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.
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Another great one, loved it. Seriously can not wait for the next book. Bring on Machlan!
Adriana cannot write a bad book.
Loved Cross and Kallie. Even though it was a short story, you could still feel how they grew up over the years but still love one another. Just enough detail to have all the feels. Very well done and I cannot wait for Mach’s book!!
Cross and Kallie’s story was so, so cute! I loved it and although it was short, it felt like a full length novel! Adriana Locke has quickly become one of my favorite authors! I simply can’t get enough!
Cross was a novella featured in Team Player Anthology which is no longer available. So for our reading pleasure Adriana has decided to re-release it with more content. Thank heaven’s for that!
Having been sucked into the world of the Gibson boys, the story of Cross and Kallie is the perfect addition while we wait for the next book in the series. Kallie and Cross have been in love since they were kids. However young love doesn’t always lead to happy endings, when Cross refused to grow up and stop his bad boy ways Kallie packed up and moved on to bigger and better things. Now that her mom is left all alone she is back home, not prepared for Cross Gibson and what seeing him again means.
Losing Kallie was the best thing for Cross. It forced him to grow up and get his life together, turn into a man that if Kallie ever decided to come home she would be proud to be on the arm of. Now that she is home he will stop at nothing to ensure she will be his once again.
The fire between these two leaps of the pages, leaving us unable to put the books down. Just like in the other Gibson Boys stories, our heroines are fierce and refuse to give these boys one inch of lenience in ensuring they get everything the deserve.
Cross and Kallie give second chance romance a new meaning. These two have never stopped loving each other and their break up was nothing overly dramatic. They reminded me of so many couples I know but they fight for their love. Adriana Locke has written a standalone novella that pulls at your emotions as much as her full-length novels do. I was intrigued and hopeful in everything Cross and Kallie. I can’t wait to know more about them.
Enjoyed Cross & Kallie very much, their second chance story was a fabulous novella. The two short stories following Cross and Kallie’s story are great, I want more of Blaire!! Loving the Gibson Boys series!
I really enjoyed Cross!! I was a bit confused at first as it started out with Machlan. So I was like huh? But then it kicked in with Kallie and Cross.
I loved their story. I wish it had been a bit longer, but I know this was a novella. Of course there was a twist in the story, and I wanted to punch that other girl so hard!!
I’m glad that Kallie finally came around and seen that Cross is NOT the same guy he was years before.
I really liked the storyline, and how it flowed, and funny it was at times too with the other characters. I can’t wait to read more!!
Adriana Locke has yet to give me a man that I just didn’t absolutely fall head over heels in love with. Cross is no exception to this rule. His story will break you while putting you back together. You’ll enjoy seeing old favorites, such as Walker, Mach, and Peck. And you’re just going to want to pack your bags and move to this small town because those Gibson boys will make you smile so big your face will hurt.
LOVED LOVED LOVED! I am a sucker for the second chance trope. Cross realized what he had lost and went after what he wanted. Kallie realized that he had changed and gave him a chance. Add the Gibson Boys and you have a delicious read!
Although it is a prequel to the Gibson Boys Series, Cross stands all on its own. I loved every single second of this short, sexy story of second-chance love.
Kallie and Cross are absolutely perfect for each other and I couldn’t get enough of them. I fell for Cross from the very start. He is sweet, sexy and all kinds of swoony. I also loved getting to know the Gibson boys a little better in this one.
Let me begin with how much I absolutely this series, it’s definitely one of those series that I’ll have a tough time letting go of once Adriana decides to end it. I’ve read Cross in the Team Player Anthology that was released months ago, which was seriously the best anthology I have ever read in the romance genre. I loved every single novella in there! Second chance romances are my favorite tropes to read, I love the bit of heartbreak between the characters, owning up to mistakes they’ve made, watching each learn and grow, but most of all, seeing them get their happily ever after.
Kallie leaving her hometown and calling it quits with Cross was probably the best and worst thing that has happened to the both of them. Fast forward some years and Kallie returns home, and Cross isn’t the same guy she left behind. Cross losing Kallie was the biggest wake-up and since that day, he found his purpose to make something better of himself. Being someone that Kallie deserves.
Guysss, I loved Cross so much! I appreciate a hero who can own up to his mistakes and prove himself he’s a better person by his actions. I loved how relentless he was to get Kallie back and I totally understood her hang-ups about getting back with him. But everything between them is there, the love and the passion, it was like it never diminished.
The supporting characters were absolutely hilarious through Kallie and Cross’s journey to their HEA. Small town people are so dang nosey and all up in your business, but I loved seeing his best friends be supportive of him and reminding him of how devastated he was when Kallie left. It’s clear that they want him to be happy even though Kallie is Cross’s end game, there’s no stopping him.
I was completely hooked on their story, Cross and Kallie are both characters you can love. You’ll definitely be rooting for the both of them the entire time. As usual, I hate novellas because I’m constantly begging for more.
It was such a sweet and quick read, fans of this series and Adriana Locke will love Cross.
There are two bonus stories which will leave you begging, AGAIN, for more!
**AN ARC WAS GRACIOUSLY PROVIDED FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**
I read Cross as a short story in Janurary as part of The Player Anthology. I loved it then.
I love it just as much now in novella form.
There is something about second chances that gets to me. It’s always much sweeter when that second chance happens with the person who owns half your heart. Kallie and Cross’ story makes one believe that when love is real is is truly unending. When combined with forgiveness and trust, there is no stronger force than love.
Adriana Locke has a way of reaching strait to the heart with her loveable and engaging main characters. Cross and Kallie are no exception. They are simply two good people trying to so the right thing. They need to do what is right for themselves and for each other. Sometimes what seems easy is not easily done.
I adore the interactions between Cross, Kallie, and all of their friends in this small town. The story kept me laughing and rooting for these two lovers the entire time. The two steamy short stories about familiar faces which Adriana Locke included in this book only leave me wanting more. Cross is an excellent way to stay connected while waiting for Crave, the next Gibson Boys Novel, to drop in June.
Adriana never fails to deliver the absolute best! I loved this novella! A second chance romance that will have you smiling and swooning.
Cross wasn’t expecting to bump into Kallie, specially not after she walked away from him a few years back. When he realizes she is back in town he is determined to get her back, and this time he is not letting her go.
Kallie knew that being around Cross would be hard, she just didn’t realize it would be impossible. Not only did they have history, but their chemistry was undeniable. It was pointless fighting what was bound to happen, her heart had always belonged to Cross and now they were getting a second chance.
I can not express how much I loved this novella! It was short, sweet and entertaining. It is part of the The Gibson Boys series, but can be read as a standalone. It takes place before Crank, if you have not read Crank you need to! Cross is a must read!
Cross and Kallie has a lot of growing up to do.
He needed to recognize what he had and lost and how he lost her. Deciding to change and not be the impulsive life of the party took courage and determination. Because what if? What if Kallie cane back for him?
She couldn’t take everyone knowing her business in small town Illinois. Couldn’t take his impulsive behavior. She wanted more for herself. But nobody else could ever measure up.
And when she returns home…he’s sure she’ll see he’s a changed man, Still in love with the girl he’d always loved. But a leopard never changes his spots, right? Walking away is easier than fighting for what you want.
And the two short stories.
Holt and Blaire? Hot! Now I can’t wait for their story!!
Nora and Kip? He wants more and she denies wanting more. Explosive! Their story will be so much fun watching her give in!
If you’re like me you read the Team Player Anthology which included the novella for Cross. And because Cross Jacobs is so awesome Adriana decided to add on to his novella. I absolutely love the Gibson boys and so seeing more of them any chance I get is totally worth it. Now if you didn’t read the Team Player Anthology (which you should) than you get to experience full length Cross (pun intended).
Cross had the girl, the friends, family and the wreck-less behavior, so when Kallie finally decides enough is enough and leaves Cross is left with small real life consequences for his actions. Moving on for him was never really an option however getting himself together is. He spent his time working hard to grow up and make something of himself and can finally say he is proud of what he’s accomplished. Kallie Welch moves back home to be greeted by a new version of Cross which she can’t deny that the love and attraction is still there but has he really changed or is it all an act.
Cross knows he has a lot to prove to Kallie if he want’s another chance and knowing how much he still cares about her he is willing to pull out the stops. It was so nice to see him own his mistakes and to prove that they were just that and he was over that part of his life. Cross knows he has to start from scratch with Kallie but he is willing to pull out all his tricks to remind her of how good it was. Kallie is very cautious which she has every right to be, however the man before her now is melting her heart little by little and making her want to give him another chance.
This second chance romance between Cross and Kallie has everything you want from the swoon worthy moments to the heat of rekindling their explosive chemistry. Although this is part of the Gibson world it can be read as a stand alone however I love the other Gibson’s I can’t imagine not reading them all.
“You taught me a lot, made me who I am, in a roundabout, heartbreaking kind of way.”
Great addition to a terrific series. 4.5 stars. I love this author’s writing! It’s exquisite with her beautifully developed characters, strong in-depth storyline, and a sweet, sexy love story. Cross and Kallie were so perfect together. Can’t lie…I’ve been waiting for Machlin’s story since Crank. Love him! So glad it’s next. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
I love a good second chance love story and this one did not disappoint. Cross and Kallie needed to grow up and find themselves before they could give a relationship a real chance. I am glad that they found their way back to each other.
5 Fulfilling All Her Dreams Stars!!!
From the minute I started reading the Gibson Boys books I knew when we got Cross’s story it would be so worth the wait because there’s so much to his and Kallie’s history. Ms. Locke brought me right into Kallie’s head and heart and the battle she was waging inside with her love for Cross.
Their love has definitely been tested over the years and with Kallie being back in Linton they have to face their past, what pulled them apart and hopefully what would bring them back together….
“It’s those first nights in Indiana all over again. It’s the emptiness in my soul, the craving to love and be loved…by him, only him. It’s only ever been him.”
That right there is worth everything these two go through to get to their HEA. Along the way, there’s arguments, laughter unlike any she’s had in a long time and loving that is at times tender and sweet and others fast and furious….
“The way he looks at me steals my breath, knots my stomach into a bundle of emotions I can’t begin to unravel right now. It’s as if he’s not just seeing my body, or my anticipation of his next move. He’s seeing me in a way that’s bare and has nothing to do with a lack of fabric on my body.”
I loved every single thing about this book and getting to be inside Cross’s head really for the first time finding out what has driven him these last few years. He really is so much more than I thought he was going to be because we see below his surface. And when he loves, he loves forever and Kallie is his forever.
Thank you Ms. Locke for giving Cross and Kallie their story and reinforcing why I love this series and your writing yet again!!
Cross Jacobs *swoon*
I first read this when it was a part of the Team Player anthology. When I heard it had been updated and was being re-released I jumped at the chance to read the new version. Whilst it’s part of the Gibson Boys series it can easily be read as a stand alone, the book very much focuses on Kellie and Cross and no prior/background knowledge is necessary. I really couldn’t see the ‘seams’ where the book had been reworked, but then when it’s written by an author of this talent I really don’t expect to.
This was written with the usual fun, emotion, steam and amazing undefinable quality that I have come to expect from Adriana Locke. Her books draw you straight in, the characters feel very real, natural and are always likeable. This is quite a skill when writing such a short story, but for me I prefer a novella to be character driven, which this is.
Kellie and Cross have history, but Cross’s refusal to grow up and take responsibility gave Kellie no choice but to leave him behind. Now she’s back, but has anything changed? Well one thing that hasn’t is there incredible chemistry and their feelings for each other, but will they get a HEA in this second chance romance? You’ll have to read it to find out but what I will tell you is that this held my attention and had me caring about the characters almost straight away.
The writing and pace are excellent, Kellie and Cross are both believable characters, the dialogue is witty and fun and, even in this short read, there is plenty of emotion portrayed. There are some hot ‘n’ steamy moments, with things progressing quite quickly but, because of their intense past together, this didn’t feel rushed or too insta-love (which just doesn’t do it for me).
If you’ve never read any of Adriana Locke’s work why???? and also this is an excellent ‘taster’ of what to expect from this very talented author.
This is my second time reading Cross and it was still as good as I remember it. Cross and Kallie are fighting for a second chance at happiness. This short story shows how much old habits are hard to let go and to leave them in the past. But the whole bad boy turning his life around in hopes that the girl he loved all his life will return and want him as much as he wants her made me so happy. I wouldn’t mind a few additional chapters with him persuading her to take him back »wink wink«.
” I subscribe to one theory and one theory only.””What’s that?””To keep you wanting to be my gir!” (que the swooning)
As for the additional chapters with Blaire&Holt and Kip&Nora …that was just cruel and so unsatisfying. I need and CRAVE (see what I did there?! :P) moreeeee.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***