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Crossfire #1-4
Sylvia Day Crossfire Novels 1-4
There's nothing more romantic than Valentine's Day...except Sylvia Day.
Now in one deluxe set, the first four novels in the Crossfire series.
The #1 New York Times bestselling author. The #1 worldwide phenomenon.
Bared to You
He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily...
Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds... and desires.
The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart...
Reflected in You
Gideon Cross. As beautiful and flawless on the outside as he was damaged and tormented on the inside. He was a bright, scorching flame that singed me with the darkest of pleasures. I couldn’t stay away. I didn’t want to. He was my addiction… my every desire… mine.
My past was as violent as his, and I was just as broken. We’d never work. It was too hard, too painful… except when it was perfect. Those moments when the driving hunger and desperate love were the most exquisite insanity.
We were bound by our need. And our passion would take us beyond our limits to the sweetest, sharpest edge of obsession…
Entwined with You
From the moment I first met Gideon Cross, I recognized something in him that I needed. Something I couldn't resist. I also saw the dangerous and damaged soul inside—so much like my own. I was drawn to it. I needed him as surely as I needed my heart to beat.
No one knows how much he risked for me. How much I'd been threatened, or just how dark and desperate the shadow of our pasts would become.
Entwined by our secrets, we tried to defy the odds. We made our own rules and surrendered completely to the exquisite power of possession...
Captivated by You
Gideon calls me his angel, but he’s the miracle in my life. My gorgeous, wounded warrior, so determined to slay my demons while refusing to face his own.
The vows we’d exchanged should have bound us tighter than blood and flesh. Instead they opened old wounds, exposed pain and insecurities, and lured bitter enemies out of the shadows. I felt him slipping from my grasp, my greatest fears becoming my reality, my love tested in ways I wasn’t sure I was strong enough to bear.
At the brightest time in our lives, the darkness of his past encroached and threatened everything we’d worked so hard for. We faced a terrible choice: the familiar safety of the lives we’d had before each other or the fight for a future that suddenly seemed an impossible and hopeless dream...
Praise for the Crossfire Series
“A steamy read that will have you furiously flipping pages.”—Glamour
“A highly charged story that flows and hits the mark.”—Kirkus Reviews
Sylvia Day is the #1 New York Times and #1 international bestselling author of over 20 award-winning novels sold in more than 40 countries. She is a #1 bestselling author in 23 countries, with tens of millions of copies of her books in print. Her Crossfire series has been optioned for television by Lionsgate.
Now in one deluxe set, the first four novels in the Crossfire series.
The #1 New York Times bestselling author. The #1 worldwide phenomenon.
Bared to You
He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily...
Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds... and desires.
The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart...
Reflected in You
Gideon Cross. As beautiful and flawless on the outside as he was damaged and tormented on the inside. He was a bright, scorching flame that singed me with the darkest of pleasures. I couldn’t stay away. I didn’t want to. He was my addiction… my every desire… mine.
My past was as violent as his, and I was just as broken. We’d never work. It was too hard, too painful… except when it was perfect. Those moments when the driving hunger and desperate love were the most exquisite insanity.
We were bound by our need. And our passion would take us beyond our limits to the sweetest, sharpest edge of obsession…
Entwined with You
From the moment I first met Gideon Cross, I recognized something in him that I needed. Something I couldn't resist. I also saw the dangerous and damaged soul inside—so much like my own. I was drawn to it. I needed him as surely as I needed my heart to beat.
No one knows how much he risked for me. How much I'd been threatened, or just how dark and desperate the shadow of our pasts would become.
Entwined by our secrets, we tried to defy the odds. We made our own rules and surrendered completely to the exquisite power of possession...
Captivated by You
Gideon calls me his angel, but he’s the miracle in my life. My gorgeous, wounded warrior, so determined to slay my demons while refusing to face his own.
The vows we’d exchanged should have bound us tighter than blood and flesh. Instead they opened old wounds, exposed pain and insecurities, and lured bitter enemies out of the shadows. I felt him slipping from my grasp, my greatest fears becoming my reality, my love tested in ways I wasn’t sure I was strong enough to bear.
At the brightest time in our lives, the darkness of his past encroached and threatened everything we’d worked so hard for. We faced a terrible choice: the familiar safety of the lives we’d had before each other or the fight for a future that suddenly seemed an impossible and hopeless dream...
Praise for the Crossfire Series
“A steamy read that will have you furiously flipping pages.”—Glamour
“A highly charged story that flows and hits the mark.”—Kirkus Reviews
Sylvia Day is the #1 New York Times and #1 international bestselling author of over 20 award-winning novels sold in more than 40 countries. She is a #1 bestselling author in 23 countries, with tens of millions of copies of her books in print. Her Crossfire series has been optioned for television by Lionsgate.
1116 pages, ebook
First published December 18, 2014
1034 people are currently reading
2780 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Day
121 books122k followersAcclaimed for her signature emotionally charged storytelling and the psychological complexity of her characters, Sylvia Day is a number one bestselling author in twenty-nine countries, with translations in forty-one languages and over twenty million copies of her books in print. Day is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, #1 Sunday Times, #1 Globe and Mail, #1 Der Spiegel, and #1 international bestselling author of over twenty award-winning novels, including six Sunday Times, ten New York Times and thirteen USA Today bestsellers. Visit the author at sylviaday.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
January 12, 2015
I DON'T THINK I'LL EVER GET ENOUGH GIDEON AND EVA! WHERE IS THE SIXTH STAR?; FIVE ARE NOT ENOUGH!
I've written a good number of reviews for Amazon as well as for publishers and authors directly, and I can honestly say that no other romance series has impressed or affected me as deeply as Sylvia Day's CROSSFIRE SERIES. With thousands of reviews already written for the four books and sets currently available in the series, I will address a few points here which are outside the usual synopsis/review format.
Firstly, the characters in this series--all of them--are, in my opinion, the most rounded, dimensional, reliable characters in romance. Miss Day's character development skills are simply the best in the business. Secondary characters are as complex and dynamic as the main characters in many other series, and Gideon and Eva are so real that I actually imagine them moving, breathing, and looking at each other with the intensity of all they feel for each other as their images pop so easily into my mind, thanks to the strength of the characterization and writing.
It is tremendously rewarding for me to spend time with the Crossfire characters. After reading each book, I've also listened to all of the audiobooks, and the narrator is superb. She differentiates the characters expertly with her voicing, and even manages to express Gideon's passion and intensity. The fourth book in the series, CAPTIVATED BY YOU, provides Gideon's point of view for the first time in the series. This was an ENORMOUS pleasure for me and will be appreciated by any true Gideon Cross fan. Although Gideon's narrator does not have the deepest, most masculine tone of voice, he has the intensity which embodies Gideon, and he conveys all of the singular focus which Gideon has for Eva, making the reader believe that Eva truly is the reason that Gideon draws breath, and able to understand how he could take some of the actions he has on behalf of Eva in his desire to protect and care for her (no spoilers here!).
I must admit to being somewhat surprised and disappointed by a number of reviews which criticize and even insult the story, characters, and writing of the later volumes in this series. It is my hope that new readers will be open-minded about the direction in which Gideon and Eva have gone. Yes, the situations which befall them are sometimes extreme; this is a story about two passionate people who collide into each other with all the force and pathos of their personalities, and their relationship itself is highly sexual, emotional, and extreme. Gideon's never been able to tell the reader how he feels prior to book four...so when you hear his anguish, his fears, his vulnerability for the first time, is it fair to call him weak or pathetic? I say no; Gideon is written as a fully dimensional character, and the responsible reader will accept the notion that any man who could admit to having the profound need and emotion which Gideon has for Eva will also be intensely vulnerable to the thought of losing her. Getting inside Gideon's head was one of the most vicarious literary thrills I've ever had! Please, please, Miss Day, give us more of Gideon's POV in the next book!
Finally, I am utterly confounded by those who complain that the author "said this would be a trilogy," and have problems with additional books. I say PLEASE keep giving us Crossfire stories! Do we not want to spend as much time as possible with the significant people in our lives, those we've come to love? Why not hope for the same time with our most compelling literary characters? I IMPLORE Miss Day to keep writing this series. Gideon and Eva are such "big" characters, living big lives; I believe that they have a lot more to share with us. The cast of secondary characters is so strong that many of their stories also warrant telling. I doubt that there could EVER be enough of Gideon and Eva to satisfy me. When it comes to the passion, the pain, the romance, the struggle, and the mad love between Gideon and Eva, we can never get too much of a good thing. I run a large virtual reading group of women who love erotic fiction, and the group grows monthly. The Crossfire series is our number one rave read; in fact, it's been Gideon and Eva who've gained our group quite a few of its members!). You keep writing them (pretty please?), Miss Day, and we'll keep reading them. Promise!
I've written a good number of reviews for Amazon as well as for publishers and authors directly, and I can honestly say that no other romance series has impressed or affected me as deeply as Sylvia Day's CROSSFIRE SERIES. With thousands of reviews already written for the four books and sets currently available in the series, I will address a few points here which are outside the usual synopsis/review format.
Firstly, the characters in this series--all of them--are, in my opinion, the most rounded, dimensional, reliable characters in romance. Miss Day's character development skills are simply the best in the business. Secondary characters are as complex and dynamic as the main characters in many other series, and Gideon and Eva are so real that I actually imagine them moving, breathing, and looking at each other with the intensity of all they feel for each other as their images pop so easily into my mind, thanks to the strength of the characterization and writing.
It is tremendously rewarding for me to spend time with the Crossfire characters. After reading each book, I've also listened to all of the audiobooks, and the narrator is superb. She differentiates the characters expertly with her voicing, and even manages to express Gideon's passion and intensity. The fourth book in the series, CAPTIVATED BY YOU, provides Gideon's point of view for the first time in the series. This was an ENORMOUS pleasure for me and will be appreciated by any true Gideon Cross fan. Although Gideon's narrator does not have the deepest, most masculine tone of voice, he has the intensity which embodies Gideon, and he conveys all of the singular focus which Gideon has for Eva, making the reader believe that Eva truly is the reason that Gideon draws breath, and able to understand how he could take some of the actions he has on behalf of Eva in his desire to protect and care for her (no spoilers here!).
I must admit to being somewhat surprised and disappointed by a number of reviews which criticize and even insult the story, characters, and writing of the later volumes in this series. It is my hope that new readers will be open-minded about the direction in which Gideon and Eva have gone. Yes, the situations which befall them are sometimes extreme; this is a story about two passionate people who collide into each other with all the force and pathos of their personalities, and their relationship itself is highly sexual, emotional, and extreme. Gideon's never been able to tell the reader how he feels prior to book four...so when you hear his anguish, his fears, his vulnerability for the first time, is it fair to call him weak or pathetic? I say no; Gideon is written as a fully dimensional character, and the responsible reader will accept the notion that any man who could admit to having the profound need and emotion which Gideon has for Eva will also be intensely vulnerable to the thought of losing her. Getting inside Gideon's head was one of the most vicarious literary thrills I've ever had! Please, please, Miss Day, give us more of Gideon's POV in the next book!
Finally, I am utterly confounded by those who complain that the author "said this would be a trilogy," and have problems with additional books. I say PLEASE keep giving us Crossfire stories! Do we not want to spend as much time as possible with the significant people in our lives, those we've come to love? Why not hope for the same time with our most compelling literary characters? I IMPLORE Miss Day to keep writing this series. Gideon and Eva are such "big" characters, living big lives; I believe that they have a lot more to share with us. The cast of secondary characters is so strong that many of their stories also warrant telling. I doubt that there could EVER be enough of Gideon and Eva to satisfy me. When it comes to the passion, the pain, the romance, the struggle, and the mad love between Gideon and Eva, we can never get too much of a good thing. I run a large virtual reading group of women who love erotic fiction, and the group grows monthly. The Crossfire series is our number one rave read; in fact, it's been Gideon and Eva who've gained our group quite a few of its members!). You keep writing them (pretty please?), Miss Day, and we'll keep reading them. Promise!
January 4, 2015
Addictive. Love this series. Want book #5!!!
June 5, 2021
Started off great but in the end, I just felt like I was reading Fifty Shades Trilogy. Too many similarities between the two series that I just could not get past.
January 20, 2021
Excellent
I’ve said it before and I say it again; this series is better than FSOG
I can’t put it down and I feel like I’m with Eva and Gideon through the story.
5 excellent stars
I’ve said it before and I say it again; this series is better than FSOG
I can’t put it down and I feel like I’m with Eva and Gideon through the story.
5 excellent stars
February 6, 2025
I read these book when they came out and fell in love instantly.
After reading it again I realised how much I loved the characters and the overall story once again. Sylvia is a master at creating the right amount of tension, angst and more making it seem more like being in the moment than a story. She has cleverly woven a tale that you are more than invested in the outcome and want to keep reading because you need to know what is happening with the wonderful characters.
After reading it again I realised how much I loved the characters and the overall story once again. Sylvia is a master at creating the right amount of tension, angst and more making it seem more like being in the moment than a story. She has cleverly woven a tale that you are more than invested in the outcome and want to keep reading because you need to know what is happening with the wonderful characters.
March 19, 2021
The many trials and tribulations of Eva & Gideon!
These two damaged souls have their eyes set on each other and they don’t see the destruction around them until it’s too late, but as they keep putting fires out and cling to one another, love and trust grows and the story builds but doesn’t end here. Yes! Book 5 holds the end to this wonderfully bittersweet story.
These two damaged souls have their eyes set on each other and they don’t see the destruction around them until it’s too late, but as they keep putting fires out and cling to one another, love and trust grows and the story builds but doesn’t end here. Yes! Book 5 holds the end to this wonderfully bittersweet story.
January 2, 2015
awesome book
November 1, 2021
So conflicted. It left me with a terrible book hangover. The hero is to die for, the heroine is sassy, the side characters are engaging and the story interesting. I always love a story where they save each other BUT ... I just felt that it was incredibly repetitive and the sex scenes became so monotonous. With a good editor 5 books could have been cut down to 3!
October 5, 2024
These are pretty spicy books, but I loved them. If you have a problem with possessiveness, it can be triggering.
February 25, 2015
The first book in the series was intriguing, the second was ok, but with Book 3 and 4 it was straight downhill. It's a shame the series continued because it became almost contemptible. Never have I been so relieved to finish a book as I was with Captured by You (Book 4) - and never has a book been skimmed with such speed! I was also surprised to be finished, because I was expecting something to happen and it never did. It just ended with another pointless, childish argument that arose from very little out of the blue, and aided with separation, ended with a kiss-and-make-up. There was no new story in this book, just another few days in the life...
This book as with those previous simply kept traipsing back and forth over the same ground and it became very boring. The main characters had some tough breaks growing up, but being extremely wealthy were/are able to utilise the most expensive means of therapy to help them. There are many many people who have to handle what they went through and more, but haven't the comfort of their billions to cushion their past and present. So there is certainly an element of spoiltness and selfishness that colours their actions, and by Book 4, made the characters pretty unbearable.
The dialogue between the main characters was also nauseating in it's contest of "who loves who more". Really - who cares? I will not be reading Book 5.
This book as with those previous simply kept traipsing back and forth over the same ground and it became very boring. The main characters had some tough breaks growing up, but being extremely wealthy were/are able to utilise the most expensive means of therapy to help them. There are many many people who have to handle what they went through and more, but haven't the comfort of their billions to cushion their past and present. So there is certainly an element of spoiltness and selfishness that colours their actions, and by Book 4, made the characters pretty unbearable.
The dialogue between the main characters was also nauseating in it's contest of "who loves who more". Really - who cares? I will not be reading Book 5.
November 29, 2019
Alpha Male is spelled G-i-d-e-o-n C-r-o-s-s
I read a review that compared this to a better written version of Fifty Shades of Grey. I don't believe it to be better written but more developed. Generally more characters become a distraction for me while reading, but in this series I have felt they were a necessity to explain all speed bumps and sharp turns in Eva and Gideon's lives. I was hooked from the first chapter and fell farther and farther with each subsequent chapter. This is my second time reading the series and I could easily start over again. I find myself getting lost in Gideon and Eva's world. This is such a well written series. I'm with Gideon..."Crossfire!"
I read a review that compared this to a better written version of Fifty Shades of Grey. I don't believe it to be better written but more developed. Generally more characters become a distraction for me while reading, but in this series I have felt they were a necessity to explain all speed bumps and sharp turns in Eva and Gideon's lives. I was hooked from the first chapter and fell farther and farther with each subsequent chapter. This is my second time reading the series and I could easily start over again. I find myself getting lost in Gideon and Eva's world. This is such a well written series. I'm with Gideon..."Crossfire!"
March 25, 2023
Eva and Gideon the greatest couple of modern fairytales!!!
First time i read Bared to you i was hooked… Finished the whole thing in one all nighter… The butterflies staying with me for days… Died a small death waiting for one with you… Now it became one of favorite series of all time! One of my main go to, like a comfort read! I keep reading and re reading the whole series… Going back to it whenever i need a serious dose of amazing romance and giddiness…. That’s when you know you have a gem between your hands!!!!
First time i read Bared to you i was hooked… Finished the whole thing in one all nighter… The butterflies staying with me for days… Died a small death waiting for one with you… Now it became one of favorite series of all time! One of my main go to, like a comfort read! I keep reading and re reading the whole series… Going back to it whenever i need a serious dose of amazing romance and giddiness…. That’s when you know you have a gem between your hands!!!!
March 25, 2022
CROSSFIRE!
A dear friend recommended this series to me. She was so insistent that it would blow me away she bought the 4 book series for me. Well, she was absolutely right! I could tell right from the start, I was reading the words of a seasoned author, and a romance that I would forever remember. I'll remember "Crossfire" and the meaning behind it forever.
A dear friend recommended this series to me. She was so insistent that it would blow me away she bought the 4 book series for me. Well, she was absolutely right! I could tell right from the start, I was reading the words of a seasoned author, and a romance that I would forever remember. I'll remember "Crossfire" and the meaning behind it forever.
Read
November 15, 2014Its god book
November 17, 2015
I couldn't even make it to the end of the 2nd chapter.
December 28, 2016
Similar to 50 Shades but much better written and plot! It is hard not to fall in love with Gideon Cross and Eva. Love her passion for him but still demands equality!
April 10, 2020
This is what 50 Shades wanted to be and wasn’t. It is explicit, so be warned. But it’s actually got a decent plot and a heart wrenching twist at the end. Definitely recommend the whole series.
May 30, 2020
Excellent
I didn't want any of these books to end. I think I'll start at the beginning & read them again just so they don't end.
I didn't want any of these books to end. I think I'll start at the beginning & read them again just so they don't end.
October 8, 2020
Mind blowing! Two wounded and imperfect souls that found healing and perfection in each other.
March 22, 2023
My all time favorite!!
I have read hundreds of books but none will ever top this series!! I can’t even count the number of times I have read them.
I have read hundreds of books but none will ever top this series!! I can’t even count the number of times I have read them.
November 29, 2023
No one can do it like Gideon, he's forever my book husband. i thought Christian grey was, but he doesn't have ANYTHING on Gideon. Gideon makes grey look like a saint in the bedroom!!!
March 24, 2024
I first read this book when I was 18, so that was 11 years ago, and revisiting it now as I approach 30 adds an interesting perspective. Initially, I adored this book, coming off the heels of Fifty Shades of Grey; it felt like staying in a familiar world. It held the top spot on my romance book list for a long time, and upon rereading it, my eyes have been opened to its flaws. Some scenes feel embarrassingly corny, yet, despite its imperfections, it remains one of my favorite romance novels, largely due to the character of Gideon Cross.
Gideon is undeniably wealthy, possibly the richest character in the billionaire romance genre. His intense love for Eva, the female lead, drives the narrative. If you enjoy stories where the male lead falls fast and becomes obsessed with the female protagonist, this series will captivate you.
What stands out to me most is the day-to-day interactions between the characters. Many romance novels focus on grand gestures and passion, but this series delves into that but mostly highlights the mundane aspects of their lives, which I find refreshing and relatable.
However, there are aspects of the story that I didn't appreciate. Eva's friend, Cary, comes off as too needy and opportunistic, while Eva herself often pushes Gideon to heal on her timeline, disregarding his need for space and time.
The explicit sex scenes in the first three books felt excessive to me, but I appreciated that they were toned down in the last two books. What truly made the book enjoyable for me were the detailed descriptions of everyday moments shared between the characters, such as making coffee, watching TV, and joking around.
While I understand Eva's attraction to Gideon, I struggle to comprehend his feelings for her. She comes across as whiny and annoying, and her constant need for reassurance and control is off-putting. But she grows on me at the end of book 5. Which is so ironic because at 18 I loved Eva’s character and truly related to her but as an adult, she makes me want to pull out my hair!!!!
I typically don't enjoy male perspectives in books, but I found Gideon's point of view in the last two books refreshing. Eva's constant neediness and lack of self-awareness made it challenging for me to relate to her, whereas Gideon's confidence and clarity were more appealing.
One of the most frustrating aspects of the story is Eva's inconsistency in her treatment of others. She shows patience and understanding towards some, like Trey, while demanding constant transparency from Gideon. She is supposed to be this self ware person who is extremely selfless and yet with Gideon she acts like he needs to heal and be perfect according to her timeline. It’s annoying to read. Like give the man space!
Additionally, Eva's father, Victor, I could not stand him! , He was selfish and immature. His resentment towards Eva and Gideon's relationship stems from his own insecurities, and his behavior throughout the book is disappointing.
Overall, despite its flaws, the Crossfire series remains a compelling read, largely due to its flawed yet captivating characters and its exploration of the complexities of love and relationships. I would love to read about where Eva and Gideon are. I want to know what 30year old Eva is like and if she’s grown and improved. I would also want to know who Gideon turns out to be.
November 11, 2024
Well, I am in the business of reading romantic, erotic, contemporary and historical novels for over 12 years now. I read to escape from the daily life, to be lost in other lives, loves and experiences for a few moments. My preferences are strictly the love story and the relationship between the main characters. I do not like plots, dramas with other characters and things that take me away from my main characters and their connection. I love my Lisa Kleypas Travis series, I love my fifth shades, I love my Lisa Gregory Books and Lavyrle Spencer dream stories. After I reread the Travis series I was desperately searching for the same kind of storyline, alpha male, rich and dominant, and intelligent, powerful women. Looking in the list of the best contemporary of all time on Goodreads, I dared to check this series out, based on the many positive reviews and the comparison with FSOG. From
the first lines I was captivated by the writing, the fact that the story began were it should began, and not in the childhood or years before the love story. We will get to know our heroes in the making, why do we have to read half a book about their past and rush the love part at the end? For that I really appreciate Sylvia Day, my now favorite romance writer.
I love the story between G and E, the interactions they have, most of all the fights, and of course the making up and the worshipping. I think you don’t have to have suffered childhood trauma to fell the way they do about each other. That kind of intense yearning and dependence on someone you love can happen to anyone, regardless of their background.
Sylvia Day gives me what I do not find in other of my favorite writers and that ist the actual day to day living and facing the life together, making it more real for me and surpassing the fiction level of the characters.
I am only at book 4, not even read the first paragraph yet, but already fearing the end of the 5th book because I won’t have G and E in my life anymore. I find it a privilege to have a glance in their relationship and their life, to maybe learn from their mistakes, learn from their sex life, to be encouraged to be more bold and open and nasty with our partners. Just a blast these books. Not to slow, not to boring and not depressing for me. I just wish Sylvia Day would have given us a look into their lives some years later, maybe having children and seeing the changes that brings in both of them. I would have loved that!!!!!
I am sure it will be hard to find another series or book that will top these series.
So for all of those with big expectations, don’t spoil our happiness with your unsatisfied read and intense criticism. If you are not for this kind of story, then look the other way, just how I do about the genres and storylines that don’t match my style and wishes.
the first lines I was captivated by the writing, the fact that the story began were it should began, and not in the childhood or years before the love story. We will get to know our heroes in the making, why do we have to read half a book about their past and rush the love part at the end? For that I really appreciate Sylvia Day, my now favorite romance writer.
I love the story between G and E, the interactions they have, most of all the fights, and of course the making up and the worshipping. I think you don’t have to have suffered childhood trauma to fell the way they do about each other. That kind of intense yearning and dependence on someone you love can happen to anyone, regardless of their background.
Sylvia Day gives me what I do not find in other of my favorite writers and that ist the actual day to day living and facing the life together, making it more real for me and surpassing the fiction level of the characters.
I am only at book 4, not even read the first paragraph yet, but already fearing the end of the 5th book because I won’t have G and E in my life anymore. I find it a privilege to have a glance in their relationship and their life, to maybe learn from their mistakes, learn from their sex life, to be encouraged to be more bold and open and nasty with our partners. Just a blast these books. Not to slow, not to boring and not depressing for me. I just wish Sylvia Day would have given us a look into their lives some years later, maybe having children and seeing the changes that brings in both of them. I would have loved that!!!!!
I am sure it will be hard to find another series or book that will top these series.
So for all of those with big expectations, don’t spoil our happiness with your unsatisfied read and intense criticism. If you are not for this kind of story, then look the other way, just how I do about the genres and storylines that don’t match my style and wishes.
July 24, 2017
I'd Stop the World and Melt With You - Crossfire
Bared to You (Crossfire, Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
Eva and Gideon's saga begins and so far the tumultuous two have led us on a rollercoaster ride that I am sure will only get crazier. Eva is beautiful brainy but hides away dark pain from from a terrible trauma. All these things make up the woman she is and the choices she makes for her life. On what she hopes is a path to recovery she tries tries to avoid triggers and pattern behaviors detrimental to her finding peace. She is persevering a new job a new city a new Eva! What she didn't bank on was meeting one Gideon Cross... Tall Dark and oh so Handsome. Gideon would check off anyone's boxes except the one where he doesn't seem to want a relationship. Big no no in Eva land. But Cross is determined to have her and she is helpless to deny him. Once they subcome they both quickly realize that the undeniable chemistry they feel will not be quenched so easily and Cross wants to make Eva his! Relationships are hard even in the best of circumstances, but with Eva's baggage it was never going to be a walk in the park. As they try and make things work it comes to light that Cross knows a little something about what Eva when through and is hiding scars of his own. The bonds that tie will they hold?
Reflected in You (Crossfire, Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
Eva and Gideon are back and they are leading us on a ride that will have you on the edge on your seat. When we last left the intrepid duo Eva had just learned of Gideon's ex-fiancé and Cary had basically self destructed in their home in the home of an crazy ménage a quatre. Gideon assures Eva that Corinne is old hat and nothing to worry about and Eva tries to curb her jealous tendencies. These two still have a lot of baggage between them, mainly Gideon's inability to open up to Eva. The secrets of his past are driving a wedge between the two and it's starting to take a heavy toll. When a old flame from Eva's past pops back up, the resentment she has been harbouring spills over and she uses Brett to show Gideon what she feels at the hands of his ex. Still he persists in keeping secrets and when Cary is hurt he withdraws even further into self when Eva needs him the most. But when a ghost from the past literally comes back to haunt them it is made clearer why the distance. But secrets still break bonds and love doesn't always mean a HEA
Entwined with You (Crossfire, Book 3) (Kindle Edition)
Eva and Gideon are back and the duo are trying to reconcile after what was a necessary but still painful separation. We rejoin the two after finding that Gideon would really do anything to keep his Eva safe from any threat. While taking care of Nathan was necessary as he was blackmailing and threatening Eva, now they have to deal with the fallout. Gideon has already tried to midigate the risk of the police by getting rid of motive and solifidifying alibis but they still need to be cautious. Also Eva wasn't in on the plan from the get go so she was genuinely hurt by Gideon's actions and while she understands the pain she felt is still real. Finding their way back to each other without being obvious is like walking a tight rope but the couple are determined even with outside influences trying to interfere. When Brett believes he has a shot now that Eva is 'single' he tries to make his move and the ever present Corinne is acting even crazier than usual in her desire to have Gideon back. Add to that a reporter whom Gideon once spurned, Gideon's jealous and vengeful stepbrother Christopher, and Corinne's estranged husband and the hits just keep on coming. Also if there relationship wasn't enough drama to deal with add to that Cary's triangle drama, Eva's parents who's unrequited love comes to a head, and her father discovering about her past - and needless to say everyone's got a lot on their plates. But at its core their love is the most important and has the ability to conquer. Finally secrets are out in the open and trust is hard fought and well earned. The world keeps spinning around them but it really does stop for these two at times.
Captivated By You (Crossfire, Book 4) (Kindle Edition)
Eva and Gideon story continues and like all good HEAs after the uptick comes the great upheaval. We rejoin the pair after as the dust finally seems to settle after the steps Gideon took to permanently silence the threat of Nathan. It seemed that the two would, while still dealing with challenging past and wayward exes, would get to ride off into the sunset and enjoy some of the perks of married life. Life however has other plans for the Crosses. Gideon has been trying his hardest to shield Eva from all the gots that seem to just keep coming and while he thinks this is the right play, Eva is not having it. She feels like him keeping her in the dark and taking on all the burden is not only wrong it's insulting and patronizing - she is a grown woman and is supposed to be his partner. Then when certain parties discover more about Gideon's past due to Eva's crusade to right the injustice of it, it causes Gideon to have to rethink how he processes his trauma and how to move forward. All these things threaten the carefully crafted walls Gideon has built over years of self preservation but now he has a partner and that means sharing the load. He can either take down the walls brick by brick or Eva will be left stranded outside trying fruitless to scale it.
Bared to You (Crossfire, Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
Eva and Gideon's saga begins and so far the tumultuous two have led us on a rollercoaster ride that I am sure will only get crazier. Eva is beautiful brainy but hides away dark pain from from a terrible trauma. All these things make up the woman she is and the choices she makes for her life. On what she hopes is a path to recovery she tries tries to avoid triggers and pattern behaviors detrimental to her finding peace. She is persevering a new job a new city a new Eva! What she didn't bank on was meeting one Gideon Cross... Tall Dark and oh so Handsome. Gideon would check off anyone's boxes except the one where he doesn't seem to want a relationship. Big no no in Eva land. But Cross is determined to have her and she is helpless to deny him. Once they subcome they both quickly realize that the undeniable chemistry they feel will not be quenched so easily and Cross wants to make Eva his! Relationships are hard even in the best of circumstances, but with Eva's baggage it was never going to be a walk in the park. As they try and make things work it comes to light that Cross knows a little something about what Eva when through and is hiding scars of his own. The bonds that tie will they hold?
Reflected in You (Crossfire, Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
Eva and Gideon are back and they are leading us on a ride that will have you on the edge on your seat. When we last left the intrepid duo Eva had just learned of Gideon's ex-fiancé and Cary had basically self destructed in their home in the home of an crazy ménage a quatre. Gideon assures Eva that Corinne is old hat and nothing to worry about and Eva tries to curb her jealous tendencies. These two still have a lot of baggage between them, mainly Gideon's inability to open up to Eva. The secrets of his past are driving a wedge between the two and it's starting to take a heavy toll. When a old flame from Eva's past pops back up, the resentment she has been harbouring spills over and she uses Brett to show Gideon what she feels at the hands of his ex. Still he persists in keeping secrets and when Cary is hurt he withdraws even further into self when Eva needs him the most. But when a ghost from the past literally comes back to haunt them it is made clearer why the distance. But secrets still break bonds and love doesn't always mean a HEA
Entwined with You (Crossfire, Book 3) (Kindle Edition)
Eva and Gideon are back and the duo are trying to reconcile after what was a necessary but still painful separation. We rejoin the two after finding that Gideon would really do anything to keep his Eva safe from any threat. While taking care of Nathan was necessary as he was blackmailing and threatening Eva, now they have to deal with the fallout. Gideon has already tried to midigate the risk of the police by getting rid of motive and solifidifying alibis but they still need to be cautious. Also Eva wasn't in on the plan from the get go so she was genuinely hurt by Gideon's actions and while she understands the pain she felt is still real. Finding their way back to each other without being obvious is like walking a tight rope but the couple are determined even with outside influences trying to interfere. When Brett believes he has a shot now that Eva is 'single' he tries to make his move and the ever present Corinne is acting even crazier than usual in her desire to have Gideon back. Add to that a reporter whom Gideon once spurned, Gideon's jealous and vengeful stepbrother Christopher, and Corinne's estranged husband and the hits just keep on coming. Also if there relationship wasn't enough drama to deal with add to that Cary's triangle drama, Eva's parents who's unrequited love comes to a head, and her father discovering about her past - and needless to say everyone's got a lot on their plates. But at its core their love is the most important and has the ability to conquer. Finally secrets are out in the open and trust is hard fought and well earned. The world keeps spinning around them but it really does stop for these two at times.
Captivated By You (Crossfire, Book 4) (Kindle Edition)
Eva and Gideon story continues and like all good HEAs after the uptick comes the great upheaval. We rejoin the pair after as the dust finally seems to settle after the steps Gideon took to permanently silence the threat of Nathan. It seemed that the two would, while still dealing with challenging past and wayward exes, would get to ride off into the sunset and enjoy some of the perks of married life. Life however has other plans for the Crosses. Gideon has been trying his hardest to shield Eva from all the gots that seem to just keep coming and while he thinks this is the right play, Eva is not having it. She feels like him keeping her in the dark and taking on all the burden is not only wrong it's insulting and patronizing - she is a grown woman and is supposed to be his partner. Then when certain parties discover more about Gideon's past due to Eva's crusade to right the injustice of it, it causes Gideon to have to rethink how he processes his trauma and how to move forward. All these things threaten the carefully crafted walls Gideon has built over years of self preservation but now he has a partner and that means sharing the load. He can either take down the walls brick by brick or Eva will be left stranded outside trying fruitless to scale it.
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January 26, 2022Sex, Steam, and Angst Oh my! More than filled the gap after reading FSOG a few times. In this series, the characters both had a background in rubbing elbows with the upper crust, which I prefer over the whole Pretty Woman fantasy. Eva finds Gideon’s most fabulous attributes to include his beauty, stamina, size, and prowess, which can make for an entertaining relationship. More importantly, those traits make for a captivating book! After recently gifting Bared to You to a relative, I couldn’t help myself and go back and read it again. Well, once I finished it, I continued with the next, Reflected in You. I was enjoying myself too much and I finished the rest of the series. It fits the criteria: (1) page-turner/can’t put down (2) want to re-read (3) would gift to a friend. This series is listed on many sites as something to read after Fifty Shades of Grey. I prefer not to compare books for a number of different reasons. I know a lot of people disliked Fifty and I wouldn’t want people to be hesitant to read this series because they disliked FSOG. I’ll refrain from comparing these two series even though there are a number of similarities. But simply, if you like a book with a lot of seriously steamy scenes – read this series. Gideon and Eva can’t get enough of each other. If they’re happy, they shag. If they’re angry, they shag. STAMINA – that’s the first word I think of when I think about this book. They go at each other at least 3-4 times per day. Their couples therapist isn’t certain that their indulgence in sex is actually healthy. They both refuse to try abstinence to address their issues. Gideon and Eva share a similar troubled past and a relatively similar taste for the rich and fancy. They face constant problems as a result of their pasts and can’t seem to catch a break. In addition, the side characters are fantastic. Cary, Eva’s best and purely platonic friend is great. He’s flawed but lovable none-the-less. Hopefully he’ll get his happily-ever-after in the final installment. Gideon is generally very supportive of Eva’s relationship with Cary. But at one time he suggests that Eva might be better off without Cary in her life.
July 3, 2025
Think 50 Shades with less bondage and more baggage.
Ratings Scales:
FMC 6/10 She seems fun. She has a past and stands up for herself repeatedly. She's loyal to her friends and doesn't say too many cringe cliches.
MMC 4/10 Bossy, Sad, and Mad are kind of his only states of being. Also horny. And Billionairy. Also he tracks her phone and has her followed and keeps just showing up in her locked apartment- y'all that's not morally grey, that's a solid red flag.
Plot 2/10 There's almost a murder mystery for a second except there's not. How much time even passes in the course of these books? A month or two? This is smut masquerading as romance. And being a billionaire kind of eliminates most plot tension-- like it becomes too easy to solve most problems so we only get to play with emotional trauma which is draining.
Spice 7/10 See Plot, above. This is very spicy, usually in a fun way. But there's also a lot of crying. Also in EVERY book he tells her some version of "Our spicy time and really our whole relationship would be better if you just let me tell you what to do" and things get real hot for like five minutes, but this isn't a profound enough realization to carry a series.
Favorite Moment: Power top at couples therapy is sweet.
Ratings Scales:
FMC 6/10 She seems fun. She has a past and stands up for herself repeatedly. She's loyal to her friends and doesn't say too many cringe cliches.
MMC 4/10 Bossy, Sad, and Mad are kind of his only states of being. Also horny. And Billionairy. Also he tracks her phone and has her followed and keeps just showing up in her locked apartment- y'all that's not morally grey, that's a solid red flag.
Plot 2/10 There's almost a murder mystery for a second except there's not. How much time even passes in the course of these books? A month or two? This is smut masquerading as romance. And being a billionaire kind of eliminates most plot tension-- like it becomes too easy to solve most problems so we only get to play with emotional trauma which is draining.
Spice 7/10 See Plot, above. This is very spicy, usually in a fun way. But there's also a lot of crying. Also in EVERY book he tells her some version of "Our spicy time and really our whole relationship would be better if you just let me tell you what to do" and things get real hot for like five minutes, but this isn't a profound enough realization to carry a series.
Favorite Moment: Power top at couples therapy is sweet.
February 5, 2021
The writing is superb and the tale is addicting! Gideon and Eva have what many of us think they want--obsessive love and devotion--and all the complications that come with that They are also both filthy rich and beautiful, but also damaged and vulnerable and hiding out and pushing each other to the limits both psychological and physical. There is danger in their high-stakes world. He is so Alpha that he can't show his weakness and the tortured soul who lives in the corner of the room. But she knows since she's been in the same place and sees right through him. On the other hand, she is so intent on doing her own life her own way that she doesn't take the danger seriously at first. There really are a lot of people out to get them both for all kinds of reasons.
The sexual relationship is so well-written and develops in a serious way over the course of the story. They both use sex to hide from other issues and to bolster their own self-esteem, which is a natural thing to do, but it holds them both back.
I also loved both of the therapists during their relationship but was not sorry to see the evil therapists exposed. Looking forward to the last book.
The sexual relationship is so well-written and develops in a serious way over the course of the story. They both use sex to hide from other issues and to bolster their own self-esteem, which is a natural thing to do, but it holds them both back.
I also loved both of the therapists during their relationship but was not sorry to see the evil therapists exposed. Looking forward to the last book.
May 16, 2020
Ge-wél-dige serie!!
October 26, 2020
Wow, non-stop drama. It's a quick moving soap opera. I read the series in a single run, so I got a bit exhausted by it, but the amount of movement in the plot is commendable. The characters are flawed but likable; their backstories and past traumas are thoroughly investigated. The main plot twist at the end was, in my opinion, unnecessary and caused the series to end on a melancholy note. However, I liked the relatively open ending for most of the characters.
It's not deep literature, but it was a good time.
It's not deep literature, but it was a good time.
February 7, 2021
3 stars
I think I am in the minority with this series because I couldn't help but feel like this was just another
variation of 50 Shades. There were just too many similarities. The story was intriguing enough that I did keep reading. Yet, at times, I asked myself why because it was not the best out there, nor do I understand all the high reviews of it. The drama was over the top as was the back and forth between the characters and the story itself was lacking. Don't get me wrong, I am all for some steamy times but I wanted the story that was there to be fleshed out more. It is a shame too because this author is gifted at writing. She had the potential to turn this into so much more of a story than 50 shades was. I am not buying the last book because I just can't continue on. However, even though this was not my favorite, that is the beauty of books because somebody else might (and does) like it. I appreciate the author and her hard work.
I think I am in the minority with this series because I couldn't help but feel like this was just another
variation of 50 Shades. There were just too many similarities. The story was intriguing enough that I did keep reading. Yet, at times, I asked myself why because it was not the best out there, nor do I understand all the high reviews of it. The drama was over the top as was the back and forth between the characters and the story itself was lacking. Don't get me wrong, I am all for some steamy times but I wanted the story that was there to be fleshed out more. It is a shame too because this author is gifted at writing. She had the potential to turn this into so much more of a story than 50 shades was. I am not buying the last book because I just can't continue on. However, even though this was not my favorite, that is the beauty of books because somebody else might (and does) like it. I appreciate the author and her hard work.
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