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Dark Kingdom #4
Cross
CROSS
Have you ever stood next to a fire and felt the heat of it on your skin? Stared into the flames and thought how amazing it would be to be that free? It changes direction with the wind, destroying everything in its wake.
That's what she felt like.
Alexa was a wildfire that torched everything she touched, and I couldn't wait to be consumed by her.
She was off-limits. Even though I promised to stay away, I couldn't resist. She was the spark I had been missing in my life. The fire I craved. I knew from an early age I was destined to burn in hell, but she was born to walk through fire.
ALEXA
I was single-minded, focused, and independent. Just how my mother raised me. I didn't have time for anything other than myself and work.
Funny how everything can change in an instant when you least expect it.
A King entered my life.
What was supposed to be one night ended up being too many to count. He was afraid that I'd see his darkness, but I couldn't get enough of him.
After all, a fire burns the brightest in the dark of night. And it only takes one match to cause total devastation.
CROSS is the fourth book in the Dark Kings Series and can be read as a standalone. Due to mature content and themes this book is recommended for readers aged eighteen and over. This novel may contain triggers.
Have you ever stood next to a fire and felt the heat of it on your skin? Stared into the flames and thought how amazing it would be to be that free? It changes direction with the wind, destroying everything in its wake.
That's what she felt like.
Alexa was a wildfire that torched everything she touched, and I couldn't wait to be consumed by her.
She was off-limits. Even though I promised to stay away, I couldn't resist. She was the spark I had been missing in my life. The fire I craved. I knew from an early age I was destined to burn in hell, but she was born to walk through fire.
ALEXA
I was single-minded, focused, and independent. Just how my mother raised me. I didn't have time for anything other than myself and work.
Funny how everything can change in an instant when you least expect it.
A King entered my life.
What was supposed to be one night ended up being too many to count. He was afraid that I'd see his darkness, but I couldn't get enough of him.
After all, a fire burns the brightest in the dark of night. And it only takes one match to cause total devastation.
CROSS is the fourth book in the Dark Kings Series and can be read as a standalone. Due to mature content and themes this book is recommended for readers aged eighteen and over. This novel may contain triggers.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published May 6, 2025
2157 people are currently reading
16725 people want to read
About the author
Shantel Tessier
69 books34.8k followersShantel is a USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author. She lives in Oklahoma with her high school sweetheart, who is a wonderful, supportive husband and their two daughters. She loves to spend time cuddled up on the couch with a good book. Although she has a passion to write, her family is most important to her.
Email her at: Shanteltessierassistant@gmail.com
Email her at: Shanteltessierassistant@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,097 reviews
July 26, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
August 27, 2021
Cross is the third installment of the Dark Kings series by one of my go-to authors, Shantel Tessier. Told in dual perspectives, this is Cross and Alexa's story and what a story it is. I didn't think that I could love a king more that I love Grave, but I think Cross just stole his crown. I really enjoyed getting to know him and seeing the different sides of him. I also loved Alexa. She is strong, fierce, independent and absolutely perfect for Cross. I loved every single second of this story! Being back in the gritty and addicting world of the Dark Kings was just what I needed today. Five stars for Cross, Alexa and Shantel Tessier!
February 3, 2022
this was absolutely god awful like oh my god. First of all the. book isn't even about the main characters like they managed to be side characters in their own book I have no idea. The book focused on April and Grave and it felt like we were just getting their story. Umm anyways so I went into this book as a standalone with like no prior knowledge of the whole universe. Uh I'll say I was confused often and a lot of things were just lacking. In general tho, the whole plot was so fucking laughable. Like first of all the nicknames for all the kings boi was literally named Kyle but he goes by Grave ooooo scaryyy. And our main guy is named Cross because he has a cross to bear ooooo. I know y'all are loving these nicknames so I'm sure you'll enjoy the whole 'mafia' or crime org. It was so confusing and dumb, like they have a 'kingdom' and call themselves kings but they seem to own like a big building in Vegas. Idk what the fyck they do but they were not fucking scary bruh at all. Other thing is that Alexa was so fuckin dumb. Like it was obvious to the reader that there was crime element to the story but Alexa was so fukcing surprised when she found out Cross was a bad guy and it was like girl????? context clues or something. Like she would go, yeah Im not looking cross up because idk I dont feel like it. Like whyyyy. To finish the smut was short and bad like I was skimming smut because it was so fucking boring like there was not one smut scene that felt original or like hot.
Other shit that irritated the fuck out of me:
Okay so they had to keep their relationship a secret (Alexa and Cross) because Grave told Cross like dont fuck around with her, she's Aprils best friend. Because of that we had pages and pages of them talking about like keeping it a secret and how big of deal it was to stay secret. So Grave wasn't like Alexas sister or anything no its just like gfs close friend. Like....it felt like the author was trying so hard to find a reason to keep their relationship a secret and was like ahah. Also when Grave finally finds out its so goddamn dramatic you would think he is fucknig Alexa, like why ru storming out of rooms and trying to fight people because your gfs friend is fucknig your friend.
Other shit that irritated the fuck out of me:
Okay so they had to keep their relationship a secret (Alexa and Cross) because Grave told Cross like dont fuck around with her, she's Aprils best friend. Because of that we had pages and pages of them talking about like keeping it a secret and how big of deal it was to stay secret. So Grave wasn't like Alexas sister or anything no its just like gfs close friend. Like....it felt like the author was trying so hard to find a reason to keep their relationship a secret and was like ahah. Also when Grave finally finds out its so goddamn dramatic you would think he is fucknig Alexa, like why ru storming out of rooms and trying to fight people because your gfs friend is fucknig your friend.
August 26, 2021
THIS IS MY FIRST TIME READING FROM THIS AUTHOR AND IT WAS NICE!!! Not my favorite but I’m glad to read this and it was fun. Worth to read… I was never bored when i read this…
I read only this from the series because heard the other series is too annoying 😂😂
‼️‼️‼️SAFE QUITE ROMANTIC HOT LOVE STORY. I love the actions on this book too because it’s mysterious and fun. I think maybe thats why I didn’t get bored because the actions on this book is good enough for me to be curious.
‼️‼️‼️THEIR CONNECTION and chemistry is romantic but not too romantic like i wanted it to be or expected. At least for me tho…
‼️‼️‼️NO CHEATING AND NO SEPARATION
‼️‼️‼️THE HERO IS POSSESSIVE PROTECTIVE ALPHA MALE.
‼️‼️‼️TRIGGER: Killing, fire, death, violence, abuse, drugs and alcohol.
‼️‼️‼️NO VIRGINS
‼️‼️‼️THE HERO WANTS THE HEROINE SO BADLY….
“MY C*CK INSTANTLY HARDENS AT THE SOUND AND FEEL OF HER BREATH ON ME, AND SWEAT BEADS ON MY FOREHEAD.”
“FCK, SHE’S A DRUG. THAT HIT I HAVEN’T HAD IN WEEKS. THAT ONE TASTE OF FREEDOM THAT I’VE BEEN CRAVING.”
“I’LL SEE HER TOMORROW AND THE NEXT DAY. NOT ONLY BECAUSE SHE’S APRIL’S BEST FRIEND BUT ALSO BECAUSE I ALREADY CAN’T GET ENOUGH.”
“I GIVE HER WHAT SHE WANTS. WHAT I’VE CRAVED SINCE I SAW HER AT THE WEDDING. SHE’S MY DIRTY LITTLE SECRET. MINE TO DO WITH AS I PLEASE.”
“I HATE HOW MUCH SHE’S IN MY MIND. SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A FCK, BUT SHE CONSUMES ME.”
‼️‼️‼️The hero is a manwho*e before the heroine but I’m glad that he didn’t say it too much or mentioning it too much. Even his best friends or other people around him didn’t say it too much about his past relationship so thats kinda nice.
‼️‼️‼️THE HEROINE IS A SASSY ONE BUT STRONG WOMAN. But unfortunately she’s not my fave heroine because sometimes she’s to weak and doesn’t know how to stand up for herself.
‼️‼️‼️IT HAS PUSHING AWAY FROM BOTH but not too much tho. Its like two times from both so yeah its not too much…
‼️‼️‼️DRAMA WITH OW AND OM BUT NOT TOO ANNOYING OR TOO ANNOYING.
‼️‼️‼️I LOVE THAT THE HERO REALLY STOPS GOING TO STRIP CLUBS, DO DRUGS OR EVEN DO ANYTHING NASTY SINCE HE FIRST FCKS THE HEROINE AND THEY START THIS NON EXCLUSIVE RELATIONSHIP (fck buddies and then they start with the real relationship afterwards) he said to the heroine he is committed to her and “BUT I HAVEN’T BEEN WITH ANYONE ELSE SINCE THEN, AND I DON’T WANT ANYONE ELSE.” 😙😙😙
‼️‼️‼️NOT LOVE IN FIRST SIGHT
‼️‼️‼️NOT MANY JEALOUS SCENES FROM BOTH. But its there.
“MY HANDS FIST DOWN BY MY SIDES AT THAT. ANY THOUGHT OF HER WITH SOMEONE ELSE IS ENOUGH TO MAKE ME WANT TO PUT SOMEONES HEAD THROUGH A WALL.”
‼️‼️‼️THEY DID TALK ABOUT PAST PARTNERS BUT NOT MUCH.
‼️‼️‼️THE HEROINE IS TWENTY TWO AND THE HERO IS TWENTY SIX (i forgot the hero but I’m certain he is twenty six)
‼️‼️‼️HOT SMUT SCENES
‼️‼️‼️HAPPY ENDING. The hero did say and promise to himself that he will marry the heroine and the book itself says that the epilogue will be on the next book so we will see…
‼️‼️‼️WHAT I DON’T LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK:
1. The fact that the heroine says this “I THINK EVERY WOMAN WANTS A BAD BOY IN THEIR LIFE AT LEAST ONCE. SOME OF US CRAVE THAT TOXICITY. WITHOUT IT, LIFE WOULD BE BORING.” Idk for me thats just awkward because she just got out from a toxic relationship with her toxic ex and the fact that she said that and even make it so casually like wtf😂
2. WHEN THE HERO FIRST SEE THE HEROINE, HE WANTS HER AND KEEP LOOKING AT HER. HE WANT TO GO TO HER IMMEDIATELY BUT HIS BEST FRIEND STOPS HIM. HE DIDN’T CHASE THE HEROINE AFTERWARDS LIKE COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER. WHEN HE ALREADY FCKS MANY OTHER WOMAN. i know that was before they were in a relationship but i like the heroes to be at least loyal when he says he wants the heroine for the first time, like chase her… so it was awkward when he says that he fcks other woman before he officially meet the heroine again and really fcks her and start their fck buddy relationship. “I just fcked a bitch last night. I shouldn’t be this worked up, but i am.”
3. The hero didn’t use a condom when he first fcks the heroine. He didn’t even say it or warn her first. He just go for it… he didn’t even say he is clean or ask her, idk i think thats just really not right for him to do🥶 he even replies to the heroine so casually like “Nope.” 😕
4. It annoys me when he saw the other woman that he fcks before he fcks the heroine, he didn’t say to her its over or he didn’t say he is seeing someone else. When he is already with the heroine! It was not exclusive but still you can’t even say it to the other woman? The other woman calls his name and he just say “I have somewhere to be. Its fine. You can fck whoever you want.”
5. It’s annoying to see the heroine have to deal with the other woman from the hero that also have a past with her. “The same girl i caught mitch cheating on me with. She works for cross?” And yeah that other woman works for the hero but I’m glad that the hero fired her after couple of weeks later. HE NEVER TOUCH ANYONE ELSE SINCE HE FIRST FCK THE HEROINE SO NO WORRIES…
6. The hero is not your typical romantic hero, yeah i get that, but i also feels a bit odd that the hero didn’t clean up for the heroine when cums inside her. Like other heroes will bring a towel to the heroine to clean her up or for her to clean herself but the hero? Nope he didn’t do that. I mean, you fck the heroine for the first time not using protection and then didn’t clean up for her? Seriously like why😕
7. The fact that both hero and heroine not quite trust each other enough is just way too annoying for me😂 like they just start this weird relationship and then they got real and still the hero sometimes doubts the heroine when she is always with him… She even got a job at his place and he got cameras everywhere and he saw the heroine from there when she’s working…. But when the other man tell a lie, he have this thoughts of the heroine is this and that. Like wtf.
8. The hero never tell the heroine for a while that his assistant who is the other woman, is the one he fcks and he fcks before the night he fcks the heroine. He even say its okay and the heroine feel is okay too that he didn’t tell her😂 like wtf. She’s not even mad. Like why you can’t tell the heroine? I feel bad that the heroine have to find out from their friends… and not the hero himself😬 “she’s never asked, and I’ve never offered any information on her.” I know the hero never in a serious commitment relationship before but seriously sometimes he really just so stupid.
9. The epilogue is just nice but not great. No wedding or future kids😓
🌐🌐🌐➡️↘️⬇️➡️This is my own personal thoughts and opinion about the book so if thats not sit right with you or you feel I’m not being fair blablabla, please know that everybody in this world have their own different things that they like and don’t like. It may not be the same thing with you but thats okay because i am my own person and you cannot control me or tell me what to do. For example; i put ketchup (tomato sauce) on my fried chicken. You think that’s disgusting? For me its not and i’ve been eating it like that for many many years. You tell me to put another sauce and see if i like that better? I already did many many times in years but i still like the way i like it. It’s called differences between me and you and billions people in this world😊 be open minded😙 I respect people’s opinions about my opinions but in the end of the day if i say I don’t like it or i do like it, its up to me and its on me. And in the end of the day i always liked and show my respect to books and people’s opinions on books whenever that book is good or not good in my opinion 😊 Respect people’s opinions guys😙😙 I don’t want to write this down because its not really my thing to do it. To like address something like this when obviously i know the people who’s been reading my reviews many times and all the time, they are smart enough to understand and respect other people’s opinions no matter what their opinions on book or their point of view 😙😙 am i right? 💕 also there are people even though i already write “this book is different because i have my own taste of book” those people still comment my taste is this and that when HELLO… everybody have their own thoughts on books and what they want to read… why i read it then? I read it and give it a review because i have to read a book to give it a review… why not read the description book to understand before I’m going to read it? Hello just in case you haven’t notice, description books can be tricky because they write this amazing things about a book but turns out the story is so toxic. Maybe for me its toxic but not for you? YES HELLO THATS WHY US HUMAN BEING HAVE OUR DIFFERENCES, WHAT I LIKE IT DOESN’T MEAN YOU WILL LIKE IT AND EITHER WAY TOO. why i still write the review then if i just don’t like a book? Because I CAN and i want to, you cannot tell me what to do and not what to do🤪 if you still wants to be negative and be karens about my review on book after all of what i just write, i will never acknowledge you and simply ignore you because its not that hard🙏 ⬅️↖️↕️⬅️↩️⤴️
I read only this from the series because heard the other series is too annoying 😂😂
‼️‼️‼️SAFE QUITE ROMANTIC HOT LOVE STORY. I love the actions on this book too because it’s mysterious and fun. I think maybe thats why I didn’t get bored because the actions on this book is good enough for me to be curious.
‼️‼️‼️THEIR CONNECTION and chemistry is romantic but not too romantic like i wanted it to be or expected. At least for me tho…
‼️‼️‼️NO CHEATING AND NO SEPARATION
‼️‼️‼️THE HERO IS POSSESSIVE PROTECTIVE ALPHA MALE.
‼️‼️‼️TRIGGER: Killing, fire, death, violence, abuse, drugs and alcohol.
‼️‼️‼️NO VIRGINS
‼️‼️‼️THE HERO WANTS THE HEROINE SO BADLY….
“MY C*CK INSTANTLY HARDENS AT THE SOUND AND FEEL OF HER BREATH ON ME, AND SWEAT BEADS ON MY FOREHEAD.”
“FCK, SHE’S A DRUG. THAT HIT I HAVEN’T HAD IN WEEKS. THAT ONE TASTE OF FREEDOM THAT I’VE BEEN CRAVING.”
“I’LL SEE HER TOMORROW AND THE NEXT DAY. NOT ONLY BECAUSE SHE’S APRIL’S BEST FRIEND BUT ALSO BECAUSE I ALREADY CAN’T GET ENOUGH.”
“I GIVE HER WHAT SHE WANTS. WHAT I’VE CRAVED SINCE I SAW HER AT THE WEDDING. SHE’S MY DIRTY LITTLE SECRET. MINE TO DO WITH AS I PLEASE.”
“I HATE HOW MUCH SHE’S IN MY MIND. SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A FCK, BUT SHE CONSUMES ME.”
‼️‼️‼️The hero is a manwho*e before the heroine but I’m glad that he didn’t say it too much or mentioning it too much. Even his best friends or other people around him didn’t say it too much about his past relationship so thats kinda nice.
‼️‼️‼️THE HEROINE IS A SASSY ONE BUT STRONG WOMAN. But unfortunately she’s not my fave heroine because sometimes she’s to weak and doesn’t know how to stand up for herself.
‼️‼️‼️IT HAS PUSHING AWAY FROM BOTH but not too much tho. Its like two times from both so yeah its not too much…
‼️‼️‼️DRAMA WITH OW AND OM BUT NOT TOO ANNOYING OR TOO ANNOYING.
‼️‼️‼️I LOVE THAT THE HERO REALLY STOPS GOING TO STRIP CLUBS, DO DRUGS OR EVEN DO ANYTHING NASTY SINCE HE FIRST FCKS THE HEROINE AND THEY START THIS NON EXCLUSIVE RELATIONSHIP (fck buddies and then they start with the real relationship afterwards) he said to the heroine he is committed to her and “BUT I HAVEN’T BEEN WITH ANYONE ELSE SINCE THEN, AND I DON’T WANT ANYONE ELSE.” 😙😙😙
‼️‼️‼️NOT LOVE IN FIRST SIGHT
‼️‼️‼️NOT MANY JEALOUS SCENES FROM BOTH. But its there.
“MY HANDS FIST DOWN BY MY SIDES AT THAT. ANY THOUGHT OF HER WITH SOMEONE ELSE IS ENOUGH TO MAKE ME WANT TO PUT SOMEONES HEAD THROUGH A WALL.”
‼️‼️‼️THEY DID TALK ABOUT PAST PARTNERS BUT NOT MUCH.
‼️‼️‼️THE HEROINE IS TWENTY TWO AND THE HERO IS TWENTY SIX (i forgot the hero but I’m certain he is twenty six)
‼️‼️‼️HOT SMUT SCENES
‼️‼️‼️HAPPY ENDING. The hero did say and promise to himself that he will marry the heroine and the book itself says that the epilogue will be on the next book so we will see…
‼️‼️‼️WHAT I DON’T LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK:
1. The fact that the heroine says this “I THINK EVERY WOMAN WANTS A BAD BOY IN THEIR LIFE AT LEAST ONCE. SOME OF US CRAVE THAT TOXICITY. WITHOUT IT, LIFE WOULD BE BORING.” Idk for me thats just awkward because she just got out from a toxic relationship with her toxic ex and the fact that she said that and even make it so casually like wtf😂
2. WHEN THE HERO FIRST SEE THE HEROINE, HE WANTS HER AND KEEP LOOKING AT HER. HE WANT TO GO TO HER IMMEDIATELY BUT HIS BEST FRIEND STOPS HIM. HE DIDN’T CHASE THE HEROINE AFTERWARDS LIKE COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER. WHEN HE ALREADY FCKS MANY OTHER WOMAN. i know that was before they were in a relationship but i like the heroes to be at least loyal when he says he wants the heroine for the first time, like chase her… so it was awkward when he says that he fcks other woman before he officially meet the heroine again and really fcks her and start their fck buddy relationship. “I just fcked a bitch last night. I shouldn’t be this worked up, but i am.”
3. The hero didn’t use a condom when he first fcks the heroine. He didn’t even say it or warn her first. He just go for it… he didn’t even say he is clean or ask her, idk i think thats just really not right for him to do🥶 he even replies to the heroine so casually like “Nope.” 😕
4. It annoys me when he saw the other woman that he fcks before he fcks the heroine, he didn’t say to her its over or he didn’t say he is seeing someone else. When he is already with the heroine! It was not exclusive but still you can’t even say it to the other woman? The other woman calls his name and he just say “I have somewhere to be. Its fine. You can fck whoever you want.”
5. It’s annoying to see the heroine have to deal with the other woman from the hero that also have a past with her. “The same girl i caught mitch cheating on me with. She works for cross?” And yeah that other woman works for the hero but I’m glad that the hero fired her after couple of weeks later. HE NEVER TOUCH ANYONE ELSE SINCE HE FIRST FCK THE HEROINE SO NO WORRIES…
6. The hero is not your typical romantic hero, yeah i get that, but i also feels a bit odd that the hero didn’t clean up for the heroine when cums inside her. Like other heroes will bring a towel to the heroine to clean her up or for her to clean herself but the hero? Nope he didn’t do that. I mean, you fck the heroine for the first time not using protection and then didn’t clean up for her? Seriously like why😕
7. The fact that both hero and heroine not quite trust each other enough is just way too annoying for me😂 like they just start this weird relationship and then they got real and still the hero sometimes doubts the heroine when she is always with him… She even got a job at his place and he got cameras everywhere and he saw the heroine from there when she’s working…. But when the other man tell a lie, he have this thoughts of the heroine is this and that. Like wtf.
8. The hero never tell the heroine for a while that his assistant who is the other woman, is the one he fcks and he fcks before the night he fcks the heroine. He even say its okay and the heroine feel is okay too that he didn’t tell her😂 like wtf. She’s not even mad. Like why you can’t tell the heroine? I feel bad that the heroine have to find out from their friends… and not the hero himself😬 “she’s never asked, and I’ve never offered any information on her.” I know the hero never in a serious commitment relationship before but seriously sometimes he really just so stupid.
9. The epilogue is just nice but not great. No wedding or future kids😓
🌐🌐🌐➡️↘️⬇️➡️This is my own personal thoughts and opinion about the book so if thats not sit right with you or you feel I’m not being fair blablabla, please know that everybody in this world have their own different things that they like and don’t like. It may not be the same thing with you but thats okay because i am my own person and you cannot control me or tell me what to do. For example; i put ketchup (tomato sauce) on my fried chicken. You think that’s disgusting? For me its not and i’ve been eating it like that for many many years. You tell me to put another sauce and see if i like that better? I already did many many times in years but i still like the way i like it. It’s called differences between me and you and billions people in this world😊 be open minded😙 I respect people’s opinions about my opinions but in the end of the day if i say I don’t like it or i do like it, its up to me and its on me. And in the end of the day i always liked and show my respect to books and people’s opinions on books whenever that book is good or not good in my opinion 😊 Respect people’s opinions guys😙😙 I don’t want to write this down because its not really my thing to do it. To like address something like this when obviously i know the people who’s been reading my reviews many times and all the time, they are smart enough to understand and respect other people’s opinions no matter what their opinions on book or their point of view 😙😙 am i right? 💕 also there are people even though i already write “this book is different because i have my own taste of book” those people still comment my taste is this and that when HELLO… everybody have their own thoughts on books and what they want to read… why i read it then? I read it and give it a review because i have to read a book to give it a review… why not read the description book to understand before I’m going to read it? Hello just in case you haven’t notice, description books can be tricky because they write this amazing things about a book but turns out the story is so toxic. Maybe for me its toxic but not for you? YES HELLO THATS WHY US HUMAN BEING HAVE OUR DIFFERENCES, WHAT I LIKE IT DOESN’T MEAN YOU WILL LIKE IT AND EITHER WAY TOO. why i still write the review then if i just don’t like a book? Because I CAN and i want to, you cannot tell me what to do and not what to do🤪 if you still wants to be negative and be karens about my review on book after all of what i just write, i will never acknowledge you and simply ignore you because its not that hard🙏 ⬅️↖️↕️⬅️↩️⤴️
August 22, 2021
The book was great but what pissed me off was the fact that she messed with with Grave and April’s HEA the couple from the previous book. She suffers a miscarriage in this book and I just think it’s completely unnecessary to start a tragic issue with a previous couple! What is the point! It brings nothing to the current book. We should be seeing nothing but happy times for them yet April doesn’t want to be around Grave after the miscarriage and then poor Grave who is a recovering addict who knows what this will do to him! They should be grieving together not pushing away from each other after they’ve had their HEA.
That situation just literally ruined the book for me and just took away from Cross and Alexa. I couldn’t even focus on them after that. We could have gone without that.
August 23, 2021
„Cross“ ist der drittel Teil in der „Dark Kings“ Reihe und beinhaltet, wie der Name schon sagt, Cross‘ Geschichte.
Zu ihm konnte ich immer am wenigstens sagen.
Er war wie ein unbeschriebenes Blatt. Oder ein großes Geheimnis.
Was ich jedes Mal an Shantel Tessiers Bücher liebe: man startet sofort in der Geschichte. Es wird nicht drum herum geredet. Man ist von Seite eins an mittendrin.
Die Entwicklung von Cross und Alexa hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Mir fehlte jedoch Drama. Da hätte noch mehr kommen können. 🙈
Fesselnd war es trotzdem und ich bin durch die Seiten geflogen. 🙋🏼♀️
Die Spannung hätten man durch mehr Drama trotzdem noch besser halten können.
Ich persönlich freue mich jetzt tierisch auf Bones‘ Buch. Seine Geschichte hat mich von Anfang an am meistens interessiert. Leider kommt sie als letztes. 🙈
Ich hoffe nicht, dass Jasmine sein Match wird. Ich finde nicht, dass sie zu ihm passt. Er braucht eine Frau, die gar nicht aus dieser Welt kommt und vielleicht auch eher zurückhaltend ist. Ich bin auf jeden Fall gespannt!
Ein Dankeschön an Shantel Tessiers Blogger Gruppe für das ARC!
Zu ihm konnte ich immer am wenigstens sagen.
Er war wie ein unbeschriebenes Blatt. Oder ein großes Geheimnis.
Was ich jedes Mal an Shantel Tessiers Bücher liebe: man startet sofort in der Geschichte. Es wird nicht drum herum geredet. Man ist von Seite eins an mittendrin.
Die Entwicklung von Cross und Alexa hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Mir fehlte jedoch Drama. Da hätte noch mehr kommen können. 🙈
Fesselnd war es trotzdem und ich bin durch die Seiten geflogen. 🙋🏼♀️
Die Spannung hätten man durch mehr Drama trotzdem noch besser halten können.
Ich persönlich freue mich jetzt tierisch auf Bones‘ Buch. Seine Geschichte hat mich von Anfang an am meistens interessiert. Leider kommt sie als letztes. 🙈
Ich hoffe nicht, dass Jasmine sein Match wird. Ich finde nicht, dass sie zu ihm passt. Er braucht eine Frau, die gar nicht aus dieser Welt kommt und vielleicht auch eher zurückhaltend ist. Ich bin auf jeden Fall gespannt!
Ein Dankeschön an Shantel Tessiers Blogger Gruppe für das ARC!
June 24, 2022
Cross's book has some heavy content. Not necessarily darker than the other books in the series, (it does have some more twisted stuff near the end) but just like, hard to read about scenes. It was emotional and serious. I feel like you definitely should read Grave's book before this, even if you haven't read the others. Also, I love how Alexa loves and accepts all of Cross, and that once they choose each other, there's no one else and no turning back. I flew through this. That's when you know it's good.
June 11, 2024
"𝙸’𝚖 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚎𝚗𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚛. 𝙸’𝚖 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚊 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐. 𝙰 𝚐𝚞𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚏**𝚔. 𝚂𝚑𝚎’𝚕𝚕 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚒𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚘𝚗, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚗, 𝙸’𝚖 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚊𝚍𝚟𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚒𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚗𝚘𝚠. 𝙼𝚎𝚗 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚜𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗. 𝚆𝚎’𝚟𝚎 𝚐𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚘𝚘 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚝𝚘 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍. 𝚃𝚘𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚠𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎’𝚜 𝚗𝚘 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚠𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗. 𝙽𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚠𝚊𝚢."
The King claims his Queen.
Oh, my boy Cross has definitely got a history that has made him the fire-dwelling devil that he is today. His father was an evil, evil man. As one of three Wisemen, his father portrayed a priest but used his son to repent for his own sins. How did he do that? He branded him repeatedly with the silver cross that he wore around his neck. That is, until Cross was old enough to enact his own revenge and send his father straight to hell. But now, at the age of 26, and a King himself, is he worthy of finding love?
We met Alexa in Grave and April's book. Alexa is April's best friend and owner of Lucky's bar. Cross saw her for the first time at Titan and Emilee's wedding and knew then that he had to have her. But Grave has made him promise to leave her alone. She's off-limits. Do you think that's going to stop him? They are two grown adults capable of making their own decisions after all.
The family is growing at a fast rate! I was happy to still get to read about April and Grave cause they are favourite but was so sad about some of the things that happened. But still, I liked Cross and Alexa too and I am glad that things turned out alright. The next one is Bones and I’m starting it right now! With everything leading to his own story I think it’s gonna be 🔥 This story is part of a series where all the major characters get their own book and HEA.
The King claims his Queen.
Oh, my boy Cross has definitely got a history that has made him the fire-dwelling devil that he is today. His father was an evil, evil man. As one of three Wisemen, his father portrayed a priest but used his son to repent for his own sins. How did he do that? He branded him repeatedly with the silver cross that he wore around his neck. That is, until Cross was old enough to enact his own revenge and send his father straight to hell. But now, at the age of 26, and a King himself, is he worthy of finding love?
We met Alexa in Grave and April's book. Alexa is April's best friend and owner of Lucky's bar. Cross saw her for the first time at Titan and Emilee's wedding and knew then that he had to have her. But Grave has made him promise to leave her alone. She's off-limits. Do you think that's going to stop him? They are two grown adults capable of making their own decisions after all.
The family is growing at a fast rate! I was happy to still get to read about April and Grave cause they are favourite but was so sad about some of the things that happened. But still, I liked Cross and Alexa too and I am glad that things turned out alright. The next one is Bones and I’m starting it right now! With everything leading to his own story I think it’s gonna be 🔥 This story is part of a series where all the major characters get their own book and HEA.
March 2, 2024
3.8/5⭐️ 2/5🌶️
Cross was good, but not necessarily great. It was a fast-paced read and the love story between Cross and Alexa was nice, but I felt it has the same storyline as in the previous Dark Kingdom books just changed around a bit. I’m not a fan of the 2 epilogues, and I feel it could be combined into one. I wish the ending could’ve been less focused on the other characters and more on the main characters in this book.
Cross was good, but not necessarily great. It was a fast-paced read and the love story between Cross and Alexa was nice, but I felt it has the same storyline as in the previous Dark Kingdom books just changed around a bit. I’m not a fan of the 2 epilogues, and I feel it could be combined into one. I wish the ending could’ve been less focused on the other characters and more on the main characters in this book.
September 1, 2021
***4 "Play with Fire!!!" stars***
OUT NOW
"We all have a cross to bare..."
I love the Dark Kings's world so much!!!
I love how crazy adventures are popping up with every new addition in the series!!!
I love all the Kings and every time that one of them is finding his Queen, I swoon over their stories...
This time was Cross's time and OMG!!! I was anticipating his story like crazy...
I wanted to unravel his secrets and his crazy obsession with fire and I finally got a very addictive story with amazing twists and turns...
Alexa wasn't unknown to us, but I loved discovering more about her...
This was a very good story and I can not wait for Bones's story... And Jasmine's... And Nite's... LOL!!! I have many demands!!!
"I am hell..."
Well, Cross and Alexa are meeting again unexpectendly and even though that Cross had made a promise to stay away from her, he can't resist to have one night with her...
Unfortunately, one night is turning out to be many nights, but things are complicated....
Both of them have too many things to deal with and at the same time, they are trying to navigate through something obviously simply, but which turned out to be all consuming...
"Guys like him are usually the best fucks and toxic as hell..."
"Alexa Jade Milner is the fire I've always craved and never want to put out."
I loved this couple together... They were really good for each other!!! They were balancing each other and they made so much sense together!!!
To be honest here, Cross wasn't what I was expecting to be.... I was expecting more darkness and broody moments... But I found out a very caring, protective and loyal person... I just couldn't not fall for him!!! I think that for now, Cross is my most favorite of the Kings...
As for his queen??? She was levelheaded and she was standing very solid on her feet and she knew how to hold her own and I admired her for that!!!
"Are you afraid I won't love the real you?"
"No. I'm afraid that you will."
The Kings and their Queens are a very tight bunch and honestly, I'm hungry for their adventures...
They are interconnecting and I love seeing them so bound together!!!
I just can't get enough!!!!
If you love dark stories with some mafia connection and unexpeced twists, this is one series that you must try!!
"Nothing and no one will stop us! We own this town."
**I received an ARc for the exchange of an honest review**
OUT NOW
"We all have a cross to bare..."
I love the Dark Kings's world so much!!!
I love how crazy adventures are popping up with every new addition in the series!!!
I love all the Kings and every time that one of them is finding his Queen, I swoon over their stories...
This time was Cross's time and OMG!!! I was anticipating his story like crazy...
I wanted to unravel his secrets and his crazy obsession with fire and I finally got a very addictive story with amazing twists and turns...
Alexa wasn't unknown to us, but I loved discovering more about her...
This was a very good story and I can not wait for Bones's story... And Jasmine's... And Nite's... LOL!!! I have many demands!!!
"I am hell..."
Well, Cross and Alexa are meeting again unexpectendly and even though that Cross had made a promise to stay away from her, he can't resist to have one night with her...
Unfortunately, one night is turning out to be many nights, but things are complicated....
Both of them have too many things to deal with and at the same time, they are trying to navigate through something obviously simply, but which turned out to be all consuming...
"Guys like him are usually the best fucks and toxic as hell..."
"Alexa Jade Milner is the fire I've always craved and never want to put out."
I loved this couple together... They were really good for each other!!! They were balancing each other and they made so much sense together!!!
To be honest here, Cross wasn't what I was expecting to be.... I was expecting more darkness and broody moments... But I found out a very caring, protective and loyal person... I just couldn't not fall for him!!! I think that for now, Cross is my most favorite of the Kings...
As for his queen??? She was levelheaded and she was standing very solid on her feet and she knew how to hold her own and I admired her for that!!!
"Are you afraid I won't love the real you?"
"No. I'm afraid that you will."
The Kings and their Queens are a very tight bunch and honestly, I'm hungry for their adventures...
They are interconnecting and I love seeing them so bound together!!!
I just can't get enough!!!!
If you love dark stories with some mafia connection and unexpeced twists, this is one series that you must try!!
"Nothing and no one will stop us! We own this town."
**I received an ARc for the exchange of an honest review**
August 19, 2021
Just when I think I already found my favorite King, the author delivers a new love. Cross quickly became the hot, sexy, alpha that will own your heart.
Alexa is naive to the world where the Kings rule. Her best friend is in a relationship with one, but she really had no idea if the rumors are true. When one night leads to a hook up with Cross, her eyes are about to be opened wide.
Cross is all about fun and done. He’s got his tattoo shop and his work with the Kings to keep him busy. Alexa is supposed to be off-limits because if things go bad, Grave didn’t want it to blowback on his relationship with Alexa’s bff.
What starts as a secret fling starts to develop into more than just the physical. Cross has his issues and reservations about showing Alexa all of him, but she’ll more than prove her ability to handle whatever he throws her way. She’ll be dealing with her own obstacles, but she is tough and she’s ready for anything.
The King claims his Queen.
This was my favorite of the series. So much of the Kings were included in the story. We got to catch up with old favorites as they all played a big role in Cross’ story. Cross will purge his demons and find the forever kind of love. Alexa will finally chase the dream she has wanted.
The story is hot and filled with love. Love for the one that captures your heart, as well as the love of an unconventional family that you choose. Dive in to this world of loyalty and family. It’s not always pretty, but it’s worth it.
Alexa is naive to the world where the Kings rule. Her best friend is in a relationship with one, but she really had no idea if the rumors are true. When one night leads to a hook up with Cross, her eyes are about to be opened wide.
Cross is all about fun and done. He’s got his tattoo shop and his work with the Kings to keep him busy. Alexa is supposed to be off-limits because if things go bad, Grave didn’t want it to blowback on his relationship with Alexa’s bff.
What starts as a secret fling starts to develop into more than just the physical. Cross has his issues and reservations about showing Alexa all of him, but she’ll more than prove her ability to handle whatever he throws her way. She’ll be dealing with her own obstacles, but she is tough and she’s ready for anything.
The King claims his Queen.
This was my favorite of the series. So much of the Kings were included in the story. We got to catch up with old favorites as they all played a big role in Cross’ story. Cross will purge his demons and find the forever kind of love. Alexa will finally chase the dream she has wanted.
The story is hot and filled with love. Love for the one that captures your heart, as well as the love of an unconventional family that you choose. Dive in to this world of loyalty and family. It’s not always pretty, but it’s worth it.
March 28, 2025
Ugh I'm straight DEVOURING this series! I was so excited for Cross's book. I feel like Cross is the one king that I knew the least about. I wanted his story, no I NEEDED his story. I wanted to know why he was the way that he was. Why was he so fascinated with fire and how did he earn the nick name as Cross.
Besties, I loved this book! I couldn't put it down, just like the rest of them. Cross's story, just like the other books in the Dark Kingdom, is slightly heartbreaking. Like if there is one thing that Shantel does right, it is writing characters with awful parents. And boy are Cross's parents the worst.
I really enjoyed Cross and Alexa. This one starts off with a bang, literally. Cross knows what he wants and he has no problem going after Alexa. But what I love about Alexa, is she also is a go getter. She loved Cross for all of him. She saw his deepest darkest secrets and loved him through it all. I also loved the suspense elements trying to figure out how this story would play out.
And as always, Jasmine is my favorite side character. I love her so much.
Besties, I loved this book! I couldn't put it down, just like the rest of them. Cross's story, just like the other books in the Dark Kingdom, is slightly heartbreaking. Like if there is one thing that Shantel does right, it is writing characters with awful parents. And boy are Cross's parents the worst.
I really enjoyed Cross and Alexa. This one starts off with a bang, literally. Cross knows what he wants and he has no problem going after Alexa. But what I love about Alexa, is she also is a go getter. She loved Cross for all of him. She saw his deepest darkest secrets and loved him through it all. I also loved the suspense elements trying to figure out how this story would play out.
And as always, Jasmine is my favorite side character. I love her so much.
August 17, 2021
The road to being a King is paved with dead bodies.
I have been obsessed with Cross since we were first introduced to him and the Kings and have patiently been waiting for his book. Just from the prologue alone I knew Cross was going to be everything. In the previous books in the series we were left guessing about the man who could put the fear of god in to people with just the sight of his Zippo, now we finally get to see what he hides beneath the surface. I loved Cross and Alexa together, this King finally finds his Queen and god help anyone that tries to hurt her.
They can have my Kingdom, but they will never touch my Queen. I will set fire to the world and watch it all burn
This series just gets better and better, watching all the kings fall to their knees for their queens. I can't wait to see what Shantel brings us in Bones book and who the lucky girl will be.
I have been obsessed with Cross since we were first introduced to him and the Kings and have patiently been waiting for his book. Just from the prologue alone I knew Cross was going to be everything. In the previous books in the series we were left guessing about the man who could put the fear of god in to people with just the sight of his Zippo, now we finally get to see what he hides beneath the surface. I loved Cross and Alexa together, this King finally finds his Queen and god help anyone that tries to hurt her.
They can have my Kingdom, but they will never touch my Queen. I will set fire to the world and watch it all burn
This series just gets better and better, watching all the kings fall to their knees for their queens. I can't wait to see what Shantel brings us in Bones book and who the lucky girl will be.
Read
August 31, 2022Shantel takes us back to the gritty, addictive world of the Dark Kings and it's as steamy, twisted, and captivating as the first two books in this amazing series. I loved Cross and now I'm on tenterhooks waiting for my man, Bones.
September 3, 2021
First there was Titan. Then there was Grave. And now Cross. Yums!
You really cannot go wrong when you pick up one of Shantel Tessier’s books. They are Alfa make strong men with equally strong ladies that they fall in love with.
Cross and Alexa are the hot couple here. A bit of a insta like love thing happening here too like in the other books. Like the kings say, when you know you know.
Reoccurring characters from prior books with some new evil characters are also featured in this book.
All the sexiness is happening in this one too. Lots of violence. Lots of love. Not just for the couple but for the family.
I’m really ready for Bone’s book please!
You really cannot go wrong when you pick up one of Shantel Tessier’s books. They are Alfa make strong men with equally strong ladies that they fall in love with.
Cross and Alexa are the hot couple here. A bit of a insta like love thing happening here too like in the other books. Like the kings say, when you know you know.
Reoccurring characters from prior books with some new evil characters are also featured in this book.
All the sexiness is happening in this one too. Lots of violence. Lots of love. Not just for the couple but for the family.
I’m really ready for Bone’s book please!
August 29, 2021
Intoxicating and extremely emotional. I did not expect that. Cross and Alexa set Fire to my Kindle.
This is a new favorite book from this author. My favorite has to be Cross. He is mysterious and dark and yet his character is so incredibly caring. I absolutely loved him.
The writing really hooks you in from the start and I wanted to know what happened. I just devoured it.
I highly recommend it.
This is a new favorite book from this author. My favorite has to be Cross. He is mysterious and dark and yet his character is so incredibly caring. I absolutely loved him.
The writing really hooks you in from the start and I wanted to know what happened. I just devoured it.
I highly recommend it.
September 4, 2021
Cross (Dark Kings #3) by Shantel Tessier
5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cross is the third book in the Dark Kings Series by author Shantel Tessier, it is written in dual POV and tells the story of CROSS and Alexa.
This book can be read as standalone, but I hardly advise you to read them in order, the books are way too good to be missed.
We met Alexa in the previous book. Although she is April's best friend, she is clueless about the "King's" businesses. So imagine her surprise when she finds out. The whole story was very well constructed as well as the side characters.
The attraction between Cross and Alexa is instant and way too powerful. They really hit it off fast and good, soooo gooood.
Shantel Tessier is one of my favorite authors, and I adore her work. I really loved the side characters, especially the girls' gang and I am anxious to see the next stories for Nite and especially Bones.
From all the Kings, Titan still remains my favorite, because 🔥🔥🔥
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK & SERIES !!!
5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cross is the third book in the Dark Kings Series by author Shantel Tessier, it is written in dual POV and tells the story of CROSS and Alexa.
This book can be read as standalone, but I hardly advise you to read them in order, the books are way too good to be missed.
We met Alexa in the previous book. Although she is April's best friend, she is clueless about the "King's" businesses. So imagine her surprise when she finds out. The whole story was very well constructed as well as the side characters.
The attraction between Cross and Alexa is instant and way too powerful. They really hit it off fast and good, soooo gooood.
Shantel Tessier is one of my favorite authors, and I adore her work. I really loved the side characters, especially the girls' gang and I am anxious to see the next stories for Nite and especially Bones.
From all the Kings, Titan still remains my favorite, because 🔥🔥🔥
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK & SERIES !!!
January 21, 2026
This was a quick, easy read and I didn’t struggle to finish it .
Cross had the potential to be one of my favorites, and Alexa was likable, but both of them stayed a little surface level. Their relationship felt rushed and more physical than emotional, so I never fully bought into their love story.
The plot kept things moving, but it jumped around and wrapped up too neatly. There were good moments and some fun dynamics, especially with the group, but nothing that really stayed with me.
Overall, it was good while I was reading it… and then it was gone.
Cross had the potential to be one of my favorites, and Alexa was likable, but both of them stayed a little surface level. Their relationship felt rushed and more physical than emotional, so I never fully bought into their love story.
The plot kept things moving, but it jumped around and wrapped up too neatly. There were good moments and some fun dynamics, especially with the group, but nothing that really stayed with me.
Overall, it was good while I was reading it… and then it was gone.
November 14, 2025
Shantel’s writing is always stellar!
I love this whole series! I just wonder if we’ll ever get a book for Jasmine. She really deserves her own book!
10/10 recommend!!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I love this whole series! I just wonder if we’ll ever get a book for Jasmine. She really deserves her own book!
10/10 recommend!!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
June 24, 2024
God, I literally loved Cross and Alexa‘s relationship!
cross is one of the best Dark Kings, right next to Grave. His relationship with Alexa was just so great to read, and I loved this whole story.
After reading all four of these books, so far I have to say Bones is my worst king…so a little bit nervous for the next book 😂
cross is one of the best Dark Kings, right next to Grave. His relationship with Alexa was just so great to read, and I loved this whole story.
After reading all four of these books, so far I have to say Bones is my worst king…so a little bit nervous for the next book 😂
August 19, 2021
“The road to being a King is paved with dead bodies. Eventually, our sins will catch up with us and demand a payment for all the carnage we leave behind. They can have my Kingdom, but they will never touch my Queen. I will set fire to the world and watch it all burn, me included, before I let her pay for my sins.”
The King saga continues with Cross and Alexa’s story.
I’m going to be honest, this was not my favorite story of the series. I feel like the drama that was trying to be part of the plot was not believable. Alexa is Grave’s woman’s BFF and for some reason Grave did not want Cross to date Alexa. So it became this huge secret that everyone ended up finding out besides Grave. And when Grave did find out, he was pissed that his best friend was dating his girls bestfriend. I just didn’t understand the huge drama over it and why it was such a huge secret.
Grave and Alexa instantly had an attraction with eachother. They definitely started as a casual sexual relationship. And then it just turned into insta-love without any buildup in the relationship so it was a little weird to read the announcements of the I-Love-Yous.
“I’m in love with you. And when a King finds his queen, he’s one hundred percent committed.”
However, the sex between these two were 🔥!
Did I mention Cross has a pierced 🗡?
The book goes back in time to help us understand Cross’s past. It’s a dark one. It’s a brutal one. And we eventually figure out why he always is carrying a lighter and why his nickname is Cross.
With all the books in the series there’s definitely murder, torture, blood, and revenge seeking.
What I enjoyed is we definitely see all the characters from the previous books. All the girls are such great friends. And I love reading the parts where they’re all together and get to gossip and update each other on their lives.
❌Spoiler❌
❌
The only trigger warning that I can think of other than the murdering/dark aspects is there is pregnancy loss.
I think this is a really important one to mention in case it can be too much for someone. There’s definitely grieving parents and it can be hard to read for some.
❌ I will also mention there is OW/OM drama.
This is one of the main questions I always get asked from a review. There is absolutely no cheating. There is just jealousy from past partners. And they definitely try to ruin the relationship between Alexa and Cross.
While the plot and drama felt very flat for me, I did enjoy reading this story. I will definitely be continuing to read this series. I am fully invested in the Kings!
The King saga continues with Cross and Alexa’s story.
I’m going to be honest, this was not my favorite story of the series. I feel like the drama that was trying to be part of the plot was not believable. Alexa is Grave’s woman’s BFF and for some reason Grave did not want Cross to date Alexa. So it became this huge secret that everyone ended up finding out besides Grave. And when Grave did find out, he was pissed that his best friend was dating his girls bestfriend. I just didn’t understand the huge drama over it and why it was such a huge secret.
Grave and Alexa instantly had an attraction with eachother. They definitely started as a casual sexual relationship. And then it just turned into insta-love without any buildup in the relationship so it was a little weird to read the announcements of the I-Love-Yous.
“I’m in love with you. And when a King finds his queen, he’s one hundred percent committed.”
However, the sex between these two were 🔥!
Did I mention Cross has a pierced 🗡?
The book goes back in time to help us understand Cross’s past. It’s a dark one. It’s a brutal one. And we eventually figure out why he always is carrying a lighter and why his nickname is Cross.
With all the books in the series there’s definitely murder, torture, blood, and revenge seeking.
What I enjoyed is we definitely see all the characters from the previous books. All the girls are such great friends. And I love reading the parts where they’re all together and get to gossip and update each other on their lives.
❌Spoiler❌
❌
The only trigger warning that I can think of other than the murdering/dark aspects is there is pregnancy loss.
I think this is a really important one to mention in case it can be too much for someone. There’s definitely grieving parents and it can be hard to read for some.
❌ I will also mention there is OW/OM drama.
This is one of the main questions I always get asked from a review. There is absolutely no cheating. There is just jealousy from past partners. And they definitely try to ruin the relationship between Alexa and Cross.
While the plot and drama felt very flat for me, I did enjoy reading this story. I will definitely be continuing to read this series. I am fully invested in the Kings!
August 21, 2021
Cross is here!
Cross is the long awaited 3rd book in the Dark Kings series by Shantell Tessier. Cross could possibly be read as a standalone, but At last, the mysterious Cross meets his match in Alexa and a simple hookup turns into so much more. With so many external forces fighting against them being together, Alexa is going to have to figure out if she can handle what it means to be with a King.
I’ve been fully invested in the Kings since the beginning and Cross’s story is definitely an integral piece! The book starts off with a bang when Cross and Alexa hook up after an underground fight and just keeps going with the external drama that is affecting all the Kings. The book was well written and had tons of suspense. I do wish there was a little more relationship development between the Cross and Alexa. While Cross definitely felt there was going to be more from the first time they hooked up, it just seemed like it went from hookups to love really quickly. This was not my favorite book in the series, but I do think it’ll be integral to enjoying the whole series. It was awesome to see what all the Kings and their women were up to and I can’t wait to see where they go next!
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5)
Trope: Instalust/
Angst: 😰😰😰
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: loss of a child
Cross is the long awaited 3rd book in the Dark Kings series by Shantell Tessier. Cross could possibly be read as a standalone, but At last, the mysterious Cross meets his match in Alexa and a simple hookup turns into so much more. With so many external forces fighting against them being together, Alexa is going to have to figure out if she can handle what it means to be with a King.
I’ve been fully invested in the Kings since the beginning and Cross’s story is definitely an integral piece! The book starts off with a bang when Cross and Alexa hook up after an underground fight and just keeps going with the external drama that is affecting all the Kings. The book was well written and had tons of suspense. I do wish there was a little more relationship development between the Cross and Alexa. While Cross definitely felt there was going to be more from the first time they hooked up, it just seemed like it went from hookups to love really quickly. This was not my favorite book in the series, but I do think it’ll be integral to enjoying the whole series. It was awesome to see what all the Kings and their women were up to and I can’t wait to see where they go next!
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5)
Trope: Instalust/
Angst: 😰😰😰
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: loss of a child
August 22, 2021
I love a broken man that knows what he wants and takes it. I also love a woman that knows what she wants and is unapologetic in asking for it. Cross (MMC) and Alexa (FMC) are this and so much more. If you have read the series then you know Alexa is friends with April and Jasmine and has a hateful ex named Mitch. So when the “girls night out” turns into ex’s ruining the mood for both Alexa & Jasmine there is nothing left to do but get drunk. Cross is tasked with taking Alexa home, only it does not go that way. Wow, do these to heat up a bedroom, dang! His Prince Albert makes it only better for Alexa. Okay, as you know these series have crazy twists and turns you don’t see coming and Cross’s story is no different. This book will not only keep you hot and bothered but also guessing to the very end. I had thought Grave was my favorite of these guys, but dang Cross is just my kind of bad boy. I loved everything about this book, and recommend you check your TW and 18+.
August 21, 2021
Cross was INCREDIBLE! This book was serious 🔥
I need to go back and read the two previous books in this series because I am hooked!
Cross has met Alexa already. And he wanted her then. He wants her now… but he was told to stay away. Alexa wants him too. And the flame that sparks when they are together is insane. But there are more than a few complications where a relationship between them is concerned. Others in their immediate circle are at risk and this secret is getting harder to keep.
I am obsessed with Shantel’s writing. I think the heat between Cross and Alexa is combustible. And the dark past of Cross and the people trying to come between the two of them made for intensely edge of my seat reading enjoyment.
I need to go back and read the two previous books in this series because I am hooked!
Cross has met Alexa already. And he wanted her then. He wants her now… but he was told to stay away. Alexa wants him too. And the flame that sparks when they are together is insane. But there are more than a few complications where a relationship between them is concerned. Others in their immediate circle are at risk and this secret is getting harder to keep.
I am obsessed with Shantel’s writing. I think the heat between Cross and Alexa is combustible. And the dark past of Cross and the people trying to come between the two of them made for intensely edge of my seat reading enjoyment.
August 27, 2021
Omg it was so good to be back in the kings world! I’ve been anxiously awaiting Cross’s story and boy oh boy did Shantel deliver! This series is dark it’s gritty suspenseful and steamy af I love each one of these dark kings and their queens ! I think Alexa was perfect for Cross in every way these two are another powerful couple the passion the intense chemistry was just so good . I love how the kings are so loyal to each other and when they find their Queen that same loyalty extends to them. This was everything I anticipated and more it’s captivating dark suspenseful with twists and turns this series just keeps getting better and better!
August 28, 2021
Wow, just the cover alone made me want to dive into this book and not come up for air! I think with each book in this Series, Shantel Tessier's writing just gets more delicious. Cross is a wonderfully dark interconnected standalone, with the perfect amount of storyline and sexy times. And can we talk about Jasmine (I think I love her most!)? If you can't get enough of broody alphas, strong heroines, great backstory, lots of intrigue, and enough steam to curl your toes, this should be the next book you read! I can not wait for things to continue in Bones book! 5 Stars!
August 13, 2024
I LOVED this book. Cross and Alexa’s story is the most realistic in terms of how they got together, like I can see that happening in the real world. I really enjoyed their story together, it was sweet and cute and lovely to see.
Idk why every fmc in this series has dead/terrible parents and asshole brothers but at least Derek shaped up by the end of it.
My baby pyromaniac Cross is the love of my life, his backstory is so tragic and terrible and he deserves the world, he has my full support if he wants to burn it all to the ground.
I love Alexa! Her and Jasmines friendship is so beautiful and how they met…just ugh, I hate men. I CAN’T WAIT to see how Kink goes for them!!!!!
What Shantel did to Grave and April… I will NEVER forgive u for that. I was shedding real tears. Also you better write in their wedding bc u couldn’t even give us his PROPOSAL. We haven’t seen anyone propose and I’m salty about it.
Ethan can rot in fucking prison! He’s pissing me off so much, get a fucking life. Mitch and Rachel can keep burning in hell, they got what they deserved.
I love the whole Titan being a dad to everyone trope. It’s so wholesome that him and Grave have gotten so close since rehab and everything.
Bones is still a weirdo. Idc that he cosigned for Jasmine and Alexa… he’s still strange. Why does he keep gutting people? Get more creative dude.
Idk why every fmc in this series has dead/terrible parents and asshole brothers but at least Derek shaped up by the end of it.
My baby pyromaniac Cross is the love of my life, his backstory is so tragic and terrible and he deserves the world, he has my full support if he wants to burn it all to the ground.
I love Alexa! Her and Jasmines friendship is so beautiful and how they met…just ugh, I hate men. I CAN’T WAIT to see how Kink goes for them!!!!!
What Shantel did to Grave and April… I will NEVER forgive u for that. I was shedding real tears. Also you better write in their wedding bc u couldn’t even give us his PROPOSAL. We haven’t seen anyone propose and I’m salty about it.
Ethan can rot in fucking prison! He’s pissing me off so much, get a fucking life. Mitch and Rachel can keep burning in hell, they got what they deserved.
I love the whole Titan being a dad to everyone trope. It’s so wholesome that him and Grave have gotten so close since rehab and everything.
Bones is still a weirdo. Idc that he cosigned for Jasmine and Alexa… he’s still strange. Why does he keep gutting people? Get more creative dude.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2025
I wasn’t expecting to love Cross as much as I did. He was such a mystery but learning all he went through as a kid made my heart break. I loved how he opened up about his past with Alexa. She was the perfect match for him. I think she is my favorite fmc so far besides Jasmine. She’s loyal to the ones she loves and has a sassy side. I loved how she wasn’t afraid to put anyone in their place. Overall this was a great book. As always Shantel’s writing keeps you engaged and makes you wanting more. Each book in this series keeps getting better, which makes me so excited to read Bones.
August 29, 2021
I recommend you read Titan and Grave before reading Cross. Although Cross can be read as a stand-alone these books are so good you won’t want to miss out.
Crikey I thought these Kings couldn’t get any better however Cross blew my mind. Cross and Alexa … these two are oh so hot. The chemistry between them is off the chart. Two very likeable characters that I couldn’t get enough of.
I highly recommend this story. I can’t wait for more:)
Crikey I thought these Kings couldn’t get any better however Cross blew my mind. Cross and Alexa … these two are oh so hot. The chemistry between them is off the chart. Two very likeable characters that I couldn’t get enough of.
I highly recommend this story. I can’t wait for more:)
May 16, 2025
What i noticed in this series that every book continuing the previous book
For me it was a mix between Grave,s and Cross’ books
And mostly a Grave’s book TBH
i liked to loved this book. Finally getting to start Bones book
Cross is so sweet and caring as usual
Alexaa so understanding which I can’t get it TBH
For me it was a mix between Grave,s and Cross’ books
And mostly a Grave’s book TBH
i liked to loved this book. Finally getting to start Bones book
Cross is so sweet and caring as usual
Alexaa so understanding which I can’t get it TBH
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