Reviews
Deadly Descent
”I loved this story from the beginning to end; it is a gripping, heart-racing, action-packed read that I devoured in a short period of time. Ms Cross certainly knows how to deliver the perfect Romantic Suspense.
Deadly Descent has solid characterization, I was completely engrossed in eachof the main characters and had a pretty good glimpse of the secondary characters, especially Ryan and Candace who I hope will have their own story next.
Ms Cross’s writing style is crisp and engaging, she is emphatic in her story-telling which I thoroughly enjoy.
All in all, a fantastic suspense with an exciting plot, great tension and a wonderful romance that didn’t take over from the main story. I can’t wait for the next installment in the Bagram Special Ops series.”
-5 stars, Obsession With Books
“Cam is sexy, sweet, loyal and understanding. He was such an intense and calm male. I loved him and loved the way he was written.
The Plot and Climax revolve around Devon’s Hawk being shot down in hostile territory, and the rescue mission to save her and her crew. It was riveting and full of action and drama. Some of the scenes felt so real and were very touching.
I loved how Devon wasn’t an ass-kicking female lead. Yes, she is an Officer in the Army, and Yes she has Command, but she didn’t wield it like a bitch. She held her power close to the vest and just let herself be who she was. When faced with hostiles and the safety of her crew after her Black Hawk is shot down, she steps up and proves to be smart, stubborn, and brave. Despite not having much training in the field, she held her own and persevered.
The secondary characters were well written and captivating as well. I hope to see SEAL Ryan and Pilot Candace “Ace” next.
Grade: B+/A- for a {lighter} Romantic Suspense novel with very awesome Military Leads. Kaylea writes the pants off Military novels. She’s the Commando!”
-Erika, Badass Book Reviews
“The first half of Deadly Descent focuses on the mourning of Ty, and the developing relationship between Cam and Dev. Oh the angst of this relationship. Although Dev had not been dating Ty very long, not even to the point she loved him, she still cared for him and was good friends with him. His death hits Dev (and Cam) hard. Even more, as her feelings become stronger for Cam, the realization of just how dangerous their jobs are hits her hard. She could lose him just as quick as she lost Ty. As she comes to terms with her new found, and intense feelings for Cam, she slowly allows a relationship to form – something Cam is pushing for. But they also must be very careful about public displays of affection, as they could both get in trouble if their superiors know they are together. As I said, the romance in the first half is such a build-up of tension with the forbidden love and the guilt of a dead lover, and the danger of war.
Cam gets sent out on a long mission with some SEALs, meanwhile Dev gets a call to pick up some injured marines. But she is heading into hot territory – Nasrallah’s men happen to be close by and they start shooting at her helicopter. I won’t go into details about what happens next, but EEK! Sadiq, Cam and Dev all intertwine into some great action scenes. It is a very intense scene that is written really well. Coming back to my earlier problems with Dev, I love her character in the second half of the book. Her strength, determination and leadership make her more gritty.
If you are a fan of military or suspense romance I definitely recommend.”
- Rated B+ by Mandi of Smexy Books
Absolution Reviews
“Kaylea Cross pens one of the best romantic suspense novels I’ve read in a long time. The camaraderie of the men and their spouses who face death constantly is excellent. As is the excruciating look into the lives of spouses left behind while their mate faces potential death. This could be a look into the lives of soldiers and their mates in every branch of service throughout the world. I would seriously recommend that the reader keep tissues beside you throughout the book.
These characters will get to you in every possible way. They are funny, serious, and deadly when they have a job to do. The story of Emily as she goes through surgery and treatment for cancer is exquisite in the job the author does showing her humanity and her strength. Each person in the book has a story to tell that will draw the reader to them and help make us wish the tale of their lives wouldn’t end.”
-rated 5 hearts by Dee Dailey of The Romance Studio
“This book is well researched and thoughtful. Every detail, including both the military aspects and Emily’s illness, is far more detailed than readers will find in other books within this genre. The details create scenes that jump off the page as the reader travels from the United States to Beirut and the mountains of the Middle East. It is truly the best romantic military suspense series available. Absolution has a unique plot with one twist after another so even though the reader expects a happy ever after because it is a romance, the suspense leaves the reader guessing. In fact, this is what puts the series on my “favorites” shelf. I was on the edge the entire book – there were no moments in the story where I was certain what was going to happen. Cross beautifully crafted a storyline with the military suspense aspect of the plot equally as strong as the romance aspect, creating a realistic story while still giving the romantics-at-heart the ending they crave.”
-rated 5 chocolate dipped strawberries by Rebecca, Guilty Indulgence Bookclub
“Wow, this book was fantastic!
Absolution takes us from the United States back to Beirut and the sparse expanses of the Middle East. The story is exceptionally well-researched. Everything from the military aspects to the details of Emily’s illness to the feel of the different locations is far more detailed and intricate than you’ll find in other books in this genre.
As for Luke and Emily? You’ll never find another couple like this. The reunited lovers theme is one of my absolute favourites, and this one packs extra punch with the very real threat things aren’t going to work out for these two in the end. Cross definitely doesn’t give us a sugar-coated wrap up to her series, and there are no easy answers for either of them when we reach the last page. “
Relentless Reviews
“This book is fast paced, laced with romance and steamy sex. The heroine is a real woman, tough yet all female and never a push over for her sexy, tall dark and mysterious hero. The action has you sitting on the edge of your seat, turning page after page because you dare not put it down until you find out what happens next. If you like mysteries, thrillers and plenty of action with hot steamy sex thrown into the mix, this is the book for you.”
-4.5 stars, Happily Ever After Reviews
“There were some interesting twists in the story, showing you didn’t know who you could trust. I really liked how the final chapters played out, some things taking me completely by surprise. It was definitely a book where I couldn’t see how things were going to work out.
Rhys was an interesting hero and Naveah a pretty unconventional heroine. I enjoyed reading about their relationship, and after all the build-up in the last book it was great to finally get their side of the story. Cross certainly knows how to create appealing male characters.
This has been a really enjoyable series for me – and it’s not over yet. I love military romance and I especially love when it seems realistic. There are so many great characters and the suspense has me hooked. I can’t wait for the next one! “
-rated 5 stars by Zosia, Goodreads
“Kaylea Cross writes books that everyone should be reading. This book is not a comfort read but does have such a romantic side to it you will find it comforting. Rhys is a survivor and knows all about the tough life but when it comes to showing his tender loving side he is not as well versed at that but the reader is really rooting for him because he a man that needs someone to love him and Nev is the woman of his dreams. What a great story and I am so honored to have read it and want to thank Ms. Cross for writing it and keeping the series going.”
-5 Stars from Mary Gramlich, The Reading Reviewer
No Turning Back Reviews
“It just keeps getting better. NO TURNING BACK, the third book in Kaylea Cross’s romantic suspense series has even more suspense, action and emotion packed in. Again, I was hooked from the very beginning of the book. Ms Cross writes a captivating story of intrigue with characters that the reader feels an instant connection to. Her books are well crafted, thoughtful and truly the best romantic military suspense series available. Her flair for imagery is also well documented in this book as her scenes nearly leapt from the page as they surged with intensity and action.
NO TURNING BACK has an original plot with so many twists and turns that though the reader expects a happy ever after because it is a romance, the suspense leaves the reader guessing. This is my favorite thing about this book – heck, about the whole series. I was on the edge of my seat because there were no parts of the story where I could be certain what was to come. Ms Cross created a strong storyline with the military/suspense aspect of the plot as strong as the romance aspect, providing a realistic story while still giving romantics-at-heart the ending they need.”
-5 stars and “Top Pick” from Rebecca of The Romance Reviews
“Move over Suzanne Brockmann and Marliss Melton, there is a new name in romantic military suspense. Kaylea Cross has thrown her hat in the ring as she challenges readers to keep up with her heroes in the fast paced emotional military suspense, NO TURNING BACK.
Cross has a real flair for imagery. Her scenes leap from the page with emotion and adrenaline. And though we can guess how this story is probably going to end, Cross manages to still give readers exactly what they are looking for in an ending without taking the easy way out.
Kaylea Cross has really proven herself with her latest military suspense, NO TURNING BACK. This author is bound to spiral to the top of the best seller lists and this reader cannot wait to see what she will come up with next. Bravo Ms. Cross. Bravo.”
-4.5 Hearts from Love Romances & More Reviews
“Danger, fast paced action and sizzling attraction! This book grabs you in the beginning and takes you for a long, wild ride!
I felt the attraction from the hero and heroine the first time they were together, and only got more intense as you go along. A great plot, with many twists and turns, giving you a good sense of what the characters are feeling.
The book takes you on an emotional roller coaster, and rooting for the good guys the whole way.
If you like romantic suspense that leaves you on the edge of your seat, then this book is a must read. With No Turning Back, Ms. Cross pens a page-turning thrill.”
-Siren Book Reviews
“I appreciate writers who try to illustrate the issues out there in the world. I am even more appreciative of writers who fall under the romance genre and still manage to get people reading important stories. Cross really knows her stuff, understanding how the military and other agencies operate and how things work in the Middle East. She does an incredible job of making this story seem real, and I was so impressed.
I love my romances to come with a whole lot of conflict – it makes everything to much more intense. This is an author who knows how to write incredible love scenes that are at least as much about character and story development as they are about anything else. They were really special to read.
