Crossfire

Cross Duet #1

by Kathy Lockheart

In my defense, I didn't know he was sent to kill me when I fell in love with him.

Grayson. Dark. Dangerous. Irresistible.

One moment, he's making me feel alive for the first time since Dad died. The next? He's got a cold steel blade to my throat. Turns out, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Homicidal is actually an assassin ordered to kill me.

Now I'm his prisoner. I hate that his touch still ignites my soul, each one a cruel reminder that the next could be my last. I want to believe he would never actually hurt me, but Grayson’s code is eliminate any threat to innocents. And someone's working overtime to convince him I’m guilty… Who? And why?

As secrets unravel, I'm forced to confront the shocking truth about why Grayson was sent to silence me forever… Leaving me with one haunting

Will the man who gave me a reason to live become the one who takes my life?

**Author's This book follows Grayson Lockwood, brother of Hunter from the Vendetta Duet. While not essential, readers may enjoy starting with Secret Vendetta for additional context.

Genres: Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Forced Proximity, Romantic Suspense

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2024

About the author

★ Amazon Top 25 bestselling author ★

Kathy Lockheart is an Amazon Top 25 bestselling author and Kindle Unlimited All-Star of Suspenseful Romance novels. Her books—which have a unique blend of emotional elements typically found in women’s fiction and the romance and danger elements found in romantic suspense—contain themes that include dark romance antiheroes, enemies to lovers alpha tropes, and forbidden romance angst. When she’s not writing, you can find her silently cursing the person who put fluorescent lights in dressing rooms.

SECRETS AND THE CITY
Deadly Illusion
Fatal Cure
Lethal Justice
Grave Deception

Vendetta Duet
Secret Vendetta
Silent Vendetta

Cross Duet
Crossfire
Crossover

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Reviews

[Kait · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you fall for the man sent to unalive you >>>>>

That cliffhanger 😭😭😭 I'm not sure how I'll survive til December. Dangit Kathy.. Honestly though, this was amazing. I'm never let down by this author.. just sad when the book is over.

Grayson and Ivy are perfection wrapped in a spiked bow. They're somehow polar opposites and the perfect match. I could read five more books just based on these two. 😍 Ivy is such a pleasant surprise. I love that she doesn't give up no matter how hard life tries to knock her down. She just keeps surprising me at every turn. Same can be said for Grayson. He seems so black and white in the beginning yet he is anything but that. I cannot wait to see where part two of their story takes us!

opposites attract x red flag MMC

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was filled with actions, espionage, secrets from the past and present and CIA.
Ivy is very strong willful woman, a martial arts expert and is trained in various martial arts. Grayson, CIA operative, was on a mission that was interrupted by a woman, and saw the results Ivy left behind after a man attacked her. Grayson was intrigued and started searching for her.
During all this chaos we watched Ivy and Grayson tango around each other as they learn how to communicate and listen to each other. With everything going on I was glued to the story until the end that left me screaming at the author ahh I mean the cliffhanger!

[Kathy Lockheart]

Available now!

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://mybook.to/crossfire_kl

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3Xoyznm

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noooo, don’t make us wait for the other book! No spoilers but what a cliffhanger! I need the second book stat!

Grayson was first introduced in Secret Vendetta where he already made quite the impression but Crossfire just makes you fall in love him with even more.

The Lockwoods are quite the family and I can’t wait for more!

This book has it all:
Action
Suspense
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Billionaires
And my favourite … touch her and die vibes

[Anita Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

..
I love this book and anything she writes
and this story between Ivy and Grayson is no different.

Grayson is an assassin for the CIA and was sent to assassinate Vosch but there was a little snag that day. Her name was
IVY..
One thing about Ivy.. she was a bada$$. That day she was supposed to meet someone to tell her about her late father's death.
At the same time, Grayson had to do his job.
What happens next will leave you speechless while Ivy gets caught in the Crossfire...
Now Grayson is sent to find out and assassinate
this 5ft next to nothing of woman and figure what how she is involved.


This book has an amazing storyline and the banter between Grayson and Ivy..
This part is hilarious. Uh! The banter. Love it.

“Tell me what I can do to make this up to you,” Grayson said.
“You know your lack of experience with relationships is pretty damn glaring.”
“Meaning?”
“You actually think there’s something that you can say to apologize for what you did?”
He studied me, for two seconds longer than someone who was driving should.
“Your feelings are hurt,” he said.
“Fu@% off.”
“Very hurt,” Grayson raised his eyebrows.
We drove in silence for a minute. Best minute of my life.
“How about this,” Grayson shifted in his seat. “What if I promise to never try to kill you again?”

Poor Grayson. The lack of social skills!! Had me laughing so hard ..

I let this book consume there was no way I was going to stop reading until I was finished with this book!

Thanks, Kathy Lockheart for writing such an amazing book. December is so far away. 😢

[AJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

My best chance of surviving was in the protective arms of my assassin.

3.5 stars

A fast paced and exciting romantic mystery/thriller, this is a chemistry-filled sort-of-enemies-to-lovers story that had me hooked from the very beginning, and I really enjoyed this read.

This is the first book in a duet, and part of a broader series as it follows on from the Vendetta Duet - the heroes of both duets are brothers, and there are two more Lockwood brothers who look poised to have their stories told as well. But you could read this duet independently of the first (I did). Just beware mini-spoilers for the earlier books.

Grayson Lockwood is a CIA assassin who is on the trail of a dangerous arms dealer, but his mission goes all wrong when an unknown woman walks into his carefully set-up trap. It’s his second attempt to take down this particular bad guy, so when he fails again, he assumes the woman is involved somehow, and he’s determined to find out all that he can about her. So he plans a ‘random’ meeting at her local coffee shop, posing as a flirtatious customer, only to find himself completely smitten for real.

Ivy is pretty much at rock bottom. She is in some serious financial trouble, she’s got a pesky ex, and she’s still grieving the death of her beloved father a year ago. Then she gets caught up in a scary situation and barely escapes with her life. But things start to look up when she meets Grayson in a coffee shop. He’s smart, funny, their chemistry is wild, and he makes her alive for the first time in a long time.

But their two worlds truly collide when Grayson received his next target, and it turns out to be the very woman that he’s falling for. Desperate to uncover the truth, he whisks her away to a remote cabin to figure out who Ivy really is, what she is involved in, and who is targeting her.

It’s an exciting ride, and I was right on board with these two from the very beginning. I could feel their attraction, I was excited to see how their story would unfold, and when everything shifts and we get this captive/captor, forced proximity situation, it becomes even more intense. With the story written in dual POV, we know exactly what’s going on with both of them and can see how they feel about each other, but I loved watching them work through it all, falling harder for each other every step of the way. The romance is fast moving but it’s sexy and emotional with great sexual tension, and it ties in well with the mystery and suspense of their situation, which kept me guessing through the whole story.

This is my first read by Kathy Lockheart, and I like her writing, though I think there was a bit too much time spent inside the characters’ heads. It’s one of those situations where a line of dialogue is spoken, and then you disappear into the character’s thoughts so deeply that by the time they reply, you have to flick back and see what they’re responding to. I prefer more dialogue to thoughts in my books. But I am invested in the story and keen to go back and read Grayson’s brother, Hunter’s books. I enjoyed what we did see of his family, and am hoping we get to see more of them.

The book ends on a nasty cliffhanger, and I’m looking forward to the continuation of Grayson and Ivy’s story in Crossover.

I enjoyed this one – 3.5 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.

[Natalie | nats.bookrecs · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ morally gray
✨ touch her and die vibes
✨ he’s an agent x she’s in danger

I loved being back into this world after the Vendetta Duet. Hunter and Alina’s story was so much I couldn’t wait to get more into Grayson world after the mystery surrounding him in the last and his story did not disappoint. Grayson has so many secrets wrapped around him covered under layers of hurt that I loved watching him unravel for the one girl that could disrupt his carefully crafted life.

Ivy has her own secrets and I love the way these two fit perfectly balanced in their secrets. This is a more insta lovey story with a heavy suspense plot that kept me on my toes until the very end. The cliffhanger was done so well I’m not sure how I’m gonna make it until December for the next book but I love the way this author has the ability to completely captivate me with her plots and romance. Grayson and Ivy had the spiciest scenes and the juiciest reveals you don’t want to miss this one!!

[The Lushy Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely thrilling! The edge-of-your-seat kind that has you turning the page over and over.

Secret ops, CIA, international criminals, intrigue and deceit. What’s the truth? What’s the lie? Grayson and Ivy quickly get thrust into mysteries that neither even know about. Quickly, they need to figure out who to trust and even more importantly, can they trust each other?!

I adore Grayson and Ivy. Great chemistry, great banter. I’m rooting for them and can’t wait for their conclusion.

[Anca A · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Review: *Crossfire* - Kathy Lockheart - ARC [18+]
5/5✨
2.5/5🌶️

I haven't read anything written by Kathy Lockheart so far, but this book has simply won me over me and was an extremely pleasant surprise! I must thank Kathy and Valentine Pr for this e-ARC!

Well, I usually give you a brief summary of the story, but right now I feel that anything I would say may be a spoiler. So, all I'm able to say is that Ivy and Grayson are the main characters of this book. Ivy took a pretty bad decision to meet with a stranger in a secluded place, to get some help with her grandma situation. Unfortunately, his may have be a decision which can alter her whole life, and not in a good way..
Grayson works for the CIA and it has a really important case to resolve in that moment. But his life is about to turn around because of a stupid hesitation. Now he needs to figure out what it's true and what it's fake in this whole story.

Leaving the storyline behind, I just want to say something about the book as a whole. It was simply breathtaking! For real, I just held my breath at a couple of scenes because of their high intensity. At others I felt the anguish caused by their tormented souls. They both had their hearts shattered by some previous events from their lives, which are now reflected in their way of being. But a flicker of hope has ignited in their hearts and maybe, just maybe they whouldn't loose all their hope yet.

The uncertainty of everything made me fall in love with this book and I just couldn't put it down! I needed to know what was happening next and, unfortunately, this whole story has finished with a huge cliff-hanger. Now I can't seem to figure out how am I supposed to wait until the next book appears🥺.

✨Tropes:
#StrangersToLovers
#LoveAtFirstSight
#ForcedProximity
#Kidnapped
#TorturedLead
#WillTheyOrWontThey
#TouchHerAndDie
#HeroineInDanger
#AlphaHero
#BadBoyGoodGirl

[Stacey's Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️

"In my defense, I didn't know he was sent to kill me when I fell in love with him."

This book was action packed on every page! The chemistry between Grayson && Ivy was intoxicating - their banter so entertaining! Don't even get me started on that cliffhanger 🤯 This would be a great book if you're looking for a starter to dabble in dark romance.

[Lisa Conant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 out of 5
Spice: 🌶🌶 out of 5

🖤CIA Assassin x His Mark
💥Action/On the Run
☠️Touch Her and D1e
🏠Forced Proximity
❤️‍🔥Slow Burn

✨️Blurb:
Grayson. Dark. Dangerous. Irresistible.

One moment, he's making me feel alive for the first time since Dad died. The next? He's got a cold steel blade to my throat. Turns out, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Homicidal is actually an assassin ordered to kill me.

Now I'm his prisoner. I hate that his touch still ignites my soul, each one a cruel reminder that the next could be my last. I want to believe he would never actually hurt me, but Grayson’s code is eliminate any threat to innocents. And someone's working overtime to convince him I’m guilty… Who? And why?

✨️Review
This is an explosive fun twist on a CIA and his mark meeting and becoming something more complex. With an effective balance in action and drama, we also get some tender, revealing scenes for both Grayson and Ivy. Revealing pained pasts, we get insight into what shaped Grayson to be the efficient k1ller her is today and why he's closed his heart off.

Ivy's past is especially important, as it plays into the mystery of the current attacks on her life and plays a large part in the driving force of the plot.

