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She’s desperate for help, and only one man is arrogant enough to try to save her…

Bruised and scared, Jade McNamara is ready to escape the abusive relationship she has found herself in, but there’s a catch. Her boyfriend’s a cop. He won’t let her leave him. He’s already threatened to kill her if she tries. And he’ll break every rule in the book to get her back.

Desperate to save her and prove Cross Security will one day become the greatest security and investigation firm in the country, Lucien Cross pits himself against a monster who wears a badge and has a gun. For Lucien, it’s a matter of pride. He has to do this to prove his worth, not only to future clients and Jade but also to himself. Being unprepared for the war he’s waging could cost him his business, his freedom, and possibly even his life, but he’s willing to put everything on the line to save her. But is it enough?

137 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2020

330 people are currently reading
86 people want to read

About the author

G.K. Parks

79 books195 followers
G.K. Parks has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History. After spending some time in law school, G.K. changed paths and earned a Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Now, that education is being put to use, creating a fictional world based upon years of study and research.

Visit my Amazon author page and follow me on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/G.K.-Parks/e/B...

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https://www.facebook.com/LikelySuspects

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https://www.instagram.com/g.k.parks/

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https://twitter.com/GKParks

My books:
All of my books can be read as standalone novels, but for those who like to know the proper order, I've included it below.

The Alexis Parker Prequel series:
1) Assignment Zero
2) Agent Prerogative
3) The Final Chapter
**note all three are combined in the full-length novel Outcomes and Perspective**

The Alexis Parker series:
1) Likely Suspects
2) The Warhol Incident
3) Mimicry of Banshees
4) Suspicion of Murder
5) Racing Through Darkness
6) Camels and Corpses
7) Lack of Jurisdiction
8) Dying for a Fix
9) Intended Target
10) Muffled Echoes
11) Crisis of Conscience
12) Misplaced Trust
13) Whitewashed Lies
14) On Tilt
15) Purview of Flashbulbs
16) The Long Game
17) Burning Embers
18) Thick Fog
19) Warning Signs
20) Past Crimes
21) Sinister Secret
22) Zero Sum
23) Buried Alive
24) Trouble Brewing

The Julian Mercer series:
1) Condemned
2) Betrayal
3) Subversion
4) Reparation
5) Retaliation
6) Hunting Grounds

The Liv DeMarco series:
1) Dangerous Stakes
2) Operations Stakeout
3) Unforeseen Danger
4) Deadly Dealings
5) High Risk
6) Fatal Mistake
7) Imminent Threat
8) Mistaken Identity
9) Malicious Intent
10) Controlled Burn

Cross Security Investigations:
1) Fallen Angel
2) Calculated Risk

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5 stars
287 (62%)
4 stars
122 (26%)
3 stars
37 (8%)
2 stars
10 (2%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
157 reviews3 followers
June 8, 2020
This is a great story giving one an interesting background picture of Alexis Parker’s boss Lucien Cross.
One learns more about what makes Lucien tick and the beginnings of his Cross Security company. The story was well written and the characters were very likeable which is surprising because sometimes Lucien in the Alexis Parker books is not so likeable. I will now have more to consider when reading the next Alexis Parker book and the interactions she has with Lucien Cross.
Profile Image for Sue Thomas.
428 reviews
May 26, 2024
Lucien

All while I was reading the excellent Alexis Parker series by this author I wondered about the story behind Lucien Cross. What made him the character he portrays behind Cross Securities and Alex’s metaphorical sparring partner and safety net. Now I know and I couldn’t be more delighted. Loved his story, his rise to become the most intelligent, insightful head of his security business and of course his inherent hatred of police procedure. Loved it.
1,839 reviews13 followers
May 7, 2021
This is the 4th book of "In the First" box set.

This story introduces Lucien Cross who is attempting the startup of a detective agency. Lucien discovers that he has a client that has come into the office, but when approached said that she was in the wrong place. As she left, Lucien was finally able to get Jade to talk. He learned that she was afraid of her boyfriend and needed help. Lucien told her that she needed to leave him right away. She was afraid because her boyfriend was a Sgt. in the police department and would find her. Lucien assured her that he would take care of her.

He was at the time attempting to hire security agents as well as prepare meeting with clients to get his business up and running. The story continues with relating the steps that Lucien has taken to ensure Jade's safety. It ran the gamut from finding her a place to stay as well as getting her legal advice. At the same time it also showed his personal effort of watching out for her.

Things appeared to be taken care of, but Lucien was still wary. He had a right to be. To discover what events cropped up and how this all concluded, then you must read this book. You won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Susan Clair Holt.
1,368 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2021
Fallen Angel

Lucian Cross is opening his security business and takes his first case pro bono for a battered woman. It has a lot of twists and turns because Jade McNamara is abusive live in boyfriend is a cop, Sgt Scott Renwin. They both go through a lot trying to protect her but Scott quits his job, gives up his apartment and kidnaps Jade. It ends with a shoot out between Scott and Lucian where Scot is killed and Lucian and Jade are shot. Lucian is recovering and Jade has recovered an is moving back to Colorado to be with family.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,507 reviews33 followers
February 14, 2024
A fantastic story

This was a complex story, and while I enjoyed learning more about Lucian, as well as how Cross Security came to be, it was still a heartbreaking tale. A lot of things regarding Lucian make more sense now that we've been given a glimpse of his past. However, I wouldn't wish domestic violence on anyone, no matter what their role was.
I would love to see more stories about Lucian and Cross Security and Investigations. Hopefully someday!
I would definitely recommend this book and author.
Profile Image for Jan L.
1,003 reviews21 followers
May 19, 2020
I can't magine being an author carrying the stories of fascinating people in your mind. The ability to bring these people to life, letting readers into how they become the larger than life characters that live in thrilling stories filled with excitement, romance, and the pursuit of criminals is a gift. Lucien Cross hasn't been my favorite person since he was introduced to the Alexis Parker series but he draws you to him and I've hoped to learn more about him. Fallen Angel does that and more!
Profile Image for Jan L.
1,003 reviews21 followers
May 19, 2020
I can't imagine being an author carrying the stories of fascinating people in your mind. The ability to bring these people to life, letting readers into how they become the larger than life characters that live in thrilling stories filled with excitement, romance, and the pursuit of criminals is a gift. Lucien Cross hasn't been my favorite person since he was introduced to the Alexis Parker series but he draws you to him and I've hoped to learn more about him. Fallen Angel does that and more!
Profile Image for Pontiki.
2,583 reviews10 followers
August 15, 2021
This series starter explains how Cross Security began,and how he and Jade became a couple. I like all the tie ins to the recent Alex Parker books, and how this makes Lucien seem less dangerous.

It also makes his hatred of the police reasonable based on his complicated relationship with his Dad. Seeing him as a PI and all he does to stay a step ahead of Jade’s boyfriend, an abusive cop, is very interesting.

Looking for more on Lucien.

KU
24 reviews
September 20, 2020
Excellent read!!

Fallen Angel is the first book by this author that I have read. It was an excellent book. Suspenseful, fast paced and a good, easy read. I liked it well enough that I am on to book one of the Alexis Parker series.
468 reviews
August 25, 2020
Fallen Angel

I hope this is made into a series too I want to learn more about Mr. Cross will be looking for more to come
Profile Image for Kath.
1,067 reviews26 followers
February 4, 2022
Fantastic! Parks is going to have to write faster to keep up with my reading pace...
555 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2025
This mystery starts with a new private detective, Lucian Cross, in the middle of opening his new security agency. It is so new that he hasn’t even received his private investigator license from the State yet. Yet, as fate would have it, a potential client shows up on his doorstep without an appointment. Her name is Jade and she needs his help because her husband, a police sergeant, was being physically abusive to her. And he has threatened to kill her if she tries to leave him. Gee, what luck, a new agency and a new client all before lunch. But, as the story proceeds, maybe this client wasn’t very lucky for this new detective after all. As the reader, you’re left wondering if everything Jade is telling P.I. Cross is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Or is P.I. Cross being set up for some kind of fall? So, as a reader you have a mystery within a mystery to resolve. The characters are fleshed out as the story proceeds. That is, you won’t know crucial information about the character’s character before you can make decisions about their motivations and the promises they make. The dialogue helps move the story forward, but again you’re left wondering if someone (or ones) is deceitful. It is a well plotted mystery and as the story moves along the reader is pulled along to discover the answers to these mysteries.
Profile Image for Cynthia A.
716 reviews
September 7, 2024
Having a chip on your shoulder allows for mistakes

Lucien Cross, failed at the police academy. He almost killed someone in a fight. Anger surrounded him, but he opens a Security Investigation firm. His first client is a battered woman trying to escape her vicious boyfriend. He still has a lot to learn about the protection business.
The story is fast paced and interesting. Want to read more Lucien Cross investigations.
223 reviews
July 2, 2024
great book!

The book started out great and just kept getting better! Loved the characters and the storyline! Kept me turning the pages!
Profile Image for Scott Shjefte.
2,341 reviews78 followers
July 27, 2024
Cop abuses a woman, PI injects himself into the case to protect the woman. Purchased a Kindle edition on May 19, 2024, from Amazon for free.
Profile Image for Christine.
131 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2025
this was a little easy, quick read. While it wasn't amazing, it was a good story that kept me reading and wanting to know what would happen.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews