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Barely After Dark #1
Cross
Shifters Forever Boxed Set (Books 1-6 - Grizzlies!) - amazon.com/dp/B0104OFHEK (SAVE 50%!!)
Always After Dark (Books 1-4) --the spin off series - amazon.com/dp/B0110Z9SSI (SAVE 50%!!)
Never After Dark (Books 1-4) --the spin off series - amazon.com/dp/B016N8JMNS(SAVE 50%!!)
Only After Dark (Books 1-4) --the spin off series - amazon.com/dp/B01BRX90A4(SAVE 50%!!)
Cross del Cruz is a former Compliance Enforcer with the Shifter Council. He did his duty. He enforced the Council’s will around the country and even out of the country. Stress the word former, because all he wants now is to be left alone. He’s been living in his cabin on Bear Canyon Mountain Range, overlooking Bear Canyon Valley and enjoying the solitude of the forest. The quiet. The simplicity. The drama free environment that doesn’t involve other shifters. Not even family.
Except now Mae Forester, who has dubbed him as one of her “nephews” has decided she needs his help. He can’t turn Mae down, not when she gave him and his brothers a home during the worst days of their lives.
He didn’t expect Ariadne Fueller. Who could ever expect that curvy spitfire. She flipped his world upside down.
Before meeting her, Cross never would have called his existence lonely—until he met her.
If hot sex skeeves you out, you may want to pass on this book.
If freaky, downright dirty sexy talk bothers you, yeah, for sure you gotta pass on this one.
We believe in sex--hot, dirty, delicious sex.
Yup, make it sweaty, too. It's not just sex, it's about the romance.
But good romance has sex, and we keep the doors open! Oh, and the lights on! ;)
Always After Dark (Books 1-4) --the spin off series - amazon.com/dp/B0110Z9SSI (SAVE 50%!!)
Never After Dark (Books 1-4) --the spin off series - amazon.com/dp/B016N8JMNS(SAVE 50%!!)
Only After Dark (Books 1-4) --the spin off series - amazon.com/dp/B01BRX90A4(SAVE 50%!!)
Cross del Cruz is a former Compliance Enforcer with the Shifter Council. He did his duty. He enforced the Council’s will around the country and even out of the country. Stress the word former, because all he wants now is to be left alone. He’s been living in his cabin on Bear Canyon Mountain Range, overlooking Bear Canyon Valley and enjoying the solitude of the forest. The quiet. The simplicity. The drama free environment that doesn’t involve other shifters. Not even family.
Except now Mae Forester, who has dubbed him as one of her “nephews” has decided she needs his help. He can’t turn Mae down, not when she gave him and his brothers a home during the worst days of their lives.
He didn’t expect Ariadne Fueller. Who could ever expect that curvy spitfire. She flipped his world upside down.
Before meeting her, Cross never would have called his existence lonely—until he met her.
If hot sex skeeves you out, you may want to pass on this book.
If freaky, downright dirty sexy talk bothers you, yeah, for sure you gotta pass on this one.
We believe in sex--hot, dirty, delicious sex.
Yup, make it sweaty, too. It's not just sex, it's about the romance.
But good romance has sex, and we keep the doors open! Oh, and the lights on! ;)
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2016
10 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 28, 2016
3.75 Stars
This was a pretty good shifter story about a grumpy grizzly bear and a human female on the run.
Safety Gang - Bit of OM drama, neither are virgins.
June 8, 2017
Book one of barley out of dark series by Elle Thorne.
Cross de la Cruz is a bear shifter living in a remote cabin in wood away from civilisation.
When aunt mae come up to see him with Ariadne a scared woman needing a place to hide.
Love this story and how it developed especially there very quick introduction and mating. Would have loved to read more but unfortunately not on unlimited kindle so will have to leave till I get a Amazon gift voucher. Great HEA but felt ending just stopped. Would have loved a epilogue
Cross de la Cruz is a bear shifter living in a remote cabin in wood away from civilisation.
When aunt mae come up to see him with Ariadne a scared woman needing a place to hide.
Love this story and how it developed especially there very quick introduction and mating. Would have loved to read more but unfortunately not on unlimited kindle so will have to leave till I get a Amazon gift voucher. Great HEA but felt ending just stopped. Would have loved a epilogue
May 11, 2020
This Read was short, sweet and the point. I liked the story and look forward to Lance and Macs book next.
May 22, 2018
Good story line with a HEA but there were a lot of unanswered questions. Doesn’t make me want to read the rest of the series.
May 3, 2016
This is the latest story spinoff from Shifters Forever, Barely After Dark and is also a part of the Mating Fever series. This is the first story and centers on Cross del Cruz, one of three brothers who were orphaned as teens and taken in by Mae. When they grew up, the each became an Enforcer and lead separate lives. Cross came home on his sabbatical only to be recruited by Mae into protecting a human on the run—Ariadne. It’s not long before Cross’ bear takes notice and does something ill-advised after they get ambushed and she’s knocked unconscious. While not couple-bonded, they are now linked in a way that leaves them synced to many things about the other. This story is very fast moving and brings some old favorite characters back into the fold. I’ve read every story in the series so far and none disappoints. I will say, though, that Ariadne is surprisingly calm and accepting of learning that Cross is a shifter and I like that her character doesn’t freak out, run, and do more harm to herself—unlike in some PNR stories I’ve read. I’m looking forward to reading the follow-up stories of his brothers Lance and Judge.
July 6, 2025
Cross (Barely After Dark, #1) by Elle Thorne is a Paranormal Adult Romance.
I don't understand all the 4 and 5 stars. It is okay, but no where near that good. The writing is mechanical. The story and characters are mediocre. There are editing mistakes in the writing of the story itself. It is slow paced and lacks depth. The synopsis on both Amazon and Goodreads makes it sound like its erotic. In truth, it barely makes it to New Adult. There is only one adult scene, and quite frankly, it lacks passion.
It's okay.
If the star rating was the same on Amazon as Goodreads I would give it 2 stars. To keep all my reviews of this story in line with each other I gave it 3 stars.
On Amazon 2 stars = I don't like it.
On Goodreads 2 stars = it was ok.
That is what this story is.
Just 'OK'.
I don't understand all the 4 and 5 stars. It is okay, but no where near that good. The writing is mechanical. The story and characters are mediocre. There are editing mistakes in the writing of the story itself. It is slow paced and lacks depth. The synopsis on both Amazon and Goodreads makes it sound like its erotic. In truth, it barely makes it to New Adult. There is only one adult scene, and quite frankly, it lacks passion.
It's okay.
If the star rating was the same on Amazon as Goodreads I would give it 2 stars. To keep all my reviews of this story in line with each other I gave it 3 stars.
On Amazon 2 stars = I don't like it.
On Goodreads 2 stars = it was ok.
That is what this story is.
Just 'OK'.
January 4, 2017
Cross is totally badass. He's served his time as an Enforcer. Time to come home and recharge his batteries for a year before going back. When he gets back his AUnt Mae who took him and his brothers in asks for a favor.
Ariadne is on the run and has a big problem. She's out of options and Fiona offers help through Mae who takes her to Cross. Ariadne holds something precious that can get her killed. Things dont go great with Cross at first. Then she sees a different side to him and just gets so drawn to him. Cross wants nothing to do with her at first. His bear rides him hard and he has the instinct to protect her and a sweet fawn. Question is will Cross be able to protect her long enough to take care of those who threaten her? How will she react when she finds out he's a shifter?
Sweet story and enjoyable.
Ariadne is on the run and has a big problem. She's out of options and Fiona offers help through Mae who takes her to Cross. Ariadne holds something precious that can get her killed. Things dont go great with Cross at first. Then she sees a different side to him and just gets so drawn to him. Cross wants nothing to do with her at first. His bear rides him hard and he has the instinct to protect her and a sweet fawn. Question is will Cross be able to protect her long enough to take care of those who threaten her? How will she react when she finds out he's a shifter?
Sweet story and enjoyable.
January 20, 2018
Cover - 3.5
Plot - 1
Hero - 2
Heroine - 3
Avoiding cliche - 2
Romance - 1
Fluency - 1
Ending - 1
-------------
Overall - 1.8125
Plot - 1
Hero - 2
Heroine - 3
Avoiding cliche - 2
Romance - 1
Fluency - 1
Ending - 1
-------------
Overall - 1.8125
May 18, 2017
This was a great book. Cross del Cruz is a former Compliance Enforcer for the Shifter Council. He is also a bear shifter. This is pretty much a man this is a loner. He is one that is prepared for anything.
I loved Cross’ compassion when it came to other animals. In this story it talked about his encounter with a small fawn. This story made my heart melt. Here was this grizzly of a man who had a small soft spot for animals.
Ariadne Fueller was on the run. Her life was in danger and some very bad people wanted her dead. So when her friend sent her to a lady called Aunt Mae she went in hopes that this person could help. Ariadne did not know how much her life will change.
I loved Ariadne and Cross’ first meet. It was almost funny. I think when Ariadne was doing what she was doing I kept saying “No, no, no don’t do it” but would the character in the book listen to me..LOL Oh, only if she could.
There is a lot of chemistry between Ariadne and Cross. Cross’ bear keeps telling him that she is their mate. His bear is determined to make her theirs. Smart bear.
Cross will be determined to keep Ariadne safe, it will be come a challenge. it is a great story and glad I got a chance to read the book.
I loved Cross’ compassion when it came to other animals. In this story it talked about his encounter with a small fawn. This story made my heart melt. Here was this grizzly of a man who had a small soft spot for animals.
Ariadne Fueller was on the run. Her life was in danger and some very bad people wanted her dead. So when her friend sent her to a lady called Aunt Mae she went in hopes that this person could help. Ariadne did not know how much her life will change.
I loved Ariadne and Cross’ first meet. It was almost funny. I think when Ariadne was doing what she was doing I kept saying “No, no, no don’t do it” but would the character in the book listen to me..LOL Oh, only if she could.
There is a lot of chemistry between Ariadne and Cross. Cross’ bear keeps telling him that she is their mate. His bear is determined to make her theirs. Smart bear.
Cross will be determined to keep Ariadne safe, it will be come a challenge. it is a great story and glad I got a chance to read the book.
April 7, 2021
There were a few grammar errors and spelling mistakes. Usually I don’t mention them, but it was a little too many to ignore. Elle’s writing style was easy to read and had a narrative with detailed explanations. I became committed to the story quickly due to Ariadne that was running away from something and we didn’t know what it was at first. The mystery was good. I, however, did not stay committed to it due to the content a little further on in the book.
The storyline started off good and was shrouded in mystery but then it all ran out very quickly. It felt like the story beats came crashing together and left me saying, ‘Wait…what? What just happened?’ And then it was all over after a very graphic sex scene. I was left feeling unsatisfied [excuse the reference].
If you would like to read my whole review of this book, then you can check it out on my blog at the link below:
https://ondeanelourens.wordpress.com/...
The storyline started off good and was shrouded in mystery but then it all ran out very quickly. It felt like the story beats came crashing together and left me saying, ‘Wait…what? What just happened?’ And then it was all over after a very graphic sex scene. I was left feeling unsatisfied [excuse the reference].
If you would like to read my whole review of this book, then you can check it out on my blog at the link below:
https://ondeanelourens.wordpress.com/...
March 14, 2020
Read in the box set.
Best of the three but a sad story.
Woman on the run with evidence of a murder committed by her fiancé.
Really sad about the person killed.
Special enforcer type shifter helps her.
Liked both the H’s.
BOX SET REVIEW
Short stories with little depth but enjoyable. Read through KU.
I pick up this authors books every now and then.
I had read Cross before but didn’t remember it.
Three brothers who all join the SCU. Each has a story to tell.
What I find with this author is the fact you are sort of expected to know who these people are by having read all her previous books.
They entertain me for a short while but are lacking a depth that I like in my stories.
Best of the three but a sad story.
Woman on the run with evidence of a murder committed by her fiancé.
Really sad about the person killed.
Special enforcer type shifter helps her.
Liked both the H’s.
BOX SET REVIEW
Short stories with little depth but enjoyable. Read through KU.
I pick up this authors books every now and then.
I had read Cross before but didn’t remember it.
Three brothers who all join the SCU. Each has a story to tell.
What I find with this author is the fact you are sort of expected to know who these people are by having read all her previous books.
They entertain me for a short while but are lacking a depth that I like in my stories.
November 9, 2020
It felt rushed and barely formed into any kind of coherent story, even a short one. Plus it was left unresolved because we never really found out what her father knew or even what happened to her mum. We never even find out about what her life was like pre on the run, this made it particularly hard to connect to the character. There was no basis for me to even care whether or not she even survived. Though this problem wasn’t exclusive to Ariadne, it was also hard to be invested in Cross given the limited detail given in story.
November 24, 2020
Quick, to the point and done. Would have made a great full novel though. Like how did she get with the fiancé? What was her dad's job? the Coles Notes. lol
December 21, 2023
I liked the story, the characters and the setting as well.
April 14, 2016
My God I was so happy to read about the gang of Shifters Forever World again. Bear Canyon's Mae, Doc, Kane, Teagan, Astra and the list goes on, even Vax is in town for a visit! Those bears are back and as bad A%# and passionate as ever!
Fiona sends her very dear friend Ariadne to Mae at Bear Canyon to hide her from the danger that is chasing her. Ariadne has no idea about shifters, so she is going in blind, not even knowing Mae, or anyone else for that matter...She can't trust a soul and especially not that brooding hunk of a man who has cornered her, he could be one of those goons after her, but God he is a sight for sore eyes!
Cross Del Cruz thought he'd have peace and quite for a year after having finished his 4 year stint as an Enforcer. Then he finds a trespasser in his home, what the....To top it all off, his bear has reared up! Cross doesn't believe in fated mates, it's all hog wash, he doesn't want one anyway his life is fine the way it is, or is it? Geez why can't he keep his eyes off this trespasser and he's not looking because she has invaded his space either!
I love these bears and I'm so happy they are back again, Great first book!
Fiona sends her very dear friend Ariadne to Mae at Bear Canyon to hide her from the danger that is chasing her. Ariadne has no idea about shifters, so she is going in blind, not even knowing Mae, or anyone else for that matter...She can't trust a soul and especially not that brooding hunk of a man who has cornered her, he could be one of those goons after her, but God he is a sight for sore eyes!
Cross Del Cruz thought he'd have peace and quite for a year after having finished his 4 year stint as an Enforcer. Then he finds a trespasser in his home, what the....To top it all off, his bear has reared up! Cross doesn't believe in fated mates, it's all hog wash, he doesn't want one anyway his life is fine the way it is, or is it? Geez why can't he keep his eyes off this trespasser and he's not looking because she has invaded his space either!
I love these bears and I'm so happy they are back again, Great first book!
March 7, 2016
Elle's newest series Mating Fever: Shifters Forever Worlds starts with Cross. Cross del Cruz is one of Mae's nephews in Bear Canyon Valley. He is home after working as a Compliance Enforcer for the Shifter Council, it's shifters version of Special Forces. Mae's adoptive daughter Fiona calls and ask Mae to help her friend Ariadne. Ariadne is in trouble but no one seems to know exactly what's going on. Mae enlists Cross to help Ariadne. Their story is full of mystery, desire, fear, violence, heartache, lust and love. No matter how many books Elle writes centered in her Shifters Forever series each new book is unique. There are characters from past books that we get to catch up on and new ones we get to fall in love with.
The Mating Fever collection features bear shifters and dragon shifters and are written by multiple authors. I'm looking forward to reading each authors contribution to the collection. I received an ARC for my honest review.
The Mating Fever collection features bear shifters and dragon shifters and are written by multiple authors. I'm looking forward to reading each authors contribution to the collection. I received an ARC for my honest review.
March 10, 2016
The shifter forever worlds has grown again with an awesome new series. Once again Ms. Thorne has bended another tale with the characters we have already grown to love. I love how she seamlessly blends past characters into the new stories creating a larger world with more options. Cross is a retired enforcer who likes his privacy, when his aunt Mae drops off Ariadne Fueller because she needs his help he thinks he is the last person for the job. Ariadne is running for her life and Bear Canyon Valley doesn't seem like a far enough away to hide. Both Ariadne and Cross have secrets, but can they trust each other to keep them safe. Well written, well thought out and good characters make this a great read. As always Ms. Thorne lays the foundation for the next books in the series leaving you wanting more. Lots of action, just the right amount of emotion and and enjoyable story. I look forward to book 2.
March 19, 2016
Another winner!
I'm telling you Elle Thorne's shifter world is HUGE! She's taken us all over the place - from Europe to Louisiana and everywhere in between! I love that even though every book is a standalone, the characters weave in and out of other stories. How she keeps all of this straight is beyond me but I give her huge props for that!
This is the story of Cross who is one of Mae's (surrogate) nephew's. He was an Enforcer for the Shifter Council and is now at the beginning of his one year forced "vacation" . Ariadne is in trouble and her old college roommate sends her to Mae. Make feels Cross is the best person to protect Ariadne no matter what she's running from!
As in all Elle's books there's some suspense, some hot sex, and some heavy sigh moments. And I would expect no less from her! This is another must read and a great start to the stories of the three brothers. I'm excited for the next one!
I'm telling you Elle Thorne's shifter world is HUGE! She's taken us all over the place - from Europe to Louisiana and everywhere in between! I love that even though every book is a standalone, the characters weave in and out of other stories. How she keeps all of this straight is beyond me but I give her huge props for that!
This is the story of Cross who is one of Mae's (surrogate) nephew's. He was an Enforcer for the Shifter Council and is now at the beginning of his one year forced "vacation" . Ariadne is in trouble and her old college roommate sends her to Mae. Make feels Cross is the best person to protect Ariadne no matter what she's running from!
As in all Elle's books there's some suspense, some hot sex, and some heavy sigh moments. And I would expect no less from her! This is another must read and a great start to the stories of the three brothers. I'm excited for the next one!
March 5, 2016
Omg! What a fan-freaking-tastic, PNR contemporary fiction short read, that is jam-packed with action, suspense & romance :) Add in the hot bear shifter & some elemental magic and you do NOT want to miss out on this must read! I actually read this in one sitting this afternoon, it was so amazing that I did not want to stop :o Then I was sad after I had finished & it left me craving more ;) A phenomenal, fresh new story-line with awesome characters that will keep the reader engaged and the pages turning! I am so glad a friend let me read this & I cannot wait for the next book in this new series!
August 7, 2016
I'm addicted. It's official. I've been catching up on reviews today and realized I'm about two shifter novellas away from needing some kind of support group. That's not going to stop me from reading more of the Barely After Dark series though...Just one more chapter... novella... book... need...one...more!!!
March 5, 2016
Once again Elle ceases to amaze me with her writings. I love how she incorporates a lot of her other characters from other series into her writings...it was good see some of the others in for a visit, can not wait to read Lance
April 18, 2016
A shifter at odds with himself until she came along .
A shifter enforcer home after 4 years on leave for 1 year when be runs into a woman on the run an on his mountain . What follows he didn't expect . 18+
A shifter enforcer home after 4 years on leave for 1 year when be runs into a woman on the run an on his mountain . What follows he didn't expect . 18+
May 14, 2016
Another amazing story by Elle Thorne!! Love how she brings the characters to life for me. I also like how the stories intermingle, yet stand very solidly on their own. Can wait to read more! Great action with some twist and turns. I was given this story for a honest review.
June 1, 2016
This was a really good shifter story, with loads of suspense and action, shoot-em, bang them up, with a rescue, lust and lusty bear, mates .... Every thing that you need. I'm really looking forward the next book in the series.
April 29, 2016
I just love Elle's writing. I love how the families intertwine.
May 6, 2017
loved it
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews