Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Crossed Forces: Emotional, fast paced military romance for those who believe in second chances.

Rate this book
Candice Embers didn't have to think twice about volunteering in South Sudan, all she ever wanted to do was travel.

What she did have to think twice about was whether to take a chance on one of London's most notorious players and future CEO of Laine Corporation, Blake Laine.

He's fun, sexy as hell and surprisingly honest, but will he stick around when the unthinkable happens and both their lives are changed forever.

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2018

16 people are currently reading
135 people want to read

About the author

Autumn Ruby

12 books210 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
37 (60%)
4 stars
17 (27%)
3 stars
6 (9%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Love2ReadRomance.
264 reviews110 followers
March 24, 2018
Oh my GOODNESS!!!! I absolutely loved Blake, Candice and all of the supporting characters in Crossed Forces!This book had love, suspense, emotion, best friends, hot sexy Alfa males, and strong women. It really did have everything. I can’t wait to read more from Autumn Ruby!
Profile Image for Olga therebelreader.
894 reviews767 followers
February 6, 2018
What a refreshing read! I was definitely pulled into the story almost from the beginning. Nothing comes easy in life. Anything worth having is worth fighting for. The love Blake and Candice share is definitely worth fighting for and anyone could see that. Yes, there was chemistry and heat between them from the moment they met, but they didn't dive head first into a relationship, they tested the waters. The way they discussed things, their emotions, his giddy happiness at spending time with her, her insecurities for her burn scars and her bravery... Everything was well done.

I truly think I would have loved Crossed Forces had it not dragged at certain points. That is really my only complaint when it comes to this book. A good portion of the book saw the couple in the “sweet moments stage” and while I love this, I also want something more.

Like I said, I did enjoy it and I did really love the characters and the romance. All in all, a romantic and enjoyable book.


In short:
Hero 5/5 | Heroine 5/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 4/5 | Steam 4/5 | Romance 5/5 | Angst-Suspense 4/5 | Darkness 1/5 | Humor 2/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 4/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 5/5 | Pace Steady | Action 4/5


Complimentary copy kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Julie's Book Land Reviews.
546 reviews35 followers
January 26, 2018
Autumn Ruby's debut novel is full of emotion that pulls at the heart strings  and never let's go amongst other things plus with an ending that questions everything you've ever read before in your whole reading career. I seriously cannot wait for the next book in the Cross series by these amazing first timers.
Profile Image for Sofia´s Beddable Reads.
645 reviews68 followers
January 30, 2018



*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
*This review contains no spoilers*

This was an emotional rollercoaster: there's really no other way I can describe it.
Well, that's not really true.I could describe it a billion different ways but I'm pretty confident that
the term I just used, it's the one that encompasses everything that has crossed my mind
in last couple of hours.

You see, it has everything.
Don't believe me? Then I'll prove it to you.
Sexy billionaire with piercing green eyes and that trademark irresistible smirk? Check.
Fiery heroine with a smart mouth, the kind that won't back down even if their life was on the line?
Check.
Action-packed story, suspenseful attention-grabbing scenes, tear-jerking AND laugh out loud moments?
Check.
And of course, let us not forget (how could we?), lots, and lots and lots of hot, sexy, dirty,
all-the-awesome-adjectives-you're-thinking-of-right-now bits. Huge bits.
Hehe, see what I did there?

Ultimately, this story could've been the textbook for "Second Chances 101".
I really think someone should just teach that course, by the way: it's needed. Get on in. Stat.


Blake and Candace: two souls that went through so much and, either if you wouldn't guess it in a million years, belong together.
But then again, you might've guessed it.
With all the, you know, flirtatious vibes. :)


It was my first time reading Autumn Ruby and you can bet your pinkie I'll be back.
And can only guess what is coming, but I'm already loving it.
Let's just say that if what I read about them in this book is any indication, the couple on the way will have you kindles steaming up.
Oh, how I love a good banter.
Profile Image for Tracy W (Tracy&HelensRomanceBlog).
298 reviews58 followers
January 31, 2018
WOW!!!

Honestly it’s not often I come across a new author with there debut book and it blows me away...Autumn Ruby has done that..this book is undoubtedly AMAZING and a must read by EVERYONE!!

Crossed forces is packed full of action and suspense and honestly keeps you on the edge of your seat, I loved how it went in to so much detail that you honestly feel like your living the story.

These characters are just absolutely amazing and Blake is just yummy, Candy is absolutely perfect for him and I just prayed for them to find there HEA.

Throughout this whole story I went through so many emotions, times I could have quite easily jumped the book and fought for these characters myself. I smiled so big with this book, I really didn’t want it to end.

Autumn Ruby has without a doubt produced an amazing story.....definitely deserves 5 🌟 in my eyes deserves so many more. I definitely recommend this book to anyone. My top read so far this year. Well done on a fantastic debut book.
Profile Image for Melissa Blakeney.
204 reviews19 followers
January 31, 2018
Ok seriously This book was AHHHazing like really!!

And that cover *fan myself*

Being friends with the authors makes my reviews a little bias but I’m blunt so here it is

Ok just a little...cant give anything away *sorry not sorry*

But seriously I have a girl crush on Candice she was just everything amazing and I want to be like her when I grow up

And guys Blake was just all kinds of yuuummm-to-the-eee

All around this book had its ups and downs for me but i firmly truly loved love and when it goes live I highly suggest you one click ASAP

5 plus stars

Xx
Mel
1,018 reviews13 followers
January 26, 2018
4.5stars! Crossed Forces was an awesome story, this had all the feels for me! The story flowed along beautifully! Loved all the characters! Love Blake & Candice they are amazing and hot together, loved the ending! Autumn and Ruby you both wrote an amazing story! Hope we get a story for Greyson!
Profile Image for Cali Gal’s.
1,226 reviews146 followers
January 31, 2018
As a California gal, I loved reading this book with all its British flavor. This story has interesting, believable and full characters. Candice is a amazing soul trying to live a purposeful life after a devastating loss. Blake is a rebel and bad boy that also has his own help-giving mission. Within this book you go on a roller coaster ride of events. You experience war torn countries, life after an injury, dealing with family issues, but mostly importantly you get lots of deliciously steamy interplay to keep the intrigue high.(wink wink). This story has angsty. It definitely has naughty. Most importantly it has emotional. The side characters gave added hilarity and depth to what I think already is a great story. (Tapping finger on chin) Are we being teased about future storylines?! Lets hope so (clapping my hands). Definitely a recommended book. Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Lovingbooks1.
1,187 reviews24 followers
January 24, 2018
*I was gifted this ARC from the authors and freely give my review*

Candice and Blake is meeting under unconventional circumstances. Can love grow when war and destruction is surrounding two people who feels the connection?

In the beginning I had difficulty connecting to the characters but they worked their way in to my heart through the story 💜

What I liked:
* Lots of emotions
* No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
* Seriously hot love scenes
* Emotional and sweet, feelings are well described
* Both Candice and Blake has experienced loss so they have some similar references to life experiences.
* Lots of dialogues (which I love)
* Good storyline
* Secondary characters that makes me want their story too, omg Grayson 😯
* Leaving me feeling happy and at the same time hopeful for the next book.

For a debut novel this is really good. I hope this duo keep writing many books and perfect their writing cause this was a strong 4 star 🌟 read.
11 reviews
August 13, 2018
I received a copy of this book, in return for an honest review:

“... that sickening day when I learnt the true depth of grief and how hard it is to let go…”

From the very start of the novel you are hit with emotion- and as you continue on in the book, you are left on the edge of your seat time and time again.

Crosses forces is full of drama, suspense and love, and with the whole thing being an emotional roller coaster, you are always left wondering what will happen next.
Blake Lane is the future CEO of Laine Corporations, he's sexy, funny (and a bit of a player) but when he meets Candice Embers both of their lives change.
The story is set in South Sudan, the civil war, between the government and opposition forces (which started in December 2013) is shown tearing lives apart. The setting of this story, to me, is very significant as it sheds light on global current affairs that otherwise may be ignored.
I would without doubt recommend this novel to anyone looking for a suspense filled, romantic story. However, it is evident that this story is not meant for younger readers, so if you are not comfortable with sex, then maybe you aren't old enough to read...

Profile Image for Laura Farr.
Author 23 books113 followers
March 3, 2018
Wow! A fantastic debut novel from Autumn Ruby. I loved Blake and Candice and their relationship. The characters were well developed and easy to connect to. A definite ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read! Can’t wait to read more from them!
7 reviews
January 30, 2018
I love this book for all it's twists, turns and genuinely heartfelt emotions!
Profile Image for Innergoddess_Booklover.
596 reviews
January 28, 2018
*ARC provided by the lovely authors*

Autumn Ruby debut novel is so good. You’ll love blake and Candice .
Crossed Forces is sexy, emotional, drama and also romantic . Thats what youll get when reading this and trust me its not disappointing at all .
Cant wait to see whats next in this series .
Profile Image for Chelsea Girard.
3 reviews
January 29, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

When Candice’s brother Marshall, dies in the war, her life is thrown through a whirlpool of hurt.
Blake Laine- A confident prick from hell that could eat sex for breakfast but is also a drafter UN PeaceKeeping troop who works for his father's company in South Sudan.
Candice Embers- A grieving sister who is mourning the loss of her navy brother tries to move on but still finds sadness behind every turn. Working at a medical centre, Candice comes into work one day but doesn’t think any less or any more than the man seated before her.
Candices life is turned upside down when she crosses paths with Blake when he is injured in combat and nothing for the both of them will ever be the same.
Living in a corrupted world when the rebels turn against the government in a quest for revenge, this love story prevails into something more than just any other book. In this fast paced book, you follow the trying times of two opposites that attract during a war fought between two battles, love and actual war.

“He’s just like any other patient, another warrior hurt in the fight for good.”

This romance story turns into a thriller story that you can’t put down. I loved how the love story grew as the story continued, you watched both Candice and Blake mature not only in their own lives but the lives of others as well. I loved the timeline and how and when the characters were introduced in a smooth way. I also love how raw Candice’s and Blake’s characters come across. Candice is the loss type of girl who knows what she wants but not how she wants it. She is misunderstood but is full of heart and truth. Blake is the typical man, horny and overly confident but has a soft spot of Candice and she changes his perspective of girls.

I loved the twists that Candice and Blake were thrown into as this romance turned into the thriller of a lifetime. Small town terrorist movements, a parents love and death. This war book just keeps getting better with every chapter. I love how Candice and Blake don’t automatically click like the typical love story and that made me follow more closely because I loved the envy and lust they craved but didn’t dive into right away.

“I will not risk losing another child to this war, so whatever had gone on with the pair of you, it’s not in the past. Do you understand?”

This book was definitely a winner in my books. I loved the author's voice through Candice and Blake as the duel perspective really made the book spark and explain so many things through the two different perspectives. I will definitely read this book again and I recommend it to lovers of romance, thriller and war-related books.

“I can’t watch the army destroy our girl.”
Profile Image for Michelle Krystel .
2,050 reviews52 followers
February 1, 2018
I was given an advanced copy of the book and have decided to voluntarily leave a review. I have a lot to say about this book and none of it is bad. When the author asked me to read her book, she was completely nervous about what I might think. I was excited to give her chance after reading the blurb. From the very start of the book blake and Candice pulled me into there world. I adored the closeness Candice shard with brother. It reminded me how I feel about my big brother who I just adore. Then to see her world rip apart that killer me. Candice is strong through so for her to find a way to close to Marshall even by putting herself in danger was amazing to witness. This girl has a heart of gold but she also make you crumble if you cross her. Blake is one hell of good solider him and grey and men of honor. They put there life at risk everyday. Which I truly admire. Blake and candy just had the connection from the very start. It was hot witness. And ya Blake made some mistakes along away but Candice is as strong as women come. Now I can't wait for Sally Greys story because I absolutely love grey. This book has to be one the best books I have ever Read.
Profile Image for Brutally  Honest  Book Reviews .
90 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2018
ARC copy for honest review
Blake. Love love love him Tall sexy and what a sweet guy who doesnt love a strong sexy solider.
Candice (I won't call her candy I hate that name) Volunteer in a war ravaged country. she wants to make her deceased brother proud. Boy she sure makes him proud. loved that she a such a strong woman .

I liked the story. it was a little slow in places but luckily those places were few and quickly gained momentum again. I wished some of the other characters were a bit more fleshed out Grey and Sally especially. Hopefully we'll follow them in the next book
Every book need a good villain. unfortunately I'm not sure Blake's brother Jason fulfilled that role very well. It was obvious he'd never be a match for Blake. Plus Jason was a total creeper. (watching his brother have sex yuck)
Tiffany Blake's "ex" OMG. I wanted to pull her hair out what a spoiled bratt
would I recommend this book.? YES I most definitely would recommend
Profile Image for KarenLou NorthandSouthBlog.
343 reviews8 followers
January 26, 2018
*I was gifted an ARC in exchange for an honest review *


I absolutely loved this book, it had me crying from the prologue but then had me laughing from chapter 1. The relationship between candice and Blake felt real from the beginning and even though Blake was the rich play boy you can’t help but love him. Candice was such a strong character even after everything she goes through, she still holds her head up high. A couple of things were quite close to events that have happened in my own life which is probably why I loved it so much.

For a debut novel you know that these ladies are going to go from strength to strength and I can’t wait for more.
Profile Image for Nikita Parikh.
Author 1 book18 followers
January 26, 2018
Based on the title and teasers I started to read this book with a prototype in my head. What I read was kinda this but also way MORE than this and at the same time nothing like it at all! The book left me pleasantly surprised and craving for more!
The story had me blown away. When you read a book by a debut author you never know what to expect. No idea about their writing style or if you'll fall in love with the characters. But by the time I was finished I was literally blown away! There's just something about the broken character that gets me every time. This book has so much potential to achieve.
The story will hold you a hostage and the characters are definitely going to play with your heartstrings. Candice and Blake meet under unusual circumstances but they definitely evoke strong feelings. This book is filled with action, drama and suspense that'll keep you on the edge.
This duo are once amazing team. You guys don't want to miss this one.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
March 17, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/17/2019)! 🎁

Blurb:
Candice Embers didn't have to think twice about volunteering in South Sudan, all she ever wanted to do was travel.

What she did have to think twice about was whether to take a chance on one of London's most notorious players and future CEO of Laine Corporation, Blake Laine.

He's fun, sexy as hell and surprisingly honest, but will he stick around when the unthinkable happens and both their lives are changed forever.
Profile Image for Rosie Chapel.
Author 73 books114 followers
February 1, 2018
Oh my goodness me, I am exhausted! Ms Ruby's Crossed Forces is raw, harsh, unrelenting, heartwarming, heartbreaking, edgy, and utterly riveting. Set against the backdrop of the South Sudanese civil war, Candice meets Blake in a place where death is more likely than romance. Despite it being obvious they share an instant and undeniable attraction, neither is looking for love. Fate is a fickle mistress though, and as life chucks some pretty nasty curve balls their way, attraction becomes something far more enduring. The question is...are they prepared to take the risk and open their hearts?
Crossed Forces is overflowing with beautifully drawn, genuine characters - flaws and all. It's written in a lively, fast paced, style, which gripped me from the first page to the last line. It's sweet, sexy, passionate, fiery, gut-wrenching and poignant, but for me the overriding sentiments were faith, trust and hope. I love this book and cannot for the next installment.
372 reviews11 followers
September 23, 2018
Oh yes Blake Laine yum!!
There is so much story and back story that you feel you actually know these characters, how heartache and misery help Candice find her one true love, and alpha Blake takes all she offers him, I'm a sucker for a Hea, I really enjoyed this story.
I give this story 5 hot little stars *****
Profile Image for Helen Whitelaw.
125 reviews7 followers
September 7, 2018
I completely fell in love with Candice and Blake! A beautiful story of love at first sight!

So many twists and turns will leave you feeling all the emotions!
Cannot wait to get stuck into book 2 of the series when it’s released!
33 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2018
It was written very nicely. Easy to read as well as having a little mystery. I enjoyed it greatly. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for tara  Cooke.
33 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2019
Incredible book. Literally couldn’t put it down. I read it in a day. You delve straight in to the book. Feels so real. A true love affair.
Love, friendship, trauma and real struggles.
It’s amazing
Profile Image for ReadingTilTheBreakOfDawn.
1,954 reviews104 followers
March 26, 2018
Crossed Forces is a debut book from a new author duo.
Blake and Candice are the two characters that have an instant connection while serving their country. Blake is a wealthy man in the services and Candice works for the Peace Centre in South Sudan. Blake ends up being brought in to the Peace Centre to heal after an accident. That is where the two meet. They are from England and are thrown together in a country where violence surrounds them. And their past losses is what keeps them there.

The setting and storyline is unique, but beyond that, I didn't feel a huge connection to the characters and their story. They have chemistry and the intimate scenes are plenty, but what kept me coming back was the action, the suspense and the"behind the scenes" of South Sudan. But even then, I felt there were a few plot holes throughout. Nothing major, but enough for me to skim some of the pages.

I really enjoyed Candy's character for the most part. She was strong and had a good head on her shoulders. She did things for Her and what she felt was right. She went against the grain and was a female character that I can get behind. She wasn't weak nor would she let someone control her. I like seeing that in a female lead.
Blake was our typical alpha bad boy that couldn't be held down until the right lady came along. He is wealthy and comes from a good, strong family.
These two have many bumps and bruises to conquer along the way. But where will all the action and their family get them in the end?

The story is a good base for these debut authors and leaves room for further books with new characters and even add in to Candy and Blake's story a bit more. I enjoyed the British-isms they included and look forward to their stories growing and succeeding with each book in the series.

"Make today awesome, so yesterday gets jealous."
Profile Image for Lager Lefse Book Blog.
562 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2018
What does a person go through when they are surrounded by war and destruction? Let’s throw in a little heartbreak, sadness and drama as well. Combine all these together with plenty of heat and sexiness and you can find yourself reading ‘Crossed Forces’ by Autumn Ruby. ❤

Candice, Blake and Grayson are enjoyable characters to read. I love the friendship and banter that exists between Blake and Grayson. They make for some funny times. Candice and Blake have both experienced loss in their life, which allows them to empathize with the other while growing closer. 🔥🔥🔥

This book was an incredibly emotional read with lots of ups and downs and heart stopping twists and turns. The characters were strong yet lovable and I was rooting for that coveted HEA. For a debut novel, this duo wrote an incredibly wide-ranging emotional, dynamically written story about war and love and loss. Here’s to hoping we get a story about Grayson (fingers crossed). With all the angst, drama naughtiness and love, this book is a well recommended book. Enjoy this all-encompassing novel!! 👍👍
Displaying 1 - 28 of 41 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.