After suffering devastating loss, physiotherapist Everleigh is rebuilding her life in the picturesque seaside town of Crimson Point. She’s even made a list of new things she wants to try—and it doesn’t include men. But when unexpected sparks fly between her and a friend, her life is turned upside down all over again. Grady is taking a new job in another state soon, and her instinct is to guard her heart—but she decides to take a risk on him anyway. She knows better than anyone how short life is, and would rather risk more pain than miss out on the chance for something real. Then evil strikes without warning, shattering her newfound happiness and plunging them both into a desperate fight for survival.
It finds them anyway.
For the past few years pararescueman Grady Mendoza has focused on his career in the military and set everything else aside, including relationships. Until Everleigh. She’s been off limits until recently but when mutual attraction flares hot between them, it’s game on. Now he can’t stay away, and soon she’s making him question everything he thought he wanted out of life. Because time is running out for them, and the thought of walking away from her is tearing him up inside. And when they’re suddenly thrust into the middle of a deadly maelstrom, Grady is prepared to give up everything to save her—including his life.
NOTE: This story contains scenes of extreme gun violence that may be upsetting to some readers. Discretion advised.
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.
Nobody can write action scenes like Kaylea Cross. You get to a certain point in this book where it is impossible to put it down. I loved the love story, the action and how these characters found out that when you fall in love sometimes a sacrifice will be needed. WARINING: gun violence.
Everleigh is just existing since her husband died and she suffered a miscarriage. She has changed just about everything, her job, her home, to escape her tragic memories. She is finally starting to want to live again when Grady reappears in her life and Everleigh decides to take life as it comes, even if he is going to be leaving in a few short months. But, as Everleigh well knows, life is short and not living it is just one step short of dying.
Grady Mendoza has had a single-minded focus on his career. He has kept his relationships brief and not serious, until Everleigh. There was just something about her that he just knew was special. When he bangs up his knee and reconnects with her, he knows his life will never be the same again. Does he want this new love to derail everything he has worked for? Does he really have a choice?
As they grow closer, both of them must deal with the questions about the future but for the now, they are enjoying each other and checking off Everleigh's bucket list items, both the sexy and the adventurous. Enjoying life and each other they are caught up in a situation no one could foresee and find out that what they have is worth risking their lives for.
A friend to lovers tale, Final Shot was a fast paced read with sweet and sexy moments interspersed. I loved Grady and Everleigh! Sweet and adorable with great repertoire. Everleigh’s bestie Marley was a trip and seeing old characters was really fun too. There is a decent bit involving a mass shooting the main characters are involved in, so be aware if you plan to read this one.
Ok, so we’ll start with a tragedy, move to a romance, add in a little suspense, a little more tragedy and peril and finish on a romance with a sprinkling of will they, won’t they! It’s been a while since a book has gripped me so hard, but Kaylea Cross has managed it with ease in the latest instalment of Crimson Point Protectors. It’s Grady’s turn to fall for a woman, but Everleigh is trying to rebuild her life after a couple of life changing events. Grady has his sights set on a new phase in his military career and isn’t sure he wants a relationship at the moment. They decide to have fun together until Grady has to leave, but fate and a gunman have different ideas. Definitely up to the standard of the rest of Crimson Point series, and well worth the price. Highly recommend you download it, not one you want to miss.
Final Shot is the next book in the Crimson Point Protectors series and features Grady and Everleigh❣️ On an emergency mission to retrieve a man injured aboard a vessel, Grady injures his knee landing on the deck. He has to see a physical therapist to try and rehab his knee and sees Everleigh at the practice.
Unfortunately, Grady has never stopped wanting Everleigh but after all she’s been through, he’s been trying to give her space and be a friend. When a possible hint to be more appears, he knows exactly what to do😉
This book is an amazing suspenseful read with some triggers thrown in for sensitive readers regarding gun violence. A definite must read in my opinion and I’m excited to see what Kaylea comes up with next😍
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️
4.25stars--FINAL SHOT is the sixth instalment in Kaylea Cross’ contemporary, adult CRIMSON POINT PROTECTORS romantic suspense series-a spin off from the author’s Crimson Point series. This is former parajumper/ combat medic/critical care nurse Grady Mendoza, and physiotherapist/widow Everleigh Manning’s story line. FINAL SHOT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, including a mass casualty shooting, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from third person perspective FINAL SHOT follows in the aftermath of the car accident that killed Everleigh Manning’s husband, and her unborn child. With the support of her friend and critical care nurse Grady Mendoza, Everleigh battles in the wake of the devastating news that all but destroyed her life. Fast forward several months, Grady Mendoza is injured during a rescue mission at sea, an injury of which he is hoping Everleigh Manning is able to help but Grady’s injuries were beyond the scope of Everleigh’s practice, and Everleigh suggests the help of someone else. Months have passed since the death of her husband, and Grady is hoping to entice Everleigh into something more but Grady’s time in Crimson Point may be coming to an end when he applies for a rescue position somewhere else. All is not well behind the scenes when a former neighbor sets his sights on our story line heroine but not before becoming involved with something more dangerous and dark. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Grady and Everleigh, and the potential fall-out when a domestic terror organization takes aim at the innocent and unaware.
Grady Mendoza has always wanted to work with SOST- a Special Operations Surgical Team-with medical and tactical training yet the injury to his knee may affect his career going forward but not before falling for the woman that now controls his heart. Everleigh Manning has struggled in the wake of her husband’s death and the loss of their child, and battles between head and heart with the more-than-friendship relationship with Grady Mendoza. Everleigh is aware that Grady’s time in Crimson Point has a potential end-date but with the urging of her friends, Everleigh continues to look to the future while pushing down the past.
The relationship between Grady and Everleigh is a friends to lovers; Grady fell in love the day Everleigh asked for his help and support in the hospital ER, but Everleigh never expected to fall in love with someone else. A slow building relationship culminates with Grady’s need to claim Everleigh as his own but the arrival of a domestic terrorist group threatens the lives of everyone they love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Travis Masterson (Falling Hard), Jaia Sidhu (Cornered), Mia and Groz (Sudden Impact), Donovan Myers (Protective Impulse), Walker, and his daughter Shae, Nadia and Callum Falconer (Unsanctioned); Crimson Point PA Kerrigan, Everleigh’s friend Marley, and former neighbor Warren. Walker and Ivy’s story line is next.
FINAL SHOT is a story of betrayal and madness, obsession and hatred, racism and discrimination, love and understanding. The fast paced premise is intriguing and fascinating; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are energetic and charismatic.
I want to reinforce the trigger warning for more sensitive readers.
Acquaintances, but not quite good friends, Grady was there for Everleigh on the most devastating moment of her life. Now she is trying to rebuild and try new things on her own bucket list . . . but none of those items include dating.
Ready to take the next step forward in his career, Grady is preparing for a try out for an elite medical group in the military. But, when he hurts his knee on a mission, his plans are jeopardized. When looking for a jump start on physical therapy, Grady goes to Everleigh for her expert opinion.
They should only be friends. Neither is looking for a relationship. And, Grady’s time in Crimson Point likely has an expiration date. But, friendship isn’t enough for either of them . . .and now they are both questioning everything and trying to live in the moment. But, when they find themselves in the middle of a homegrown terror plot on a weekend getaway, they’ll find themselves not only fighting to keep themselves alive, but each other as well.
I adored Grady and Everleigh. Everleigh’s life has had more grief than it should and I admired her spirit and will to rebuild a new life and for pushing her boundaries. I understood her mixed feelings about starting something with Grady, yet wanting to give herself what happiness she could, even with the probability that it wouldn’t last. And, Grady . . . he was so hyper focused on his career dreams, that it took Everleigh to make him slow down and rethink about life outside of that goal. I also loved how patient and compassionate he was with her and letting her take the lead at times, understanding her past traumas.
The action in this one was a bit terrifying and felt all too real in today’s society. I’ll input my trigger warning her (the author also shared one) for extreme gun violence and a mass casualty event. That being said, it’s expertly written and handled with care by the author.
A second chance at happiness for Everleigh and a first chance at finding his forever for Grady, Final Shot was sweet and sexy, thoughtful and action packed and everything in between as this couple chose to let their friendship and chemistry lead the way through their unexpected relationship. 5 stars!
Every time I pick up one of this very talented author’s stories, I know that it will be wonderful and this one exceeded my expectations. The story grabs your attention from the first page to the last, with main characters that are perfect for each other and who have had losses in their past. Everleigh Manning, a physiotherapist, lost her husband a year ago and later her baby. Determined to start anew, she moved to Crimson Point and is looking to move forward with her life as she now has a new bucket list . Grady Mendoza, an ICU nurse and a pararescueman for the National Guard, has been attracted to Everleigh for a while and even helped her through one of her devastating incidents. But pursuing a relationship would not be wise, since he’s finally going to be able to aim for his dream job. An injury brings them together, and as feelings develop they each realize the future might end up not only different, but better. Will loving each other also mean they have to let them go to pursue their dreams? But what happens when Everleigh finds herself in a life threatening situation? Will that be the end of a future? Will Grady realize that a change of plans might be the best thing that happened to him? In addition to an engaging plot, wonderful characters, suspense and romance, the story is also a reminder of the difficulties our society is facing nowadays. Whether it’s homegrown terrorist or just someone looking for revenge, mass shootings are on the rise. The author does a wonderful job in depicting the heroism of those trying to save live, and sadly, the devastations caused by the destruction of lives. Definitely a thought provoking subject. That said , this book is not for the faint of heart and definitely not for someone who has experienced a mass shooting. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Final Shot is the 6th installment in the Crimson Point Protectors series. This is Grady and Everleigh’s story. In the previous book we read about Everleigh’s traumatic accident and how Grady as her friend was there to help her. When Grady needs physical therapy for his knee he meets Everleigh at the practice and although they know he will leave Crimson Point in a couple of months for a new job they decide to date and have some fun together. Because after her loss Everleigh wants to start living again and do things she never did before. Both try to convince themselves that it’s just casual .. When they go to a concert something terrible happens. A horrific attack on innocent people, a mass shooting . Everleigh and Grady have to fight for there lives especially when one of the shooters targets Everleigh… This was a suspenseful and emotional read especially because it’s so realistically written. While reading this book I realize how grateful I am to live in a country where we have strict gun control and don’t know these kind of mass shootings. And I definitely don’t want to criticize anyone, different countries, different laws but it’s just a fact and it’s how reading this book made me feel. I loved how the friendship between Grady and Everleigh developed into a beautiful written romance. I received this arc from the author and this review is my honest opinion
We learn in the previous story how Grady Mendoza has had feelings for Everleigh, he was there for her during one of her most devastating moments and the time was just not right. Some time has now passed and when Grady and Everleigh meet again, the sparks are felt by both. Everleigh has started to heal from all of her losses and she is ready to live again. The feelings that Grady makes her feel even surprises herself, she wants to take this chance with him, but the timing may be against them again.
Grady has a chance at trying out for the Special Operations Surgical Team, this is something he has always wanted and have been working towards. But now that he has this chance with Everleigh, he is rethinking everything. They both go into this relationship as temporary but the more time they spend with each other, the harder they fall for one another. Things all come to a head when a horrible incident places them both in danger.
Final Shot, book six in the Crimson Point Protector series, was another great read. The gun violence portrayed can be triggering for some people, especially in these times, but well written. Overall, this was a fantastic addition to a wonderful series.
Another great book written by Kaylea Cross. Final Shot is really intense with a few triggers thrown in including events ripped from today’s headlines. Everleigh and Grady have finally come together after each had suffered a personal crisis. Everleigh finally decided to start living again after losing both her husband and then her baby. The only thing that helped was having Grady by her side after the child she was carrying died in a car accident. PJ Grady injured his knee months away from taking his SOST test and is now working hard to get it back in shape before his test. Everything’s going great until an event no one saw coming put them in a life and death situation where they are fighting for their lives. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m a long-time fan of romantic suspense books and Kaylea Cross. She writes edge-of-your-seat romantic thrillers I can’t seem to stop devouring. She’s on the short list of authors I 1-click without reading a blurb. With Final Shot, the sixth Crimson Point Protectors book, she takes us back to Crimson Point, giving us a fresh new story. It is a standalone title, so you don’t have to read any of her other books to enjoy this one. I’ve wanted Everleigh’s story and HEA since Protective Impulse, and it was so worth the wait. Grady is just yummy, and I loved how they both saved each other rather than one doing the saving. This book was angsty, emotional, and action-packed. And as usual, I didn’t want to walk away from it until I finished. Final Shot is just one more reason Kaylea Cross is a top favorite of mine!
3.5 Stars - Nice! Grady and Everleigh's story was sweet and nice. Grady is awesome and he is just an all encompassing healer, physically and mentally. Ev, has been through so much pain witnessed by Grady and she knows she could not have made it through this last time around. There was action and some spicy moments as well in this story! The plot was good and worked for these two characters. I could not rate it higher this time around because Walker's woven pre-story keeps weaving it's way into the current stories. I have to admit it has been very distracting. I am looking forward to his and Ivy's journey though. I just didn't like the build up in the last 2-3 stories. This was Grady's story. I am also extremely curious for Marley's story yet to come!
There are some authors that when they have a new release, I read it and I am like this is my favorite book of theirs. Then their next book comes out and I'm like this is my favorite book of theirs. Kaylea Cross is that author for me. From the opening scene that flashed back to Everleigh in the hospital after the previous book, it had me hooked. She suffered to much loss in such a short time that I felt invested in her finding her happy again. Bring in Grady who was by her side during a traumatic event for her and you know the road will not be easy but there is an HEA in sight. I read this book in any free minute I could find because I needed to see how everything played out. Kaylea Cross writes great suspense and each story is original and not copy paste type book. Loved this book!
Everleigh is a physiotherapist and has had one tragedy after another. She lives in Crimson Point and after getting over her losses, she decides to start living her life. She makes a list of things she wants to try. Grady is a pararescueman and works at a hospital. He wants to try out for SOST, Special Operations Surgical Team, in September. It is gruelling and he would be gone for long periods of time, at a moments notice. He has been attracted to Everleigh for awhile but was giving her time to heal. But when they get together, sparks fly. Everleigh knows he's leaving and doesn't plan for her feelings to get involved but they do. They end up in the middle of a deadly shooting. With the feelings they have for each other, will Grady still move away from the woman he has fallen for?
I absolutely loved this story. Action. Sex. A terrible massacre. They are perfect for each other. Some parts I had to stop reading because I was afraid of what was going to happen next. You might need some tissues at the beginning.
* Received a copy from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it *
I’ve received and ARC and this is my honest review.
Grady has got to be the sweetest person ever. He was there for Ev during one of her toughest moment. He helped her professional but in his eyes it made him adore her even more.
The story was very well written (as always). Characters have great chemistry and are perfect together. Grady helps Ev battle trough with her life, helps her find herself after life has thrown her a few curve balls.
Together however they will battle their biggest Challenge yet. This book will make your heart hurt for everything Ev has and is going trough and will make you “awwww” for Grady.
Warning story will make you very excited to see how Walker will find Ivy. Cannot wait for their story.
Oh boy does this series get hotter and more exciting with each new book! Grady has a great team and group of friends he also has dreams. Everleigh has had a lot of loss and Grady has been a great support system for her. As these two spend time together they are learning that they are destined to become more than friends. Soooo much more than friends…and I’m here for it! They have an undeniable connection and hot chemistry. This was a great friends to lover story with the action pack drama we come to expect from Kaylea. This was definitely a page turner with a save or two from the group we have grown to love. This series is extremely layered and very enjoyable I always look forward to reading each book and as each one ends I’m excited about what is coming next.
Everleigh had been through so much heartache I really felt for her and then to take a chance on a limited time relationship and risk her heart again was so brave. Grady is so protective and caring really puts himself out to help others especially those close to him. Something was building behind the scenes unknown to either of them until a romantic break that almost costs them everything. Twists and turns, evil and suspense and extreme violence. Parts of this story could be triggers for some, read the warning if you have any triggers before reading. It was scary, haunting and for anyone having been in a situation similar, my heart goes out to you. Amazing characters and a powerful plot, it's gripping, exciting and packs a wollap. I loved the happy ending it was everything I hoped for.
This book was everything and more. Hence it easily went onto my top reads list. BUT there is a major trigger for those unfortunate to have experienced the cruelty in this day and age, but of course very fortunate to be here today. So please read the front of the book very carefully. The author handled it with grace and dignity so some might make it through ok, but I can't begin to imagine thoughts and feelings of survivors. Aside from that majorly traumatic event, this book and the characters within made it so you are unable to look away and you'll yet again get lost in the charm of CP. This is definitely one book I won't forget in a while, and eagerly awaiting the next one to see how everyone is recovering from the fallout and making sure everyone involved pays.
I really enjoyed this book! It was well done and pulled me in from beginning to end. The characters were great and I loved how Grady and Everleigh came together and built their connection. Everleigh has been through hell recently and during one part of that Grady was there for her. They haven't seen each other for while but now they have run back into each other and Everleigh has had some time to heal. I loved how Grady just wanted to be with her, whether friend or more depending on what she was ready and open for. This story was well written and pulled me in from beginning to end. Both Everleigh and Grady are trying to take care of each other's hearts and their own while going into this with the big possibility of Grady being gone in just a few short months. I liked how they communicated and navigated that portion of things with being very open about it. There is also another portion of this story that does have trigger warning ***mass shooting***. I thought that it was dealt with well. I really enjoyed this story and will definitely be reading some more in the series and by this author.
Grady and Everleigh. Grady has been mentioned and shown briefly in other stories, but we now see him take the route to his HEA. The story is full of them healing individually from physical and emotional wounds, but also falling in love with an uncertain future. The current danger is a known element from the beginning of the book, but the method and vividness is not fully expected, even with the warning. The emotions and description were raw and told the full experience. The ending is a HEA and sets up the next story with more Ivy. I am so excited for her story and to learn about how she does all she does!
Omg. This is super suspenseful. When the concert was starting I almost held my breath the whole time. Great story and so sad for all the people and families. I can’t understand why people do that. Everleigh’s and Grady’s story is epic. It is so vividly written that I can see it happening. I could feel the panic breaking out amongst the people. Grady is there for Everleigh when a tragic accident happens to her. Slowly they are getting together first jus for fun but it is getting more serious . Everleigh is a physical therapist and is helping Grady with his injury. This is a must read.
Final Shot, the sixth instalment of the Crimson Point Protectors series is an excellent story. Kaylea Cross weaves a story of tragedy, loss, suspense, love and triumph in this page turner. Everleigh was so strong as she plots her path to move forward with her life after not one but two tragic losses. Grady sidelined by a knee injury doing what he does best keeps his eye on the prize of making the SOST. As these two are caught in the crossfire of a home grown terrorist attack they quickly come to terms with their feelings for one another while discovering what’s truly important.
Wow! Another FANTASTIC story by Kaylea! This one is about Grady and Everleigh. The beginning was very intense and sad as we learn of Everleigh's fate. Grady was with her at that time. Such a sad beginning. Then, as the story progress we get the chance to figure out these two lives as they do. The ending was very intense and totally sad. We also get to glimpse into what Walker is going through. Don't you just love happy endings? FANTASTIC job Kaylea! I would highly recommend this book! Can't wait for Walker's book!
That was crazy!! After a unexpected hit on her when she lost her husband, then a freak accident that killed her unborn baby. He was beside her as soon as he found out. He tried 2 help her any way he can 2 have things slowly progress their relationship that's not been defined yet. He's always wanted 2 expand his resume but at what cost? It started out 1 way but ended in another way. Is it good or bad? When they planned sum fun they never expected things to go so out of control. What happened? Read and find out asap!! It kept me on my toes that's 4 sure. It was really good.
This series just gets better! Everleigh and Grady grabbed my attention in the last book and their story was amazing. You will fall in love with this sexy alpha and this woman who has survived so much. There's plenty of suspense to keep you gripped as well as a steamy romance. Fan favorite characters make appearances. There is a lot of action. I had to read it in one sitting. Could not put it down!
Kaylea Cross always delivers an amazing story and Final Shot is no exception. Everleigh has suffered so much tragedy and Grady has been there for her through it all, a friend when she desparately needed it. When their paths cross again, this friendship develops into so much more and when Everleigh is put in danger, Grady will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. An emotional, suspenseful, action packed story. Another great addition to this series.
One of the best in the series! I could not put this one down nor read it fast enough. Everleigh and Grady are great in their own right, but together they are amazing. This story has great characters and story, but the villain is different. I was surprised to see a warning at the beginning of the book as to the "extreme gun violence". I will say I thought the situation was handled well and respectful to those that have been through such situations. Well done!
Wow. Grady and Everleigh - know each other quite some time and at least Grady loved her at first sight. Having lost everything dear to her, she turns to Grady for support / help / and some good times as well. A very emotional story that is so typical for Kaylea, which makes you just want to hug the characters and hope they’ll get their HEA. Wouldn’t be a novel if there’s wasn’t, so there’s that. Great story with many twists and turns.
An excellent story that I would give 6 stars to if I could. Grady has liked Everleigh for a long time but she was married, then her husband dies and she’s devastated. Then after time, as in all stories, a series of events take place which brings them together. It’s a great story and well written as always. There is however a mass shooting in the story which may be a trigger for some.
Not trying to be harsh just reality. I am not triggered by anything anymore at my age. Some news shocking but not surprising these days 😒 but do I want it leaning hard into my escape? Books....I read to escape. Just too much that seems political and I can turn on the news or social media for that. Wish it could stay out of all entertainment. Sad that patriot is a negative these days. Love the characters Ev & Grady, wish they had a more take me away story line.