Crossing Stars

by Nicole Williams

While the city of Chicago sleeps, a war wages in the streets between two powerful families. While the public assumes organized crime is nothing more than a chapter torn out of America’s history, the Costa and Moran families battle for territory and domination.

Caught up in the middle of this sinister world is Josette, the only child of Salvatore Costa, the ringleader and notorious godfather of Chicago’s Italian mafia. After the Irish Morans attempted to assassinate her when she was a child, Josette’s parents hid her behind the walls of their sprawling estate and kept her contact with outsiders to a minimum. But now Josette’s eighteen, and she’s questioning if a long life behind walls is worth trading for a potentially short one filled with excitement and adventure and all the things she’s only lived in her dreams.

On the night she decides to risk becoming just an anonymous face in the crowd, Josette realizes that death isn’t only a possibility—it’s a certainty. Yet when a young man comes to her rescue, the turbulent waters between life and death are further muddied.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Young Adult, Contemporary, Ebooks, Crime

217 pages, Nook

First published May 6, 2014

About the author

Nicole is a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author who got her humble start dictating books to her parents at the age of three and her big break nearly three decades later when she signed her first publishing deal. She grew up an avid reader and writer who majored in Economics because a Creative Writing degree was lofty and impractical, not to mention a pipe dream. Irony, you wily fiend.

When she isn’t embroiled in a book, she spends her time playing wife and mom to her two favorite people in the world, and referee to their three rescue pets/wildlings. Nicole lives in the Evergreen State on the quieter side, ideal for an admitted recluse who enjoys the diversity of outdoor endeavors the Great Northwest offers.


Nicole loves hearing from her readers. You can connect with her on:

Facebook: Author Nicole Williams
Instagram: author_nicole_williams
Twitter: nwilliamsbooks

Reviews

[[~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥]

DNF 50%


Modern day Romeo and Juliet with a mafia based story. I love these type of stories but this one just didnt click for me. I wasnt convinced of Josette and Rylan's relationship especially since Rylan was missing for half the book.

The book might have got better but I wasnt bothered to find out. I understand there may be more books to follow so I flicked to the end and it was not a cliffy .

[Megan Fall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god, this book was like a roller coaster ride. I knew it was based on the story of Romeo and Juliet, so I kept waiting for one of the main characters to die...and there were so many times that could have happened. The ending was crazy, I literally couldn't put it down. So glad it had a HEA ending, although I really expected it to end badly! Another great read.

[Taz-xo · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 73%.

There were a few things about Crossing Stars that I didn't like.

1. Insta-love - 'Jay' and 'Rylan' meet briefly for the first time. He saves her life and all of a sudden she's talking about spending the rest of her life with him, risking everything to be with him, and she even said she could be in love with him!!!!! Is it just me that finds this weird? You've known each other for 5 minutes? YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT HIM!

2. 'The big identity reveal' - What an epic fail. I guessed who he was pretty much from the start. When the author sets the story up as the 'modern Romeo & Juliet', it was pretty obvious who Rylan really was. Williams chose to wait until the the half-way mark to reveal his identity, probably to add to the shock value as she thought she would be surprising readers. Even the reveal itself was kinda boring. She'd made it into this really big deal, both families that hate each other in one room, walking down the aisle in church like you're about to get married..They both take their hoods off...and then...*drum roll*...She ended up having a panic attack outside the church..



3. The cheese - At 41%, this is what Rylan had to say..

(after a cheesy speech)
"I've been working on that speech my whole life," he said, his voice light, happy even.
"But you only met me two weeks ago."
"I've always known I would meet you. I wanted to be prepared when I did."
"I don't know what's more dangerous-your gun or your words."
That's an easy one Josette! His words obviously. They're in danger of making me puke in my mouth!



There were lots of other cheesy lines that he'd obviously been waiting his whole to say to Josette, but I can't be bothered finding them all.

This is the second book by Williams that I have not liked. Not sure whether I'll bother with her books in the future. What a waste of £2.43 :(

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a Nicole Williams fan from her YA to her Adult. With this new series, CROSSING STARS is truly a modern take on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. I like looking for the small connections with books that take on a classic such as the Costa family and the Capulet family. The Moran family and the Montagues. Even having the first letter of each name the same makes me giddy I found a little connection. For the main characters we have Josette (Juliet) the sheltered daughter of the Costa crime boss and the ever gorgeous and courageous Rylan (Romeo) the only son of the Moran boss. Again, Romeo and Juliet in the 21st century complete with cell phones and sports cars.

Since this is the first book in a trilogy, the stage is set as Josette and Rylan fall in love (they both are from the wrong side of the tracks) and plan their escape from the families in order to be together. Being the heirs of the most powerful crime families makes this no easy task. With the help of side characters with heart breaking stories of their own because of the "families", Josette and Rylan have a shot. At least for now.

Fans of star crossed lovers and Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet will find this modern take a sweet and suspenseful start to a new series. If you aren't familiar with Romeo and Juliet, you may miss the point behind the scenes, the characters, the pace, and the drive to be together. Keep in mind, this is meant to be a modern adaptation with its own spin here and there.

[Magen Corrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

Oh! How I hate I didn't finish this one, but I got about half way through and just put it down, never to pick it back up.

I'm a big Williams fan, loved practically everything that she has written, but I just couldn't get into this one. Breaks my heart, but I didn't. I might give it another try later, but for now it goes into my DNF pile.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biggest Nicole Williams fan, but this one just did not do it for me. It's a modern Romeo & Juliet just with the mafia.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this book in high school (over 7 years ago now) and absolutely loving this book! Honestly, parts of this book just stuck in my head for years and I am happy to say I still feel the same way about this book as I did in high school! A lot of my view is painted by nostalgia, but still the pacing and writing in this book are really good. My only wish is that we got more time with Josette and Rylan together. But still, I think I will always have love in my heart for this book.

[Kirsty Bicknell · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You can't be a Juliet, or this would be too ironic"
Everyone who knows me is aware of the fact that I think Romeo and Juliet is not only Shakespeare's best work, but also the greatest love story ever told. So, how do I think Crossing Stars compares to the play? The true answer is that taken out of context Crossing Stars is questionable, but Nicole Williams has cleverly used so many elements straight from Shakepeare's work, that as a tribute to the original star-crossed lovers, it is successful.

"Did my heart love till now? . . .
For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night"
Critics argue that on seeing Juliet, it is not love, but lust that Romeo is overcome with, having only just declared the depth of his undying love for Rosaline. Although Josette and Rylan make no similar declarations, and Josette is prepared to defy her father, one of her first questions to Mrs Bailey is "How did he look?" and her statement that "he's more god than man" supports the fact that the innocent 'love' she feels is based on physical attraction.

"O Romeo, Romeo! - wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name.
Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,
And I'll no longer be a Capulet."
In her famous balcony scene Juliet feels helpless; questioning why her Romeo has to be Romeo Montague and rhetorically asking him to assume a new identity which will allow their love.
Our couple in Crossing Stars face the same predicament; Josette the daughter of the Blue Krait, crime-lord and boss of the Vipers. Rylan, on the other hand, lives over The Line, in The Heat territory, an Irish Mob who are sworn enemies of Josette's La Famiglia. This setting allows Nicole Williams to open her story to a wider audience and whist the reader is more able to relate to her two main characters we are also aware of the fate of Romeo and Juliet, leaving us on edge and eager for the conclusion.

"There were two guns between us, keeping us apart. The exact same could have been said of our families. Rylan was five feet in front of me - I could have stepped forward, extended my arms, and touched him - but he was as unreachable as the next universe."
During my reading of the Armistice Day scene I was ready to rate the book with 5 hearts. I became absorbed in the emotion; the fear, despair and love shared by Josette and Rylan, and the hatred between the Costa and Moran families. Although this is a ceremony of peace the atmosphere is anything but, full of tension and drama and I loved how Nicole Williams was able to convey this through Josette's eyes.
To anybody reading this review it is obvious Crossing Stars only has a 4/5 rating from me and this is because I felt disappointed with the story's ending. I was anxious about how the drama would unfold, but I feel the climax was flat and I shut my Kindle feeling unfulfilled.
Josette and Rylan are not the only characters of note in the novel; Luca assumes the role of Friar Laurence with his dry humour and need to protect, while Mrs Bailey is the substitute for the Nurse; she acts as both Josette's confidante and conscience.
Nicole Williams contrasts the genuine feelings between Rylan and Josette with the sexual innuendos and cruelty of Constantine and we appreciate their need to find happiness with each other in a dysfunctional world.
Crossing Stars is worth a read!

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a pretty big Shakespeare geek, so whenever I find a retelling of the bard it goes directly to the top of my list. Crossing Stars was a beautiful retelling of Romeo and Juliet that anyone would enjoy. You don’t have to be a fan of the original to fall in love with the characters in Nicole William’s novel. They’ll capture your heart whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare or not.

Josette Costa’s father is the head of the Italian mafia in Chicago. As the only child of her father she is heavily guarded and rarely goes out into the city. Even when she does take trips she is always disguised. No one has seen her face since she was a very young girl. When her cousin Serena comes to visit, Serena decides she’s tired of Josette being locked up in a tower. Serena devises a plan for them to sneak out. Against her better judgment Josette follows her cousin to a nightclub on the other side of “The Line” and into enemy territory.

The nightclub, The Heat, is owned by the Irish mafia. If anyone were to know who Serena and Josette were they would be killed or worse. Terrified at first, Josette slowly begins to let loose. But when one of the Irish mafioso recognizes them as Italian, their night of fun quickly comes to an end. The girls put up a fight but are no match for the Irish men. Just as Josette is seconds away from being harmed a man named Rylan steps in and sends the others running. Rylan and Josette immediately recognize each other as rivals. But their family loyalties are put aside when their hearts interfere.

The electricity between Rylan and Josette is abrupt and intense. But just because you could feel the attraction in the air doesn’t mean they immediately striped their clothes off. In fact, the anticipation leading up to their first kiss is award worthy. If you’re looking for hot and sweaty sex you won’t find it here. But, if you want slow stolen glances and lines that make your pulse beat faster, this is the book for you.

Rylan is absolute perfection. His tenacity and perseverance made me swoon on more than one occasion. Oh lord, and the things that came out of his mouth. I want to just wrap up all his words and play them over and over again in my head. He has a serious talent for making my heart fall right at his feet, and Josette’s too for that matter.

This retelling was fantastic. Just the right amount of new blended beautifully with the old. There were lines that felt like they could have plucked right out of Shakespeare. The story flowed wonderfully and the pace was perfect. My only complaint would be that the ending was abrupt. I felt that the battle for love was so long and drawn out that the conclusion merited more than a few paragraphs. I’m crossing my fingers that Nicole Williams will add to this series.

Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
Follow us on Facebook Twitter and Instagram

[Dianne Reodique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voila! It seems like i am falling into some universally conspired Shakespearean trap for reading three books in a row inspired by one of the greatest writer in history. *bow* The closest thing that could get me to sincerely appreciate classics is when it’s told or presented with a touch of modern, and this book as well as the others i’ve enjoyably read that was written recently sails me to that direction. Who knows, i might be curious enough to become an ancient history geek someday.

As i was saying, this book is inspired by the famous star-crossed lovers Romeo & Juliet minus the tragic ending, which is a favorable variation to that story might i add. Given the interesting premise (forbidden love), there is also something unique about Nicole Williams’ way of narrating a story that sucks you into it on the first few pages, the same way that i remembered about her Crash series. It wasn’t adrenaline pumping and i may have predicted mostly what would happen except for the ending part, so maybe it’s because of the uncomplicated yet passionate writing. Or maybe because it feels like i’m listening to a close friend tell me a story instead of reading it by myself. I loved it because despite the mayhem involved, she did not make me run for the hills.

Warning though, this book involves A LOT of cheesy exchange of words that will either make you puke or melt your panties. I chose the latter, because that’s most acceptable in the world of fiction. I also know how instant-love gets to your nerve, but because i clearly understood that this has a close association with Romeo & Juliet, it was non-debatable.

Josette’s life was close to non-existent, she lived in the confines of her family’s mansion with a personal guard to watch her every step. She’s the dutiful daughter of the Italian Mafia’s boss, arranged to marry the leader of his father’s counterpart from the West. But her sheltered life was suddenly shaken during one sneaky night when she and her cousin Serena crossed The Line to give her a dose of ‘living the life’, meeting the Irish man who saved them from the Moran’s cruel hands - Rylan. It wasn’t just an attraction, it was a fatal attraction.

Rylan is the man responsible for the overflowing cheesiness in this book, and maybe i’m feeling a little bit cheesy to easily get the hang of it. At times i felt like i wasn’t reading about an in-love 22 year-old because he acted more mature than his age, uttering words too poetic and plotting plans for his & Josette’s future with precision. He was terribly aggressive but a romantic gentleman nevertheless.

The tragedy of what they were forced to do for their freedom from the brutal rivalry of their families is something i would hope not to happen in reality, but in this book it sounded almost quintessential. As much as i’d like to hear about the perpetuation of their happy ending, this time i’d choose to have it just the way it concluded with them having their most coveted peace and freedom. Sometimes, you gotta leave things the way it just is, no need for more.

D x

[Shawna Shauntia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of Ms Williams and so I didn’t bother reading the blurb. I’m not sure at what point I realized that this was a modern day Romeo and Juliet with a Bonnie and Clyde mafia twist. It was cute and a nice easy read.

My one complaint is that I wish there was more of Rylan it would have made him more real some how. Not to mention it would have made their insta-love make more sense and not so rushed and irrational. Not to mention it would have added more to the story.

“You don’t get to choose your family, but you get to choose who you love.”

Let’s be honest Josette life sucked … major ones. She lived a very lonely and isolated life because of her father’s sin. Her mother wasn’t even a major factor in her life. The only real “family and friends” she had was her cousin that rarely visited and her tutor. How sad is that. I think if she had more of a life outside of the walls of her home she would not have appeared so child like. I had to keep reminding myself that she was 18.

“That’s all I can promise. One meeting. One moment.”

All it took was one look, one chance meeting and these two were hook. Normally I get annoyed with ista-loves because I’m a angsty drama lush. The lengths these two went through to be together was so high risk.

I didn’t find the ending cliffhangy, but I would like to know more. Would there be a major aftermath with explosions and shoot outs? Will bodyguards lose their lives because they couldn’t keep a close eye on their people? I’m sure this can go a few ways. It would be very interesting to see if Ms. Williams decides to build on these two story.

If you’re a fan of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet and insta-love then I would recommend reading Crossing Stars, if not so much then of course you so take a pass on this one.

**This book was gifted to me by the author via ATOMR Tours and Events in exchange of my honest opinion**

[Nancy's Romance Reads]

❥ SURPRISE NEW BOOK RELEASE by Nicole Williams!!! :D



Blurb:
While the city of Chicago sleeps, a war wages in the streets between two powerful families. While the public assumes organized crime is nothing more than a chapter torn out of America’s history, the Costa and Moran families battle for territory and domination.

Caught up in the middle of this sinister world is Josette, the only child of Salvatore Costa, the ringleader and notorious godfather of Chicago’s Italian mafia. After the Irish Morans attempted to assassinate her when she was a child, Josette’s parents hid her behind the walls of their sprawling estate and kept her contact with outsiders to a minimum. But now Josette’s eighteen, and she’s questioning if a long life behind walls is worth trading for a potentially short one filled with excitement and adventure and all the things she’s only lived in her dreams.

On the night she decides to risk becoming just an anonymous face in the crowd, Josette realizes that death isn’t only a possibility—it’s a certainty. Yet when a young man comes to her rescue, the turbulent waters between life and death are further muddied.

Available Now!
Amazon US
Amazon UK

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a Nicole Williams fan since the Eden Trilogy, and she has continued to keep me captivated. Whenever I pick up one of her books, I don't like to be interrupted until I've finished the book. Crossing Stars was no different. I loved that she set the story within the world of the Irish & Italian mafia. Nicole Williams has a knack for creating lovable, swoon worthy male characters, as well as quick witted and snarky female chartacters, and Josette and Rylan were no exception. Once you pick this up, be prepared to keep turning pages until the very end!

" God I love an Irish man." "Why's that?" "Because Irish men worship women." "And Italian men don't? "Italian men worship themselves."

"There is no word or words for what you are or how I feel about you, so let's stop trying to define it."

"I've been working on that speech my whole life." " "But you only met me two weeks ago." ""I've always known I would meet you. I wanted to be prepared when I did."

"Any man chasing you with a gun is not on the same side as me. In any regard."

"My okayness is directly linked to yours from now on. You're okay, I'm okay. You're not okay, I'm not okay. See how it works?

"That's how strongly I feel about this sorry excuse for food. Give me meatballs, give me pasta, but don't ever give me that again."

"We just met." "And it was about god damned time."

"I don't just love you. I need you."

[Trista Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as a part of G the Diva Book Blog. I was unable to tear myself away from this book from the moment I began reading it. Nicole kept me guessing throughout the entire book. In this present day version of Romeo and Juliet, Josette is the only child of a ringleader of an Italian mafia. She has spent the majority of her life locked in her home to prevent the rival Irish mafia knowing what she looks like. The one time she decides to take a chance and leave the protection of her home and family, and she falls in love with a boy from the rival mafia family. During this story Josette learns to speak up for herself and what she wants even though she knows that it could be detrimental to her life as well as her true love. Can not wait to read the next book in this series and find out what adventures Josette and Rylan will experience and how their families will react to their love story.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Nicole Williams so of course I had to read this book once it came across my path. Crossing Stars is a modern day Romeo and Juliet with a mafia twist.

When Josette Costa, daughter of the head Italian mobster Blue Krait, crosses the line into Irish territory, she runs into trouble only to be saved by Rylan. Call it love at first sight or lack of knowledge but the two can not keep away from each other. With both of them being heirs to the major crime bosses in the city they come across numerous challenges yet plan their escape to run away together.

This is the first book in a series and while I love the idea of it, I had a hard time connecting with the characters. I'm sure I'll finish the series just to see what becomes of their forbidden relationship and because I'm a sucker for Nicole Williams books and Romeo & Juliet.

http://teahoneysbookcafe.blogspot.com/

[CasPerfitz~SLiTsReaD · Rating 3 out of 5]

A modern day Romeo and Juliet romance but with a different twist.

Josette is the daughter of the Salvatore Costa, the Blue Krait, the most powerful man in the Chicago mafia. While Rylan is the son of the other reigning mob family in Chicago, the Heat, an Irish mob.

I really enjoyed the start of the story... and it is well written, there were some lines that I really liked... BUT it just got too boring for me. I almost did a DNF, but I hate doing that... so I just browsed through some scenes really...

The execution of the story is just too bland... The characters too dull. I wanted a bad ass Rylan... Josette's character was just okay.

Enough said.... sad, but this book is again not for me...

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modern day tale of true love conquering all. This is a nicely done updated version of the classic tales of Romeo and Juliet with a West Side Story spin.
Ryland and Josette meet under extreme conditions and feel an instant spark when their eyes meet. They are drawn together like two shooting stars. They take many risks to find out if what they are feeling is true love or not. Some of the ways they meet are uniquely done and fun.
I love how sweet and charming Ryland is and the way he treats Josette is just beautiful. And the way he looks at her just melts your socks....they are a very sweet couple that deserve a happy ending.
With much stacked against them they must find a way out of these unwanted mafia lives still alive.
A wonderful done tale of romance full of charm and danger.

[Moon Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicole Williams is always a way to go for me! She has a fantastic writing style and creative ideas, but what i truly love are her couples. The characters always sexy, strong and mysterious but with so much sweetness and love underneath, but also their chemistry, their bond and their loyalty to each other! She never fails to deliver! Crossing Stars is a little gem based on Romeo and Juliet, but in a mafia modern style! A sweet, romantic and thrilling read which deserved to be longer in my opinion! I would have loved to see how they coped and a glimpse of their life together! But it is still wonderful the way it is! I loved it!

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a modern day story inspired by Romeo and Juliet about the son of an Irish mafia and the daughter of an Italian mafia, who are of course at war with each other. The book started off strong with two girls sneaking out and meeting a mysterious stranger. As the book progressed, that's when it started to go downhill. Much like Romeo and Juliet, the two barely converse and know each other before deciding they love each other and are willing to risk everything to be together. I liked some of the details inserted to explain and progress the story, but ultimately it's a story about two barely adults falling in love within a few hours and then being annoying about it.

[Laurycardona · Rating 4 out of 5]

So. apparently I was wrong. I don't know. Didn't finished it. I skipped to the end. Because I decided I didn't want to find out if I was right. It would have felt like The Twilight Saga all of over again. Reading about Jossete falling impossibly fast with one guy, while wanting her to love someone else. So, cool, apparently they lived happily ever after. Good for them. But not so good for Nicole. I expected more from her, considering that I absolutely adore all of her other books. But no one's perfect, and I'm a walking example of that. So no judging

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending was great though kind of, I don't know. Anticlimactic isn't the right word but at the end Josette is still the fragile bird that needs protecting. If there was only one bullet missing and a room full of dead guys.... Isn't it kind of obvious what happened? It's admirable that Rylan is trying to shield her but still, she should be strong enough to realize that he lied to her about what really happened before she passed out.

[Nicole Naranjo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story...a touch of a bit of a modern day Romeo and Juliet(without the whole dying for real). I didn't give it 5 stars because I find myself wanting more as well as I still have some questions, especially the one thing Rylan needs to tell Josette.....hmmm, I'm thinking and maybe hoping too it has to do with Luca(cuz I really and I mean really love him!) So, please please tell me there will be another book?!?!?! "A fish may lobe a bird...but where would they live?"

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always and will always love Romeo & Juliet... Normally, I'd hate anything that tried to put a modern spin on a classic love/tragedy story. But.... This was awesome. Mi read the entire thing in 1 sitting. I abso-freaking-lutely loved it. Rylan & Jay... Ahhh be still my heart. I adored them. I love Nicole Williams' work and this continued to show me why.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raylan and Josette are a modern day Romeo and Juliet. Josette was nothing more than a barganing chip for her father and she lived such a sheltered life that she didn't feel like she was really living. Rylan was sent away after an attempt was made on his life and now he is reasy to leave again. These two try the impossible....to be together.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. I enjoyed the Romeo and Juliet similarities with the modern twists. Wish we could've had a more detailed ending including what happened on the other side of things. (don't want to give stuff away!)

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 star book from Nicole.
Modern day Romeo and Juliet type story with the mob as the background. Another roller coaster of a book. I laughed and I cried. I swooned over Rylan.
I instantly fell in love with these characters and can't wait for more!!!!!!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think Romeo and Juliet and the mafia. Excellent descriptions of how Jossette was brought up and the pending marriage and coming of age decisions she is faced with, made for a very interesting book to dive into. Her writing skill amazes me with each book, this one was no different.

[Savanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really enjoyed this book. I sat with it and read it in one sitting. The flow was good. The characters were lovable. I just love the whole forbidden love thing. I did however fall for a side character :) Cute, quick read.

[Mayra · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest nothing really special, Romeo and Juliet except for the dead part.
I don't know maybe if they would've interacted a bit more before everything went down, it would've been a bit more believable.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

started out really promising but then it was just too much talk with the tutor about him 'being the one' after only meeting him once and how dangerous it was. I get that it's meant to be following the Romeo & Juliet story line but I think it could have been altered even more to suit modern day