seeing all the characters in this series, before it begins, and swoon over the Gibson men even more! This is a quick story that still delivers everything I crave in a romance. I care for Kallie and Cross, and I hope to see more of them in this series!