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Crossed
"Tell me something real." I threw back at him because I'm tired of talking about me.
He stopped breathing for a moment and tucked his nose into my temple; he inhaled slowly before sitting up straighter.
"I sometimes think fate is more of a reality than faith even though I was taught faith was fate my whole life. Like when you connect with someone and you can just feel how right it is. A sort of invisible string that's buried deep in their body connecting your souls together and your life lines suddenly come together to share a path you can choose to walk on together if you accept that fate and stray off your own path."
I turned to look at him as his voice dropped an octave and changed the charge in the air around us.
"Are we dancing again?" I asked.
"That depends, Clary. Do you feel this thing between us the way I do?" He leaned forward as he pointed a finger from my heart to his own, his eyes hooded. "Because if you don't feel this thing between us, I think it's best to let the flame die."
Clarissa Monroe knows a few things for When summer is over she's moving across the country with her best friend Anna, she's going to be a librarian, she doesn't know who she is yet, and she can't get that first kiss with Bryant Crossman out of her head.
Bryant Crossman can't grab a firm enough hold on his life. Weighed down by the expectations of his father, he's being thrust forward on a path that isn't his own. Until he makes a bold move and kisses Clarissa Monroe at a party. When he sees her again he finally decides to step onto a path of his own choosing, one that will allow Clary to walk with him. But how far can they walk before their paths no longer cross?
Crossed is the first book in the debut series from author Samara Reed. It's a coming of age, spicy romance that will make you fall in love, laugh, and maybe even cry.
He stopped breathing for a moment and tucked his nose into my temple; he inhaled slowly before sitting up straighter.
"I sometimes think fate is more of a reality than faith even though I was taught faith was fate my whole life. Like when you connect with someone and you can just feel how right it is. A sort of invisible string that's buried deep in their body connecting your souls together and your life lines suddenly come together to share a path you can choose to walk on together if you accept that fate and stray off your own path."
I turned to look at him as his voice dropped an octave and changed the charge in the air around us.
"Are we dancing again?" I asked.
"That depends, Clary. Do you feel this thing between us the way I do?" He leaned forward as he pointed a finger from my heart to his own, his eyes hooded. "Because if you don't feel this thing between us, I think it's best to let the flame die."
Clarissa Monroe knows a few things for When summer is over she's moving across the country with her best friend Anna, she's going to be a librarian, she doesn't know who she is yet, and she can't get that first kiss with Bryant Crossman out of her head.
Bryant Crossman can't grab a firm enough hold on his life. Weighed down by the expectations of his father, he's being thrust forward on a path that isn't his own. Until he makes a bold move and kisses Clarissa Monroe at a party. When he sees her again he finally decides to step onto a path of his own choosing, one that will allow Clary to walk with him. But how far can they walk before their paths no longer cross?
Crossed is the first book in the debut series from author Samara Reed. It's a coming of age, spicy romance that will make you fall in love, laugh, and maybe even cry.
232 pages, Paperback
Published December 18, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 18, 2023
Looking for a quick read that will not only cleanse your pallet but leave you wanting more?
I can't lie, when I saw the blurb for this book I was immediately intrigued, I wanted to know how Bryant and Clarissa were going to work out the many miles that would soon be separating them, I was more than impressed by this authors writing, how she was able to get across these characters and their personalities in such a short read is something not too easy to do but she did it.
This is a novella so while their is plot its obviously not super developed but it left me with the right amount of wanting more but being satisfied with what I got. This read had tons of tension, humour and feels that I left this book ready to read more about these two and their journey.
I can't wait till this author release the next piece of this story!
I can't lie, when I saw the blurb for this book I was immediately intrigued, I wanted to know how Bryant and Clarissa were going to work out the many miles that would soon be separating them, I was more than impressed by this authors writing, how she was able to get across these characters and their personalities in such a short read is something not too easy to do but she did it.
This is a novella so while their is plot its obviously not super developed but it left me with the right amount of wanting more but being satisfied with what I got. This read had tons of tension, humour and feels that I left this book ready to read more about these two and their journey.
I can't wait till this author release the next piece of this story!
September 22, 2023
If you are looking for something a little spicy whilst being a quick read then this is the book for you.
You wonder how everything will work out, you love the characters and the development they face throughout the book. The picture creating from the story telling is great, I have ideas of what everything looks like in my mind.
And the way it ends leaves you wanting more.
This is a fantastic novella, definitely worth a read. Can't wait for what comes next
You wonder how everything will work out, you love the characters and the development they face throughout the book. The picture creating from the story telling is great, I have ideas of what everything looks like in my mind.
And the way it ends leaves you wanting more.
This is a fantastic novella, definitely worth a read. Can't wait for what comes next
March 8, 2024
Crossed
If you’re looking for a sweet, spicy, short tale of true love, please give this book a chance. This is the first book I’ve read from Samara Reed but it won’t be my last.
Bryant and Clary are so cute together and I love how much they love each other. 🥰🥰🥰 this was the book I didn’t know I needed. Can’t wait for the rest of the series! 💕💕
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you’re looking for a sweet, spicy, short tale of true love, please give this book a chance. This is the first book I’ve read from Samara Reed but it won’t be my last.
Bryant and Clary are so cute together and I love how much they love each other. 🥰🥰🥰 this was the book I didn’t know I needed. Can’t wait for the rest of the series! 💕💕
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
March 7, 2024
This book is about Clarissa (Clary) and Bryant. They are both recent high school graduates. They reconnect at a party of a mutual friend.They begin dating. As the summer goes on, they must decide what kind of relationship they will have once they both go to college.
This book was a fast and easy read for me. I loved the characters and watching Clary and Bryant's relationship grow. There are some spicy scenes. Some parts reminded me of my high school and college years. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
This book was a fast and easy read for me. I loved the characters and watching Clary and Bryant's relationship grow. There are some spicy scenes. Some parts reminded me of my high school and college years. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
September 11, 2023
Tell me something real! This book will hook you and leave you wanting to not put it down. Steamy, funny, real, love. The ending will shock you and leave you counting the days until the next book hits! Samara Reed hit a home run on this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2024
Delightful and charming first love romance that’s a quick read with wonderful characters, fun, excitement, heartache, and family drama. Rollercoaster of emotions in Bryant and Clarissa story! Enjoyed reading and a must read!
March 1, 2024
This is a good fast read. Takes you back to your 1st love days. Clary and Bryant come from different backgrounds and soon will be apart due to college. Bryant definitely has more experience than Clary but it was great to see them connect during the book. Definitely has some spice. Can't wait to see what happens next!
September 3, 2023
📚 Book Review: "Crossed" by Samara Reed
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Review:
👉"Crossed" takes you on a heartfelt journey through the intertwined lives of Clarissa Monroe and Bryant Crossman. As summer draws to a close, Clarissa plans to move across the country with her best friend Anna and pursue a career as a librarian. Little does she know that a single, unforgettable kiss from Bryant Crossman will leave an indelible mark on her heart.
👉Reed's storytelling shines as she explores themes of fate, self-discovery, and the choices that shape our lives. The excerpt I shared captures a beautifully intimate moment, where Clarissa and Bryant discuss the invisible strings of destiny that seem to bind them together. It sets the tone for the emotional depth and introspection that permeates the narrative.
👉The characters are well-developed, and their personal growth throughout the book is compelling. Clarissa's journey to find herself and Bryant's bold decision to forge his own path are central to the story. Readers will undoubtedly be drawn into their evolving connection, rooting for them every step of the way.
👉"Crossed" is a contemporary romance novel that transcends the genre's clichés, offering a thought-provoking exploration of love and destiny. If you're a fan of books that tug at your heartstrings and leave you pondering life's twists and turns, this one is a must-read. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most profound moments come from unexpected encounters.
👉Get ready to get lost in the pages of "Crossed" and experience the magic of fate and young love. 💕📖
#BookReview #CrossedNovel #SamaraReed #ContemporaryRomance #MustRead
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Review:
👉"Crossed" takes you on a heartfelt journey through the intertwined lives of Clarissa Monroe and Bryant Crossman. As summer draws to a close, Clarissa plans to move across the country with her best friend Anna and pursue a career as a librarian. Little does she know that a single, unforgettable kiss from Bryant Crossman will leave an indelible mark on her heart.
👉Reed's storytelling shines as she explores themes of fate, self-discovery, and the choices that shape our lives. The excerpt I shared captures a beautifully intimate moment, where Clarissa and Bryant discuss the invisible strings of destiny that seem to bind them together. It sets the tone for the emotional depth and introspection that permeates the narrative.
👉The characters are well-developed, and their personal growth throughout the book is compelling. Clarissa's journey to find herself and Bryant's bold decision to forge his own path are central to the story. Readers will undoubtedly be drawn into their evolving connection, rooting for them every step of the way.
👉"Crossed" is a contemporary romance novel that transcends the genre's clichés, offering a thought-provoking exploration of love and destiny. If you're a fan of books that tug at your heartstrings and leave you pondering life's twists and turns, this one is a must-read. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most profound moments come from unexpected encounters.
👉Get ready to get lost in the pages of "Crossed" and experience the magic of fate and young love. 💕📖
#BookReview #CrossedNovel #SamaraReed #ContemporaryRomance #MustRead
September 3, 2023
Samara Reed's "Crossed" captivates from the first page, immersing readers in a charged encounter between the bookish protagonist Clary and magnetic stranger Bryant at a late-night high school party. Their instant chemistry leaps off the page during this fateful meeting six months after Bryant had impulsively kissed Clary on a dare.
Reed excels at bringing the tension and awkwardness of adolescence to life. Clary's makeover by her vivacious best friend Annabelle perfectly captures the thrill and discomfort of stepping outside one's comfort zone. Meanwhile, Bryant oozes bad boy appeal with his bold persistence in pursuing Clary despite their rocky start. Reed skillfully builds the push and pull dynamic between these two mismatched characters whose paths collide at just the right moment.
The excerpt pulls the reader into the story while introducing the central figures and their complex histories in quick, cinematic scenes. Reed's prose pops with vivid details, Crackling dialogue, and a palpable undercurrent of attraction between Clary and Bryant. Their charged encounter tingles with possibility, leaving the reader eager to find out if these two will give in to their magnetic draw.
With its relatable high school setting, a fierce female friendship, and a smoldering romantic subplot, "Crossed" promises to be a propulsive and heartfelt coming-of-age story. Reed sets the stage for an intense connection, and the excerpt's cliffhanger ending ensures readers will be hooked and hungry for more.
Reed excels at bringing the tension and awkwardness of adolescence to life. Clary's makeover by her vivacious best friend Annabelle perfectly captures the thrill and discomfort of stepping outside one's comfort zone. Meanwhile, Bryant oozes bad boy appeal with his bold persistence in pursuing Clary despite their rocky start. Reed skillfully builds the push and pull dynamic between these two mismatched characters whose paths collide at just the right moment.
The excerpt pulls the reader into the story while introducing the central figures and their complex histories in quick, cinematic scenes. Reed's prose pops with vivid details, Crackling dialogue, and a palpable undercurrent of attraction between Clary and Bryant. Their charged encounter tingles with possibility, leaving the reader eager to find out if these two will give in to their magnetic draw.
With its relatable high school setting, a fierce female friendship, and a smoldering romantic subplot, "Crossed" promises to be a propulsive and heartfelt coming-of-age story. Reed sets the stage for an intense connection, and the excerpt's cliffhanger ending ensures readers will be hooked and hungry for more.
March 12, 2024
This is the beautifully told story of Clary and Bryant. They have an odd first meeting when Bryant seemily kissed Clary out of the blue on a dare. Fortunately, the second meeting goes better and they realize they have a connection that is real enough that they give themselves a chance to explore it further. With the knowledge that the time together they have is limited, they need to decide if it's worth the risk to continue forward and find a way to make it work long distance or should they cut their losses before they become even more attached.
Lots of spicy bits as they get to know each other and deal with baggage that they have carried for far too long. They are getting to know each other as well as themselves throughout the story and it's done wonderfully.
I didn't expect the twist at the end and it broke my heart for both Bryant and Clary and I need to start the second book to see how things go in the continuation of their story.
Wonderfully told coming of age, first love story.
Lots of spicy bits as they get to know each other and deal with baggage that they have carried for far too long. They are getting to know each other as well as themselves throughout the story and it's done wonderfully.
I didn't expect the twist at the end and it broke my heart for both Bryant and Clary and I need to start the second book to see how things go in the continuation of their story.
Wonderfully told coming of age, first love story.
October 6, 2024
Crossed is the first book in what is so far a duet. It tells the story of Clary and Bryant and their first love. You live the trials and tribulations, joys, and laughter that come with the first love, and you find yourself once again living and thinking about your own first love.
It is a sweet and spicy novella. I found it to be just over a 2 hour read that was very sweet and cute, and yet, in other ways, it was also a roller coaster of emotions. Much like that first love.
Crossed sees our two love birds in a long distance relationship and how two young lovers work to try and make that relationship work while not fully understanding how relationships work and how to make them work.
This is a lovely book with the characters themselves being well developed and defined for their age. In reading Crossed I truly believed that Bryant and Clary were young and were trying to not only define their relationship but they were also trying to define the world around them and most of all they were trying to define who they were and how they fit into the wider world.
It is a sweet and spicy novella. I found it to be just over a 2 hour read that was very sweet and cute, and yet, in other ways, it was also a roller coaster of emotions. Much like that first love.
Crossed sees our two love birds in a long distance relationship and how two young lovers work to try and make that relationship work while not fully understanding how relationships work and how to make them work.
This is a lovely book with the characters themselves being well developed and defined for their age. In reading Crossed I truly believed that Bryant and Clary were young and were trying to not only define their relationship but they were also trying to define the world around them and most of all they were trying to define who they were and how they fit into the wider world.
September 28, 2023
Crossed- Samara Reed
spoilers below
4 ⭐️
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Clary and Bryant are a couple that feels destined by the stars, yet fate pulls them apart.
In the beginning I was a bit confused because we were thrust right into the scene. Our two main characters had an interaction prior to scene one that set the stage for the book.
But I quickly adjusted to the whirlwind romance between them. Clary learned to give a little and love, and Bryant shows Clary his love for all things beach, water, and stars.
I loved reading about their story and learning about each of them.
I was disappointed with Bryant in the end (and I didn’t see that coming.) I wanted to see the best in him, like Clary, but he ended up doing exactly what he thought he never would. Poor Clary is so heartbroken and I am too lol
This novel is a quick, cozy romance story with a non HEA but there is a second book coming.
spoilers below
4 ⭐️
*
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*
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Clary and Bryant are a couple that feels destined by the stars, yet fate pulls them apart.
In the beginning I was a bit confused because we were thrust right into the scene. Our two main characters had an interaction prior to scene one that set the stage for the book.
But I quickly adjusted to the whirlwind romance between them. Clary learned to give a little and love, and Bryant shows Clary his love for all things beach, water, and stars.
I loved reading about their story and learning about each of them.
I was disappointed with Bryant in the end (and I didn’t see that coming.) I wanted to see the best in him, like Clary, but he ended up doing exactly what he thought he never would. Poor Clary is so heartbroken and I am too lol
This novel is a quick, cozy romance story with a non HEA but there is a second book coming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2025
This story feels like it’s going to tug on the heart in all the best ways. Just from the synopsis, I can already sense how emotional and layered the relationship between Clarissa and Bryant will be. There’s something so relatable about trying to figure out who you are while balancing love, family expectations, and the uncertainty of the future. I really love how the synopsis hints at fate, invisible strings, and that powerful connection between two people it gives the story a romantic yet reflective depth. It sounds like one of those books that will make you feel the intensity of young love while also asking bigger questions about choosing your own path in life. Definitely feels like a heartfelt, coming-of-age romance that could stay with readers long after the last page
December 8, 2023
This is such a great book about learning about yourself and opening up and becoming who you're meant to be. I was always told growing up people come into your life to teach you things. I feel like that’s why these two people come together in this book. Clary needs someone to help open her up and Bryant needs someone to see him. Even though we don’t know what is going on in his head you can tell there is a lot going on in his life. This is such a good book about waking up and finding love even when you're not looking for it. Thank you so much Samara Reed for giving me the chance to read this for an honest review of such an amazing piece of art.
September 25, 2023
Whoooo!
That was a very relatable and emotional read. It hits you right in the feels. It made me think back to when I was in highschool and all the emotions around dating, clique, college, parents, peer pressure, friends. And it was definitely a great read. I did not see the end coming, that was quite a twist. I am hoping that the next book continues the story, I hope their story isn't done!
That was a very relatable and emotional read. It hits you right in the feels. It made me think back to when I was in highschool and all the emotions around dating, clique, college, parents, peer pressure, friends. And it was definitely a great read. I did not see the end coming, that was quite a twist. I am hoping that the next book continues the story, I hope their story isn't done!
March 8, 2024
This was a sweet love story until it wasn't. I enjoyed every page. This love story was a first loves dream. The MMC was a picture-perfect boyfriend, and the FMC was sweet and easy to like. This story is a perfect weekend read. I don't want to give anything away, so I will not go into details. I recommend this novel to those who enjoy sweet, relatable first love stories. It has good characters and realistic plot.
May 21, 2024
This was an enjoyable quick read. The writing was easy to follow, and the characters were relatable. I loved that the story line resembles real life events that happen. This story is relatable when the characters are graduating high school and are ready to go off to college to start a career. The story also follows along with how tough it is when your family expects different goals for you that you might not want in life yourself. I recommend this quick read.
November 30, 2023
Crossed is my first read by this author and it's a steamy, fun, fast paced, quick read that captures your attention from the very beginning and holds you tight until the very end. Clary and Bryant's story is heart-rending as they navigate their new found feelings in their quest of self discovery. I'm excited to read more from this author.
Read
December 27, 2023This book is VERY spicy!!
I loved how Bryant and Clary went on a journey of sexuality together and grew together. I loved their love scenes, and how passionate and thoughtful Bryant was. He is definitely boyfriend goals!!
I really liked Anna, Tawny, Clary's mom, and all of the other side characters too and I'd be very interested to know what happens to all of them next!
I loved how Bryant and Clary went on a journey of sexuality together and grew together. I loved their love scenes, and how passionate and thoughtful Bryant was. He is definitely boyfriend goals!!
I really liked Anna, Tawny, Clary's mom, and all of the other side characters too and I'd be very interested to know what happens to all of them next!
August 8, 2023
Great coming of age romantic comedy. Kept me engaged clear through. Easy to read, but difficult to put down! Humorous but relatable characters. Heartwarming intrigue. A good feels book. I laughed, cried, felt happy and angry. It hits all the buttons. Glad I got to read it!!
November 26, 2023
cute read! a good palette cleanser for sure. Samara did a good job with the story telling/writing for such a short book. It didn’t feel rushed and I thoroughly enjoyed being inside the main characters head. No spoilers but you’ll want to be reading the next one for sure!
March 1, 2024
Great coming of age story about the blooming love of adolescents. First love and finding your way in the world. Working towards your hopes and dreams while also maintaining solid relationships. I really enjoyed reading this one. Ends in a way you know there will be a sequel.
March 10, 2024
Clarissa and Bryant’s relationship is soooo loving but so steamy 😅 I loved every second of this and I’m jumping right into Ardent.
I’m hoping Bryant comes back for her. The love they share is just tooo good to leave
I’m hoping Bryant comes back for her. The love they share is just tooo good to leave
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2024
Thank GOD there’s a second book bc I need to read it immediately. I am obsessed with this book. I need more. Couldn’t put it down. Cross and Clary were so cute and the way it ended was not great. Such a cliffhanger. Onto the next I guess!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2024
This book was so good. It was a quick read. I loved following Bryant’s and Clarissa’s story. I fell in love with this story. This is the first book I’ve read by Samara Reed and I can’t wait to read more.
As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading
As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading
January 7, 2026
This book omg what can I say. It’s short, it’s spicy and so well written.
I loved the characters so much, two people so in love you could feel it.
I need to read the next book now to find out where this all goes.
I loved the characters so much, two people so in love you could feel it.
I need to read the next book now to find out where this all goes.
September 19, 2023
The gut punch needing was unexpected. If you love romance stories, with a twist that leaves you wanting the next book this is for you
February 29, 2024
This was a good read. It was well written and held my interest.
This is a voluntary and honest review
This is a voluntary and honest review
July 20, 2024
A good start to a series. Enjoyable, short and sweet with some spice.
January 12, 2025
I really loved this story!!! Great storyline that kept you wanting to read!!! Chart could relate to! This was such a good book. Fun and amazing read!!! Highly recommend!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews