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Ty & Hunter
Cross My Heart
Lacey Kincaid is a classic New York success story. As the owner of Odd Jobs, she's gone from rags to riches…sort of. Because Lacey's harboring a secret — she was born Lillian Dumont, and spent her childhood with a silver spoon in her mouth, until the deaths of her wealthy parents and the evil schemes of an abusive uncle forced her to take drastic measures. She'd never planned to return to her former life or her abandoned identity — but when her childhood sweetheart, Ty, resurfaces and urges her to claim her rightful inheritance, she decides that maybe being the Dumont heiress wouldn't be so bad. Lacey's uncle doesn't see it that way, though — and he's willing to do anything to stop her.
Now, it's up to Ty to protect Lacey before that silver spoon becomes a silver bullet. But if they live through this, the future's looking bright for this downtown guy and his brand-new uptown girl!
Now, it's up to Ty to protect Lacey before that silver spoon becomes a silver bullet. But if they live through this, the future's looking bright for this downtown guy and his brand-new uptown girl!
320 pages, Hardcover
First published July 25, 2006
109 people are currently reading
1686 people want to read
About the author
Carly Phillips
402 books9,781 followersNY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips is the queen of Alpha Heroes, at least according to The Harlequin Junkie Reviewer.. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters and is now an empty nester. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as her first romance club pick. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
September 10, 2017
I needed a little bit of humor and light reading after 3 back to back mind boggling books. I love the way CP writes with wit and humor. However what I got from this book was a cute little mystery as well.
June 14, 2009
I really like Carley Phillips and so this one was on my list to read. I think that I liked it as much or more than The Heartbreaker. And that is saying alot.
Lily, Ty and Hunter are friends that live in the same house together after Lily and Hunter become Foster kids and are placed in Ty's home. They become very close turning into family for each other, though Ty and Lily never act on their feelings, they are in love. Lily came from a home where her parents recently died and her Uncle wants her to sign over her trust fund, but when she wont he places her in foster care to scare her into submission.
When the kids figure out what is going on they fake Lily's death and she goes off to NYC to live on her own. they promise to never tell what happened and that they will never talk about Lily again.
Ten years goes by and Hunter is now an attorney, and Ty is a PI. Over the years Ty has checked in on Lily but never actually seen her. But when Hunter hears that Lily's Uncle is getting re-married and that he is going to get Lily declared dead so he can get her trust fund, Ty and Hunter think that it is time for Lily to come home and claim it herself.
Ty finds Lily now called Lacey in her apartment in NY. She owns her own buisness doing Odd Jobs for people. She has really made a place for herself. But she recoginizes that she needs to come home to claim her trust fund, if only so her Uncle can't.
Though both Ty and Lacey have gone on with their lives, they never forgot their feelings for each other. And when Ty comes for her the attraction is stronger than before. Now they are adults and have choices.
Hunter lets a woman that he is attracted to, and is going to become the step-daughter of Lacey's Uncle, know that Lacey is still alive. Knowing that she will tell the Uncle. Things start to get dicey and attempts on Lacey's life occure. Ty is determined to keep her safe, but can he? And can he let her go when this is all over and she goes back to NYC? You'll just have to read to find out.
Lily, Ty and Hunter are friends that live in the same house together after Lily and Hunter become Foster kids and are placed in Ty's home. They become very close turning into family for each other, though Ty and Lily never act on their feelings, they are in love. Lily came from a home where her parents recently died and her Uncle wants her to sign over her trust fund, but when she wont he places her in foster care to scare her into submission.
When the kids figure out what is going on they fake Lily's death and she goes off to NYC to live on her own. they promise to never tell what happened and that they will never talk about Lily again.
Ten years goes by and Hunter is now an attorney, and Ty is a PI. Over the years Ty has checked in on Lily but never actually seen her. But when Hunter hears that Lily's Uncle is getting re-married and that he is going to get Lily declared dead so he can get her trust fund, Ty and Hunter think that it is time for Lily to come home and claim it herself.
Ty finds Lily now called Lacey in her apartment in NY. She owns her own buisness doing Odd Jobs for people. She has really made a place for herself. But she recoginizes that she needs to come home to claim her trust fund, if only so her Uncle can't.
Though both Ty and Lacey have gone on with their lives, they never forgot their feelings for each other. And when Ty comes for her the attraction is stronger than before. Now they are adults and have choices.
Hunter lets a woman that he is attracted to, and is going to become the step-daughter of Lacey's Uncle, know that Lacey is still alive. Knowing that she will tell the Uncle. Things start to get dicey and attempts on Lacey's life occure. Ty is determined to keep her safe, but can he? And can he let her go when this is all over and she goes back to NYC? You'll just have to read to find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2008
Seriously this book was terrible. But yet it held my attention. Possibly with anger? Anyways this story is about Lacey a woman who at 16 faked her death and ran away to NYC to start over to avoid her abusive uncle, her guardian after her parents' deaths. Ten years later her father is trying to declare her legally dead so he can get his hands on her large trust fund (which has been sitting since there was no body found when her car went off the cliff). Her friends in town decide to let her know and her BFF Ty, who of course is a PI happens to easily track her down because even though she changed her name she is still using her original social security number. Obviously he is going to be her love interest. Obviously she comes back to claim her trust fund. Her abusive uncle has made a complete turn around in his life and is now a really great guy. Of course no one believes this so when attempts are made on her life they all suspect him. IN FACT it ends up being the lawyer in charge of the trust trying to kill off Lacey to hide the fact that he has been stealing from the trust to cover his gambling addiction. In the end it all turns out just peachy. The story was seriously weak but major problems include:
1. Every time a conversation happened the characters each reviewed the conversation in his or her own head noting the highlights and what him/her was thinking. So basically every conversation was hashed out three times and in most cases the inital.
2. This was a romance. As in a paperback romance. Therefore the words 'sheath' and 'moist' and 'member' were used frequently. 'Moist' happens to be about my least favorite word ever. I think that after listening to this book 'sheath' is a close second.
3. The audio version had an extra special little gift in that when there was a phone conversation happening the person on the other end was talking through what I can only imagine was the box that Charlie spoke to his Angels through.
4. The logistics were a huge FAIL. Seriously, who wouldn't think to check her social security number ever? I have serious doubts about the teens faking a death successfully.
1. Every time a conversation happened the characters each reviewed the conversation in his or her own head noting the highlights and what him/her was thinking. So basically every conversation was hashed out three times and in most cases the inital.
2. This was a romance. As in a paperback romance. Therefore the words 'sheath' and 'moist' and 'member' were used frequently. 'Moist' happens to be about my least favorite word ever. I think that after listening to this book 'sheath' is a close second.
3. The audio version had an extra special little gift in that when there was a phone conversation happening the person on the other end was talking through what I can only imagine was the box that Charlie spoke to his Angels through.
4. The logistics were a huge FAIL. Seriously, who wouldn't think to check her social security number ever? I have serious doubts about the teens faking a death successfully.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2017
Okay so, I normally don't like romance novels. I hadn't known that this was one until I got into it as I had just randomly picked this off of my book shelf. But this was a light quick read and the plot was good. Let me just say that I though this had more mystery to it then Into The Water and it wasn't all mushy gushy like I thought romance was.
August 5, 2008
I've read Carly Phillips before and found her funny and light reading. NOT IN THIS BOOK. The narration on this book is literally "gushy" and I could not even finish the first CD as the trite adjectives describing the protaganists ("chocolate brown eyes" is an example) made me yell "OMG" at the CD player! The plot's situation was not plausible: would the police just assume that Lacey was dead when they found no body? Would the uncle wait so long before declaring her dead if there were such a substantial trust fund waiting? How did Lacey find credible work at age 17/18 in NYC without using a social security number? And since she set up her "very successful" odd job company using her social security number, (never knew a personal shopper or a dog walker could make a decent living in NYC, enough to live well in a small apartment!?)-- why wouldn't someone have been alerted? Nothing made sense to me, and the tone of the narrator will win no awards. Maybe it wouldn't be so awful as a quick paperback read... I'm not going to even try.
February 9, 2019
Ten years ago Ty helped Lily escape an abusive uncle by faking her death. He had feelings for then but wanted to protect her so he let her go. Now ten years later her uncle is getting ready to declare her dead and collect the inheritance that her parents left to her after their deaths. Ty doesn't want the man to be able to claim the money so he knows he needs to find Lily and bring her back so that she can collect her inheritance. Lily, now Lacey, has made a life for herself in New York City and is shocked when she gets a knock at her door and finds Ty on the other side. She knows she must go home, not only to claim her inheritance but to also bring some closure to a part of her life that wasn't always good. After returning she learns that she must wait until her 27th birthday to claim that which is hers. Her birthday is coming up so she decides to stay in town so she can see if her Uncle has really changed as he claims. She also realizes that the feelings that she had for Ty all of those years ago haven't really gone away. When it looks as if someone is trying to kill her before she makes it to her next birthday she wonders if her Uncle might be behind it and hasn't really changed at all. Meanwhile she is dealing with her feelings for Ty. After all these years does he still care about her the way she cares about him? Follow the two as they come together to figure out if they belong together or if all the feelings they had so many years ago was just puppy love. Can the two let the past go and look towards the future while looking for whoever has it out for Lacey or will all be lost? This was a lovely romantic read that will make you wish that love will win in the end.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 13, 2019
Oh my, what a wonderful heart-stopping romance!
Ty, Lilly, and Hunter make a pact as teenagers to fake Lilly's death and keep her hidden from her trust fund hunting uncle. Nearly ten years later, Hunter finds out that the uncle is trying to have her declared dead so he can collect the money, so it's time to bring Lilly - now Lacey - back from the dead.
Ty and Lilly have always had that unique connection, and Hunter considers them both family. There's nothing these three won't do for the others, and it's the strength of that bond that sees them through the attempts on Lacey's life as they work together to unravel the mystery of who is really behind all the treachery.
This is a standalone romantic suspense story with a beautiful HEA for Ty and Lacey, but it really should be read along with the next book, Sealed with a Kiss, which gives us the full story of Hunter and Molly. I loved every bit of this story and read it straight through non-stop. It's got the perfect blend of heartwarming romance and edge-of-your-seat action and suspense. There's just enough of Hunter and Molly to give background to their own story, without detracting the focus from Ty and Lacey. I highly recommend this book as well as its sequel. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Ty, Lilly, and Hunter make a pact as teenagers to fake Lilly's death and keep her hidden from her trust fund hunting uncle. Nearly ten years later, Hunter finds out that the uncle is trying to have her declared dead so he can collect the money, so it's time to bring Lilly - now Lacey - back from the dead.
Ty and Lilly have always had that unique connection, and Hunter considers them both family. There's nothing these three won't do for the others, and it's the strength of that bond that sees them through the attempts on Lacey's life as they work together to unravel the mystery of who is really behind all the treachery.
This is a standalone romantic suspense story with a beautiful HEA for Ty and Lacey, but it really should be read along with the next book, Sealed with a Kiss, which gives us the full story of Hunter and Molly. I loved every bit of this story and read it straight through non-stop. It's got the perfect blend of heartwarming romance and edge-of-your-seat action and suspense. There's just enough of Hunter and Molly to give background to their own story, without detracting the focus from Ty and Lacey. I highly recommend this book as well as its sequel. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
January 31, 2019
This book is very good. I felt bad for Lily, Ty and Hunter that they had to do something drastic to get Lily away from her uncle who became her guardian when her parents died. No 17-18 year old should have to fake a death to disappear. I know it was especially hard for Ty and Lily since they had romantic feelings for each other. I couldn’t imagine what Hunter went through being in the foster system, and people making fun of him. I was glad to see him grow up into a handsome man who became a well respected attorney. This is how he found out that Lily’s Guardian was going to legally declare her dead and claim Lily’s inheritance from her parents. I was so glad to see Ty find Lily and bring her back to stop her uncle, and figure out if she and Ty had a future. There is some intrigue when someone starts doing things to Lily to try and kill her. Is her uncle to blame or has he really changed? There is so much going on, you don’t want to miss reading this book. I cant wait for the next book with Hunter and Molly’s story that didn’t end too well in this book. I urge you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
February 12, 2019
I first read this book is 2013 and I
didn’t not like the book
but when I went to re-read it just a couple of days ago, I can honestly say that I liked it, but it didn’t wow me. If that’s not proof that reading is ridiculously subjective, I don’t know what is. Obviously, the author has tweaked the book for re-sale, but I think that it is that and my growth combined that has me signing a different tune about this story. So let the be an example for you guys … a book you may not love today, could be a #topread for you years from now *shrug*
Okay, so Ty and Lily have history. History that didn’t really get off the ground because they were too young but chemistry for sure. Now it’s a decade later so maybe things will go differently *wink* lol Now, you know from the blurb what Lily had to do etc etc etc so I’m skipping the play-by-play on all those shenanigans and get right to the non-wow-factor. The story just seemed to be everywhere and nowhere all at the same time. I was left with more hmmmmmm moments than I was ahhhhhhh moments and truth be told, for their age, Lily and Ty both didn’t rank very high on the maturity level for me. You have to be willing to overlook reality a little bit and maaaaaybe realm of possibility as well. The story isn’t written badly, it just seemed a bit over the top for my taste.
Solid 3.5 stars for this re-read (but not enough to round up to 4)!
Copy provided by the author for review team purposes
Okay, so Ty and Lily have history. History that didn’t really get off the ground because they were too young but chemistry for sure. Now it’s a decade later so maybe things will go differently *wink* lol Now, you know from the blurb what Lily had to do etc etc etc so I’m skipping the play-by-play on all those shenanigans and get right to the non-wow-factor. The story just seemed to be everywhere and nowhere all at the same time. I was left with more hmmmmmm moments than I was ahhhhhhh moments and truth be told, for their age, Lily and Ty both didn’t rank very high on the maturity level for me. You have to be willing to overlook reality a little bit and maaaaaybe realm of possibility as well. The story isn’t written badly, it just seemed a bit over the top for my taste.
Solid 3.5 stars for this re-read (but not enough to round up to 4)!
Copy provided by the author for review team purposes
February 17, 2019
Oh, the feels and the suspense all in one! Ty, Hunter, and Lily are best friends and they will do anything to protect each other, even help Lily hide from her abusive uncle who is her guardian since her parent's death. She has hidden so well for ten years her uncle now wants to declare her dead so he can claim her inheritance and when Hunter finds this out Ty sets out to find Lily who is now Lacy and bring her back home. However, she cannot claim her inheritance until her 27th birthday and now it seems someone is trying to kill her. Will Lily and Ty find they still have strong feelings after so many years or will whoever is after Lily succeed in taking her down before her birthday? This is a reissue I had read many years ago but it was so long ago it was like a refreshing new read and up to date. I definitely recommend this one along with the sequel.
**Received this ARC for review**
**Received this ARC for review**
February 16, 2019
Cross my Heart
This was a really great story. Cross my Heart is a rerelease of Carly's older books.
Still a great read with no misconceptions of anything to “date” the book.
Ty, Hunter and Lilly are best friends that have a special bond cementing their friendship. They would do anything protect each other, even plan a scheme to hide their best friend so she doesn't have to go back to her uncle that has abused her.
Years later, Hunter overhears that her uncle wanted to declare Lilly dead to get her inheritance.
Ty decides that it's time to let the world know she's not really dead. He's loved her since they were teenagers. She's always loved him too. Can these two learn to trust and find love, understand what family is and find their way to each other while trying to keep Lilly/ Lacey alive.
Heart felt romance at it's best as all Carly's books are. Steamy, well written story.
This was a really great story. Cross my Heart is a rerelease of Carly's older books.
Still a great read with no misconceptions of anything to “date” the book.
Ty, Hunter and Lilly are best friends that have a special bond cementing their friendship. They would do anything protect each other, even plan a scheme to hide their best friend so she doesn't have to go back to her uncle that has abused her.
Years later, Hunter overhears that her uncle wanted to declare Lilly dead to get her inheritance.
Ty decides that it's time to let the world know she's not really dead. He's loved her since they were teenagers. She's always loved him too. Can these two learn to trust and find love, understand what family is and find their way to each other while trying to keep Lilly/ Lacey alive.
Heart felt romance at it's best as all Carly's books are. Steamy, well written story.
February 18, 2019
I know this is one of Ms. Phillips older books, but I had not read it until the reissue and man I can not believe I haven't read it until now. I love all of Ms. Phillips' books. Truly there is not one of her books to date that I have not loved. This one is absolutely no different. I immediately fell in love with Ty and Lilly aka Lacey, and Hunter. Hunter was the best best friend to both Ty and Lilly/Lacey. The love that Ty and Lilly have is truly one of a kind. You know that soul merging, once in a life time love. The kind that no matter the miles or years without each other, you just know they are made for each other. I absolutely loved all aspects of this story. The suspense and the love of them finding each other again and seeing what all unfolds in their story. I can not wait for Hunter and Molly's story. They are going to be another homerun!!
Review by Tabitha
Review by Tabitha
February 11, 2019
CROSS MY HEART Carly Phillips is book one in the Ty and Hunter Series. This is the story of Lily 'Lacey' Dumont and Ty Benson. Lily and Ty had a young love story but her abusive uncle who was overseeing her made it impossible to stay together. Ty help her escape her uncle by faking her death. Now almost 10 years later Ty is at her door letting her know she needs to come forward because her Uncle is wanting to file legal paperwork about her death and claim her inheritance. Lily returns home to learn she has to wait until she is 27 to get her inheritance, so she stays in the town to wait. There she and Ty start to rekindle their feelings that they left behind. So enjoyed reading their story and quickly wanting to read the next one about Hunter.
February 11, 2019
Three friends who struggled as teens were bonded together as a foster family. Ty and Hunter save Lilly by allowing her to escape her uncle and lock up her trust fund. Years later when her uncle wants to declare her dead, Ty and Hunter make Lilly realize she has to come back to claim what is hers for her family and herself. Ty also realizes that when he let her go years before he let a piece of his heart go as well and he'd spent all the time she was gone making sure nothing was to touch her. I love how protective Ty was of Lilly (Lacey) when she came back and decided nothing was going to keep him from her again.
Reviewed by: Paige R.
Reviewed by: Paige R.
January 31, 2019
I came to find the person I love most in the world, and that’s you! Heart melting right now...cross my heart (get it..wink wink) . That’s what you get when you read a Carly Phillips book. Ty, Hunter and Lilly (Lacey) are 3 best friends who keep a major secret for over 10 years. I don’t want to reveal too much but you get drama and mystery once Lacey comes home, a re-kindling of a teenage love and a strong friendship between the 3. I love how Carly sets up the next connected story too.
December 10, 2025
I would give this book 3 and a half stars but since it’s not possible, I will give it 4 stars.
May 19, 2022
DNF - read 65% and found myself rolling my eyes at the flimsy back story. Didn't bother to continue as I had no interest in reading the next book.
December 12, 2010
Nonsense. This was my first try with this author and while the writing was decent and basically kept me going, I'm not sure I'll give her another chance because the plot made no sense. A girl fakes her own death at 17 because her uncle wants her trust fund and does very vague bad things to her to try to get it, including putting her in fake foster care for a short time. (By fake foster care, I mean that he paid someone to take her, but he told her she was in the foster care system.) She stays gone for 10 years, at which point she gets wind that her uncle is going to declare her legally dead and get her trust fund. Well, she can't have that, so she goes back to claim it. Um, ok, I get being under his thumb at 17 but you've been a legal adult for 9 yeras. She even thought she would have control of her own trust fund at 21 (she was mistaken, but that's what she thought). This whole thing was so convoluted it left me unable to suspend disbelief, even for a romance novel, which often contains far-fetched or overly convenient devices.
May 13, 2019
I read this for book club. It's been a long time since I've read a romance novel and think it will be a long time until I do again. This book was a bit adolescent.
February 12, 2019
Ten years ago Lilly Dumont with the help of her best friends, Ty Benson and Daniel Hunter, faked her own death at 17 years old to get away from her Uncle Mark who had custody of her after her parents died. He also had custody of trust fund and liked to make her life a living hell. Ten years later she is living in New York City and doing ok for herself under her new name, Lacey Kinkaid. When Hunter finds out that Lilly's uncle is going to declare her dead so he can get her trust fund, he let's Ty know and together they decide to find Lilly and let her know.
Ty, being a PI, has always kept tabs on Lilly. He has always had a place for her deep in his heart and wished things had turned out differently. Now Ty knows he has to go face his past and the girl he loved and lost.
Lacey's life in New York City was rough at first, but thanks to a wonderful lady, Lacey's has her own thriving business, Odd Jobs, where she and her staff perform odd jobs for people who need the help. After a long day at work, imagine Lacey's surprise when a knock at her door is not her boyfriend, but the boy she has always loved, Ty! All the old feelings came rushing back for both of them!
Ty explains to Lacey what he is doing there and she agrees to come back to Hawken's Cove to claim her inheritance and that is when the fun begins. Uncle Mark is shocked to see her but he claims that he is a changed man and is happy she is alive. Of course Lacey and Ty don't believe him. When Lacey is told that she can't claim her trust fund until her birthday (in a month), Lacey decides to hang around Hawken's Cove until then. During that time, Lacey has to deal with her boyfriend back in New York City who is still waiting on an answer to his marriage proposal; her feelings for Ty; her uncle, and the fact that someone is trying to kill her.
This story takes you on a fun mystery trying to find out who is wanting to kill Lacey, while taking you through all of the emotions that she goes through being back in touch with Ty. I just loved these two characters, along with Hunter. I cannot even begin to think how Lacey felt going through her life the way she did but the happy ending she eventually received was well worth it! This was a fun re-release of a second chance romance.
Ty, being a PI, has always kept tabs on Lilly. He has always had a place for her deep in his heart and wished things had turned out differently. Now Ty knows he has to go face his past and the girl he loved and lost.
