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A Cross to Bear
Gabriella Cross, a magazine reporter living outside of Chicago, is devastated when her sister is found dead. Intent on finding the killer, she follows the trail to billionaire playboy Michael Steele. When she finally confronts the mysterious man, Gabby is plunged into an ancient war between werewolves and vampires. Dark secrets are revealed, and she discovers that she has a unique power, one that has made her a target. Can Gabby embrace her power and bring justice to her sister's killer?
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2016
41 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 17, 2017
A Cross to Bear (Gabriella Cross #1) by M.J. Lovestone is a kindle scout book I won. It is a clever book with paranormal elements and a mystery. The girl of the story finds her sister dead and thinks playboy Steele is involved. She confronts him. Soon she finds herself in a world with vampires, werewolves, and she has a gift. One she may not want but may need. I really enjoyed this book.
April 8, 2023
A Cross to Bear is my first taste of M.J. Lovestone. I picked this up on Amazon Prime Reading, so it was free to read, unfortunately this book didn’t work for me.
This was one messed up story. The writing was not great. This story has cheating, abusive rapist husband, a young silly heroine, and alcohol characters. I only got to Chapter 7 - 15% when I DNF’d this title.
I picked up A Cross to Bear; because of the title, cover, and free Prime Reading.
Gabriella Cross aka Gabby is only 25, married to a cheater, YES, he’s cheated before, but no she doesn’t leave him then, and of course he cheats again. When she learns it’s happened again she is heartbroken, crying, and whining all about it and her life. Gabby heads off to her sisters house. Maggy aka the sister is a high-end escort aka hooker.
To sum up: Gabby is a silly 25 year old, who should have left or never married her hubby. We get cheating on both sides, rape and abuse, and lots and lots of alcoholic drinking in the first 6 chapters. No real plot or storyline.
A Cross to Bear was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
DNF’d at 15%.
This was one messed up story. The writing was not great. This story has cheating, abusive rapist husband, a young silly heroine, and alcohol characters. I only got to Chapter 7 - 15% when I DNF’d this title.
I picked up A Cross to Bear; because of the title, cover, and free Prime Reading.
Gabriella Cross aka Gabby is only 25, married to a cheater, YES, he’s cheated before, but no she doesn’t leave him then, and of course he cheats again. When she learns it’s happened again she is heartbroken, crying, and whining all about it and her life. Gabby heads off to her sisters house. Maggy aka the sister is a high-end escort aka hooker.
To sum up: Gabby is a silly 25 year old, who should have left or never married her hubby. We get cheating on both sides, rape and abuse, and lots and lots of alcoholic drinking in the first 6 chapters. No real plot or storyline.
A Cross to Bear was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
DNF’d at 15%.
October 17, 2016
This book was so vulgar and badly written that I only read about 20 pages. Ugh. Such trash.
May 9, 2018
So ... there were different things I didn't like this time around. I tried reading the second but totally had to dnf that one. I'm also taking down the rating I put for this one.
5/8
There were things that I liked in this book and things that I did not. I almost DNF'd it near the beginning during an intense/horrific scene with her husband. I normally don't shy away from books that choose to include abuse, rape, or torture. To me it is how it is handled afterwards and in my opinion it wasn't handled so great. I'm kind of surprised that I didn't read any other reviews that talked about this honestly.
Right afterwards, I think that night, she decided to get busy with another guy?
1. I don't think this was given enough gravity for the subject matter, there was like no recovery it seems.
2. Even though she was separated from her a-hole husband she was okay with sleeping with someone else. He was doing it so why not? That might work for other people, but me personally I don't think that is cool.
Gabby had a few issues when it came to being gullible ... really gullible at times. As for Victor’s servants … how did she know that they were Chinese? I know personally I wasn’t very good at telling the difference between the nationalities from the Asian continent when I still had my vision. It might be a minor thing to some, but it just rubbed me the wrong way how they were presented within the story. Also, people were pretty disposable in this story. I know their deaths most likely wrapped up some loose ends that might’ve occurred after some events, but still.
Despite the issues I had with the story I still liked reading it. How is that for making sense? I enjoyed the character of Gabby, she was spunky, funny without being too much so, and I admired her will power to keep trying despite of the odds against her. Hah I think I might look into reading the next book in the series, but it isn’t a top priority since my TBR shelf is already freaking huge as it is.
5/8
There were things that I liked in this book and things that I did not. I almost DNF'd it near the beginning during an intense/horrific scene with her husband. I normally don't shy away from books that choose to include abuse, rape, or torture. To me it is how it is handled afterwards and in my opinion it wasn't handled so great. I'm kind of surprised that I didn't read any other reviews that talked about this honestly.
Right afterwards, I think that night, she decided to get busy with another guy?
1. I don't think this was given enough gravity for the subject matter, there was like no recovery it seems.
2. Even though she was separated from her a-hole husband she was okay with sleeping with someone else. He was doing it so why not? That might work for other people, but me personally I don't think that is cool.
Gabby had a few issues when it came to being gullible ... really gullible at times. As for Victor’s servants … how did she know that they were Chinese? I know personally I wasn’t very good at telling the difference between the nationalities from the Asian continent when I still had my vision. It might be a minor thing to some, but it just rubbed me the wrong way how they were presented within the story. Also, people were pretty disposable in this story. I know their deaths most likely wrapped up some loose ends that might’ve occurred after some events, but still.
Despite the issues I had with the story I still liked reading it. How is that for making sense? I enjoyed the character of Gabby, she was spunky, funny without being too much so, and I admired her will power to keep trying despite of the odds against her. Hah I think I might look into reading the next book in the series, but it isn’t a top priority since my TBR shelf is already freaking huge as it is.
May 7, 2016
Got this book free from Kindle Scout.
It doesn't take long for the action to start I really liked that. Gabby has a troubled life from the start which is good preparation for things to come. On of my favorite scenes was Maggy with a baseball bat. I don't want to spoil the moment for you but I really like Maggy's spunk. Quip's character cracks me up! I love that he dolls Gabby up for her interview with Michael. Victor had me fooled shame on you M.J! So ill say this if your into vampires, werewolves, and witches this book is for you! The twists to the story I didn't see coming. By the end of the story Gabby drops some baggage and claims her destiny. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book to see where it goes from here.
It doesn't take long for the action to start I really liked that. Gabby has a troubled life from the start which is good preparation for things to come. On of my favorite scenes was Maggy with a baseball bat. I don't want to spoil the moment for you but I really like Maggy's spunk. Quip's character cracks me up! I love that he dolls Gabby up for her interview with Michael. Victor had me fooled shame on you M.J! So ill say this if your into vampires, werewolves, and witches this book is for you! The twists to the story I didn't see coming. By the end of the story Gabby drops some baggage and claims her destiny. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book to see where it goes from here.
October 22, 2016
I have seen some mixed opinions on this book from one star up to five. For me it was a four. I have to admit that some parts could be considered as taboo but to me this is a dark read that I want more of. There is violence on many levels, rape, assault, deceit, loyalty, love and hatred. The reader will have to understand that not all react the same way to different aspects and trauma in life. Remember that it is a paranormal read and that it is dark fiction and the reader will enjoy what it has to offer.
Will read the next book.
Will read the next book.
September 22, 2017
Plenty of action and building tension in this book. Werewolves, vampires, witches, and other supernatural creatures abound. But who is good and who is bad? Gabriella is insecure in who she is, living in the shadow of her sister, and she frequently wonders what her sister would do in various situations. Once Gabby finds her own power and strength, she grows more confident. One complaint was the gay guy was rather typecast in his profession (hairdresser) and mannerism (bitch and queen).
December 28, 2016
Twilight ripoff?
This seems a bit of a Twilight ripoff. Still found it a bit enjoyable. Will read the next one and hope it is better.
This seems a bit of a Twilight ripoff. Still found it a bit enjoyable. Will read the next one and hope it is better.
March 13, 2017
Good story
I enjoyed this book. It had quite a twist in the end! I will definitely be looking for the next one.
I enjoyed this book. It had quite a twist in the end! I will definitely be looking for the next one.
May 19, 2017
Good read
Couldn't put the book down, kept my interest from the beginning to the end. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
Couldn't put the book down, kept my interest from the beginning to the end. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
October 19, 2016
Nice smooth read with plenty of action and some Twists along the way. No cliff hanger but enough info to see a great series to follow.
July 31, 2016
This genre of book is not something I would normally read, however, I have been a fan of the Author for some time, and have read all his other works, which have been exceptional.
I was asked to read this as a part of the Kindle Scout process to see if I could help get it included, and again, although something I would never normally look at, I'm glad I did.
This is a well written story that is a lot of fun. The Author has continued from his other works with creating interesting and engaging characters. The main character, Gabrielle Cross, runs the full spectrum, from funny, to overly dramatic, but throughout the entire story, she is a fighter. There are some rather brutal scenes at the start of the book that may offend some readers, but Gabrielle, continues on as she is a fighter.
