Crossbones

by Diane L. Kowalyshyn

Keme didn't think his life could get worse until he's turned into a windigo––a creature with an insatiable appetite for human flesh. An attempt to end his life frees Arthur, the victim ensnared in Keme’s internal soul-cache. Arthur is propelled into dominance and Keme recedes into obscurity. Two souls inhabit one body and the turnabout causes abominable evil to reign supreme.

Arthur exacts revenge on Nathanial, the man who ruined his mortal life, but eating him is too easy. Instead, Arthur systematically destroys everything Nathanial holds dear.

Arthur is captivated with Loretta, Nathanial's daughter, but Keme is in love. After a whirlwind marriage, Loretta realizes her husband is two diametrically opposed beings. Too late to save her father, she manages to outmanoeuver Arthur, and the coup triggers another soul switch. Now, she and Keme must launch a counterattack against Arthur’s inhumanity, or go to hell trying.

411 pages, Paperback

Published February 7, 2022

About the author

Diane L. Kowalyshyn writes heart-hammering, high-voltage thrillers—adventures that run on action, intrigue and romance. Before its publication, her first novel, CROSSOVER, earned a Master of Fine Arts degree. She’s an avid sailor who has survived her fair share of squalls, and relied on the pulse of a lighthouse beacon to find safe harbor. When she’s not on the water or writing, she's exploring exciting new locales. Her books are available worldwide in trade paperback and ebook. Visit her at http://www.dianelkowalyshyn.com.

Reviews

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the worst night of Kimmy’s life he is saved by a Windygo. The only reason he didn’t eat him was because, Kimmy beat him to the punch and bit his nose off. Little did he know, This now makes him a Windygo. Thankfully for Kimmy’s sake The strange creature stays around long enough to teach him the rules and the most important rule is do not gorge yourself on another. Something young Kimmy soon forgets. When he consumes his first kill which is a bear, he’s been spotted by author. He is there with his boyfriend Justin fishing… Except author has already killed Justin in When he sees Kimmy that’s his plans for him as well. Only author isn’t a Skinwalker he’s just an evil manipulative man. When Kimmy catches onto authors plan, he makes quick work of him. Only if you forget the most important rule and gorgeous on authors body. Now the evil man is going to be the host of the Windygo while Kimmy lays dormant inside of him. Everything is going as planned and authors life. He inherited everything from Justin, takes The first step in ruining Nathan‘s life and he convinces Kinley who will allow him to fall in love with Nathan‘s daughter if he agrees to help Arthur. His plan is working well and Lynette falls in love with Kimmy (Who is still trapped in side Arthur.) everything is going according to plan, the only problem is Lynette. She notices her new husband seems to have two sides to him and once she knows The real story will she run away or will love triumph over evil? This story was so good it was well written, well told and I must say I absolutely loved it and didn’t want to stop reading it! I now cannot wait to read the other books and this series. Please forgive any grammatical or punctuational errors as I am blind and dictate most of my review, But all opinions are my own.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting paranormal book. Took me some time to get used to the nature of the creature and how they work. I initially thought they were 'vampires' but they are nothing like the 'vampires' I have read about before. I kept putting off the book as I was quite busy, but I am glad I finished it. It makes me want to pick up the other books and find connections. I don't think the books are directly connected, but since it is in a series, I am curious if there is some sort of crossover.
Overall, it was good and had a good mystery element to it as well. So much happens and you have to keep up as much as possible.

[Winking · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Crossbones’ is the newest book in Diane L. Kowalyshyn’s ‘Cross your Heart and Die’ series. The book is a thrilling paranormal adventure that will keep you on your toes. This unique story of love and revenge follows Keme who is a windigo, dark creature with an appetite for human flesh. But inside Keme’s body are two souls, appalled by what he is, Keme has let Arthur, the other soul, take over his body. Out for revenge, Arthur tracks down the man who ruined his life, Nathaniel. But when he meets Nathaniels daughter Loretta, Keme falls in love. After they are married, Loretta discovers the truth about her husband and must work with Keme to stop Arthur. This book is a dark and exciting read from beginning to end. I really liked the dark and intense atmosphere the author created within this book, making it a fascinating and suspenseful read. What I enjoyed most was the complicated character relationships in this book. Seeing the differences between Keme and Arthur was particularly interesting especially when we could see how they interacted with Loretta. An engaging and quick read, I couldn’t put this book down as I watched Keme and Loretta struggle to stop Arthur. If you love a dark paranormal romance, then I would highly recommend this book.

[Shay K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossbones is the third and most compelling book in the Cross your Heart series! It ties everything together from Crossover and Double Cross and you’ll come out wanting to go back and reread them. And you should! Crossbones is the darkest book in the series but also the sexiest! Learn more about the history of Torrence Publishing as well as the Native American Windigo history and the connection between the two. Love is at the forefront of this story, and manages to have its well deserved and most needed time in this book…albeit, in between the chaos! Highly recommend!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keme is a young man who has a pure heart but gets captured by the pure evil of a windigo. Set in modern day, we root for goodness and love to prevail against malevolence of biblical proportions.

[T.R. Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Crossbones. It is a uniquely written story about supernatural possession. It is hard not to root for Keme even though he’s become a blood driven monster.