But the growing affections they have for one another is just as fiery. I loved the early part especially with how Grayson weaves his way into her path to get to know her and to his surprise, genuinely becomes charmed by her and he acts so cute and sweet as well.

There's a good thriller taking shape in this book one, and I am very taken by these characters but also also Grayson's brothers as well! This cliffhanger has me gobsmacked though! Whoa nelly! I need Book two asap!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The hero in Crossfire will be familiar to readers of her Vendetta duet as Grayson Lockwood is the brother of the hero Hunter. Grayson was an assassin with a moral code and that was to protect the innocent. When he first saw Ivy, he was instantly intrigued. It probably never crossed his mind that she’d be his next target but someone has decided she has to die and they’re doing an excellent job of persuading Grayson she’s guilty but until he’s certain he’ll keep her alive.

This is how romantic suspense should be with both elements perfectly balanced. Told from dual points of view and with a steady flow to the writing, the action filled plot is fast-paced and has enough twists, turns and intrigue to keep readers engrossed, building up the suspense with secrets just waiting to be revealed. Ivy and Grayson are perfect together even as they start out as enemies, there was no hiding the chemistry between them and their dialogue was wickedly funny. With lines like “what if I promise never to try to kill you again,” I mean be still my heart, who needs red roses with a declaration of love like that! When I read the blurb, I had thought that Ivy was going to be an average woman, caught up in something beyond their control, instead, she was a martial arts expert on a mission to find out what had happened to her father, and I loved that she was such a badass, more than capable of handing Grayson his ass and when they team up they’re going to be unstoppable. And after that ending I can’t wait for the second book in the Cross duet to release later this year.

[lape.titemortt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5✨ rounding to 4 ✨
Spice: 1 in my opinion, maybe a 2 for YA readers
Darkness: 1 in my opinion
Genre: Suspense Romance
Relationship: M/F
Romance Pace Level: Fast
POV: dual 1st person
Series/Stand Alone: Book 1
Cliffhanger: YES!
Check Triggers: yes, a small list.
Review: The beginning of the book immediately grabs your attention. But the pace quickly dwindled. I found myself sucked out of the story due to the repetitive descriptions like the MMC's eye color and actions like the MMC always tucking his hands in his pants. Also, the romance between the characters is nonexistent. I was confused about when they fell in love. Especially given their traumatic experiences, the quickness of their love made it feel forced and unrealistic.
However, I enjoyed the plot and the plot twist in the end. Overall, I liked the book and the story. I will be reading the next book because I need to know how this story comes circle! The plot twist has me trying to figure out all the players and the possibilities of what might have led up to this.
Lastly, certain parts of the story have me curious about Hunter & Luna’s story. I might have to read their history ❤️ However, not reading their story didn't prevent me from understanding this book but I’m sure knowing their context would have helped me understand Grayson’s family history a little more.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exhilarating book! This enemies-to-lovers is filled with suspense, action, tension, and a great storyline. The attraction between Grayson and Ivy is troublesome. Can they trust each other? Can Ivys past be the catalyst? I am so invested in this story, and the cliffhanger had me wanting to throw my Kindle! Hurry up, December!! I loved this book and definitely recommend it!

[Alyson Dupuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC, but all opinions are my own.

Again, Kathy Lockheart just adds another reason to the list of why she is my favorite author. Grayson and Ivy are great together, and their characters just jump off the pages. Ivy is such a strong female lead. I'm so happy to be learning more about the mysterious Grayson after meeting him in the Secret Vendetta duet. With twists and turns, I can't wait to see what book two has in store for us. Thank you for another incredible read, Kathy Lockheart.

[emily hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say!! I’d waited anxiously for this duet since finishing the vendetta series and omg it was worth it!
Ivy and Grayson story separately and their past were incredible but together- the chemistry and the spice 🥰🔥
The whole book was thrilling from start to finish ☺️ it kept me gripped!!
He’s a dark character with touch her and die vibes ☠️
I’d highly recommend this book to everyone! And have given it an easy 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Despite the fact it had me wanting to shout at the author and start demanding the 2nd instalment immediately 😂😂😂

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was action packed! I enjoyed all the twists and turns and holy shit that ending!

[Deirdre Megan Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.5

Whoa that cliffhanger. I can’t wait for book two.

Enemies to lovers, touch her and die, billionaire, espionage. Such a dynamic read.

[Kristína · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5
This book was an exciting and gripping ride, packed with mystery, secrets, and plenty of espionage. Ivy, the badass female protagonist, was a standout for me—her fierce determination and ability to handle herself in tough situations made her a character I admired and rooted for. Enter Grayson, the CIA operative, and things only get better. His POV added so much depth to the story, especially in terms of the thrilling espionage elements. The dynamic between Ivy and Grayson felt natural as their relationship developed amidst all the chaos. The action, suspense, and emotional moments were perfectly balanced, making it hard to put down. And that cliffhanger? It left me eagerly awaiting the next book. Highly recommend this for anyone who loves a fast-paced, thrilling read!

[Megan Fall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so much. So glad we got to see Hunter and Luna again. This author is amazing, but the cliffhanger!!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review

I've been in a pretty big reading slump these past few months, which is very unlike me. So this book was easily the best thing I read in the month if September. In fact it's the only book I gave 5 stars too.

I could tell this was gonna be something special right from the start and I was not disappointed.

This book yes it's obviously a romance but it's also a very very good spy thriller. I can imagine this book as an old Humphrey Bogart movie, back before movies were all about green screen.

I really enjoyed the suspense aspect with Grayson's job and who tried to kill Ivy. Despite it literally being such a big part of the story right from the very first page, it never felt drawn out. I was never bored or wished the story moved faster.

I really enjoyed this. Something a bit different from what I usually read, in the best way. Can't wait for the next book, I mean that cliffhanger...come on now.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another book from Kathy Lockheart that is beyond addictive! Kathy’s storytelling will grab your attention and keep you on the edge of your seat and second-guessing until the heart stopping cliffhanger ending. So thankful the second book in the duet is already scheduled to be released very soon.

The mystery surrounding Ivy and why she is targeted is incredibly suspenseful. The clues will have you wondering and guessing about what may be the reason, who is involved and the timing.

Poor Ivy is questioning her hormones when she feels an intense attraction to the guy sent to kill her and as a reader I understand her quandary.

I received a free ARC from the author and Valentine PR; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Maryger Chacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossfire by Kathy Lockheart, is the first book of the Cross duet, Ivy is at an address to meet a guy she met on the internet, who apparently was close to her father, in the hope that this man will give her the key which would lead her to receive money that her father would have left that will allow her to pay the bills to cover her grandmother's medical needs. But when she arrives at the site, not only it's in an abandoned place, but upon entering she is attacked by a guy, but years of self-defense allow her to flee, only to end up in even bigger trouble than she could have imagined. Grayson is a CIA special agent who is on a very delicate mission to take down a murderous and evil man, Vosch, who has killed hundreds of innocent people and every team that has tried to stop him has also ended up dead. For Grayson, more than stopping him, it's a matter of revenge and just on the day they have everything ready to kill the guy, this woman arrives and when chaos breaks out, Vosch ends up fleeing the scene. For Grayson, this woman must be part of Vosch's associates, so he decides to investigate her. This event causes them to cross paths and when Grayson inserts himself into Ivy's life, the woman who he meets and what he believes to be her is a contradiction. But now the CIA wants her dead, they associate her with a murderer and it's in Grayson that she feels safe. But nothing is what it seems and we will have to wait for the other book to get the answers we need.
OH MY GOD! What a good story, the intensity, the drama, the angst, the action, had me glued to its pages, when I read Hunter and Luna's duet I was eager for Grayson's story, but nothing could have prepared me for this story. The author definitely knows how to catch us between her lines. This story had me on the edge of my seat and let's not even talk about that heart-stopping ending, I can't wait for the second book to arrive and find out what happened in the house and what the fate of Ivy and Hudson will be. If you haven't done it, go, but NOW read this story that I know you will love. Totally, Completely and Absolutely Highly Recommended!
*Thanks to Kathy Lockheart and Valentine PR & Literary Management for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my honest review*

Crossfire de Kathy Lockheart, es el primer libro del dueto Cross, Ivy se encuentra en una dirección para encontrarse con un tipo que conoció en internet, que al parecer era cercano a su padre, esto con la esperanza de que este hombre le diera la llave que la llevaría a recibir un dinero que su padre habría dejado que le permitirá pagar las cuentas para cubrir las necesidades medicas de su abuela. Pero cuando llega a el sitio, no solo es en un lugar abandonado, sino que al entrar es atacada por un tipo, pero años de defensa personal le permiten huir, solo para terminar metida en un problema aun mas grande de lo que podría haber imaginado. Grayson es un agente especial de la CIA que se encuentra en una muy delicada misión para acabar con un asesino y malvado hombre, Vosch, quien ha matado a cientos de inocentes y cada equipo que ha intentado detenerlo ha terminado también muerto. Para Grayson mas que detenerlo es una cuestión de venganza y justo el día que tienen todo preparado para acabar con el tipo llega esta mujer y cuando el caos se desata Vosch termina huyendo del sitio. Para Grayson esta mujer debe ser parte de los asociados de Vosch por lo que decide investigarla. Este evento les hace cruzar sus caminos y cuando Grayson se inserta en la vida de Ivy es una contradicción la chica que conoce a lo que cree que es ella. Pero ahora la CIA la quiere muerta, la asocian con un asesino y es en Grayson que ella se siente segura. Pero nada es lo que parece y deberemos esperar al otro libro para conseguir las respuestas que necesitamos.
¡OH POR DIOS! Que buena historia, la intensidad, el drama, la angustia, la acción, me tuvieron pegada a sus páginas, cuando lei el dueto de Hunter y Luna estaba ansiosa por la historia de Grayson, pero nada me pudo haber preparado para esta historia. Definitivamente la autora sabe como atraparnos entre sus líneas. Esta historia me tuvo al borde del asiento y ni hablemos de ese final de infarto, no puedo esperar para que llegue el segundo libro y saber que paso en la casa y cual será el destino de Ivy y Hudson. Si no lo has hecho ve, pero YA a leer esta historia que se que les encantará. ¡Total, Completa y Absolutamente Altamente Recomendado!
*Gracias a Kathy Lockheart y a Valentine PR & Literary Management por mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*

[Mira Gencheva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I arrive with such a cool and dynamic romantic book - "Crossfire" by Kathy Lockheart, which is the first of her duology "Cross".

"Crossfire" is a great start to the duology about Ivy and Grayson, which managed not only to interest me, but also to keep my attention. The writing style is very good - extremely detailed and insightful both in the setting and in the characters. It managed to keep my interest all the time and keep my curiosity about the story until the last page. I can't deny that there were scenes that were too long or dragged on longer than necessary, and could be shortened, but in the end, they weren't so many to ruin the book for me. My problem was that while I was reading "Crossfire" I wasn't exactly in the mood for it, which caused the whole process of reading to be a lot slower than I would have liked. Although I can't deny that when I sat down to read it, I did it with interest and desire.

The story maintains a constant level of dynamics, whether through the tension of the mystery that develops, whether with action, or with the romance in it, which I really liked.

As she looked up at me, a realization struck that there were no other eyes I'd rather be looking into than hers.

The characters are multi-layered, great and credibly built. All the time we can see their inner torments, fears, desires and thoughts, which helps us a lot to understand and feel close to them. At the same time, we also see how much they develop through the book, which makes them even more real.

It's great that in addition to the romantic relationship between Grayson and Ivy, we also have two other storylines – the mystery around the attempted murder of Ivy, which the heroine tries to unravel throughout the book, and why someone is so diligently trying to make her bad in the whole story.

"That's the price tag of love: the risk of losing it."

I can't hide the fact that I really liked the romantic relationship between the main characters as it develops. Although things between them seem to happen very quickly at first, they don't feel rushed or forced, and everything happens at exactly the right pace. Then, when we come to the shaping of the real romantic relationship between them, when all the masks fall off, we see how slowly and carefully they actually take shape, turning into something strong and real. Even the reader can feel the superimposition of just the right amount of sexual tension between Ivy and Grayson before this happens. And when it is finally unleashed, the author certainly knows what and how to do so that it is as sweet as possible to read.

"Now that I have you," he rasped, his voice a dark promise. "I'll never let you go."

The climax is very tense both in terms of action and emotions, as both main characters are affected differently by what is happening.

There is no denouement, as the book ends in a cliffhanger, which feels like it is in the middle of the climax and this makes it soo good. It makes me want to pick up the next book as soon as possible.
~~~
Rating: 4/5

~~~This book was provided to me by Valentine PR for my honest opinion.~~~

[Sandy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars- CROSSFIRE is the first instalment in Kathy Lockheart’s contemporary, adult CROSS romantic suspense duet focusing on CIA operatives Grayson Lockwood, and ER nurse Ivy. Grayson was first introduced in the Vendetta Duet focusing on his brother Hunter.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Grayson and Ivy) CROSSFIRE follows the building but tempestuous relationship between our story line couple. Grayson’s latest assignment spiralled out of control when a young woman interrupted what was supposed to be the takedown of a dangerous arms dealer . Curious as to the who what and how, Grayson goes on the hunt only to discover his next target is our story line heroine. Grayson has been ordered to kill the woman with whom he is falling in love but all is not as it appears to be. On the run, hoping to protect the woman he was ordered to kill, Grayson quickly discovers that the CIA is refusing to back, and they are determined to terminate our story line heroine.

The world building focuses on the search for the truth. Both Grayson and Ivy’s backstories are heart breaking and difficult but as Ivy continues to ferret out the clues regarding her father’s death, someone else is taking aim at our story line heroine.

The relationship between Grayson and Ivy begins as a lie. Grayson is stalking our heroine in the hopes of uncovering the truth but the truth may be what is about to take down the woman he loves. A deep dive into the darkness uncovers a possible betrayal and the need to be silenced. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Grayson’s brother Hunter and his wife Luna, Detective Mitchell, Grayson’s handler Daniel, as well as Ivy’s mother, her grandmother and her ex boyfriend Peter.

CROSSFIRE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, power and control, family and relationships. The premise is intriguing, thrilling and entertaining ; the romance is seductive but struggles with the unknown; the characters are desperate and determined. CROSSFIRE ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.


copy supplied for review

[Sambora · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

🩵 enemies to lovers
🩵 forced proximity
🩵 kidnapping
🩵 forbidden
🩵 billionaire
🩵 he’s a CIA assassin - she’s a nurse

✨ “A bully is looking to get a rise out of someone. If they get the reaction they seek, they continue the behavior. Change the behavior, they lose interest.”

✨ “When someone you love dies, you want there to be some earth-shattering reason for it. When there’s not, the hole left by their death feels even bigger and emptier”

• check TW •

One thing about me, if Kathy Lockheart writes it, I am gonna DEVOUR it. Crossfire was a SOLID 5 stars. You get a solid, thrilling plot with the right amount of spice. Honestly, I stayed up til 5am reading this.

Ivy is still mourning her father’s death. She is also getting over a long relationship breakup.

She meets Grayson and he makes her smile and feel something she hasn’t — ever.

Until he has a blade to her throat. Turns out Grayson is a CIA assassin sent to kill Ivy. — She has to wonder, did he know that before he made her feel all the feels?

Now, Ivy is Graysons hostage. And she doesn’t know why. Who would order a hit on her? Why would they order a hit on her. She also wonders why her body still reacts to his every touch - she shouldn’t feel this for the man who kidnapped her.

And the biggest question she has is will Grayson kill her or can she have to trust him to keep her safe and protect her — and let her live.

This book does end on a cliffhanger and book two comes out in December!

Seriously though, go read it and fall in love with your new assassin book boyfriend 🖤

Find it here: https://amzn.to/4h6JWs8

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ½ Stars for this edge of your seat adventure

I've been waiting for Grayson's story as he intrigued me in Hunter's Vendetta Duet ... and I was not disappointed. Once again the author had me captivated from the first chapter. I loved how Ivy was this tiny unsuspecting ... lethal weapon. But she met her match in Grayson as he was also a lethal weapon ... only stronger. I don't want to say too much and spoil the book for others ... but seeing how this book ends in a cliffhanger ... I can't wait for the conclusion in Crossover. Do I have to wait till December?

All Ivy wants is to get the money to pay for her Gram's assisted living expenses, as they have gotten behind since her father's death a year ago. She's knows it's stupid to meet a stranger you met on the internet in an abandoned parking structure, but she's desperate. Grayson is a CIA operative and he's assigned to assassinate a vicious arms dealer and the hit is in an abandoned parking structure. But when a mysterious woman approaches the parking structure, Grayson's whole case goes sideways. His target gets away and he has to find out how the woman was involved ... if she was involved. But while Grayson holds Ivy captive, there is a mutual attraction that will change the course of both their lives.

I received an ARC courtesy of Valentine PR.

[Wendy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grayson, an assassin hunting a dangerous arms dealer who had evaded him time and again.
Ivy is a nurse trying to find her way through a life that just seems to beat her down time and again as she searches for the truth behind her Father's death.
When Ivy seemly accidentally stumbles on a hit and Grayson loses his target, things spiral badly for both her and Grayson. Ivy suddenly has a target on her back, put there by the CIA. When Grayson finds himself tasked with silencing Ivy, he finds himself doubting her guilt and so begins a battle to save them both.
Kathy never fails to give us a story that will take us on a rollercoaster of intrigue, lies, deceit and betrayal and this has it all. As Grayson and Ivy uncover layer after layer they find themselves both loving and doubting each other. Can Grayson keep them both safe from whoever is bent on silencing Ivy and is his love for her stronger than his loyalty to the Government that he has devoted his life to.
This is an amazing read, it had me on the edge of my seat and staying up,far longer than I should, unable to put it down Please be aware it does end on a Cliffhanger that will have you shouting at Kathy, " What have you done", but it will be so worth the wait for book two.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Romantic suspense
- Enemies to lovers
- Close proximity
- Touch her at your own peril
- Secret mission

I was absolutely glued to the pages of this book. The story started off with a b@ng (literally) and the action and suspense didn't stop.

Grayson is part of a secret government agency that takes on missions of high importance and secrecy. He is determined to successfully complete his mission to end a seriously bad man. However, before he can do that, a beautiful woman wanders into the parking garage looking for an informant and Grayson has a new focus...finding out who this woman is and how she fits into his current investigation.

Ivy knew the meeting with "Bob" seemed all sorts of a bad idea, but he indicated he had information for her related to funds her late father left her to pay for her grandmother's care. However, it seems that "Bob" was not a good man and had plans for her. He didn't expect her to be a black belt though...

While Grayson tries to track down more information about Ivy, he receives a new mission...and she's the target. For the first time in his career, he questions the intel, but has to find out the truth.

The story is so compelling, I flew through the book and was stunned by the cliffhanger!!!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! I forgot how much I hate Lockheart's cliffhangers!! This one did not disappoint. Crossfire is book one of the Cross Duet.

Grayson is a CIA assassin who encounters an unknown Ivy at a job. When that job fails her tracks her down to determine why she was there in the first place. He manufactures their first meeting at a coffee shop, where she is being accosted by her ex. Obviously, he doesn't tell her who he really is, but they begin to connect. But not that kind of connection because this is a slow burn book, folks. So slow when you are just waiting for them to get together.

You know when you have a bad feeling in your gut that something is not quite right? Me, at 60% when I started to feel like things are not what they seem. I have about 12 different theories about what's really happening. I stayed up hours past a reasonable "work in the morning" bedtime when, BAM!! Cliffhanger. And not a gentle one either.

Now I'm dying to read book two. I love Grayson and Ivy. She is a badass FMC, who has struggled but is working on coming out stronger. Grayson is delicious. We originally met him in the Vendetta Duet as Hunter's brother. He is still a super-secretive, fiercely protective hottie. He and Ivy are a perfect match. We just need their HEA!!