She’s been hurt too many times… he’s unlike any man she’s ever known. Now he’s become the greatest threat to her heart, because there’s no possible future for them. Not when he’s leaving the country in a few weeks. And when her worst fears are realized, she must risk everything by placing her trust in in his hands.
He’s determined to capture her heart.
Scotsman Aidan MacIntyre never saw the fiery, beautiful Tiana coming. The prickly redhead has gotten under his skin as badly as he wants to get under hers. But she’s determined to keep walls between them. Luckily the former Royal Marine doesn’t know how to give up. Someone from her past wants to hurt her, but Aidan will stand between her and any threat. He’ll stop at nothing to protect her and the little girl who have completely stolen his heart—and fight for them to have a future together.
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Tiana Fitzgerald is an occupational therapist and a single mom to 9 year old Ella. She doesn’t have a good track record with men, especially with her last boyfriend Brian. Now Ella’s father, Evan, has decided that he wants to be part of her life after not being in it so far.
Aidan MacIntrye works for Beckett and is a former Royal Marine who has his eyes on Tiana if she will only give him a chance. Unfortunately Aidan is also struggling with getting his work Visa extended as he wishes to remain in Crimson Point.
Aidan wants Tiana to give him a chance to prove himself but with Evan threatening to take away Ella will she give him a chance?
This is the first time I have read this author and it won’t be my last. I found I was behind on the relationships between all of the different characters but I still really enjoyed the story.
I felt so bad for Tiana and her bad choice in men. I couldn’t imagine the devastation to discover the truth about Brian. Tiana was an amazing mom to Ella and it just broke my heart that she had a chance of losing her.
Aidan was awesome and I loved how close he was to Ella, in spite of Tiana trying to keep them apart which I did understand after Brian. I liked that he was trying to break Tiana’s walls down so she could get to know him.
The events in Portland were definitely scary and then how everything spiraled from there. I did like that Ella and Evan did hit it off but I was mad at Evan for what he was threatening to do. Things after that just went scary and I was freaking out for Ella. The scene in the water was definitely scary and I was crossing my fingers for things to work out.
I loved that Evan really got to see how much Tiana loved Ella!
The very end was so awesome and I am looking forward to more in this series!
Aidan MacIntyre never meant to fall in love. But there is something about the beautiful spitfire Tiana Fitzgerald and her adorable daughter that has him wanting so much more out of life. It’s a good thing that the former Royal Marine doesn’t give up once he makes up his mind. He’s determined to tear down all of Tiana’s walls and become a permanent part of her life.
Tiana Fitzgerald has the worst luck with men. She and her daughter have been hurt too many times and now she is determined to be happy with her family of two. But there is something about the handsome and persistent Scotsman that has Tiana wanting to give him a chance.
But forging ahead with a relationship won’t be easy with so many things being thrown at them. Aiden’s work visa for the US has been denied and he’s taken a contract position for the next 9 months out of the country. Tiana is also facing her own battles with Ella’s father wanting back in their lives after abandoning them when Ella was an infant and the pending trial of her ex boyfriend who exposed himself to Ella and is now harboring a vendetta against them.
Even though they know their time together is limited, they can’t help but to fall hard and fast in love. But will it be enough for them to find a way to stay together with so many things pulling them apart?
While I am really sad the Crimson Point series is at its end, Rocky Ground sent the series off with a bang! I’ve truly enjoyed every book in this series and have found a new favorite author in Kaylea Cross. Aiden, Tiana and Ella, however, have stolen my heart and made Rocky Ground my favorite book of the series!
Tiana is one fierce mamma! She will do everything to love and protect her child and harbors severe guilt for bringing a predator into their lives unknowingly. But, she is also raising an extremely well adjusted, intelligent and loving little girl considering all they have been through. It’s easy to see why she is wary of Aiden’s relationship with Ella and resistant for spending time with him. I was thrilled when she finally gave in and go to know him a bit.
Aidan is simply swoonworthy! He’s a protector by nature and feels fiercely protective of Tiana and Ella, even before he knows their back story. Watching him interact with Ella is joyous and when an unexpected disaster strikes, watching him going into alpha mode was simply incredible. Tiana didn’t stand a chance at holding on to her heart!
While this was Tiana and Aiden’s story, it was fantastic watching each couple come full circle in this book as these men are truly family from their time spent in the military together. There was so much action in this book, I couldn’t put it down. I needed to know what was happening next and how Aiden would help Tiana and Ella get their happy ever after. And, let me tell you, when it finally happens, it is simply spectacular! I had happy tears and a giant grin on my face at the ending of this book. 5 stars!
This is fairly a new author for us but, we are slowly making our way through her series but, the more books we read by this author the more we enjoy her works and look forward to her newest releases.
I have to say so far that this current novel was by far my favorite in this ongoing series.This story had so many great character’s that we loved pretty much each and everyone of them.
This story was a really enjoyable read for us.This story had drama,love,laughter,sadness,suspense and a great cast of character’s and some that you could not help but, fall in love with them yourself.
Aidan -We loved the sexy Scot who was fun,loving,caring,possessive,protective,had a great sense of humor and more times then most melted my heart.I loved his relationship with both Ella and Tiana as it was precious and quite endearing.
Tiana- We loved her from the onset of meeting her with her sass, loved her directness,vibrant personality, was loving and caring , her protective instincts,who was a loving wonderful mother, and anyone meeting her could not help but love her and we were one of them.
Overall we loved the story from cover to cover.We loved the plot,the drama,lovers,suspense and that it was a courtship riddled with nothing but complications. Aidan and Tiana had chemistry and a relationship full of love and respect.We loved that the author made the daughter part of the courtship as well because Aidan loved that little girl like she was his own and treated her as she belong to him too way before he even loved her mother.
“So sweet and heat melting!”
The author created the perfect ending to this amazing story that had me bawling my eyes out and crying the last several chapters like a baby.Aidan’s and Ella’s last scenes together were so heat felt and totally heart melting and so amazingly perfect that it could melt a heart of iron.
Well done we loved it! Goes into the keeper pile to read time and time again.
Recommended read to all!
Tiana has been burned by the men in her life and even though Aidan is great to look at, she keeps him at arm lengths. She can’t have another man let her down and so she doesn’t want to take a chance. Aidan though will go out of his way to change it.
When she starts to lower her guard she finds out that Aidan is the man she should have been looking for all along. He’s sweet, has a yummy accent (and a kilt!), makes her feel like a woman and loves Ella like she’s his daughter. Unfortunately he’s also having his own issues.
Tiana and Aidan have a lot to work with and not a lot of time to do it in. The book is full of expense and kept me on toes throughout.
I’m loving the Crimson Point series and each one makes me feel like I’m right there with them in their small town.
This story is amazing. It sucked me in from the start, and kept me drawn in with the suspense, a kick butt heroine, and sexy Irish hero.
Tiana is everything a true, single mom heroine should be. She puts Ella first, and isn’t afraid to let her mama bear side show. She’s been burned in the past by men, so when Aidan enters the picture, she’s not at all welcoming.
Aidan is badass. He’s got this sweet side that will have you swooning, and then his alpha side emerges and he gets even sexier. He doesn’t back down when Tiana puts up her walls, but he also doesn’t push her.
The suspense in this story had me on the edge of my seat, and I can’t wait to see what Kaylea Cross has in store for us next (I’m hoping we get more of this series). A must read that I would highly recommend!!
4 Stars
Rocky Ground is the fourth addition to the Crimson Point series, and is by far my favourite so far. I love a romantic suspense, and Rocky Ground is no exception with equal parts action, danger, intrigue, suspense and romance you will be completely captivated.
Tiana and Aidan’s story is heartwarming and emotional story full of twists and turns. Both characters are quite complex, as are their lives and that translates to quite a busy plot, told in multiple points of view.
Tiana is a hardworking single mother to a precocious and sweet little girl Ella. She’s quite closed off, bitter and struggles to let anyone get too close after a less than ideal childhood and having been deceived by several people she let into her life.
Aidan otherwise known as ‘Mac’ is an endearing and flirty Scotsman. He’s a loyal, dedicated, sweet, strong and big hearted hero.
I love that we got to see more of the previous characters Beckett, Jase, and Noah.
A terrific romance suspense with everything you want in a page turning story. A fabulous heroine, a hot Scotsman coming to the rescue, an evil villain, and all the wonderful Crimson Point characters we came to love in previous stories. I think this is my favorite of the series with the spectacular writing and a thrilling, sexy storyline. Tiana is as fiery as her red hair and fierce especially when it comes to her daughter, Ella. What a great character she is. So strong and a survivor above all. I love her and the darling Ella, who is a survivor just like her Mom. Ella’s ordeals are heartbreaking. Ugh! But Mom and daughter are not alone. Besides their wonderful CP friends there’s a hunky Scotsman ready to come to their aid and more. What to say about Aidan/Mac? Other than he’s a big Scot with a sexy brogue, muscles for day and a former Royal Marine. Hot, hot, hot! I love that he is steady and a calming influence and when danger comes he’s there for both Tiana and Ella. His relationship with Ella is so sweet. Squeezed my heart! And when Tiana finally comes to her senses and lets Aidan in it’s swoon worthy. There’s so much going on in this story between Tiana’s past coming back to cause problems and Aidan’s present uncertainty. Will he get to stay in the US with his girls or will be be forced to go back to Scotland? There’s not a dull moment in this fantastic story and I really loved the authenticity in the smallest details. There’s danger, suspense, intrigue and a sizzling romance. Loved it! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
The entire Crimson Point series has been excellent. I just love Aidan (who doesn’t love a tall, buff, Scotsman?!) and how much he loves Tiana and her adorable little girl Ella. The story is sweet, with a little adventure and action thrown in. My only complaint is it seemed to “wrap-up” too quickly. I think a few more chapters may have helped. Otherwise, two thumbs up!
Nobody writes action romance novels like Kaylea Cross, she is one of my favorite authors in this genre.
The Crimson Point series unfortunately is coming to an end with this book and it is bittersweet since all the books are so good and we get attached to these characters. Tiana and Mac relationship has been hinted in the other books of the series and her adorable girl too. Tiana is a single mom who has trusted the wrong men before and now is wary of Mac and is reluctant of open up to him. Mac is a Scotsman and his working visa is taking to long to be issued, he loves Crimson Point and his friends and is developing feelings for Tiana and Ella.
The book is full of action and romance. You will also read about the adorable Walter and that he is having new pet friends in this life (poor Walter!).
This is a great book and you will love it!!
So since I haven’t read any of the other books, this one started out rocky for me. I didn’t know the story about Ella and Brian until reading more of the story. I also didn’t know about Tiana’s horrible taste in men until reading more. I must say Ella is a well.adjusted little girl for what happened to her. She takes everything in strides and is a happy little girl. She’s strong like her momma.
Tiana is a great character. It’s obvious that she’s a good momma who loves her daughter fiercely. She is also insecure and untrusting. It makes sense with her track record. Aidan is different. He has a way of getting under your skin and you just love him. He’s good with Ella and she loves him back. Tiana is hesitant bit she soon finds out how good they really are together. They work good as a team and he only wants the best for her and Ella. I soaked up this book, it was seriously hard to put down.
Rocky road to their future
Aiden and Tiana have a rocky start to their relationship due to all the events occurring around the time they meet and the vulnerability of her daughter Ella.
Aiden would like nothing more than to be with Tiana but her walls are impenetrable like Supergirl! However, Tiana finally loosens up and finds herself with Aiden two hours from Crimson Point when tragedy strikes. Luckily, Aiden and Tiana are together and this pulls them closer and creates an unbreakable bond
Loved this story and how Aiden is with his two lassies…and I teared up reading the epilogue….so specialA must read series and author, who I never fail to preorder her books as they are nothing short of spectacular
It’s no secret that I LOVE romantic suspense. And Kaylea Cross is one of my automatic 1-click authors. It’s kind of sad to me that Rocky Ground brings her Crimson Point series to a close. I’ve loved all of the characters and their stories, and this one, in my humble opinion, truly is the best book in the series.
Aiden has been fascinated by Tiana for weeks, but his time in the States is running out. And she’s nowhere close to being OK with another relationship. When her past comes back to haunt her and her daughter, can he save the day or tragedy strike once again?
Even though this book is the last in the series, it truly can be read as a standalone book. There is just enough back story to catch you up, but not so much that it feels redundant to someone that has read all of the books. But as you can tell, I’m totally recommending you read them all!!
So, with that said, I’m just going to tell you that I give this book 4.75 stars. The twists and turns were original (at least to me), and the drama and suspense just kept coming (which is why I read and love romantic suspense)! And of course, sexy times. Those are always a bonus! But if I tell you more, it’s totally going to give away too much of the story, and what fun would that be?! Just trust me when I say that it’s money well spent and definitely not time wasted to get and read this book! Now I’m anxiously awaiting her Valkyrie series! I’ve been a fan of Kaylea Cross for years, and even though I have loved some of her books more than others, she remains on my automatic 1-click author list today!
NICUnurse’s Rating: most definitely 4.75 out of 5 stars!
I was thrilled to see that Aidan and Tiana were finally getting their book. These two have been in the periphery of the Crimson Point series from the start and I have been wanting more of them. And Kaylea Cross gave it to me good. Holy geez Rocky Ground was sexy and dangerous and got my heart racing for more than one reason.
Let me start with Aidan. That man- and he is alllll man stole my breath. Especially when he was so sweet towards little Ella. I loved how he saw Tiana’s pain and slowly worked his way into her head. Tiana was almost a bit too frosty in the beginning. To be fair, she had her reasons for keeping Aidan and anyone at arms length. It took time and patience and a bit of an unbelievable disaster for her to let her guard down around Aidan and from there on, they were virtually inseparable.
But there was danger lurking. Something that neither Aidan or Tiana saw coming. Talk about pulse pounding. Even with the terrible situation they were all in, I couldn’t look away. But even after all that played out, life wasn’t done messing with them. They just couldn’t catch a break.
But that ending- sigh- it was the sweet happiness that Tiana, Ella and Aidan all deserved. Kaylea Cross made these two work for it. Their journey to happiness was emotional and took a toll on everyone. Seeing the big, strong, brave Scotsman brought to his knees turned me to a puddle of mush. And was the final push Tiana needed to let him all the way in. Their love was hard fought and even harder won- but that made it all the sweeter.
Rocky Ground is book four in the series, but was easily enjoyed as a standalone. I haven’t read any of the other books in the Crimson Point series, and I was easily able to follow the plot and enjoy the characters. I enjoyed reading this book for many reasons.
Our story follows Aiden and Tiana as they navigate a few tricky situations. Not just how they fall in love, but some mystery and intrigue and more. This book kept you guessing and interested all the way through! Through it all you are rooting for the two to overcome and have a happy ending!
I liked the main characters. Tiana is a single mother who has been dealt some crappy situations in her past. A less than ideal childhood (which seems trite as I write it, but was wonderfully explained by the author!), a deadbeat dad for her daughter, and now an even worse situation now for both of them. But through it all she stands strong and is still trusting and creates a village of helpers for her little family. She’s off relationships though, so Aiden doesn’t even blip her radar at first. Aiden has been busy in his life in the US, but has noticed the amazing Tiana. He’s struggling with some sticky situations of his own, but can’t help but notice her as a woman. He’s strong and gentle and alpha in the best way possible (and a Scot-the accent and wording-whew!). I loved how they interact, and how they have to work together, and generally act like adults.
I liked the slow build of friendship, chemistry and love between these two! It was very realistic to me, how they had to build trust, talk, work things out, and despite the feelings they had for baser needs, work on more than just getting naked. That made it so when they give the relationship a real try, they make it work, despite all the struggles their journey faces.
I was sucked in quickly to this book, which I wasn’t expecting! I was a bit apprehensive that as a book four, I might be missing the backstory to fully understand the characters and plot. But I was worried for no reason! I loved the surprise situations that arose, and how the author had the characters had to deal with them. I finished the book so quickly, and was sad when it ended as I wanted more!
I can’t wait to go back and read more by this author. And I hope that Noah gets a happy ending! The author does a great job with the characters, the plot, the setting, and the situations. I fell in love with all the characters, and the town of Crimson Point-makes me want to go back to the coast for another vacation…in hopes I run into some of these fascinating people!
Star Ratings:
Plot = 5/5 Characters = 5/5 Heat = 5/5 Writing Style = 5/5 Overall Rating = 5/5
4.25 stars–ROCKY GROUND is the fourth instalment in Kaylea Cross’ contemporary, adult CRIMSON romantic suspense series focusing on the people of Crimson Point, Oregon, and a group of former Special Forces soldiers. This is single mom and nurses aide Tiana Fitzgerald, and retired Royal Marine, Scotsman Aidan MacIntyre’s story line. ROCKY GROUND can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from several third person perspectives including Tiana and Aidan ROCKY GROUND follows several intersecting paths including the building but acrimonious relationship between single mom and nurses aide Tiana Fitzgerald, and retired Royal Marine, Scotsman Aidan MacIntyre. Tiana Fitzgerald has the worst luck when it comes to men. A series of failed relationships found our heroine unable to look beyond the DNA of any man including the man with whom she will fall in love. When her eight year old, daughter’s father seeks visitation rights, Tiana isn’t sure she is ready to give up or give in to a man who hasn’t been around for a very long time. Enter Aidan MacIntyre, retired Royal Marine, and the man with whom Tiana will fall in love. What ensues is growing romance and relationship between Tiana and Aidan; an earthquake that places everyone in danger; and the escape and return of a man whose very existence threatens Tiana, and the daughter she loves.
Aidan MacIntyre’s time in the USA is nearing an end as his work visa is about to expire. Falling in love with Tiana Fitzgerald and her daughter Ella meant walking away with a broken heart but protecting Tiana and Ella became a full-time job when past came looking for vengeance and more. Tiana Fitzgerald is overly cautious about exposing her daughter to another man. Past relationships have led to life-threatening scenarios, relationships with men who were dangerous and wrong.
The relationship between Tiana and Aidan struggles in the face of Tiana’s inability to trust, judging all men based on prior experience. Aidan has lusted after Tiana Fitzgerald but the clock is ticking on he time in America. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of energetic secondary and supporting characters including Sierra and Beckett (Fractured Honor #1), Noah and Poppy (Buried Lies #2) and Jase and Molly (Shattered Vows #3) as well as Tiana’s ex Evan, her aunt Lizzie, and Aidan’s mother and sister back in Scotland.
The world building continues to focus on the friendships and relationships of the former Special Forces soldiers: their growing families, their love and support, and their ability to protect the people they love.
ROCKY GROUND is a story of betrayal, vengeance, trust and love. The premise is intriguing and suspense filled; the romance is captivating and seductive; the characters are dynamic and colorful. ROCKY GROUND is an impassioned, engaging and spicy tale from Kaylea Cross.
I have come to love this series, of four brave men, and the women that change their lives for the better.
Scotsman Aidan McIntyre , a Royal Marine, fought with his friends in Afghanistan. He’s in Crimson Point, helping Beckett with his renovation business .
AIdan has eyes for single mom, Tiana Fitzgerald. A woman who has had a tough life and whose goal is to keep her sweet daughter happy and safe.
Tiana is cautious after one too many mistakes and Aidan can’t promise anything, since he’s force to leave the country for work overseas and the expiration of his working visa. in the USA.
But as a relationship blossoms, so does danger . Will they be able to survived it? Will they have a future , or will their relationship end up being a memory?
This is a well written story with an engaging plot that will hold your attention throughout the book. The characters are well developed and if you have read the previous stories in the series, you’ll get a chance to visit with them as well.
Another winner by this talented author.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.