Lacey's life in New York City was rough at first, but thanks to a wonderful lady, Lacey's has her own thriving business, Odd Jobs, where she and her staff perform odd jobs for people who need the help. After a long day at work, imagine Lacey's surprise when a knock at her door is not her boyfriend, but the boy she has always loved, Ty! All the old feelings came rushing back for both of them!
Ty explains to Lacey what he is doing there and she agrees to come back to Hawken's Cove to claim her inheritance and that is when the fun begins. Uncle Mark is shocked to see her but he claims that he is a changed man and is happy she is alive. Of course Lacey and Ty don't believe him. When Lacey is told that she can't claim her trust fund until her birthday (in a month), Lacey decides to hang around Hawken's Cove until then. During that time, Lacey has to deal with her boyfriend back in New York City who is still waiting on an answer to his marriage proposal; her feelings for Ty; her uncle, and the fact that someone is trying to kill her.
This story takes you on a fun mystery trying to find out who is wanting to kill Lacey, while taking you through all of the emotions that she goes through being back in touch with Ty. I just loved these two characters, along with Hunter. I cannot even begin to think how Lacey felt going through her life the way she did but the happy ending she eventually received was well worth it! This was a fun re-release of a second chance romance.
January 16, 2022
Excellent Excellent Read. I think of the few books I have read this year, this book by Carly Phillips is my favourite. I loved Summer Roberts who read the audible narration of this book. I think that If a prologue or Chapter 1 starts off with a bang, & It peaks your interest, then usually Its a fantastic book. I think so many books have nuggets of wisdom, & with this book is no other. I'm glad that Tye's mother & him had the kind of relationship that helped him to realise that loving & honouring your parent is important, but also going for what you want & more importantly whom you want to love is important too. I personally think anyone can change, but our fleshly desires control us If we allow It. Lacey's uncle Mark chose the right path to stop drinking. It couldn't be easy for him, but he made that choice to change his life around even when everyone neglected him because he wasn't rich. Other people then know what's wrong & right, but choose to do the wrong thing & to bribe, steal & lie their way through life. They want to bring other people down with them If they are caught out, trapped or pushed into a corner. Another nugget is that Love is very powerful & in so many ways love conquers all, but love has to be resipricated & 2 people have to fight & work on their relationship no matter what, how or who tries to interfere. In other ways, If one person loves someone, but the other person doesn't feel the same way, love sometimes is allowing that person free to either realise they have made a mistake & return or to let them go even If that means that your heart is broken for a while. I always love Happily ever afters, & I'm glad that Lacey & Tye had theirs, but love doesn't always mean that there are happy endings. I'm glad that Lacey's Uncle Mark wasn't behind her attempts on trying to kill her, but also sometimes even though lies are told, even though in so many ways Its wrong to lie, sometimes situations call for It until someone or a situation is willing & open to hear the truth, or speak It out. Truth & love is what sets us free.
February 11, 2019
Here is a second chance romance with the angst and drama of greed and betrayal mixed in. Lacey is a 17-year-old girl when she fakes her own death and runs way from home. Her two best friends Ty and Hunter help her leave the life she has because the only family she has left is using her for money. Fast forward 10 years later and Lacey’s uncle wants her declared dead to inherit her trust fund. Ty and Hunter are going to do everything within their power to stop it from happening. First, they must find Lacey who is living her own life in New York and after struggling to adjust she is living a comfortable life. When Ty comes looking for her their old feelings resurface and they start to realize that they are only existing in their worlds not living. The two of them have been dancing around their feelings for years and hiding behind the distance. Ty and Lacey must face the past so they can move on have a future. All good things aren’t as they seem because someone doesn’t want Lacey to inherit her trust fund. Ty and Lacey must find out who is after her money before it’s too late and someone gets hurt.
I love the fact that there is more than one person’s POV in this story and that we get so much action, betrayal and romance all in one book. This was a slow read for me but the characters were great. Ty and Lacey had this great chemistry that will help them defy all odds in their story. Their story is about knowing where your heart lies and who your true family could be if you open your heart. There is a lot of moving parts in this story with everyone having their own tiny story within the story. I like the way the story unveiled hidden secrets and Carly really nailed all the character’s backstories. It’s a great read with a lot of action and romance so there is no chance of being bored with this one.
I love the fact that there is more than one person’s POV in this story and that we get so much action, betrayal and romance all in one book. This was a slow read for me but the characters were great. Ty and Lacey had this great chemistry that will help them defy all odds in their story. Their story is about knowing where your heart lies and who your true family could be if you open your heart. There is a lot of moving parts in this story with everyone having their own tiny story within the story. I like the way the story unveiled hidden secrets and Carly really nailed all the character’s backstories. It’s a great read with a lot of action and romance so there is no chance of being bored with this one.
February 12, 2019
CROSS MY HEART by Carly Phillips is book 1 in the Ty and Hunter Series.
Lacey/Lilly, Ty and Hunter. They are friends that are formed by circumstances; family that are formed by choice. They made a promise to always protect each other, even if it means letting each other go. No matter how painful it may be. Lacey at 17 years old has to make a decision that no one ever should; to be the one who has to "cease to exist". Her abusive uncle is going to continue to abuse her , torment her and the only way out is to just completely disappear forever. Her best friends Ty and Hunter offer up their help to make sure that everything goes off smoothly so her uncle won't question.
Fast forward 10 yrs later Hunter and Ty find out her uncle is pushing ahead to have her declared legally dead to collect her very hefty trust fund. Ty finds this out and immediately goes to New York City to bring Lacey back home.
Ty and Lacey's /Lilly's love affair never got a chance to get started 10 years ago. Now that she's come back and all those sizzling, passionate feelings that were left behind under the table years ago are back out on the forefront now for them to deal with. Feelings start off slowly and then start moving forward quickly. Slow Burn moves into a full blown intense heat. 10 years later ,fate found a way to reunite Ty and Lacey/ Lilly. Will the outcome be different this time around for the lovers? For the friendship? Cross My Heart is a story that is of friendship and family. For Hunter, Ty and Lily , love is so much more than just a feeling. It's truly how they live their life. I can't wait for book 2 in the series. It looks to be amazing.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
Lacey/Lilly, Ty and Hunter. They are friends that are formed by circumstances; family that are formed by choice. They made a promise to always protect each other, even if it means letting each other go. No matter how painful it may be. Lacey at 17 years old has to make a decision that no one ever should; to be the one who has to "cease to exist". Her abusive uncle is going to continue to abuse her , torment her and the only way out is to just completely disappear forever. Her best friends Ty and Hunter offer up their help to make sure that everything goes off smoothly so her uncle won't question.
Fast forward 10 yrs later Hunter and Ty find out her uncle is pushing ahead to have her declared legally dead to collect her very hefty trust fund. Ty finds this out and immediately goes to New York City to bring Lacey back home.
Ty and Lacey's /Lilly's love affair never got a chance to get started 10 years ago. Now that she's come back and all those sizzling, passionate feelings that were left behind under the table years ago are back out on the forefront now for them to deal with. Feelings start off slowly and then start moving forward quickly. Slow Burn moves into a full blown intense heat. 10 years later ,fate found a way to reunite Ty and Lacey/ Lilly. Will the outcome be different this time around for the lovers? For the friendship? Cross My Heart is a story that is of friendship and family. For Hunter, Ty and Lily , love is so much more than just a feeling. It's truly how they live their life. I can't wait for book 2 in the series. It looks to be amazing.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
February 22, 2019
Let me begin by saying that I always read others reviews to give me an idea of what the book offers and I was flabbergasted to read a specific negative review on here. I will only say that the reviewer did not have her facts corrected when posting her review. This is the reason I read multiple reviews before I read the book. In this case I was pleasantly surprised with the over all story and was glad that I did not take that one review as my bases of reading the book. Now on to my personal opinion.
The main characters all meet in their teens and become extremely close. Lily and Hunter are placed in Ty's house as foster kids. When Lily's uncle decides to take her back after being cruel to her the friends plot her escape. Okay to be fair it is a bit out there but come on....it's only a story.
Their decision has effects on all their lives and this is where it ends. 10 years later, Lily's uncle is getting ready to declare her dead to get her inheritance and Ty finds her and they go back to get what is hers. Of course it's not quite that simple but it's just a small description.
There is more mystery than romance in this book yet Ty and Lily/Lacey explore what they never had. That's all I'll say on that topic.
It's cute with moments of humor, mystery and bits of romance.
Remember when we read we all see the authors words in our own manner so read reviews but never use them as your only basis. I personal liked this and the next book (of which of course I read out of order, but still loved). Read the blurb, reviewer thoughts and take the book in hand and give your own thoughts to ours.
The main characters all meet in their teens and become extremely close. Lily and Hunter are placed in Ty's house as foster kids. When Lily's uncle decides to take her back after being cruel to her the friends plot her escape. Okay to be fair it is a bit out there but come on....it's only a story.
Their decision has effects on all their lives and this is where it ends. 10 years later, Lily's uncle is getting ready to declare her dead to get her inheritance and Ty finds her and they go back to get what is hers. Of course it's not quite that simple but it's just a small description.
There is more mystery than romance in this book yet Ty and Lily/Lacey explore what they never had. That's all I'll say on that topic.
It's cute with moments of humor, mystery and bits of romance.
Remember when we read we all see the authors words in our own manner so read reviews but never use them as your only basis. I personal liked this and the next book (of which of course I read out of order, but still loved). Read the blurb, reviewer thoughts and take the book in hand and give your own thoughts to ours.
June 5, 2019
Ok, I truly disliked this book. I actually skimmed most of it, and don’t feel like I missed anything.
The synopsis had good potential for a fun read! But man oh man, I had some major problems with this book.
1. The plot described vs written: the synopsis sounded catchy! But the actual writing was so poorly done-nothing surprised me, it was a very “cookie cutter” plot once you started, and incredibly contrived and easy to predict.
I was bored to death of this book three chapters in. Everything was wrapped up quickly and easily. There was no buildup. It was more fizzle. Like Alex-he was all threatening when Lacey broke up with him, then the next time you hear about him is in the epilogue! Oh he’s sorry, contrite blah blah blah. It almost would have been better if he’d been the one trying to hurt her...
2. The characters: I’m sorry, but there wasn’t a single character I liked in this book. Ty had issues, and maybe he was supposed to be the “bad boy”, but he came off as a jealous child. Lacey was a weak leading lady, who cheated on her boyfriend with Ty. Hunter was...flat. Molly was by far one of the worst, most childish characters! Marc had this “amazing” turnaround, which kind of lost the villain in my opinion. Making Paul the villain, but not introducing him in the past? I hate that. And he was AWFUL.
3. The writing: I’m very picky about POV. I really really disliked how we could get into every characters head. I don’t need everything rehashed multiple times, or every thought from every character. Pick 2 or 3, not every one from the book!
Overall this was a big fail for me. I’m tempted to give it no stars.
The synopsis had good potential for a fun read! But man oh man, I had some major problems with this book.
1. The plot described vs written: the synopsis sounded catchy! But the actual writing was so poorly done-nothing surprised me, it was a very “cookie cutter” plot once you started, and incredibly contrived and easy to predict.
I was bored to death of this book three chapters in. Everything was wrapped up quickly and easily. There was no buildup. It was more fizzle. Like Alex-he was all threatening when Lacey broke up with him, then the next time you hear about him is in the epilogue! Oh he’s sorry, contrite blah blah blah. It almost would have been better if he’d been the one trying to hurt her...
2. The characters: I’m sorry, but there wasn’t a single character I liked in this book. Ty had issues, and maybe he was supposed to be the “bad boy”, but he came off as a jealous child. Lacey was a weak leading lady, who cheated on her boyfriend with Ty. Hunter was...flat. Molly was by far one of the worst, most childish characters! Marc had this “amazing” turnaround, which kind of lost the villain in my opinion. Making Paul the villain, but not introducing him in the past? I hate that. And he was AWFUL.
3. The writing: I’m very picky about POV. I really really disliked how we could get into every characters head. I don’t need everything rehashed multiple times, or every thought from every character. Pick 2 or 3, not every one from the book!
Overall this was a big fail for me. I’m tempted to give it no stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2019
What an exhilarating story! I really couldn’t put it down! It has everything: love, family drama, murder/mystery, witty/funny scenes and exceptionally well written love scenes that will make your toes curl! I laughed out loud, I cried, I was captivated by a wonderfully complex story line!
When they were teenagers, Ty and Lilly, along with their friend Hunter, arranged Lilly’s disappearance because she felt she was in danger. Putting her previous life behind, as well as a significant trust fund, Lilly changes her identity to Lacey. She struggles at first but eventually makes a life for herself in New York. She’s built a successful business, and she has a boyfriend who loves her… but something is missing… Ty and Hunter had a harder time after Lilly left because they had to keep their involvement with Lilly’s disappearance a total secret. 10 years later, Hunter finds out that Lilly’s uncle is about to declare her legally dead so that he can finally inherit her trust fund. Ty goes in search of Lacey and they find that the feelings that they had thought was “puppy love”, are much stronger now that they are mature adults. Will Lacey be able to claim what is hers? Will Ty and Lacey find a lifelong partnership and a HEA with each other? Absolutely loved this story! Bravo Carly!!
For prolonged enjoyment, I recommend reading “Sealed With A Kiss” afterwards, as it’s the story of the other major couple from this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When they were teenagers, Ty and Lilly, along with their friend Hunter, arranged Lilly’s disappearance because she felt she was in danger. Putting her previous life behind, as well as a significant trust fund, Lilly changes her identity to Lacey. She struggles at first but eventually makes a life for herself in New York. She’s built a successful business, and she has a boyfriend who loves her… but something is missing… Ty and Hunter had a harder time after Lilly left because they had to keep their involvement with Lilly’s disappearance a total secret. 10 years later, Hunter finds out that Lilly’s uncle is about to declare her legally dead so that he can finally inherit her trust fund. Ty goes in search of Lacey and they find that the feelings that they had thought was “puppy love”, are much stronger now that they are mature adults. Will Lacey be able to claim what is hers? Will Ty and Lacey find a lifelong partnership and a HEA with each other? Absolutely loved this story! Bravo Carly!!
For prolonged enjoyment, I recommend reading “Sealed With A Kiss” afterwards, as it’s the story of the other major couple from this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2019
Sometimes it’s hard to believe how one’s relatives treat those we might trust to their care. Such is the case in Carly Phillips’s book Cross My Heart. It is the story of Lilly, an orphan, who was entrusted to the care of her uncle. When she discovered that his main reason for accepting her guardianship was that he wanted access to her trust fund, she began to act out so that at the age of seventeen he turned her over to a foster parent whose son Ty and foster son Hunter became her best friends. When it became evident that she was to be returned to her uncle’s custody, the two boys and Lilly decided to fake her death. She went to New York City and the boys stayed in the hometown.
Ten years later the story picks up when her uncle has decided to have Lilly declared legally dead. Hunter and Ty decide that it is time for her to return to town and claim her inheritance.
Of course, it is also time for Lilly, who was now Lacey, and Ty to determine whether the feelings they had for each other when they were teenagers were real and for Lilly to renew her close friendship with Hunter who had proven to be a very upstanding citizen and attorney. It was also time to evaluate, with trepidation, her uncle’s motives after all this time.
What Lilly and Ty discover and uncover is quite a mystery that leaves her in jeopardy and has the three friends fighting to keep her alive until she can claim her inheritance. The people you will meet along the way will bring joy and frustration along with them!
Ten years later the story picks up when her uncle has decided to have Lilly declared legally dead. Hunter and Ty decide that it is time for her to return to town and claim her inheritance.
Of course, it is also time for Lilly, who was now Lacey, and Ty to determine whether the feelings they had for each other when they were teenagers were real and for Lilly to renew her close friendship with Hunter who had proven to be a very upstanding citizen and attorney. It was also time to evaluate, with trepidation, her uncle’s motives after all this time.
What Lilly and Ty discover and uncover is quite a mystery that leaves her in jeopardy and has the three friends fighting to keep her alive until she can claim her inheritance. The people you will meet along the way will bring joy and frustration along with them!
February 4, 2019
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
Cross My Heart was one of those books I could not put down! I was drawn in from the first page and I enjoyed the ride all the way to the end!
As teenagers, Lilly, Ty and Hunter were thick as thieves. They were the best of friends and in a lot of ways, they were the family they all wished for. When they felt like Lily's life was in danger from her abusive uncle, the three did what they felt they had to do and they staged her disappearance. Lily left her hometown, her huge trust fund and her name behind when she left.
Now known as Lacey, she has established herself with a new business and a new boyfriend, but there is that part of her that still feels as though something is missing. When Ty turns up on her doorstep letting her know that her uncle is about to have her declared legally dead so he can get his hands on her inheritance, not only do the two friends reconnect, they figure out that the connection they had years ago was stronger now than ever. Will Lacey be able to have everything she could ever want or will her uncle stand in her way? And, what will happen between she and Ty? Can they find their happily ever after?
I loved these characters and this whole story. I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue, but also the strong friendship that existed between Ty, Hunter and Lacey. They were the type of friends who would do anything for one another. Another great work by Carly Phillips!
Cross My Heart was one of those books I could not put down! I was drawn in from the first page and I enjoyed the ride all the way to the end!
As teenagers, Lilly, Ty and Hunter were thick as thieves. They were the best of friends and in a lot of ways, they were the family they all wished for. When they felt like Lily's life was in danger from her abusive uncle, the three did what they felt they had to do and they staged her disappearance. Lily left her hometown, her huge trust fund and her name behind when she left.
Now known as Lacey, she has established herself with a new business and a new boyfriend, but there is that part of her that still feels as though something is missing. When Ty turns up on her doorstep letting her know that her uncle is about to have her declared legally dead so he can get his hands on her inheritance, not only do the two friends reconnect, they figure out that the connection they had years ago was stronger now than ever. Will Lacey be able to have everything she could ever want or will her uncle stand in her way? And, what will happen between she and Ty? Can they find their happily ever after?
I loved these characters and this whole story. I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue, but also the strong friendship that existed between Ty, Hunter and Lacey. They were the type of friends who would do anything for one another. Another great work by Carly Phillips!
February 11, 2019
Ten years have passed since the night Ty helped Lily Dumont fake her own death to escape the clutches of her abusive and greedy uncle. There isn't a day that passes that Ty doesn't think about her, every detail about her is cemented in his mind, and he'd give anything to see her smiling face again. So, when he learns that her uncle is about to lay claim to her inheritance, Ty decides it is time to go in search of her, and convince her to come home and fight for what is rightfully hers. A small part of him is hoping once she is home she will decide to stay and also fight for a future for them too...
Cross My Heart is a sexy and suspenseful little tale that kept me up until the wee hours of the morning, once my eyes hit the page, I couldn't pry them away! You get a little bit of everything with this one, it has drama and suspense to keep things exciting, and a blossoming romance to stir up the feels and curl the toes. I really enjoyed meeting these characters, within minutes they pulled me into their lives and had me making room in my heart for them. I am really looking forward to continuing the journey with them and seeing how things play out for Hunter and Molly in the next installment. If you are looking for a heart squeezing read, with a touch of suspense and steam, then I highly recommend you check this one out, it has all that and more!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Cross My Heart is a sexy and suspenseful little tale that kept me up until the wee hours of the morning, once my eyes hit the page, I couldn't pry them away! You get a little bit of everything with this one, it has drama and suspense to keep things exciting, and a blossoming romance to stir up the feels and curl the toes. I really enjoyed meeting these characters, within minutes they pulled me into their lives and had me making room in my heart for them. I am really looking forward to continuing the journey with them and seeing how things play out for Hunter and Molly in the next installment. If you are looking for a heart squeezing read, with a touch of suspense and steam, then I highly recommend you check this one out, it has all that and more!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 12, 2019
While living with Ty for a short time as teenagers, Lilly, Ty and Hunter grew to be best friends. They looked out for each other and supported each other. Ty and Lilly both wanted a relationship with the other but never acted on their feelings. Now it was too late to try as late one-night Ty and Hunter helped Lilly fake her own death, so she could escape Hawken’s Cove and her abusive money hunger uncle.
Ty has never let Lilly go out of his heart. He has checked up on her to make sure she was doing OK but never contacted her. But what happens when Ty must go in search of Lilly again and face the feelings they once shared?
Ty goes in search of Lilly, now known as Lacey Kinkaid. Ty is looking to bring Lilly back home to claim the inheritance her parents left her upon their death. Marc, Lilly’s abusive uncle is trying to have Lilly declared legally dead so he claim her inheritance. Lilly doesn’t “need” the money, but she also refuses to just let her uncle have it. Lilly knows it’s hard to go back and put herself through this but she’s going to do what she must do to keep the money away from her uncle.
If Lilly didn’t have enough to deal with, trying to get her inheritance, someone trying to kill her, a proposal from her boyfriend in New York, she also must deal with the love she has for Ty. Luckily, once you realize the one your meant to be with is in front of you, your life looks a lot brighter.
Ty has never let Lilly go out of his heart. He has checked up on her to make sure she was doing OK but never contacted her. But what happens when Ty must go in search of Lilly again and face the feelings they once shared?
Ty goes in search of Lilly, now known as Lacey Kinkaid. Ty is looking to bring Lilly back home to claim the inheritance her parents left her upon their death. Marc, Lilly’s abusive uncle is trying to have Lilly declared legally dead so he claim her inheritance. Lilly doesn’t “need” the money, but she also refuses to just let her uncle have it. Lilly knows it’s hard to go back and put herself through this but she’s going to do what she must do to keep the money away from her uncle.
If Lilly didn’t have enough to deal with, trying to get her inheritance, someone trying to kill her, a proposal from her boyfriend in New York, she also must deal with the love she has for Ty. Luckily, once you realize the one your meant to be with is in front of you, your life looks a lot brighter.
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