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Holly #2

Cross Fire

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When Holly's worst nightmare steps back into her life, she has to decide whether to stand and fight or flee and survive. As the threads of her life begin to unravel around her, leaving her displaced from her home, terrified, and caught in the middle of a drug battle, she cant help but wonder if she made the wrong choice

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2017

680 people are currently reading
387 people want to read

About the author

C.C. Warrens

20 books514 followers
Jesus and laughter have brought C.C. Warrens through some very difficult times in life, and she weaves both into every story she writes, creating a world of breath-stealing intensity, laugh-out-loud humor, and a sparkle of hope. Writing has been a slowly blossoming dream inside her for most of her life until one day it spilled out onto the pages that would become her first published book.

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5 stars
1,615 (74%)
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100 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
Profile Image for (Katie) Paperbacks.
925 reviews393 followers
January 1, 2025
Seriously....this might be my favorite series ever and I'm only on book 2. C.C. Warrens what are you doing to me? I won't be able to sleep tonight. 😳😂
Profile Image for Anisa Brown.
67 reviews9 followers
July 12, 2025
Quick paced easy read, the suspense is on every page. The FMC is building relationships and found family with the characters in the story after facing so much adversity. After surviving a serial killer in the first book, Holly now finds herself under attack by her Step brother and in unrelated circumstances a drug mob. This girl just can't catch a break 😭 so far I'm enjoying the series and looking forward to Holly overcoming everything else the world tries to throw at her.
21 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2018
C.C. Warrens is now one of my very favorite authors. She mixes suspense, intrigue, police intervention, unusual friendships and humor to make the her stories hard to put down. I can't wait to read her next book: Crossed Off. Don't miss out, so be sure to read her first book, Criss Cross, then Cross Fire and now I'm awaiting and anticipating her next great book Crossed Off.
Profile Image for Elizabeth "Eli" Olmedo.
438 reviews47 followers
March 1, 2024
4.5*

Intense, suspenseful series with lots of twists. Once again, the main mystery wraps up by the final page (I did not see the culprit coming!), but the overarching one continues. It ends with a bit of a cliffhanger, but that was fine because I already had Book 3 ready to go.

I recommend reading the Book 1 first.

Potential triggers: it deals with abuse (physical, mental, and sexual).
Profile Image for Kelly.
Author 10 books139 followers
March 15, 2020
This is the second in the series, so it helps to start from the beginning. The suspense is never ending, and Holly is yet again targeted by a stalker and is connected to a separate investigation involving drug dealers. She relies on the help of a few cops to keep her safe, which she doesn’t trust cops. She doesn’t trust anyone.

I love indie authors. They can take more chances to write stories that don’t necessarily fit nicely into a genre label. This story is different from the traditional boy-meets-girl-meets-danger tropes. In fact there really isn’t a love interest. Max takes on the role of father figure, which is a different kind of story line for most contemporary novels. Jordan clearly has feelings for Holly, but the author explores Holly’s PTDS issues from trauma and readers can connect with Holly through her inability to connect with the outside word. I still find it hard to believe all of the dangerous situations Holly has faced in her life, but that adds to the total suspense of the story. I quite enjoy this series and look forward to the next.
Profile Image for Paula Shreckhise.
1,530 reviews137 followers
March 5, 2018
Cross Fire by C.C. Warrens is just as good or better than any episode of my favorite show, NCIS!

Wow! Holly Cross is up to her pretty neck in trouble.... It just seems to follow her around.

Her foster brother, Collin, is determined to intimidate and threaten her. Meanwhile, she has three Guardian Angel Cops to protect her: Detective Marx, the Father Figure; Sheriff Jordan, her childhood chum; and Sam, the boyfriend of her best friend Jace. But they have their day jobs to do, cases they just can’t let sit idle.

Marx is teaching Holly to drive and Jordan is teaching her to play pool. These scenes provide a comic relief to the intense action of the book. And look out for the fun at the bowling alley!

Holly struggles to overcome her paralyzing past memories. She likes to keep a buffer zone around her person at all times. She does not allow many people to get close. This makes for a difficult situation when she is persuaded to take a self-defense course from Jordan. But it also helps her work through some of her residual childhood trauma. Holly is just trying to lead a normal life but evil forces are vying to prevent that.
Holly manages to wind up in the middle of a police case and we are left wondering who the bad guys really are. You are in for some surprising twists and turns. Is Collin still a threat by the end of the book? What else does he have up his sleeve?
This book is so well written. The descriptions of action and self-defense training are easily understood. C.C. Warrens injects humor into her book. She makes it totally believable and that helps to break up the tension of the book........only to build it up again!
This was a riviting read that will grab your attention until the last page and have you wanting to read more of the adventures of Holly Cross!

* I received this book from the author. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Charity.
603 reviews82 followers
April 28, 2025
The 2nd half of the book was excellent! The first half had a lot of repeats from the first book and some inconsistencies that were hard to overlook.

Still definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Chloe Flanagan.
Author 10 books114 followers
December 4, 2017
Very rarely have I encountered a story that blends heart-pounding action with heartwarming narrative as expertly as Cross Fire does.

Holly Cross is still recovering from shocking trauma and trying to build her life with a real home and relationships when an old enemy and new threats plunge her life into danger all over again. She can only count on her faith and love for her friends to survive.

With nonstop action, a complex, yet endearing protagonist, emotional depth, and touches of humor, this second book in the Holly Series is as entertaining as it is uplifting.
Profile Image for Deena Adams.
480 reviews111 followers
June 7, 2020
Loved this second book in the Holly series. Detective Marx is a fierce protector of Holly and I'm totally in love with him. Haha. He handles Holly's impulsive and sometimes reckless behavior with patience, understanding, and a fatherly-type love. Jordan, who was introduced in book one, has become a favorite in this second book as he also throws all caution to the wind in order to protect Holly from danger. Although one plot in this story was tied up at the end, in the last scene the author leaves us hanging and ready for book three! If you enjoy suspense and action, this is a series for you.
220 reviews
March 28, 2021
Not too sure on this

Holly constantly disobeys those in charge of protecting her putting everyone in danger. It gets old reading about it. I also have to wonder why they have a trained police dog who never gets fed, walked, or taken out of a small apartment , even tho they jog regularly. And seriously, how long can it take for a great detective to track down the dog’s owner???
Profile Image for Toni Shiloh.
Author 56 books1,859 followers
March 17, 2019
So so so good, but I'm not surprised considering how awesome book 1 in the series was.
I immediately read this after finishing book 1 and I've already purchased book 3 to start tomorrow.
Profile Image for Kendal Sheldon.
131 reviews14 followers
April 29, 2025
Wow! Another great suspenseful read! Just when I think everyone is safe and things will get better, a curve ball is thrown. I am really enjoying this fast paced suspenseful thriller following Holly, an orphaned girl running from her past. I love the relationship that Marx and Holly have been forming that is one of a father and a daughter. Jordan, her childhood friend, is sticking around to rekindle his friendship with Holly since he’s missed out on the last 18 years with her. I am secretly hoping they end up growing closer and fall in love. 🥰 But as of right now, there is no romance in this book. So we will see what happens next.

I love when books in a series are connected by one long story and it leaves you hanging at the end (although I only like that if the next book is available immediately to start 😆). Thankfully the next 3 books are available, purchased, and queued in my TBR!

FMC: Holly
MMC: Marx (father figure), Jordan (childhood friend)

What you’ll find:
🔸 Rekindled friendship
🔸 Protective men
🔸 Facing fears
🔸 Self defense
🔸 Guard dog
🔸 Witty banter
🔸 Protective custody
🔸 Drug ring / gang
🔸 Faith themes
🔸 Forgiveness
🔸 Suspense, Mystery, Thriller

**I’ve been listening to the audiobooks for this series and they are fantastic! I definitely recommend! Heather Masters did an amazing job. 👏🏼

INFO:
📚: Book 2 of 5 - “A Holly Novel” series
🔹: Best read in order
📖: 386 pages; 🎧 12hrs 37min

CONTENT:
🌶️: None
🤬: None
⚠️: rape (past), death (on & off page), stalker, disturbing flashbacks, fear, panic attacks

𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰…
1. 𝘚𝘈𝘝𝘌 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳
2. 𝘍𝘖𝘓𝘓𝘖𝘞 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘴
96 reviews6 followers
February 25, 2024
Another winner

Love her books but they're so hard to read at times. This one was another rollercoaster ride and ended on a cliff hanger so on to the next one. A good Christian message throughout the book. Be so glad when I can read a happy ending if there is one. Not an easy book to read as was the first one .
Profile Image for Eva North.
114 reviews36 followers
Read
July 14, 2025
Ok this was official book number 3, and this was a serious trigger warning I didn’t anticipate. This book for me was like C.c. Warrens got my story and embellished it a bit, making me relive it through her writing-but thankfully it turned out good at the end. Again, I’m continuing the series-and I’m now onto Holly jolly.
Profile Image for Cara.
275 reviews13 followers
January 1, 2023
This one was better than the first book, although fairly unrealistic. It was a bit predictable as well. I liked the characters and their development and relationships. I’ll probably read the last book as long as it’s free. Not as much faith in this one but a bit more of a slow growing romance type thing.
Profile Image for Tanya.
64 reviews
November 26, 2025
Loved this one too!! Not as much as the first one though.

Holly is great!! Adore the progress she has made, especially with Marx. They warm my heart so much. I love the glimpses into her past we get.

Sam too!! Still want more interactions him.

Collin is a devious evil.

I think one of the reasons I didn't enjoy it as much as the first is Jordan. I like him as a character don't get me wrong.
I get he's going to be the love interest, but im really not feeling it. I don't know, maybe I'll change my mind in the coming books.
Profile Image for Cate.
Author 5 books45 followers
December 8, 2023
I highly recommend you read this series in order; it will make so much more sense.
Also, there's a cliffhanger, and there's a good chance you'll be staying up all night to the whole thing.
Profile Image for barbara conroy.
62 reviews
June 13, 2018
excellent second book to the series. i very much enjoyed the storyline, the characters are engaging and the author did a good job of keeping my interest so of course i am reading the third book!
Profile Image for Anita Burkett.
Author 5 books70 followers
November 10, 2017
Another Great Book

Wow! A bunch of surprises. I can see where the main character is moving forward. I guessed who one of the bad guys was and finally suspected another. Again so many surprises. I look forward to reading the next book.
Profile Image for Jeannie.
117 reviews3 followers
February 26, 2018
Another good book. This one wasn't as full as action as the first. I kind of got tired of the way Holly refuses to let anyone touch her and they have to stay four feet from her. She trust them but they have to stay four feet away? The last 20% of the book was thrilling. Events happened fast and the ending was a surprise. It's a good read and I would recommend it.
Profile Image for Glenda Parker.
Author 14 books21 followers
February 9, 2018
My review today is on the novel, Cross Fire. This is the second book in the A Holly Novel Series. I didn't read the first one but I am tempted to go back and read it because I really liked this one. I don't think I've ever read any C. C.'s work. This book is well written, action packed and full of intrigue. Fifty years ago I was married to an abusive man. It was a horrific time in my life. This is a hard subject to write about but this book handle the subject in a special way. I know that you are going to love this book.

Holly is learning self defense moves by Jordan, a former childhood friend. It's hard to learn the moves when she forces Jordan to keep a four foot boundary to her person but there is no other way. She can't trust men. Holly had been badly abused in her past; she can't stand to be touched, especially by men. Her foster brother, her abuser, is out there somewhere and she must learn to protect herself.

Rick Marx is a detective in New York Police Department. He has been protecting Holly for some time. He's the only one that she allows to actually touches her. Marx sees her as his daughter and will do anything it takes to keep her safe. When her foster brother shows up he takes Holly into his own home. He is investigating a drug trafficking gang, they see Holly as a means to control Marx and try to abduct her.

Sam is a police office in the NYPD. Sam is also one of her protector. He also dates her best friend. He knows little about her or her past, only that she's been abused and her fear of her foster brother.

Jordan is a sheriff from Kansas now, he has finally found Holly after searching for her for eighteen years. They were best friends at one time now she can't bare to have him touch her. He has no idea what has happened to her to cause her such torment. He refuses to go back to Kansas and leave her. He will protect her and find these people who are trying to destroy her.

This is the journey of four broken souls trying to survive in a world gone mad. Men our jumping out at them from every direction. How can they find the head of this drug ring and protect Holly from the killers. God had a plan for this team. A good plan and not for evil. God has a plan for you too. A plan for a hope and a future. Give Him your heart, make Him Lord of your life, and watch him clean up your mess.
Profile Image for Connie.
309 reviews6 followers
December 2, 2023
A Favorite

I will be following this author. So refreshing to read an on the edge of your seat thriller, with a dash of humor, minus the foul language. The characters are totally likable. In fact I love Holly, she seems so real throughout this series. I can’t wait to read more!!!
9 reviews
March 29, 2024
Disappointing

I enjoyed the first book in this series, so bought the others. I found this book really disappointing and much harder to get through. Holly is becoming more and more unbelievable with her ingratitude, disrespectful ways, and plain stupidity - putting herself in unnecessary danger when she knows she is a target. I hope the rest of the series will be more realistic.
Profile Image for Alicia (aliciasbooksanctuary).
339 reviews65 followers
May 5, 2025
OVERALL STAR RATING: 5/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5

It’s rare that I have this strong of a desire to sit and binge through an entire series like I do with this one. The more I read, the more I adore this cast of characters. The friendships and feeling of found family are simply unmatched. The suspense is incredible, the humor is amazing and the way each book ends just makes you NEED to pick up the next. This is only book two, but I already know I’m going to feel empty inside once I’ve read through them all. LOL

Book one, Criss Cross, left us on a bit of a cliff hanger and Cross Fire dives right back into the heart pounding suspense filled moments as Holly continues to hide and survive the death wish that her foster brother, Collin seems to have out for her. Holly is forced to live under police protection 24/7, but that means she also finds herself among some compromising crime scenes during ride alongs with her protectors. Holly is a curious one to say the least – she can’t seem to help herself when it comes to poking her nose into an investigation that she has no business being in. I feel as though a future detective is being formed in Holly – she has the investigative brain and an empathetic heart that wants to protect others.

It's impossible to go into too many details without spoilers, but as I said with book one – if you’re looking for a FAST-paced suspense that’ll increase your heartrate, this is the series for you!

Trigger Warning: Death – murder, and abuse, but zero language and what I would truly a consider a clean read.

*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,354 reviews164 followers
December 31, 2024
"God, please give me the strength not to run. Running is so much easier than fighting . . . . Give me the courage to stand in the face of my fears. Amen."

Courage. Courage to stand. Courage to stay. It was a constant battle, and one that Holly Cross realized that she could not fight without a measure of divine intervention. Her devious, cruel, incredibly demented foster brother Collin was taunting her again with his presence, and Holly wasn't at all sure that even three, strong, able-bodied law enforcement officers would be able to keep her safe.

Adding to everyone's angst was the fact that Holly had caught the attention of a narcotics ring, one that Detective Richard Marx was working very hard to dismantle. When trouble comes calling, her self-appointed ring of protection had no choice but to move her to a secure location.. . . which made Holly want to run all the more.

"Because as much as I like zebras . . . . " Who would have thought that a ridiculous pink zebra table might save her life?

Another riveting story that is terribly difficult to put down! Digging deep into the after-effects of childhood trauma, these kind and heroic characters prove their determination to love Holly wholly and unconditionally, protecting her at great risk to their own lives. Thankfully the tension is routinely broken with snippets of entertaining dialogue and incredibly inspiring prayers of faith.
734 reviews11 followers
April 17, 2019
C.C. Warrens has written a suspense series that touches the heart on many levels. Dealing with stalking and abuse these books are thoughtfully yet realistically written. The author delves into the intense emotions that surround the abused and the loved ones around them.

Holly was shifted around through the foster care system after the horrendous death of her family and loss of her memory. Years later their killer is stalking her. Through her circumstances she meets a detective (Marx), a cop (Sam), and a former childhood friend (Jordan) who’s now a sheriff. They all rally around to protect her.

She is wary of men; her stalker is nothing compared to her psychotic foster brother (Collin), who she’s been running from for the last ten years. Two years ago he found her and nearly broke her physically and emotionally. Now, can she trust these three men along with her best friend Jace or must she run again? Will God keep his promise to be with her no matter what or will her faith be shattered?

I couldn’t put these books down. Each book has its own intensity and the last two books had a twist I never saw coming.
Profile Image for The Humble Jess.
388 reviews29 followers
January 12, 2023
Review: I loved this book. Scratch that, I'm addicted. I can't stop reading. I love Holly. Her strength and courage and bravery to fight to gain her life back is utterly amazing. Marx I thought was going to be this disgusting love thing but instead it's a Father figure to Holly who has desperatly always wanted someone to love and care for her. Jordan joining at the hip is admirable. He had eighteen years trying to find Holly and now that she showed up, he desperatly grabs this chance to not lose her. Sam and Jace are just good friends to join the group of people that Holly has never had. Holly has everyone in her corner. People she's never had before. I find it very moving. Inspiring.
This may be a Christian suspense but don't be put off. This has suspense and crime and the thrill you seek. It's not as heart racing as the first book but it's just as good and just as twisted. I Loved it. It's not even overly religious either. I love the characters. I liked the drama and the plot, action and the suspense. Very well written. One of the best series I've read for sure. I highly recommend reading.
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