Broken Bonds

Crimson Point #5

by Kaylea Cross

Autumn winds and rain have returned to Crimson Point.

It’s November in the Pacific Northwest and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Beckett and the Crimson Point gang are looking forward to celebrating the holiday together. This year they all have more to be thankful for than ever…but that also means they have even more to lose.

But this year a different kind of storm is looming.

Recent problems at work have left Beckett and crew scrambling to get projects completed. It’s all hands on deck, and just as the end is finally within sight, a deadly threat emerges from the shadows. When things take a lethal turn, the Crimson Point team must once again come together to save one of its own, and hunt down the vengeful killer before he can strike again.

* This novella is a final wrap-up of the Crimson Point Series and is not intended to be read as a stand-alone.*

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Suspense, Military Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Mystery, Military Romance

113 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 26, 2020

About the author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.

Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.

Reviews

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an action-packed end for the Crimson Point Series. I've got to say the best part of this series has got to be the hunky, hot heroes. The book covers alone made me want to read these books. Each book has been a great read with Kaylea Cross action and steamy romance. I really hate to leave this group of ex Special Forces guys who have banded together to make a construction company in Oregon a success, finding true love along the way.

Fall has arrived in Crimson Point, Oregon, but instead of things slowing down in the construction business, they have just got extremely complicated. Beckett has had to fire three workers, leaving the crew scrambling to complete projects before the holidays.

One of the guys he fired didn't take the news well and is now on a vengeful quest to kill Beckett, Adrian and Jase. The guys are watching their backs, but sometimes that isn't enough and when tragedy strikes the guys pull together to save one of their own.

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 5 out of 5]

FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH ONE OF A VARIETY OF SOURCES. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!

I've read every one of the Crimson Point books, and each time they amp up the danger just a little bit more! I hate to see them end, but I always hold out hope that there will be another book. With this confirmed as being the final book in the series, I will be very sad to say good-bye to this crew!

The book gives us updates on all of the Crimson Point couples, which I loved! It also puts them in a realistic and very dangerous situation, all for the sake of someone wanting revenge. The book was engaging and entertaining, and I really don't have much to complain about with it! I would highly recommend this as a cherry on top of the cake that is Crimson Point!

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from Publicity team. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

3.5 hearts

In the finale of the Crimson Point series , we get the whole team pulling together to save and support each other.   The connection of all the guys, Beckett, Jase, Noah, Mac and their ladies are a key component for me.  I enjoyed seeing more of them. I would not read this as a standalone; Broken Bonds is better when you know and love all the characters.  (The blurb even says it is not meant to be a standalone.)

Other than Noah, who is local law enforcement, the guys all work together at Beckett's construction firm. There have been some problems with some workers and some had to be fired.  One of them is out for revenge.  He tries to kill them and they have to hunt him down before he succeeds.

I love Ella and her animals, Walter and now Bruce.  It was fun to see Savannah, Molly and Jase's daughter for a bit.  There was also the special forces skills of the guys on the hunt, even though they were not geared for it.  It was a heartbreaking and scary situation all around.  I wouldn't miss this wrap-up with this special group.

 

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this conclusion to the Crimson Point series, the whole gang works together to support each other and make it through a difficult situation before the holidays. Told from multiple perspectives, this book focuses on the friendship and family bond this group has and how they work together to survive a terrible situation.

One thing I love about this series is the camaraderie between the men and women. They are no longer just friends, they are family. I just love how powerful and emotional the bond between these people are.

“There are friends. There is family. And then there are friends who become family. Because family is the people who stand beside you when you need them most.”

This series does not end quietly. This final book had the entire team fighting an unknown enemy who was hellbent on taking them out. This was a nonstop, heart-stopping, emotion filled ending for the series. Overall this was a powerful ending to a great series and I can easily imagine a HEA future for these couples.

This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect ending to the series…

If you thought this might be a quiet ending, then think again! This final chapter to the series had the entire team family battling an unknown enemy in a fight to the death. Someone was targeting them and they had little time narrowing down who that was. From one heart-stopping moment to the next, everyone was a part of the action…

Even though a compact read, it held all the good things this series has had so much of. Action, tension, suspense, romance, family. Whether two-legged or four, I loved how each character got their moment to shine and remind me why I craved these stories so much. Stellar writing wrapped it all up with a love-infused bow. Bittersweet but a perfect one-two punch ending to the heart….

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story it was a nice edition to the series as it was full of suspense and it had wonderful characters and was filled with a ton of emotion.

This series is filled with so many great characters and this security firm has forged and amazingly close nit family forged from friendship and love and service to our country and we just love that.

As always the story and its author kept us glued to the pages to the very end and I have to say that I was choked up a time or two when it came to the ending and any story that can pull that kind of emotion from a reader makes it an awesome read for us.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crimson Point catch up😍

Oh my gosh, it was great to catch up with all my favourite characters in Crimson Point❣️Loved this story and as per usual Kaylea certainly knows how to pack a whammy when it comes to suspense, action and emotional scenes😭 I certainly needed some tissues close by a few times😢

Once again the Crimson Point crew is in danger and we have to ask the one question no one wants to ask......will they make it out alive? I really enjoyed this story and so sad to think we might not be getting more stories from Crimson Point but I’m okay with this little glimpse into their lives❤️

[Chanel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books wraps up the captivating Crimson Point Series. The includes the whole gang- Beckett, Sierra and Walter/Noah and Poppy/ Jase, Molly, and baby Savannah/ Mac,Tiana, and Ella.
This is a group of true friends that always love and support each other. They laugh and cry together and eat some pretty spectacular desserts made by Poppy.
Unlike all the other books with former Special Forces, these guys didn’t start a private security firm. They are in construction. It seems there is some fallout from the recent firing of three men. One or more is seeking revenge. This group is no stranger to danger and drama. Once again they come together to protect each other from evil.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was a wonderful way to end this intriguing series as we get to catch up with all the characters we know and love but there is so much more to this story. Beckett has made the wrong man his enemy and now not only is he in danger but everyone he cares about and with the help of the others they need to find out who is behind the threats before they are successful.

This story takes you on an action packed adventure with romance, suspense and twists as these characters once again draw you in and keep you entertained until the last page.

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may of been short, but boy did it pack a punch. With non stop action that will keep you on the edge of your seat from cover to cover, I highly recommend this novella after reading the rest of the series.
Leaving my review here as I don't want to ruin a second of it and to be honest I'm still recovering from having my heart in my throat the whole time.

[Alex (HEABookNerd) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great to be back with the Crimson Point crew for BROKEN BONDS and to catch up on how everyone is doing. While we get POVs from several different characters I felt this was overall focused on Aidan and Tiana even though our bad guy is really after Beckett. There was lots of emotional tension as Beckett and Aidan were put in danger and I really felt for Tiana who was facing her worst nightmare.


Content Warning: References to mental illness, military death, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great wrap up to the Crimson Point series. In true Kaylea Cross fashion there was heart stopping action, danger and suspense for all of our main characters. I truly couldn't stop reading during the suspense scenes even if I wanted to. It was getting so late but there was no way I was going to quit during the spine tingling scenes she had written. I know this series of non-military plots is a departure for Ms. Cross and her long time fans were missing the military themes, but I personally liked these stories better. They felt warmer and more relatable to me.

I love how these four couples have formed their own little family. I love how the ladies can rely on their men to take care of business. I love how the men can rely on their women to bring softness and emotional support into their lives and can be the one person they can confide in and unburden themselves to, like they would with no one else.

I'm really attached to these couples and their stories. Have read books 1-4 more than once. They started intense and it seemed like the intensity ramped up with every book. So this story brought them all to a nice conclusion—provided they don't make any more enemies. LOL (But why should I assume that when it hasn't proven true since the series began! So maybe there's an opening for another book or two, if Ms. Cross chooses to revisit them. *fingers crossed*) I just hope Aiden and Tiana can finally get a night alone together before they lose their chance. ;-)

Please don't think you can read this book as a standalone. That would be a big mistake. I can't even choose a favorite from these five books but they are all such good reads that I don't see any reason not to start from the beginning. You'll thank me for that advice.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wrap-up to the series. If you haven't read them all yet...STOP...Go and read them first.

This book takes place two years after the last one and it begins with Beckett and Aiden 'Mac' texting about an employee they had to let go.

Troy reminded them in some was of Carter and they were doing their best not to have history repeat itself.

Everyone is gathering at Beckett and Sierra's home for dinner. Jace, Molly with their daughter Savannah, Noah and Poppy have already arrived when Aiden, Tiana and Ella arrive. Ella is such a big help with Savannah, I love the way she's grown. She the one to spring a surprise on they others, her mom Tiana is pregnant. So much love and laughter comes through the pages here.

Ella gets permission to take Walter for a short walk in his stroller even though it's dark, although her mom watches from the driveway. Armed with a flashlight she walks up the lane, I love the way she talks to him like he's a person, but it's once again Walter who's warning growl alerts her to danger. In the distance she sees a man with a rifle and immediately turns them around and runs back to the house. This is where I say Damn it not again.

This is only the beginning and I love the way Kaylea gives us incite into the bad guy and his motives without giving away who he is.

I love the interactions between all these friends and their children and pets. While I'm sorry the series has ended it is truly one of my favorites from this author.

A shopping trip, mudslides and more make this a page-turning read with laughter, many tears, sizzling heat and so much more!

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

BROKEN BONDS is the final? Instalment and novella in Kaylea Cross’ contemporary, adult CRIMSON POINT romantic suspense series focusing on the people of Crimson Point, Oregon, and a group of former Special Forces soldiers- Beckett, Mac, Noah and Jase and the women they love.

Told from several third person perspectives BROKEN BOND focuses on the friendships and relationships of a group of former US Special Forces soldiers who are about to face down an unknown enemy with the potential to kill them all. An armed man has been stalking Beckett Hollister, and thusly the men who work for Beckett’s custom home renovation company. With the firing of three employees in the past several weeks, all three men are suspects until two are able to confirm they are not involved. A sudden storm, a landslide, a shooter, and a missing man force the tight-knit group of former Special Forces soldiers to work together to save one of their own.

BROKEN BONDS is the culmination of several story lines wherein we get a glimpse into the lives of the couples we have met throughout the series. Growing families, the approach of the holidays, and the possibility of one or more killers on the loose, the friends must battle between head and heart knowing the lives of the people they love have been threatened. The fast paced and dramatic premise is a quick read; a wonderfully lively and edgy story; the characters are familiar and heart warming.

copy supplied for review

www.thereadingcafe.com

[NICUnurse Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a long-time fan of romantic suspense books and a long-time fan of Kaylea Cross. She writes edge-of-your-seat romance thrillers that I just can’t seem to get enough of. I love her Crimson Point series––OK, OK, I love all of her series!––so when she announced that she was ending it with one more short novel, I was pretty excited to say the least. And boy did she end this on on a bang! All of our favorite Crimson Point characters are back, and they get to hang on to their HEAs…but some have to fight harder than others to do just that.

NICUnurse’s Rating: Kaylea Cross packs so much into this short novel that it’s really hard to talk about it without spoilers, and that’s no fun, but it’s especially no fun when you’re talking romantic suspense/thrillers. So I’ll just get right to the rating. This book hits the ground running from the first page on and doesn’t stop until The End. It’s hot, it’s emotional, it’s gut-wrenching, and endearing all within these few pages. And it proves, yet again, that family isn’t always made up of blood relatives, and that you can, in fact, choose who becomes your family. And this family’s bonds are stronger than anything evil can throw their way.

I give Broken Bonds by Kaylea Cross 5 out of 5 stars!

[Janine - The World Was Hers for the Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Bonds was a novella length addition of Kaylea Cross’ Crimson Point Series. It was a series finale and cannot be read as a stand alone.

Danger has overtaken Crimson Point once again, and it is targeting their own. It will take every ounce of strength, cunning and possibly even a miracle to make sure they all make it out safely.

I absolutely loved revisiting these characters and this series! It was a real real for fans of the series. I adored that the pervading themes were brother and sister hood and that friends can become closer and more meaningful than family. There are some bonds no matter how much they are tested that can never be fractured.

Broken Bonds was a roller coaster of suspense and emotions. There were so many highs and lows that it was hard to catch my breath! I finished this novella in one sitting because there was no way I could put it down. 5 stars.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about not taking the foot off the gas to the end! Crimson Point gets the ultimate thriller finale!

Beckett's construction company has taken a hit lately with the shoddy work being carried out by some employees. He may have fired the problems but now there's more stress for the others to rectify the work while still working on their current projects. But someone has decided they're not happy with this and they are out to get revenge for what they see as "unfair" dismissal!

Crimson Point, Oregon is somewhere I'd love to visit. It has the small-town perfection but with an edge of excitement. Oh, and an over-abundance of hotties! Beckett, Mac and Jase are in the firing line. Will they all make it out unscathed? Will some of their HEA be over before they truly began?

Great writing, interesting and engaging characters, and a great way to say cheerio to the Crimson Pointers!

[Sharrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blog Tour post with excerpts: https://reesesreviews.blogspot.com/20...

The Crimson Point series has been very near and dear to my heart for some time. I fell in love with this series from book two and immediately went back to read book one. Every time I see Kaylea Cross has a book coming out I am always doing the grabby hands motion.

Broken Bonds was a beautiful addition and ending to this amazing series. You get to read all the POV's from our characters from the previous characters. It was heart-wrenching and I was freaking out for a lot of this story with the douche canoe who was out to get our favorite characters. I'm happy to say I worried for nothing but this story definitely has me wanting to go back and re-read the entire series again.

An absolute must-read!

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved each and every one of the stories in this series, and this one, still full of intrigue, whodunit, bad guys and good hunky ones, wraps up the series. One that will be missed, while bringing a bittersweet ending to this touching, at times heartbreaking , but also heartwarming series.
For the last time, we get to visit with each of the couples: Beckett and Sierra, Jace Weaver and Molly, Mac and Tiana, Noah and Poppy, as well as the adorable Ella and Savannah.
Quoting Beckett, “ There is family. And there are friends who become family. …people who stand besides you when you need them most”.
Thank you, Ms. Cross, for sharing your talent and giving the reader this series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Bonds

OMG! This story was totally intense and heartwrenching! So loved Walter and the kitty. This story started getting intense in the middle of the book. I had tears in my eyes for a few of the chapters, especially when Aiden was trapped in that mudslide. I was afraid we were going to read about the death of Aiden but was totally thrilled that he pulled through with his brush with death. Ella and Savannah are too precious! I totally am happy that everyone survived this ordeal. It was unfortunate that the loss of a job turns someone vindictive and desperate. It's unfortunate he lost his life. I am sad that this book is the last in this series. FANTASTIC job Kaylea! I would highly recommend this book and this series!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the conclusion to the Crimson Point series, and it's filled with all the characters from this amazing series. And boy did it pack a HUGE exciting punch. There's someone murderous out there who wants to harm the entire team & family, so it's a race against time to figure who is it before it's too late. Obviously this means that it's full of twists & turns to get the f-bombs going, but there is also leveled up action, some pretty great romance, and the spotlight firmly on family & loyalty. Broken Bonds not only had the human characters but some 4 legged family members who tried to steal the show. I'm super sad about this being the end, and ready to read them all over again, and so will you, once you hit that one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed rollercoaster of tension and suspense, all the gang play parts in this. Disgruntled people that don't feel they should have to do anything to help their own situations other than being vindictive. Mental health is no joke and as with a lot of medical conditions you need to take your meds regularly to stay on top of it, how can you expect respect or help if you won't help yourself. This story really was based around that very issue and it was a hell of a read. Treacherous conditions, on already dangerous areas, plus a maniac. For a novella there was a lot of plot, fabulous characters, celebrations and so much more, I for one was thankful for the happy ending. Great addition to such a magnificent series.

[Ana Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book! It is always nice to hear from the Crimson Point characters; they are always fun and most of all to hear from Walter the dog. The most fun dog ever in literature!

Kaylea Cross is a wonderful suspense romance author and this series she brings balance by writing characters and are also transitioning from military to civil life. The suspense is there but the camaraderie of the characters and how they overcome the difficult situations that they are facing is inspiring.

You will hear news from every character, and I believe it is wonderful to revisit this series with such a great story.

Love it!

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends become family

The whole gang is together and about to enjoy Thanksgiving. However, date has brought them another dangerous situation and has everyone hoping that Aiden/Mac and Beckett will be okay. The men show their brotherhood and the women their strength and loyalty in the drive to save everyone and then be there as people recuperate. The danger comes from a surprising and distressing source, but it also shows not everything is what it seems. I loved seeing the happy couples and family. I do wish Ella called Aiden dad or forever dad instead of just his name, but otherwise loved the story and ending!

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have missed the gang in Crimson Point. And Holy Crap has Kaylea Cross pierced my heart with this one. I just can't, the lump in my throat after reading this is just so big. I was on the edge of my seat for a good portion of this book. Just like in the rest of the series, there is someone out there trying to get one of our hot alpha men and he comes very close to succeeding. Just know that if you haven't read any other books in this series, you may be a little lost, but I think you can swing reading this as a stand alone!!!

LOVED it! 10 Super Stars!!!

[Dicentra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bittersweet that this is the last installment for our Crimson Point crew but it was great to catch up with the gang. In the reader group Kaylea Cross warned us that she was kinda mean to our intrepid band of heroes in this novella - and boy was she not kidding! I was on the edge of my seat and this book didn't disappoint. I wasn't a big fan of the Vengeance series (the first of hers that I haven't ravenously devoured) so I was a little nervous going into this, but I needn't have feared. Looking forward to the new Rifle Creek books now.

[KS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great finish to the series.

While it helps to have read the rest of this series, Kaylea Cross is such a good writer that she gives you enough to make you invested in these characters anyway.

This one grabbed you early on and never let go.

Great coming together of all the couples and their stories with a new threat to pull them together. This one will make your heart stop.

Loved it and can't wait for her next series and where that will take us.

I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.

[Shannon Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

so I have read all 5 of these books in 3 days. I am pretty new to Cross, I am loving all of her books I am reading and she now has a new fan who will be grabbing all of her books.
This book is the conclusion of the series and you have to read the first 4 to understand and enjoy it. This story ends with a bang and you will not be disappointed. I literally did not want to put these books down.
This series is filled with plenty of suspence and action. I can't wait to jump into more books from this author

[Between the Steamy Sheets · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was jam packed with action and suspense that kept me on the edge for much of the book. I love how these guys are so rough and tough but love with all their beings.

Mac the Scotsman is married to Tiana and they together with Ella, her daughter from a previous marriage, are just settling into their new family life. He’s moved to Crimson Point to join his former Military buddy, Beckett Hollister, and to work as project manager for his construction company. They’ve run into some troubles with a few of their employees and had to let them go. And now someone’s out for revenge.

[Mary Aquino · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

Kaylea Cross is one of my favorite Romantic suspense writers. So much so that my phone knows her name as I type.

The Crimson Point series is where I started with Kaylea, so to read a new episode in the series is like coming home. The characters are like friends and they are a great representation of friends who also fall into the category of family.

This story shows the bond Beckett, Jase, Noah, and Mac have and how their wives/significant others/kids have formed the same bond. The suspense, the caring, the resolution all left me with a smile on my face.