Having dealt with this sort of abuse for nearly 13yrs of my life as a Police Officer, you see all sorts of reactions, and Gabby’s is not uncommon, to not be beat down by it, to get up and keep going. She is a fighter.
Gabrielle (Gabs for short), is unaware of the power that she carries, nor is she fully aware of the strange world that surrounds her. I am not going to give away too much here, so no real spoilers.
Needless to say, this story starts off with you wondering what is going on, and if you have picked up the right book, but then it launches in to it, and there are so many twists and turns, you will never see them coming until the end game is revealed.
There are all sorts of quirky and wonderfully brilliant characters in this book that make it exceptionally fun to read (Quip has to be my favourite with Ingrid a close 2nd). There are also a lot of ‘Romantic’ deep and meaningful characters and interludes as well, so anyone that is a bit sensitive should be aware, but then again, if you are, you shouldn’t be reading a paranormal romance novel to start with…
Having read none of the genre previously, I have no comparison for the story, but, this was a good, action packed story that seemed to flow well. As a said, it was a little slow to start, but that was to be expected as the Author built the characters, the plot and built momentum for the remainder of the book.
As with a lot of stories these days the Author has taken a bit of poetic licence with their version of Vampires and Werewolves. If you are a purist, you may be annoyed at this, otherwise, you just have to adjust your thinking and run with it. So many stories have altered the concepts of the Mythos of the core Undead now that it’s almost a requirement to come up with something new. I’ll let you decide.
This is going to make a great series, as the main character is so much fun with her attitude and with her ensemble of side-kicks. I will definitely be looking out for the sequel.
I was asked to read this as a part of the Kindle Scout process to see if I could help get it included, and again, although something I would never normally look at, I'm glad I did.
This is a well written story that is a lot of fun. The Author has continued from his other works with creating interesting and engaging characters. The main character, Gabrielle Cross, runs the full spectrum, from funny, to overly dramatic, but throughout the entire story, she is a fighter. There are some rather brutal scenes at the start of the book that may offend some readers, but Gabrielle, continues on as she is a fighter.
Having dealt with this sort of abuse for nearly 13yrs of my life as a Police Officer, you see all sorts of reactions, and Gabby’s is not uncommon, to not be beat down by it, to get up and keep going. She is a fighter.
Gabrielle (Gabs for short), is unaware of the power that she carries, nor is she fully aware of the strange world that surrounds her. I am not going to give away too much here, so no real spoilers.
Needless to say, this story starts off with you wondering what is going on, and if you have picked up the right book, but then it launches in to it, and there are so many twists and turns, you will never see them coming until the end game is revealed.
There are all sorts of quirky and wonderfully brilliant characters in this book that make it exceptionally fun to read (Quip has to be my favourite with Ingrid a close 2nd). There are also a lot of ‘Romantic’ deep and meaningful characters and interludes as well, so anyone that is a bit sensitive should be aware, but then again, if you are, you shouldn’t be reading a paranormal romance novel to start with…
Having read none of the genre previously, I have no comparison for the story, but, this was a good, action packed story that seemed to flow well. As a said, it was a little slow to start, but that was to be expected as the Author built the characters, the plot and built momentum for the remainder of the book.
As with a lot of stories these days the Author has taken a bit of poetic licence with their version of Vampires and Werewolves. If you are a purist, you may be annoyed at this, otherwise, you just have to adjust your thinking and run with it. So many stories have altered the concepts of the Mythos of the core Undead now that it’s almost a requirement to come up with something new. I’ll let you decide.
This is going to make a great series, as the main character is so much fun with her attitude and with her ensemble of side-kicks. I will definitely be looking out for the sequel.
Read
April 29, 2016A Kindle Scout Winner - And A Worthy One
This is one of a handful of books that I have backed as a Kindle Scout member. I am so pleased to see that the KS team picked this book up for publication, as it is a real winner.
I'm not normally someone who picks books from the paranormal romance section of the bookshelves, but this book is way more than just the romance elements. It is a well-crafted story about a woman who loses everything, and has to put herself back together before she can face the very things that took everything from her.
The star of the book is Gabby Cross, and initially she comes across as one of those people who is too unsure of themselves to really excel at anything. However, the loss of her sister puts her on a path of self-discovery, and into the cross-fire of Otherworld elements that she doesn't even believe exist... Until now...
I initially backed this book, because the cover caught my attention, but then I read the blurb, and I wanted to know what happened... When it came through my email that this book had released, I added it to the top of my reading list... I'm not sorry that I did.
If you like paranormal intrigues, romances, and new angles on old myths, then this could well be the book for you too...
This is one of a handful of books that I have backed as a Kindle Scout member. I am so pleased to see that the KS team picked this book up for publication, as it is a real winner.
I'm not normally someone who picks books from the paranormal romance section of the bookshelves, but this book is way more than just the romance elements. It is a well-crafted story about a woman who loses everything, and has to put herself back together before she can face the very things that took everything from her.
The star of the book is Gabby Cross, and initially she comes across as one of those people who is too unsure of themselves to really excel at anything. However, the loss of her sister puts her on a path of self-discovery, and into the cross-fire of Otherworld elements that she doesn't even believe exist... Until now...
I initially backed this book, because the cover caught my attention, but then I read the blurb, and I wanted to know what happened... When it came through my email that this book had released, I added it to the top of my reading list... I'm not sorry that I did.
If you like paranormal intrigues, romances, and new angles on old myths, then this could well be the book for you too...
June 23, 2016
I really enjoyed it. I received a free e-copy through the Kindle Scout program after nominating the book which was selected for publication. I liked Gabriella, but she was dumb at times as mentioned by characters in the book. Seriously, she didn't know that silver bullets is a poison to werewolves. The book is told in the present time and with all of the vampire and werewolf movies out she should have had some knowledge of the stories whether true or not. Her family did her such an injustice by not training her as a young girl about the otherworld and creatures. She is given such powers and could have trained from her parents and Maggie. I figured out early on who had her back and didn't if she would have taken the time to really think about all the events that occurred. We could figure out as a reader. What gave me pause was Michael stating with conviction, "Gabriella Cross, stop..." I did enjoy the book and look forward to reading another Gabriella Cross novel. I would love to read the pre-Gabriella novel(s) with her older sister Maggie and Michael Steele and Victor where we can get the back story when Gabriella was young.
March 25, 2016
This is a DEFINITE MUST READ!!
I thought I already reviewed this great story but apparently I didn't.
I want to tell the readers that this author has it all together writing this fantastic story.
Gabby, the main character in the story has gone through so much throughout the entire story. First, her husband is a jerk to put it mildly. He's abusive to her, he drinks too much and he has a girlfriend on the side.
Gabby's only out is to run to her sister's house because her sister, Maggie, ALWAYS is there for her, kind of like her protector.
What takes place when Gabby cannot find her sister, turns into a different kind of nightmare with vampires and werewolves.
Gabby doesn't know the good guys from the bad and she's left in the dark because she just doesn't know who to trust.
I HIGHLY recommend this read because it just keeps getting better throughout the entire story.
I thought I already reviewed this great story but apparently I didn't.
I want to tell the readers that this author has it all together writing this fantastic story.
Gabby, the main character in the story has gone through so much throughout the entire story. First, her husband is a jerk to put it mildly. He's abusive to her, he drinks too much and he has a girlfriend on the side.
Gabby's only out is to run to her sister's house because her sister, Maggie, ALWAYS is there for her, kind of like her protector.
What takes place when Gabby cannot find her sister, turns into a different kind of nightmare with vampires and werewolves.
Gabby doesn't know the good guys from the bad and she's left in the dark because she just doesn't know who to trust.
I HIGHLY recommend this read because it just keeps getting better throughout the entire story.
May 16, 2016
Not as bad as other's have reviewrd
I hope this becomes a series, I enjoyed the story telling. Folks then to feel that every book should be with out errors. Well the world isn't with out errors. I feel a story should be enjoyable to read, and a good one over and over again. This story is one that I enjoyed reading. Finished it in four hours will enjoy reading again. Reading should be fun with a capital F. It was the first way of commutating thought and ideas. The sagas, and fables are good example's of enjoyable stories. I like the authors style and the development of the individual's within this tale.
I hope this becomes a series, I enjoyed the story telling. Folks then to feel that every book should be with out errors. Well the world isn't with out errors. I feel a story should be enjoyable to read, and a good one over and over again. This story is one that I enjoyed reading. Finished it in four hours will enjoy reading again. Reading should be fun with a capital F. It was the first way of commutating thought and ideas. The sagas, and fables are good example's of enjoyable stories. I like the authors style and the development of the individual's within this tale.
April 28, 2016
Enjoyable romp...
No spoilers...
Nice light read. There wasn't much I didn't like and there were a couple of characters I absolutely adored.
Not as many surprises as I would have liked though and a few typos but not terribly annoying.
(My goodness! What a terrible review. Typos galore and little to no content... I really must read this book again and do over this review. My apologies to y'all- I have no idea why I felt the need to speak such a lack lustre review! Will remedy asap. *muah*)
No spoilers...
Nice light read. There wasn't much I didn't like and there were a couple of characters I absolutely adored.
Not as many surprises as I would have liked though and a few typos but not terribly annoying.
(My goodness! What a terrible review. Typos galore and little to no content... I really must read this book again and do over this review. My apologies to y'all- I have no idea why I felt the need to speak such a lack lustre review! Will remedy asap. *muah*)
April 23, 2016
Infuriating!!!!
This book could have been amazing. It has all the makings of a good read. There is no character development for the main character. The lead males are extremely flat. Major plot points are glossed over and not even fully explored! The major points of the book are interesting but I feel like this book could have been separated into at least two books so everything could have been fleshed out.
This book could have been amazing. It has all the makings of a good read. There is no character development for the main character. The lead males are extremely flat. Major plot points are glossed over and not even fully explored! The major points of the book are interesting but I feel like this book could have been separated into at least two books so everything could have been fleshed out.
August 2, 2016
Good story about a stupid woman
A Cross to Bear is really an enjoyable novel if you can get over the fact that the main character is truly a naive twit. I was on to what was happening way before she started to become aware of anything. She's supposed to be a journalist. No wonder she got canned!
Spoiler question:
Why would a billionaire kill someone and leave them on their own doorstep?
Will I read the next book?
Yes. Yes I will. Now who's stupid? *slapping forehead*
A Cross to Bear is really an enjoyable novel if you can get over the fact that the main character is truly a naive twit. I was on to what was happening way before she started to become aware of anything. She's supposed to be a journalist. No wonder she got canned!
Spoiler question:
Why would a billionaire kill someone and leave them on their own doorstep?
Will I read the next book?
Yes. Yes I will. Now who's stupid? *slapping forehead*
November 6, 2016
As in amazing story this book started with giving me a foundation of the story. Then WHAM, Gabby loses her sister, the drama and meat of the story unfolds. Parts of the story I thought I knew exploded into the unknown. The vibrant depth of the characters made me want to read more. It's a must read for all.
*I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this advance reader copy and was not compensated in any way.*
*I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this advance reader copy and was not compensated in any way.*
May 8, 2016
I loved Gabriella's transition in the book. She definitely grew as the book progressed. It was interesting to see her develop. I did think that the relationship was a little forced between the main characters and that they seemed to just fall in love over a moment's time. However, I would and will definitely look for book two in the series.
October 29, 2016
I read this book though Kindle Unlimited. I enjoyed reading this story, although I thought Gabrielle started out as an extremely weak character. She grew as the book went along. The storyline is good, I felt is started out a bit slow, but came a long nicely as it progressed. With the exception of Gabrielle starting out weak, the characters are well written and defined.
October 30, 2016
This was an interesting and dark story. This was a get to know the story line for future series, so it crammed a lot of information in. It would have been nice to learn more about Michael and his crew but that can be for next book.
I would recommend this book for a dark paranormal story .. I did enjoy it.
I would recommend this book for a dark paranormal story .. I did enjoy it.
March 11, 2016
Fun Story
I don't know what I was expecting, but this is a great story. Great character development with a few interesting plot twists. Slow start with the world's worst week for Gaby.
I don't know what I was expecting, but this is a great story. Great character development with a few interesting plot twists. Slow start with the world's worst week for Gaby.
March 19, 2016
A really good start to this (i hope) series. When you don't know.... who do you trust? Thrown into a world that you are left in the dark about and expected to be a hero. But, this one is filled with lies and betrayal that you didn't see coming.
April 28, 2016
My opinion on this book
I started reading this book and found the start to be booting but if you per server it does get better but more information could of been added so. As not to leave so many loose ends.
I started reading this book and found the start to be booting but if you per server it does get better but more information could of been added so. As not to leave so many loose ends.
November 30, 2016
A different kind of vampire / werewolf story. Definitely no sparkling bodies in the sun! Some domestic violence in the beginning that may offend some, but I just saw it as the touch of reality it is.
March 8, 2016
Great beginning!
I can't wait to see what comes next. The characters are well rounded and full of life. Time to kick butt and take names. What's next?
I can't wait to see what comes next. The characters are well rounded and full of life. Time to kick butt and take names. What's next?
March 22, 2016
A Good Paranormal mystery romance.
Good drama,action,angst,romance.Enjoyed reading.
Looking forward to the next in series.
Good drama,action,angst,romance.Enjoyed reading.
Looking forward to the next in series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews