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3.37k reviews for:

Crossed

Emily McIntire

3.62 AVERAGE


My favorite book of the series, I liked everything about this book and I have no complaints, I loved the little details of the characters of Cade and Amaya. I know this book focuses deeply on religion but I liked how they talked of it. Quin was such an adorable character and loved how Cade and Quin were able to bond in little time considering he doesn't adapt to situations easily. This book has good smut, good romance and besides from Parker being an annoying character, the tension between Cade and Amaya was so good, the stalking made it 100x better. The hidden romance at the very end when they decided to give in to their love was so good. This is easily the best book of the series. 5 stars!!!
adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
dark tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
dark tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
dark emotional tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

4,5⭐️

“Crossed” by Emily McIntire, the fifth installment in the Never After series, offers a dark and captivating reimagining of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Set in the fictional town of Festivalé, Vermont, the novel delves into the intertwined lives of Amaya Paquette and Father Cade Frédéric, two complex characters burdened by their pasts.

Amaya, known by night as the entrancing dancer Esmeralda, shoulders the responsibility of caring for her younger brother, Quinten, who is on the autism spectrum. Her days are filled with challenges, from societal scorn to the oppressive control of Parker Errien, a powerful local figure. Despite these hardships, Amaya’s resilience and unwavering love for Quinten shine through, showcasing her strength and dedication. 

Father Cade, a Parisian priest newly assigned to Festivalé, grapples with his own inner demons. Beneath his devout exterior lies a darkness that compels him to confront the town’s hidden sins. His encounter with Amaya ignites a forbidden attraction, challenging his faith and self-control. This internal struggle is portrayed with depth, highlighting the complexities of desire, guilt, and redemption. 

The novel’s exploration of these characters’ struggles is both poignant and intense. Amaya’s fight against societal judgment and her protective instincts toward Quinten are depicted with sensitivity, shedding light on the challenges faced by caregivers and individuals with disabilities. Cade’s battle with his darker urges and his quest for absolution add layers to his character, making his journey compelling. 

McIntire’s storytelling is both gripping and evocative, drawing readers into a world where love and darkness intertwine. The chemistry between Amaya and Cade is palpable, their interactions charged with tension and vulnerability. As their paths converge, the narrative delves into themes of temptation, morality, and the redemptive power of love. 

“Crossed” is a testament to McIntire’s ability to craft complex characters and a hauntingly beautiful narrative. It’s a story that challenges perceptions, delving into the shadows to find the light within. For readers seeking a dark romance that explores the depths of human emotion, “Crossed” is a compelling choice.
challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

This man was intense!
I also didn't expect this plot-twist at the end.
Really enjoyed it.

As someone who was brought up catholic this makes me question things about myself- I did not expect to like this so much

I have mixed feelings about this one. On one hand, I really liked the religious undertones, just the overall vibe of the priest and the girl he's tempted by, and the younger brother with neurodivergent representation. On the other hand, it was more predictable than the others in the series and some of the lines felt repeated. So it's a 3.