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Crossfire #1
Crossfire
This is the first book in the Crossfire Trilogy.
A deadly mercenary wakes up in the home of Marcelle Deschamps, a woman he has never met, but who haunts his dreams. As the weeks go by, and his body heals, he finds himself falling in love with her, but can he overcome the guilt he feels at the life stolen from her? Will the dark side of his psyche, the result of his terrible past, triumph and hurt her? If she finds out his part in the death of her husband, will she chase him away or grant him absolution?
Marcelle Deschamps, the golden girl of world cycling, struggles to cope with life after the death of her husband, a famous racing driver. Life is a challenge, where even a restful night’s sleep is impossible. She saves Stefan Ziegler’s life when she finds him helpless and wounded, and gives him shelter in her home. Soon she finds out that her patient has the uncanny ability to grant her the peace that has eluded her for two years. Claude, a close friend, warns her that Stefan is a soulless killer, and not the man he pretends to be. Should she believe Claude, or listen to what her heart tells her? Can she risk trusting the man who holds her heart in his hands?
A deadly mercenary wakes up in the home of Marcelle Deschamps, a woman he has never met, but who haunts his dreams. As the weeks go by, and his body heals, he finds himself falling in love with her, but can he overcome the guilt he feels at the life stolen from her? Will the dark side of his psyche, the result of his terrible past, triumph and hurt her? If she finds out his part in the death of her husband, will she chase him away or grant him absolution?
Marcelle Deschamps, the golden girl of world cycling, struggles to cope with life after the death of her husband, a famous racing driver. Life is a challenge, where even a restful night’s sleep is impossible. She saves Stefan Ziegler’s life when she finds him helpless and wounded, and gives him shelter in her home. Soon she finds out that her patient has the uncanny ability to grant her the peace that has eluded her for two years. Claude, a close friend, warns her that Stefan is a soulless killer, and not the man he pretends to be. Should she believe Claude, or listen to what her heart tells her? Can she risk trusting the man who holds her heart in his hands?
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2011
145 people are currently reading
501 people want to read
About the author
Niki Savage
14 books34 followersI love writing for the escapism it offers, allowing me to inhabit a world of my own choosing. For that reason, I am also an avid reader, immersing myself in the imaginings of other writers. And movies, well, don't get me started. I go into withdrawal if I don't see at least two new movies a week.
I love chocolate, and consume the products of the cocoa bean every day. Not really into ice cream, though, chocolate or otherwise.
In my spare time, I run a small shelter for feral cats, and find it very rewarding.
I love chocolate, and consume the products of the cocoa bean every day. Not really into ice cream, though, chocolate or otherwise.
In my spare time, I run a small shelter for feral cats, and find it very rewarding.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 13, 2014
Niki Savage’s novel Crossfire starts off quite literally in a hail of bullets and the action grabs the reader’s attention from the very beginning. Savage’s writing is assured, and the pace doesn’t really let up, as she takes us on an exciting journey with her two main characters, Marcelle and Stefan.
In Marcelle, Savage has created an awe-inspiring but believable character. Having lived independently from a young age, she is resourceful, tough and well able to take care of herself. A talented cyclist, Marcelle has worked hard to become a world champion and is at the height of her physical prowess. She is also not averse to throwing punches when the occasion calls for it.
The novel is set in Paris but has an international feel as Marcelle is originally from South Africa and Stefan is German. Stefan is seriously injured in a gun battle and Marcelle takes him in and nurses him back to health. As their feelings for each other develop, Marcelle had to deal with her grief and guilt, as she lost her beloved husband just a couple of years earlier.
I really liked the way Savage depicts the emotional turmoil that Marcelle endures. I liked Marcelle and felt as if I were on the journey with her. The novel is pure escapism and once you pick it up, it’s hard to put it down. My only issue with it is that the ending is very shocking and, for me personally, I don’t see how there is any way back for Stefan. There are two more stories in the series, however, so maybe I will be proved wrong.
In Marcelle, Savage has created an awe-inspiring but believable character. Having lived independently from a young age, she is resourceful, tough and well able to take care of herself. A talented cyclist, Marcelle has worked hard to become a world champion and is at the height of her physical prowess. She is also not averse to throwing punches when the occasion calls for it.
The novel is set in Paris but has an international feel as Marcelle is originally from South Africa and Stefan is German. Stefan is seriously injured in a gun battle and Marcelle takes him in and nurses him back to health. As their feelings for each other develop, Marcelle had to deal with her grief and guilt, as she lost her beloved husband just a couple of years earlier.
I really liked the way Savage depicts the emotional turmoil that Marcelle endures. I liked Marcelle and felt as if I were on the journey with her. The novel is pure escapism and once you pick it up, it’s hard to put it down. My only issue with it is that the ending is very shocking and, for me personally, I don’t see how there is any way back for Stefan. There are two more stories in the series, however, so maybe I will be proved wrong.
May 11, 2012
Marcelle Deschamps is a French champion cyclist but a broken spirit. She mourns the death of her racing car husband and uses exercise to keep the coldness in her heart at bay. Stefan Ziegler is a German mercenary dedicated to the eradication of terrorism. He too is a damaged spirit, his life destroyed by the terrorist bomb which killed his family. They meet when Stephan is badly injured in a gunfight and seeks refuge in the place where Marcelle collects her mail.
Marcelle rescues Stefan and with the help of a doctor friend nurses him back to health. As Stefan recovers a bond generates between them and love, of a sort, forms. Together they can heal each other if they are prepared to trust and love. Does Stefan simply remind Marcelle of her dead husband though and is Stefan a psychopathic killer who can't be trusted?
The book weaves a fantastic story of love and despair. The reader can see what should happen but will it? In the end the perpetual misunderstanding between man and woman is left in place and an accidental draught leaves you reaching for the next book in the series.
A very well written book by an author you need to follow.
Marcelle rescues Stefan and with the help of a doctor friend nurses him back to health. As Stefan recovers a bond generates between them and love, of a sort, forms. Together they can heal each other if they are prepared to trust and love. Does Stefan simply remind Marcelle of her dead husband though and is Stefan a psychopathic killer who can't be trusted?
The book weaves a fantastic story of love and despair. The reader can see what should happen but will it? In the end the perpetual misunderstanding between man and woman is left in place and an accidental draught leaves you reaching for the next book in the series.
A very well written book by an author you need to follow.
May 6, 2014
Stephan is hot in this action romance. Marcelle deserves a second chance at love when finding Stephan. A new life for Marcelle means self forgiveness for Stephan. I love how Marcelle finds Stephan and aides in saving his life.
May 15, 2017
All I can say is WTH? Are you kidding me???? That is 4 hours of my life I will never get back! NOT a romantic suspense as I thought.
spoiler:
Book comes to a SCREAMING halt. Now they want you to waste money on books 2 & 3. SO not happening!
spoiler:
Book comes to a SCREAMING halt. Now they want you to waste money on books 2 & 3. SO not happening!
November 19, 2012
OK, I'll admit that the flames on the cover of Crossfire got me interested. I was surprised to discover it was a love story with a twist. What I enjoyed most was that the author allowed the relationship between the two main characters to develop. She didn't just state that they were in love. She showed us. Marcelle's angst about betraying her dead husband was real and palpable. The story was engaging and left me eager to turn the pages to discover what happened next. The ending was a shocker, but in retrospect, quite believable. Both characters were damaged goods, struggling with their own demons. I was curious enough about the secret Stefan was hiding to purchase the second book in the trilogy, and I look forward to reading it.
April 26, 2013
3.75 out of 5. A very different kind of love story that brings together two very different people--different in their lifestyle, life goals, overall view of reality and backgrounds that have shaped them in some fairly significant ways. One is a world champion sports figure, the other a "world-champion" killer for hire--an anti-terrorist who has become the poster boy for taking out the bad guys, lock, stock, and barrel. Yet when his life is on the line, it is her sense of deep concern for a dying man that moves her to action, some of which will endanger her life for many months to come, and some of which will intertwine her life with a person she can't seem to get out of her life. Well written, but I never really like books with cliff-hanger endings that almost obligate the reader to the next book in the trilogy. The story was well crafted and the reader has a very good comprehension of the various characters, the dynamics that tie the characters together in various kinds of relationships, and a good understanding of what moves the main characters to do what they do.
February 19, 2014
This book intrigued me. At first it didn't quite catch me the way I like a book too, but about 4 chapters in I couldn't put it down. I had to know what role had been played and by whom in Jean-Michel's death and I wanted to find out more about the characters and what they hid. Great work by Niki Savage for helping the characters jump off the pages and grasp me by both hands so hard that this book just didn't let go
June 20, 2012
I found this book quite by accident and really enjoyed it! The story line was great and I really wanted to find out what was next for teh characters- good thing it is a trilogy!
April 12, 2013
I loved this book! Read it in one day and already on the second in the trilogy.
June 24, 2017
Fantastic.
The cheese cover may put you off, but give this book a chance as it hides a little gem.
For me, it has been as thoroughly enjoyable as it was the first time I read it. The first title in this accomplished trilogy was a fast re-read in preparation for the two new books in the spin-off Driftwood series.
This is a superb example in the romantic intrigue/thriller genre. An anti-terrorist mercenary in trouble and a female world champion cyclist meet by chance in a dangerous situation. As the plot progresses, it seems they have a strong past connection she was completely unaware of through her late husband. It gives you a lot of insight into the world of competitive cycling and there are lots of turns and twists, and a very intriguing cliffhanger at the end.
It leaves you immediately wanting more, and that is precisely what I will do next: to reach for volume two straight away.
I really cannot understand why this author is not more popular in Goodreads, as she is very, very good.
I will definitely continue reading whatever she writes.
The cheese cover may put you off, but give this book a chance as it hides a little gem.
For me, it has been as thoroughly enjoyable as it was the first time I read it. The first title in this accomplished trilogy was a fast re-read in preparation for the two new books in the spin-off Driftwood series.
This is a superb example in the romantic intrigue/thriller genre. An anti-terrorist mercenary in trouble and a female world champion cyclist meet by chance in a dangerous situation. As the plot progresses, it seems they have a strong past connection she was completely unaware of through her late husband. It gives you a lot of insight into the world of competitive cycling and there are lots of turns and twists, and a very intriguing cliffhanger at the end.
It leaves you immediately wanting more, and that is precisely what I will do next: to reach for volume two straight away.
I really cannot understand why this author is not more popular in Goodreads, as she is very, very good.
I will definitely continue reading whatever she writes.
August 25, 2015
Didn't like. The book justifies rape and the main character is debating living in an abusive relationship when book ends. Not reading rest of series.
July 26, 2021
DNF...boring, woodenly told story. No chemistry whatsoever between the main characters. Both of their backstories are discussed at length and there was no emotion, inflection or feeling from either or them. I made it about halfway through when I realized I couldn't care less about these characters or what happens to them and since I only own Bk 1 and there are 3 book, I stopped reading.
August 16, 2022
Interesting read. I knew next to nothing about bicycle racing and learned a bit from the story. I enjoyed the characters and will probably read the next book in the series just to see what happens!
August 28, 2014
The first book in a three part series, Crossfire has an action packed opening sequence that is riveting.
We are immediately introduced to Marcelle Deschamp and Stefan Ziegler. Marcelle stumbles upon Stefan, who has been shot and lies in a pool of blood. Immediately confronted with the assailant, Marcelle defends herself and Stefan. While nursing Stefan back to health, she see's the scars that crisscross his body, leaving her fearful and curious. Through a pain induced haze, Stefan observes Marcelle and cannot help but wonder how a peaceful and seemingly naïve woman could pick up a gun and shoot someone dead.
As the novel continues and their trust grows Stefan and Marcelle reveal their convoluted lives to each other. Many questions are answered, but trust is not necessarily built.
Ms. Savage, born and raised in South Africa, weaves Marcelle's background from this culture, which adds a subtle flare to the story. The plotline itself is quite compelling. Ms. Savage's descriptive narrative is detailed and colorful. The dialog between the characters is the same, which leaves the emotional arc of the book a little flat.
Some reviews of the book remark on the brutal scene at the end of the book. While I would agree that the violent scene was hard to take, I assume that this is the premise for the second book in the series. It is challenging to write a series, especially when it focuses on the same principal characters. Given the end sequence, I'm not sure how the book could have concluded less abruptly though.
We are immediately introduced to Marcelle Deschamp and Stefan Ziegler. Marcelle stumbles upon Stefan, who has been shot and lies in a pool of blood. Immediately confronted with the assailant, Marcelle defends herself and Stefan. While nursing Stefan back to health, she see's the scars that crisscross his body, leaving her fearful and curious. Through a pain induced haze, Stefan observes Marcelle and cannot help but wonder how a peaceful and seemingly naïve woman could pick up a gun and shoot someone dead.
As the novel continues and their trust grows Stefan and Marcelle reveal their convoluted lives to each other. Many questions are answered, but trust is not necessarily built.
Ms. Savage, born and raised in South Africa, weaves Marcelle's background from this culture, which adds a subtle flare to the story. The plotline itself is quite compelling. Ms. Savage's descriptive narrative is detailed and colorful. The dialog between the characters is the same, which leaves the emotional arc of the book a little flat.
Some reviews of the book remark on the brutal scene at the end of the book. While I would agree that the violent scene was hard to take, I assume that this is the premise for the second book in the series. It is challenging to write a series, especially when it focuses on the same principal characters. Given the end sequence, I'm not sure how the book could have concluded less abruptly though.
March 12, 2015
This book is definitely in the 18+ category. It is hot and steamy at moments and deeply emotionally moving in others. The past lives of the two main characters are fully developed throughout the novel and the ending will have you screaming NO because it leaves you wanting to know what happens!! Enough so that I immediately went and bought the second in this series!
Marcelle Deschamps lost her beloved race car driver husband in a brutal accident. She can not get over it. She herself is a world class cyclist. One night she decides to pick up her mail and sees Stefan Ziegler lying in a pool of blood. She manages to get them out of there and ultimately saves Stephan's life. Stephan is a cold blooded mercenary but he and Marcelle seem to be able to get along while living in Marcelle's condo. Stephan falls in love with her but decides he is going to wait until she is ready--if ever. Then that fateful night when he loses control-He goes back to the rest of the mercenary crew-then the book ends OUCH.
There are a couple of twists and turns which I really can't tell you--but I will re state-this book is totally for adult readers 18 years of age and older!! (It is not anything like Shades of Gray which I did not like!!).Crossfire
Marcelle Deschamps lost her beloved race car driver husband in a brutal accident. She can not get over it. She herself is a world class cyclist. One night she decides to pick up her mail and sees Stefan Ziegler lying in a pool of blood. She manages to get them out of there and ultimately saves Stephan's life. Stephan is a cold blooded mercenary but he and Marcelle seem to be able to get along while living in Marcelle's condo. Stephan falls in love with her but decides he is going to wait until she is ready--if ever. Then that fateful night when he loses control-He goes back to the rest of the mercenary crew-then the book ends OUCH.
There are a couple of twists and turns which I really can't tell you--but I will re state-this book is totally for adult readers 18 years of age and older!! (It is not anything like Shades of Gray which I did not like!!).Crossfire
August 14, 2016
Not for me, but ok.
This story was a bit slow for me if I'm honest, it took a while to get going. I didn't really connect with Marcelle the female lead.
Some parts held my attention, then other parts let it down.
Marcelle saves the life of a man, a stranger.
Stefan is a mercenary, he has secrets. Will Marcelle regret her decision to help him when she finds out what they are?
Once I got into it a bit more I found myself liking Stefan but i still found Marcelle annoying.
Yes she has had sadness in her life, she finds it hard to move on.
I could sympathize with her to an extent.
I think that's the reason I couldn't get into the story as much. I like to feel some sort of connection to the characters, whether it be loving or loathing them. I just found her dull.
I finished the book, but I don't think I'd read this again.
This story was a bit slow for me if I'm honest, it took a while to get going. I didn't really connect with Marcelle the female lead.
Some parts held my attention, then other parts let it down.
Marcelle saves the life of a man, a stranger.
Stefan is a mercenary, he has secrets. Will Marcelle regret her decision to help him when she finds out what they are?
Once I got into it a bit more I found myself liking Stefan but i still found Marcelle annoying.
Yes she has had sadness in her life, she finds it hard to move on.
I could sympathize with her to an extent.
I think that's the reason I couldn't get into the story as much. I like to feel some sort of connection to the characters, whether it be loving or loathing them. I just found her dull.
I finished the book, but I don't think I'd read this again.
February 10, 2015
Came across the book by chance and it turned out to be light reading, entertaining and distracting. Kept me going, made me curious to know what would happen next. Think I'll read the next one as well
January 7, 2013
S-T-U-P-I-D. A world-renowned cyclist happens to come across a strange man who's been shot, and she decides to put her career on hold and nurse him back to health? This is drivel.
October 25, 2014
Heartbreaking, suspense, drama & a little romance, a recommended read.
December 3, 2014
Easy reading
Enjoyed the story line. Has great characters. Liked the way the characters interact too. Looking forward to the next book in the series
Enjoyed the story line. Has great characters. Liked the way the characters interact too. Looking forward to the next book in the series
December 23, 2014
Horrible book. Not well written, weird premise.
May 30, 2015
Awesome
Really enjoyed this series. I look forward to the next book. Making me type 19 words is stupid stupid stuff
Really enjoyed this series. I look forward to the next book. Making me type 19 words is stupid stupid stuff
March 2, 2015
Great read
Loved reading this and ready for the next one I will be looking forward to get started on it soon
Loved reading this and ready for the next one I will be looking forward to get started on it soon
May 23, 2015
Ok not great.
I would like to have read more action and interaction with the characters. I felt the ending was a disappointment.
I would like to have read more action and interaction with the characters. I felt the ending was a disappointment.
December 30, 2015
Great book
I wasn't sure I was going to like this book. Boy was I wrong. It has a little bit of everything in it. Perfect for every reader.
I wasn't sure I was going to like this book. Boy was I wrong. It has a little bit of everything in it. Perfect for every reader.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews