Taming Cross

Love Inc. #2

by Ella James

For twenty-three years, Cross Carlson was a playboy. You know the type. Tall, dark, and wealthy. Blue-eyed. Charming. He seemed to have it all so easy. But Cross was harboring a terrible secret - one that helped ruin the life of an innocent girl and almost ended his own.

Finally out of the hospital, Cross is flailing, scarred in both body and mind and stifled by the weight of the secret he still keeps. The only way to absolution lies in a Mexican convent, and going there could cost him everything.

If there's anyone who knows what it's like to screw up big time, it's Meredith Kinsey. Just a few years ago, Merri was an ordinary girl with a job at her college newspaper and white picket fence kind of dreams. Now she's holed up in a Mexican convent, hiding from a drug lord who thinks he owns her.

What happens when the only way out of hell is with the son of the man who put you there? They say love conquers all, but does it really?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Suspense, Adult, Erotica

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2014

About the author

Ella James is the USA Today + Amazon Top 10 bestselling author of more than twenty books. Ella lives in Colorado with her husband and three kids. When she's not writing, you can find her in the foothills.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Fracking Stars!

Taming Cross is the journey of Cross Carlson; a journey that takes him to Mexico to right the wrongs of his father, to rid himself of the guilt for his own actions and a journey that leads him on a path he never expected.



Cross has woken from his coma but he is a long way from being whole. He’s not the man he used to be and he isn’t quite sure if he’ll ever be. He’s had plenty of time to think about what almost happened to him and Lizzy and what did happen to Merri, Missy King.

Merri has been gone for nearly two years. College student turned escort, sold as a sex slave and now seeking refuge within the walls of a Catholic clinic in Mexico. Bad decisions have turned her life upside down and just when she’s ready to pay for her sins she sees an Angel, Cross.



Cross isn’t sure if he will be able to find Merri, but he knows he has to at least try. His silence can’t go unpunished. And when he does find Merri he also finds himself in the cross-hairs of the cartel as he attempts to bring his father’s former mistress across the border.

Merri isn’t sure why this man is there to rescue her, she only knows him as Evan and thinks he has been contracted by some government agency to bring her home. She never expected to fall for the man who saved her and she never anticipated that her Evan was the son of the married man she was having an affair with. As for Cross, the idea of falling for a woman that was his father’s dirty-little-secret was not something he was worried about. But as they journey home he sees something so far beyond what he expected to find.

Can either of them see beyond the past to give in to what they are feeling? Is simply crossing the border back into the states enough to out run the cartel that wants revenge for her escape?



Ella James gave me everything I didn’t know I wanted with this story. Part of me wanted to have a playboy hero that falls in love, but what I got was so much better. Cross is nearly ruined by his accident. He’s trying to find a way to move forward and nothing seems to work – until he decides to become a hero to a woman he feels like he let down.

Cross falling for Suri would have been the easy story to tell and I am sure as a reader I could have been happy with a simple friends falling in love with one another story, but Ella James did not take the easy road. She gave us a story of a man falling in love with a woman that his father was having an affair with , a woman that was sold as a sex slave and the woman that might just get him killed.

Taming Cross was a fabulous follow up to Selling Scarlett and the whole romance/suspense vibe continued on throughout this story. It was romantic and emotional. Cross’s character was completely the opposite of everything I imagined and it was perfect!

The series continues with March’s story, which by the end of Taming Cross may have just gotten a bit more complicated.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember absolutely loving Book 1 Selling Scarlett, but I didn't really warmed up to Cross Carlson then, so I keep putting off this book. So I am amazed to find out I love this one just as much.

Cross Carlson, the guy who spent almost the entire Book 1 being in coma after a motorcycle accident was now on a mission to save his father's mistress who was being sold to Mexico as sex slave. After the awful accident that nearly took his life, Cross had lost the functionality of his left hand, his body was scarred and suffering from occasional severe pain attack. Despite his less than stellar condition, he was committed to right the wrong.

Meredith Kinsey aka Missy King used to be a journalist grad student on the path to a successful career, but due to some wrong choices in life, she ended up being a mistress to a politician and now a sex slave in Mexico. How did someone screwed up their life so drastically?

By hiding his true identity Cross tracked down Merri and convinced her to escape with him, she was hiding at a convent clinic. She was initially wavy of his intention, wondering who was he working for. But due to the life threatening situation they were thrown in, Merri decided to make the leap of faith and escape with him.

Although Cross was not at his best of health condition, we can't denied that he was like a knight on shining motorcycle, travelling cross country to save the damsel in distress, Merri. He was simply heroic and selfless and it breaks my heart to see him being all battered and bruise up throughout the book.

I find Cross and Merri interaction and romance quite poignant. She simply don't understand who would sent this handicap and scarred man to rescue her. They were this two lost soul in this evil world. I don't even want to mention about Cross awful family. Merri had a seriously case of bad luck in her life and meeting Cross was the best thing that ever happened to her. However, when she find out Cross real identity, can she able to accept him for who he is?

We also managed to do a little catch up with Lizzy and Hunter, Marchant and Suri also made their appearance. The evil Priscilla Heat was still alive. I wonder when will they get rid of her for good and wrap up the issue with the human trafficking.

I don't understand why did Merri was so reluctant to tell Cross about having sex with Jesus in front of others. For God Sake, the guy knew you were sold as a sex slave. I would have expect her to be gangbang seven ways to Sunday.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the second in the series, although I haven't read that one, and as such can be read as a stand alone book.

Taming Cross is a book that deals with the subject of sex slaves, illegal activities and violence. If you don't like any of those subjects then this book is not for you.

However, saying that, this book is a romance that will take you for a ride on the main male's hybrid motorbike! There is not a single drop in the action except for where it is needed ie when a hospital visit is being played out. You don't know who to trust, where it will go next and you will find yourself egging on the main characters and wishing nasty things on the 'villains'.

The plot is fast but well paced and the characters are written with depth and their own individual characters. Cross is a flawed man which only makes him more loveable in this story and Merri is almost too soft but I'm guessing that is what makes their story work! And, to be fair, I haven't been in Merri's situation (thank god) so I don't know how I would react either! She does show an internal backbone though as she has survived in situations that most people wouldn't.

A brilliant read that made me stay up late to finish. The only downside for me is that I wish I had read the first book first as I think it would have made some of the "history" of this book make a bit more sense to me BUT this is a standalone book so that is just my opinion on how I like to read and does nothing to detract from this storyline.

*** I was lucky enough to be given this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***

[Amber Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taming Cross By: Ella James

Review By: Amber Haynes (NerdGirlAmbz)



This book is the second in a series. Although I have not read the first book, which believe me NOW I am going too! This book can be read as a standalone. This book has it all! Mystery, love, intrigue, sadness drama, heroism and much more. It is a captivating storyline. The author writes as if she has lived the story. This tells me that not only is she an intelligent writer, but that she also researches very well before writing about specific topics.

I do not want to give any spoilers away so I will be brief. This story takes adventure seriously. It captures your attention and sucks you in. I love that about this story. Cross injured in an accident and left sort of disabled and in pain decides to be a hero in this book. He embarks on an incredible journey filled with drug cartels, drama, danger and undeniable connections. Cross learns new things and travels to Mexico for a search and rescue. There he tangles with a drug lord and makes and unusual, but undeniable connection to a lovely lady Merri. The end leaves you hanging a bit, but isn’t that the point? This author sucks you in and leaves you wanting more. This story is action packed and the characters are beautifully written. They have a depth and creativity I have not seen in a while. The storyline is fast paced and leave you guessing at every turn. I constantly found myself thinking I knew where this story was going and I was wrong EVERY time. The only downfall I have is my own. That being that I need to now read the first book because I am hooked! I look forward to reading a third installment to this series.

If you would like to know more about the exhilarating characters and amazing storyline then you will just have to read this story yourself. I recommend that you do and soon!

[Barbara Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taming Cross is the second book in the Love, Inc. series and the book’s description on Amazon indicates that it can be read as a standalone. However, before I even finished the first chapter, I began to feel uneasy about continuing with the story. Although the narrative summarizes significant details from the first book to show the connection between Cross and Merri, the information was too vague to satisfy my curiosity about the events that took place earlier to land these two characters into their current situation. I decided to backtrack to the beginning and read Selling Scarlett before I went any further with the second book, and I’m so glad I did because it enriched my reading experience.

Taming Cross features Cross and Merri’s love story, and the plot continues two months after the end of book one. In both books, the story is presented in present tense that establishes sense of immediacy about the events occurring and intensifies the action. Even though I enjoy stories that are narrated in the present tense, I’m also wary of this technique because I’ve read works where the tense was inconsistent, with the author inadvertently slipping into the past tense which interrupts the flow of the story. I’m happy to say that James is successful in creating a vivid story where the action seems to leap off of the page.

I also appreciated having the story narrated from both Cross’s and Merri’s points of view. Otherwise, I don’t think I would have been able to like either character. Cross in a minor character in the first book, and I just didn’t connect with his seemingly easy going lifestyle. Although we don’t meet Merri in the first book, it’s easy to understand why Cross doesn’t like her. Rumors indicate she was a mistress of Cross’s father, and Merri’s relationship with this man of prominence makes her a target for the emotionless, despicable villains who kidnap and sell her into sex slavery in Mexico.

Although Cross thinks Merri is a prostitute, blackmailer, and his father’s whore, he feels guilty that he didn’t tell anyone about his knowledge of and his father’s involvement in her disappearance. Because of the trauma he’s recently suffered, he can now empathize with her plight. Because he has evidence of his father’s illicit activities, his life was almost destroyed. As a result, he is determined to find Merri and bring her back to the U.S. no matter how he feels about her.

James has done an excellent job in creating realistic, complex characters who struggle with their pasts. She shows how their histories, their vulnerabilities, and their mistakes have shaped them into the characters we meet in this book. As I read, I could feel the intense and raw emotions of each character as they sort out their feelings for each other. Their relationship is awkward, it’s painful, and it’s ultimately healing. I was mesmerized by their perilous emotional and physical journey to escape the demons following them. James does a great job in tearing down the playboy and prostitute façade and revealing two imperfect characters who truly deserve happiness.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review and guest post can be found here - http://kristasdustjacket.blogspot.com...

Taming Cross was such a fracking exciting book! It was stressful and frustrating and scary and sweet - you will experience the whole range of emotions with this one.

When we last saw Cross at the end of Selling Scarlett, he wasn't in a good place. He had been injured pretty badly in a motorcycle accident, then almost sold to a nasty Mexican drug cartel along with his BFF Lizzy. As he's recouperating, his thoughts turn to Merri, the mistress his father had taken then had sold to the same group of people. And, Cross decides he's had it with his awful father and goes down there to rescue her. When he finds her, they start running for their lives and almost lose them time and time again before it's all over.

Cross is such an amazing character. The guy is so damaged, both physically and emotionally, it's a wonder he hasn't gone blooming crazy. His parents - especially his father - are the worst sort. His job that he loves requires him to work with his hands, and now he's lost the use of one of them. The girl he liked is engaged to someone else. And guilt is eating him alive. Yet, he digs deep and does what everyone would consider impossible - he heads into the bowels of the Mexican drug cartel to find the girl that he feels like he abandoned down there.

Cross was the source of most of my angst. He truly is a good guy and he has put so much pressure and blame on himself, and it's not right. He feels unlovable and not useful. It breaks my heart.

Meredith Kinsey was also done well. She was sold to the head of a nasty cartel and passed off as his girlfriend even though he was gay. Eventually, she escaped to a convent, but things are about to go south in a bad way when Cross shows up, pretending to be "Evan," a bounty hunter working with the US government. Of course she isn't going to trust him, but she still escapes with him because he's the lesser of two evils.

Merri is such a strong woman. She has endured the absolute worst things, and all because she was just a victim of circumstance. Then, she's being shot at by the people who want to take her back. And then she's with the son of her worst enemy. She has every reason to break, but she doesn't. In fact, as it turns out, She and Cross are the medicine that each of them need.

Taming Cross is told in dual POV. Have I mentioned how much I love dual POV stories? I love that we get both sides of the story from the people living them. And, in this case, getting inside Cross' head was so valuable to my understanding of the story.

We get to see little glimpses of Lizzie and Hunter - the characters from Selling Scarlett. That's always nice. We also see a few other characters from the first book - Suri and Marchant. I think my only complaint about Taming Cross was the ending. I feel like there were still a bunch of loose ends that didn't get tied up. But, I trust Ella James to bring those stories to a satisfying close in the final Love Inc. book, Unmaking Marchant.

[J.A. Belfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taming Cross is the much-anticipated second in the Love Inc series by Ella James. Although the covers appear pretty erotic, I prefer to refer to the series as saucy romance, but it’s less on the sauce in this tale about Cross Carlson than we witnessed in the first book Selling Scarlett.

To be honest, I wasn’t really sure how I felt about that to begin. SS was full of sexual tension and HOT moments that had the reader biting at the bullet for something to freakin’ happen already between the two MC’s. Well, for a long time, I couldn’t quite get past that the build up was a lot slower in Taming Cross, as well as a lot different, and the sexual tension, whilst still there in parts and eventually, was very much more subtle.
However, once I’d stepped back from trying to compare it plot-wise to its preceding title, I realised that Taming Cross was, in actual fact, every bit as good. It was just … different. And, as much as the next person, I have to respect when each new book in a series brings something fresh to the table.

Anyhoo, that out of the way, Cross Carlson, recovering ‘victim’ of a motorcycle accident that left him in a coma, which led to a stroke, and resulted in him partially disabled, gets worn down by his guilt of having known about the overly-unfortunate circumstances forced on his father’s ex-mistress and just HAS to roar off to Mexico to save her.

Unexpected to him—but not so much to the reader—is the instant attraction/connection he feels toward one Missy King, and that alongside his obsession to save this woman he’s convinced he abandoned becomes one of the driving forces of his actions.

Of course, it’s not quite as clear cut as that. Because Missy King happens to have some pretty shady people out for her pretty hide, and so the rescue mission ends up becoming a race for, and then a fight for, their lives. All which results in them being secluded in an underground hidey-hole, where we get to see the first hints of sexual attraction, as well as the first hints of ‘something about to happen’, as well as learn a whole lot more about our two characters. And even once they manage to find their way out of the frying pan, they’re not necessarily missing the flames. On top of all that is Missy’s battles with why she’s not good enough for Cross, and Cross’s revelations that he’s fallen in love with this woman, and the tug-o-war of emotions that lead to that much-awaited Ah! moment.

In short, Taming Cross is a great addition to the Love Inc series, with appearances from the great characters we met and loved (or hated) in Selling Scarlett, well-rounded and believable bad-guys, a GREAT insight into dysfunctional families and the results of failing expectations, high-speed chases, awesome character development, a more than decent plot and an explosive finale. And I LOVED Cross's character to pieces. The only thing missing for me was it didn’t quite have the same level of character chemistry as Selling Scarlett did, but that doesn’t mean I won’t read on knowing which characters’ book is to come next.

[Desirae (Dee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I spent a lot of this book saying to my self WHAT THE HELL! What is going on ??!! Did he just? Did she have to?!! What! No!!!! Why didn't she??!? AHH! Talk about a story I didn't see coming. Holy crap on a cracker. So cross has been in a horrible horrible motorcycle accident. So bad, he's bad like three spinal surgeries and still can't use or feel his hand. That is hard for him to accept and deal with when he runs a custom motorcycle shop, let alone rides one everywhere.. needless to say it takes some major adjustments. And the worst part, his parents don't give a shit. Like they moved him to a shit facility because they don't care. And he hates his father. Like totally HATES him.
Wait. No that's not even the worst part. This accident happened because he found out the truth about his piece of crap dad. He just spends one minute with the bastard and wants to hit him. Almost has a breakdown. Hell, I'm reading this thinking..'man that guy is a total bastard' and I want to hit him. His dad was cheating and had his mistress sold as a sex slave in Mexico by a porn star. Yeah. You read that right. Feel free to back up and read it again. Big pill to swallow there. Well said porn star and her accomplice also tried to kidnap Cross and his best friend too, but they were able to escape. When I read the story I was like WHAT THE HELL! Jaw dropper! I'm telling you this book is DRAMA TO THE MAX!! well Cross can't live knowing the mistress was sold any longer. So he decided to take off and save her. Pretty ballsy since only one arm works and he still has pain attacks. I was seriously on the edge of my seat reading this. I was wondering once he got her would the cartel get them. Then all the sudden Cross is this bad ass hero. I was like whoa where'd that come from. Holy shnikes!! He is just kicking ass and taking names. He's getting them out of freaking Mexico! And good for him because Meri's needs help. She can help him with his pain management, and he can help her get home. That's the plan at least.. Then she starts to tell her story. How she didn't purposely become a mistress. Hell she didn't even purposely end up in Vegas. But be that what it may, she's very mature about it all. Maybe it's her time at the church. I don't know. I know I would be insanely crazy. I am pretty sure I already am. But still... There is so much going on with them being on the run, the cartel on their tails, his attacks, where they hide... You almost miss them falling for each other. But now that they have fallen- can they overcome her truths? Her truths behind her past? Oh god I was on the edge of my pillow like yea Cross.. No Merri. .. Yes!! No!! I'm all over the place here!!! good god on a crotchrocket this was a good book.

[Marianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review and others available at A Lust For Reading. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Cross Carlson has been keeping a secret for too long. A secret that nearly got him killed. One that is eating away at him with guilt. Still recovering from his surgeries, coma and stroke, Cross needs to make things right. He needs to find the girl that his father destroyed.

It has been over a year since Meredith was sold as a sex slave in Mexico. Despite everything that she has been through, she is trying to make the best of her situation. She is now hiding out in a convent and helping disabled children. When the safety of the children and nuns in the convent is threatened, Meredith knows she must leave them.

Will Cross get to before the evil cartel does? And if he does, will she want help from the son of the man who did this to her?

Their attempted escape from Mexico back to The United States is filled with physical and emotional pain, utter craziness and suspense and sexual tension. They are both drawn to each other but have their own big secrets holding them each back.

I really enjoyed the action and suspense part of this story. There was never a dull moment and it had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. However, I would have liked a little more on the romance side of things. While the connection between Cross and Meredith was deep and intense, I just wanted some more time to for it to develop. I didn't feel it the way I would have wanted to.

Taming Cross is the second book in the Love Inc., series but it can be read as a stand alone novel. Though at parts I wished I had read Selling Scarlett first since I felt like I was missing some important details of what happened to Cross. I do plan on going back and reading it now to fill in those blanks.

Overall this was an enjoyable read. If you like some action and suspense with your romance, then you should try Taming Cross.

[Literati Literature Lovers · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Fantastic Series


Taming Cross is the second book in the Love Inc. series by Ella James. To be honest I loved the first book Selling Scarlett and I fell head over heels for every character in the book. Each person from the main characters of Lizzie and Hunter to the minor ones was richly written, well developed and each had a unique personality.

In Taming Cross, Ms. James continues the series, focusing on Cross Carlson, the best friend of Lizzie aka Scarlett from the first book. In the book Selling Scarlett, Cross, the son of the Governor of California, is in a horrendous motorcycle accident which sets up the main plot device in the first book. In Taming Cross, it has been six months since the accident that almost claimed Cross’ life and left him permanently disabled and in tremendous pain. The character’s relationship with his parents had never been good, but since the events in Selling Scarlett, his relationship has gone down hill. Somewhat like a sinkhole on its way to the center of the earth. His father, despite being the Governor of California, is a bad guy and surrounds himself with bad guys. Cross feels guilty for his lack of action, which resulted in the destruction of a woman’s life in Selling Scarlett, so he decides to rectify this by making amends. This leads him on a rescue mission into the drug cartel regions of Mexico. There he meets Merri, a beautiful gal with demons of her own. Her demons are alive and well and happen to be gunning for her, literally. Not wanting to spoil the book for anyone by being too specific, I can tell you that both Merri and Cross make a made dash to the U.S. border. Cross is hoping to find redemption, and Merri is hoping to find escape from her past.

What I liked about this book. I loved the fast paced thrilling ride of the book. The book is packed full of adventure, and Ms. James hardly lets me catch my breath. The sexual tension between Cross and Merri is palpable throughout the entire book. Because of her past Merri’s regrets are heartbreaking, as is Cross’ need for redemption. If you haven’t explored the world of Love Inc. you have been missing out.

[Delphina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so sure I knew where this story was going to go after reading the first book in this series. Goodness, I had a little HEA all planned out for Cross with someone who is not even a main character in his story. I am so glad I was wrong, because I absolutely fell in love with both this book and Merri and saw immediately how silly my prediction was.

Once again, Ella has woven a beautiful tale of love, secrets, adventure, and scarred (both physically and and emotionally) people who over come. I have such a book hangover this morning after having stayed up most of the night reading this book, but I simply could not put it down. Do not be fooled by the gorgeous cover. This book is so much more than just the awesomeness that is Cross and the physical connections that he makes. At the heart of this book is a story about not holding on to secrets even when you are keeping them from yourself.

There is so much I want to say, but I think I will probably give away too many spoilers if I do. If you loved book one, you will love this book. If you have not read book one, you can pick up here and be ok, although you will notice some parts where you are saying, "Hmmmm, I wish I knew more about that.".

[Carey Sabala · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this whole series 3 stars because it's not finished, so I'll give it the middle of the road. Even though each of the 3 books are a HEA story upon their own, they are all parts of the whole, which is unfinished. The last book, Unmaking Marchant ends on a cliffhanger of sorts with a main story plot (an ex) unresolved. There was supposed to be a novella "Something Blue" to tie everything up but the author explained that a glitch happened when uploading it and she didn't have the final draft backed up and doesn't have time to redo it. So unless you love cliffhangers with no answers in sight, I'd suggest skipping the series and checking back later but if you're ok with it, the stories are good, the characters and premise are developed and really draw you in to the Love, Inc world but again, you'll have to imagine your own ending for the time being.

[crashqueen73 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am thoroughly enjoying these books by Ella James and now that I have read this one about Cross and Merri, I want to read what happens to Suri and Marchant... so I will definitely be reading another (the last?) one from this series.
I enjoyed the ride this story provides, which is just as well because, while there was romance (a little), there was only a tiny, tiny bit of erotica! Definitely a story about a relationship more than anything and the things that had happened to both of the main characters. Well written and action filled, with very likeable characters. 4 stars

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love Cross!! I really enjoyed this book until the end. We really were left hanging. I wanted more. It was like Ms. James didn't know how to close their story. A lot was just let up for us to assume.

[Brandee (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been awhile since I read the first in this series - where I met Cross Carlson - but WOW! EJames pulled me right back into this world. Taming Cross was gripping and suspenseful...and a little bit romantic. :)

Highlights:
*Character Development
Cross did a lot of growing up. His dad is the governor of California and he's always lived a privileged life even if his parents didn't appreciate him. Following some events from the first book, he's changed. And his transformation continued in Taming Cross, where he risked everything to right a wrong. Meredith matured a lot as well. She'd endured quite a bit over the last several years but she realized she'd made mistakes in her past, wanted to/was making amends, and was grateful for the second chance she was offered.

*Suspense
I was impressed with the level of suspense EJames was able to maintain. It was pretty intense and when a lull occurred I was drawn into a false sense of security...then BOOM! Something else would happen. Cross and Meredith were dealing with a Mexican drug cartel so...

*Romance
There were reasons - very sound, logical and BIG reasons - that Cross and Meredith shouldn't even think about being together. But they couldn't seem to help themselves. Of course, there's nothing like some danger to ratchet up the sexual tension. ;) In all seriousness though, neither Cross nor Meredith felt worthy of the other and yet were constantly proving they absolutely were. There was attraction but they both denied themselves, making more of a slow-burn romance which worked so well for their story.

Taming Cross made for a compelling read and a worthy installment in the series. I like the common thread of redemption EJames has woven between the first two books and I'm looking forward to Unmaking Marchant to see how it's carried through there.

[Garbage McSmutly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly decent genre read (action-romance)

Decent but formulaic read. It was mostly enjoyable, but there was one reveal near the end that utilized a trope that really annoys me. I don't want to give it away but it has to do with survivors feeling guilty for "doing something bad" when they were actually victims themselves, and they never really had a choice as to whether or not they could do that thing. There's probably a way to talk about that well--a way that engages with the means by which survivors process trauma, both during and after the fact. But once we reach the reveal in the book, it's just like "oh, got shouldn't feel bad about that" "...huh, I guess I shouldn't. All better!" So, it became just a lazy plot device that was teased for too long and ended up being nothing at all. Other than that, though, it was an okay action-romance.

[Book Addict *D* · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was enjoyable, but not great. I had the feeling I've read it already as it reminded me of so many other books.

In Cross Carlson Cross Carlson goes to Mexico to find Meredith Kinsey , who was sold as a sex slave because of his father. It's not a surprise that they eventually fall for each other, even though Merri was his father's mistress.

There is some action in the book and a few hot scenes. I would recommend it to people that just want to read something light at the afternoon.

[Julia Butterfield - Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 2.75 stars
The last 30-35% of this book was pretty good, action packed and suspenseful, it just seemed to take a very long time to get there. It took me a while to warm to the characters and I almost dnf. Whether that was the audio I'm not sure, the female narrator was great, the male I didnt get along with (sorry). I'm not sure yet if I'll carry on with the series, even though it ended well but on a bit of a cliffhanger, I dont think this particular book was for me.

[Tonya Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Correcting the past

Cross has recently learned that his father is a hateful and ugly man that sold his side mistress and once he was out of the hospital probably due to his father he decided to go and find this woman and bring her home. Once he found Meri the hunt was on to kill them so after being hirr and shot at many times they make it back but still in danger and still not trusting each other. In the end something changes for them both.

[MaryAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book ends with kind of abruptly

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the first!

I think this is the first time I have had a 2nd book in a series be just as AMAZING if not more than the first!! I love this author!!

[Sheri (Tangled Up In Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Tangled Up In Books

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

So I read Selling Scarlett the other day while I was waiting for my Taming Cross ARC to arrive, to sort of get myself ready to jump into it when I finally got it in my Kindle. And while I enjoyed it...enough. I wasn't about to do cartwheels and go fangirl crazy over it. Most of the characters just weren't that likable. To me. But one thing I knew for sure was, even as brief as his appearances were in Selling Scarlett, I adored Cross. So I was torn between excitement and worry. I really wanted more Cross. I wanted to know more about him. Though the first book nearly fell flat for me, so what did that mean for Taming Cross? Was there any hope? I would have to say most definitely yes!

Taming Cross is told in the dual POVs of Cross and Merri. Which was a pleasant surprise because I thought I knew what was going to happen with Cross from the last bit of Selling Scarlett, I think it's part of what had made me a bit nervous to read this. It seemed like Suri, one of his best friends, might be the love interest and, to be perfectly honest, I didn't really like or connect with her very well and I wanted something different for Cross. Thankfully I got that.

I was already intrigued with Cross when I started this one, but while reading it and getting to know his character deeper, he absolutely stole my heart and made me really feel for him. He's such a broken guy. In both his body from his wreck and in his soul from his past and family life. You honestly cannot read this book and not fall in love with him. He's at a very low point in the beginning. He can't do the job that he loves, the girl he had developed feelings for, one of his best friends, is engaged to someone he doesn't like, the other best friend has developed feelings for him that he doesn't return and his parents are complete assholes who didn't even go see him in the hospital for the couple months he was in a coma because what was the point? Nice right? Yeah, if there was ever I time I wanted to reach into a book and strangle someone I would be adding them to my list!

I loved getting to know Merri as well. She's nothing like I expected her to be. We know very little about her from Selling Scarlett. Mostly the fact that she was one of the first missing escorts who was sold as a sex slave down in Mexico to a druglord. She was targeted for specific reasons that, in a way, connect to Cross. Merri was so sweet and strong and positive. She had a lot going for her and got involved with the wrong guy in college and it was one of those little mistakes that set off a chain of bad choices that landed her in Mexico. It wasn't like she was a horrible person she just put her trust in all the wrong people.

When Cross makes the decision to go down to Mexico to find and rescue Merri, that's when everything gets crazy. I was on the edge of my seat, anxiously turning page after page while these two fought their way to freedom and into each other's hearts. It was dangerous and exciting and heartbreaking all at the same time. I can't really say much else without spoiling things. Definitely the best addition to the Love Inc series and everything I'd expect from Ella James. I highly recommend you meet Cross and Merri.

[Hetty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to dive into Cross Carlson’s story and I’m still spinning from the impact it had on me. There are so many fantastic novel components included that I treasure and I couldn’t help but devour every written word. The characters and storyline are descriptive, flawless, and interesting. This novel will grab your attention from the first page and keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.

Cross Carlson used to be a lot of things before a terrible accident landed him in a coma. Once he wakes up, the life he used to know has disintegrated and Cross has a lot of adjusting to do, both mentally and physically. Cross is weighed down by self-doubt and guilt, which drives him to go in search of Missy King. This woman he doesn’t even know has haunted him since he found out about her existence a year ago. In order to be free from his past, he knows he must find out what happened to her.

“From the looks of things, Meredith Kinsey has a pretty violent fall from grace. I had a fall, too, didn’t I?”

Meredith Kinsey had a normal life with plenty of potential. Several bad decisions and awful situations later, she finds herself hiding in a Mexican convent helping injured children. Merri has lost all hope of having a normal life ever again so when a handsome strangers shows up to rescue her, she is rather skeptical. I instantly loved Merri and easily connected with her character. With everything she has dealt with since arriving in Mexico, I was surprised she remained sane. Merri is very strong and resilient which is exactly what Cross needs.

“Merri feels like everything I didn’t know I wanted, and I wonder what it will feel like to lose someone I never had.”

Cross and Merri click instantly and I was fascinated with their unique bond. Due to their unpredictable and dangerous situation, they quickly come to rely and depend on one another. The feelings they have cannot be revealed or explored because of the secrets they are keeping but their hidden pasts are connected to the same man. Cross really steps into a white knight role and I loved every minute of it. He is so irresistible and dreamy… swoon! No matter how hard Merri pushes him away, Cross keeps coming back because he is lost without her. His drive and perseverance made him even more desirable.

“We haven’t known each other long, but we’ve been through some shit, and I can see you, okay?”

I appreciate the rare qualities that separate this book from other romance novels. This story is fueled by secrets, drama, and suspense that slowly seep out to continuously satisfy interest. The dual point of view was amazing and the transitions were seamless. The ending was phenomenal and the perfect way to conclude Cross and Merri’s crazy, wild ride. I was thankful for the small updates on Lizzy and Hunter because I loved Selling Scarlett. Cross definitely gives Hunter West competition!

“Don’t get me wrong,” he whispers, “this is a surprise for me. I thought that I would care. Maybe I should care. But I’m finding that I don’t. Because I want you so much, nothing else seems to matter.”

If you haven’t had the opportunity to read any of Ella James’ books, you are seriously missing out. I strongly recommend the Love Inc. novels! This is definitely one of my favorite series to date.

5 Diamonds

[Chelsea (Starbucks & Books Obsession) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taming Cross is a suspenseful, dark romance that was exceptionally unique and a very enjoyable read. I loved the characters and I especially loved the plot. After reading several new adult novels that all seemed to share the same plot characteristics, this book was a welcome relief.

I love Cross! He has suffered a lot over the last year and it has put a lot into perspective for him. He realizes that he has taken so much for granted and he made so many mistakes. He feels guilty for Meredith’s predicament and he wants to rectify the situation. He doesn’t know what to expect but he is definitely surprised by what he finds and he can’t help his attraction to her. He definitely realizes that there is so much more to Merri than he thought and as he learns her story, he finds himself falling for her. Cross is a man who knows what he wants and when he realizes that is Merri, he does everything he can to make her see that.

Merri has been through and unthinkable ordeal and she has all but given up on life when Cross comes to her rescue. She had made decisions in her life that she realizes were wrong but she has lived a lonely life and all she has wanted was to be loved and cherished by someone. Unfortunately someone like that generally attracts all the wrong attention. Cross is her savior and he puts himself in danger multiple times to save her and she finds herself falling for him. When she finds out who he really is, she has no hope that they can be together and she runs. I felt so bad for Merri because she truly believed that she had no one and she wouldn’t allow herself to see that Cross wanted to be with her.

The plot was action packed and I was on edge as Merri and Cross ran for their lives. Even though Cross was rescuing Merri from the drug cartel, I felt like she rescued him too. Cross was at a place in his life where he felt hopeless and depressed. Merri gave him light and a reason to be happy again. It was unexpected for both of them. Even though they were exactly what each other needed, Merri really struggled to see that and I wanted to shake her each time she tried to run from Cross. She just couldn’t believe that he would want her or could love her and I was glad that Cross was determined to prove her wrong. He fought for her until the end and I was so glad that he opened her up and made her realize that he wasn’t going anywhere and that she deserved him.

Overall, I was very impressed with Taming Cross. While this was about Cross and Merri falling in love and saving each other with their love, it also had an excited and thrilling plot. Just when you think they are in the clear and they’ve escaped danger, they are rocked by another violent encounter and their lives continuously hang in the balance. Poor Cross, that man spent more time in a hospital bed than he did in a regular one. Ella is a fantastic author and I knew this after reading the Stained series but I was thoroughly impressed with her ability to write a completely different type of story and that had a well-developed plot and excellent characters.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that is fast, sexy and at times serious. Cross is a man with a guilty conscious. He knows that an innocent woman is wasting away after being sold to a Mexican cartel as a sex slave. Still recovering from a near fatal motorbike accident, Cross decides to pack up his bike and rescue Missy King from the horrible fate he feels somewhat responsible for.

Meredith Kinsey – aka. Missy King – has found salvation in a convent. But when Cross comes riding up, she needs to leave with the mysterious stranger or face certain death. Merri starts to feel things for Cross but knows that she can’t let her inner hussy free just yet. First they both need to get back to the States without dying. And what’s Merri going to think when she founds out her rescuer is the son of the man she blames for getting her sent to Mexico in the first place?

I haven’t read the first book in the Love Inc. series. But despite not having read Selling Scarlet, Taming Cross does a fair job as a stand alone novel. I feel like all the vital information covered in the first book was rehashed and I get the general idea of what’s going on in the Love Inc. universe.

Cross is one of those deliciously damaged heroes- he’s still suffering from the bike accident and he’s somewhat lost with regards to his place in the world but he’s determined to save Merri. I love his gruff attitude and the way he treats Merri. Merri is a great heroine and I think she’s a great example of how one bad choice in life can snowball into the direst circumstances. She’s strong and resilient which I admired. Despite all she’s been though she can still keep a cool head in the depths catastrophe. Her reactions regarding Cross made me laugh- although that probably wasn’t always most appropriate reaction.

This is a book with some fairly serious subject matter – sex trade, drug cartels and political immorality. But I thought that Ms. James managed to tie it all together in a way that I couldn’t help but want to read more and find out what happened to her characters! The romance is rough and yet sweet – I enjoyed Cross and Merri as a couple.

Taming Cross is a New Adult novel and yet had the characters been ten years older, they would have been completely believable and I wouldn’t have been surprised. Sometimes I wonder if I completely understand NA as a genre…

I enjoyed this book a lot and have since bought myself a copy of Saving Scarlet (Love Inc. #1). Ella James is a great author – I read Here last week and I loved how different her two series are. She’s one of those authors that I can’t wait to read all she’s written.

[Stephanie]

Taming Cross
Ella James
4*
#D01-2189532-0934164
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The second book 2 in the Love, Inc. series, by Ella James. This book focuses on Cross Carlson, bad boy extraordinaire, Governor’s son.

Taming Cross, is more than just about taming him, but full of adventure, mixed emotions, betrayal

Cross learns the truth about his father’s involvement with the disappearance of Meredith Kinsey, “Merri.” Cross begins to do research on Meredith after his father gives him a picture of her. Who is she, how did she get sold into sex slavery in Mexico and how much involvement does his father really have. Questions that are answered s you read on. Guilt is where his search starts. How could he have known what he knows and not say anything to the authorities about what he knows. Off he goes to find her, what Cross expects to find, is she dead, alive, does she want to found at all.

Merri is at a clinic with the sisters who have looked out for her since her escape from the Cartel. Jesus has found her, bombed the clinic, yes only a portion but still he tried to hurt her by hurting the kids and the sisters. She has to get out leave but how? The longer she stays the more afraid she is that the cartel will come back and try to hurt those who are protecting her. One day as she is in the confessional the priest tells her to leave, what time and even what door to leave through. Too late, in comes our hero. Cross has found her.

Their journey begins, much to say not without run ins here and there with the people after Merri. Will they make it out alive, back to the states? Cross has thought of everything or so he thinks. He even had fake passports made showing Merri as his wife. Letting Merri think his name is Evan who works for an agency that has sent him to find her, they begin to feel things that neither of them are ready for, want or expected. What will happen when Merri finds out who he really is? That he is the son of her married lover.

Just when Cross thinks they are safe back at Marchant’s mansion, surprise. Jesus isn't dead, he’s come with his hombres to finish the job. To hurt those who are helping Cross and Merri. Unbeknownst to Cross, she was forced to marry Jesus. In his mind she is his and no one will ever change that.

Will Cross learn the whole truth? Will Merri finally give in and speak of the secrets and fears she has hidden all this time? Will all be healed?

Read on, find the answers to your questions.

Cheers to Ella on another remarkable story.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cross Carlson has a new lease on life. After a near death experience that leaves him scarred and partially disabled, as well as almost being sold as a sex slave by his politician father’s villainous associates, the former playboy is changing his ways. Plagued by guilt, he decides to head back into Mexico and right a wrong.

Meredith Kinsey may have not always made the best choices in her adult life, but being kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery to the leader of a notorious drug cartel is beyond cruel and sickening. Finding the courage to escape, she takes refuge in a clinic run by nuns that caters to sick and needy children. She too has a new view on life and the decisions that lead her to where she is. The cartel knows exactly where she’s hiding. Being that the clinic is located in a cartel neutral zone, she’s safe…for now. But her owner wants her back and to hell with keeping the peace.

This is the second book in the Love Inc. series. Taming Cross is packed with action, emotion, heroism and love till the very end.

Meredith always felt out of place growing up and it left her wanting for things; most of all she wanted to be loved. Unfortunately, that almost desperation lead her to choosing the wrong men and paths in life. It’s sad too, because she’s a good woman. She’s intelligent, caring and loving.

Cross never really cared about anyone beyond himself and his two best friends. Rich and handsome; life was a party for him. After going through some horrendous experiences, he realizes what’s important in life. Cross won me over. He single-handedly goes south of the border, riding his motorcycle with one working hand and sets out to rescue Meredith. Talk about courageous and self sacrificing.

At first, Cross’ motives for saving her are guilt. He’s known for a year that she was sold and knows the parties involved. It took being placed in a similar situation for him to realize that no one deserves that kind of fate. There’s an instant chemistry between them and eventually feelings develop on both their parts. But, there are things that Meredith has witnessed and done that makes her feel unworthy of someone like Cross. Unworthy of any decent man.

I highly recommend reading Selling Scarlett, book 1 in the Love Inc. series, before diving into this one that way you get the full view of all the players in the game.

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taming Cross

I adore this series.

For those of you who read Selling Scarlet by Ella James, Cross Carlson isn’t new, but we see an entirely different side of him in Taming Cross, a side that I thoroughly enjoyed. He came off as kind of cocky and self-assured in Selling Scarlet, but here we get to see the aftermath of his accident or rather sabotage from his point of view.

Cross is still struggling with the part his Father played in the whole mistress being sold off into sex slavery thing and we can understand why. He feels bad and he’s been holding onto this secret for over a year. Cross feels like it’s time to do something about it so, he sets off to find Meredith Kinsey and right the wrong he committed by not saying anything about his Father’s involvement in her disappearance.

Along the way we get to see how much he’s distanced himself from his friends and where his head is at in regards to his family. Cross is also struggling with his physical limitations and pain since his motorcycle accident in the last book. I really like how James showed us his pain and how hard it was for him to deal with.

We also got a chance to see a few characters from book one including Suri, Lizzy and the devil herself Priscilla Heat. And all I have to say about that is oh my god bunnies…I’ll never look at them the same again!

He was bitter and angry and feeling all kinds of down on himself and that’s incredibly believable. But all of that changed when Cross found Meredith, who by the way I love! She obviously has her own set of issues, but the thing I loved the most was even after everything she’d been through she didn’t seem to let it get her down. She never gave up and she was stronger for it.

Taming Cross was full of action packed scenes, running from drug cartels, shooting at bad guys and healing wounds both inside and out. Merri and Cross have a lot of ups and downs in this book and while I don’t want to give too much away I do want to say that I love, love, love how this book ends. It might not be exactly what you expected, but it definitely satisfies the reader at least it did with me. I would absolutely recommend this book whole heartedly.

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella James you are BRILLIANT! I love you so much man Taming Cross had me up all night reading. I just could not get enough and I needed to finish it before I could go to work. Okay so I loved Selling Scarlett but holy shiz I LOVED LOVED Taming Cross. We get to see what is haunting him and why things happened the way they did and why Scarlett loved him so much as a friend. I have to say that yes Ella you got me again because I swear I knew which way this was going and then BAM out of nowhere it went somewhere else. Lord I was sitting in my reading chair saying oh no he didn't.......

Cross Carlson has it all. He has the looks, the personality and the money. He has a loving best friend who will do anything for him as he would do anything for her. Then in a blink of an eye tragedy strikes and Cross is in an accident and he needs help and the only person there for him is Liz. When Cross finds out what Liz has done for him he is in shock. He can't believe it but then again he is broken emotionally and physically and the only one he can talk to is her.He feels horrible because he knows he has ruined an innocent life.

The only way for Cross to face what has happened and move on is to go in hiding and recover from all this craziness that has become his life. So he goes in hiding to a Mexican Convent. Oh I forgot to tell you he is in hiding because his father is the Governor Of California so of course he can't bring shame to his fathers reputation and name. But Cross finds out that there is more to his father because he is involved in human trafficking in Mexico. While at the convent Cross meets a wild child who is in hiding to Meredith "Merri" Kinsey.

Merri had a wonderful perfect life until she messed up and now she is in hiding from a big time drug lord who says he owns her. Holy shiz is she worried so she goes into hiding at the convent dreaming of her better days when she went to college and worked for the college newspaper and was a good girl. Soon Merri and Cross start spending time together and they soon find out they have similar secrets. Then Merri finds out that the one person who can save her is the one person she shouldn't trust because his father was the one who put her in her current situation. Can Merri and Cross survive all the lies secrets and destruction that is in their way or will they walk away from each other?