This is book is so much more than a romance, and it should be approached that way. This is a huge story that draws you in and doesn’t let you go. It’s one of those stories that really gets you thinking about some serious things, and I went through the whole range of emotions while reading it.”
-rated 5 stars by Zosia, Goodreads
“If you like Suzanne Brockmann or Marliss Melton, you need to try Kaylea Cross. Can’t wait for her the next one. She has a fan with me.”
-Goodreads reader review
Cover of Darkness Reviews
“Exciting, riveting, suspenseful and still tender –COVER OF DARKNESS by Kaylea Cross is all of these things and more. I was hooked from the very beginning and am certain any fan of romantic suspense will be just as taken. The biggest question I have is why this author hasn’t gotten more serious PR. Ms Cross is fabulous and readers are going to miss a quality series if they haven’t heard of her. So here is my shout out to a little known but well crafted author!
Ms Cross really gets what romantic suspense should be about — the romance is crucial to the action, and the action is crucial to the romance and never should one get in the way of the other. That’s the formula Ms Cross uses and it works beautifully.”
-rated 5 stars and “Top Pick” from Rebecca of The Romance Reviews
“Wonderful. In Cover of Darkness Ms. Cross did exactly what a writer should do. Almost from the first page I wanted to be the heroine even when danger and chaos lurked around every corner. I admired Bryn’s dedication to a father she rarely saw, her strength and determination to do whatever it took to survive, and her compassion. Mostly, I envied her opportunity to be rescued by several hunky men. Although Dec is obviously and spectacularly the hero in this story, the other men who circle Bryn like satellites should not be disregarded. In fact, I suspect they won’t be. Cover of Darkness tells Bryn and Dec’s story, but it also drops tantalizing hints about the lives of several others and left me wanting more. I enjoyed this novel and can’t wait to see whose story is next. Well done, Ms. Cross.”
-rated 5 Diamonds by Dana Dean of Got Erotic Romance
“The many intriguing secondary characters and their motivations, the subterfuge, hate, and the love make Cover of Darkness a breathtaking and a heartbreaking story of life in a war zone and what it takes to survive. The price is sometimes high. The excitement, fear, and horror keep the adrenaline pumping at top speed as the story unfolds. How love survives and even thrives in such times is a mystery and a miracle.
Kaylea Cross’ writing style plunks the reader down into the middle of the action, traitorous deals, and the horrors of war as she mines the best and the worst of human nature to create a phenomenal love story.”
-rated 4.5 Books by Camelia of Long and Short Reviews
“Kaylea Cross writes romantic suspense at its finest. She does an amazing job bringing to readers an exciting new Navy Seal romance. Dec was HOT HOT HOT. The details in the story were believable and there is a great blend between the romance and the military details. Readers will also be sucked into Luke Hutchinson’s own personal problems. Cross is an author to keep your eyes on.”
-rated 4/5 by Reese of Night Owl Reviews
“At the beginning of the novel, I was tempted to compare it to Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooters series, which is also about Navy SEALs. But as the novel progressed, I saw that I couldn’t compare the two. Cover of Darkness is very pro-America and pro-military, whereas Brockmann’s novels are written from more of a liberalistic viewpoint, which doesn’t accurately portray the military mindset.
Unlike Brockmann’s “heroes,” Declan McCabe would never be caught dead questioning whether or not Americans are the good guys or why they were fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan in the first place…I feel more connected to Cross’s characters because they think more or less the way I do. I also think that Cross writes far more believable military men…but Cross is also very careful to show “good” Muslims, the people who live their day-to-day lives by the actual teachings of Islam and not the more twisted fanatical teachings.”
-reader review, Nights and Weekends
“This is an author who really knows what she’s writing about. There are some writers whose books are classified as ‘military romance’ who don’t seem to have the faintest idea what it is like to be a Navy SEAL or other Special Forces soldier. Kaylea Cross knows. For me it is extremely important to have the military aspect as strong as the relationship part of the story.
I loved this story from start to finish. I could go on about Cross all day, because – to quote a cliché – her writing ‘ticks all my boxes’. As with Cindy Gerard and Suzanne Brockmann, she really gets what military romantic suspense should be about. The relationship is crucial to the action, and the action crucial to the relationship. As with my other favourite authors in this genre, one aspect never, ever, gets in the way of the other. “
-rated 5 stars by Zosia, Goodreads“If you love military romantic suspense then you really do owe it to yourself to read this story. THIS IS MY favorite genre and I would put this story up against Melton or Brockmann any day. I can’t wait to get more from her. I hope she has plans to write more around the characters that were in this one.
Declan was one seriously hot alpha male, take charge of any situation. He was solid. There is not one thing I would change about him. Bryn was an awesome female lead. Very strong physically and emotionally considering all that happens in this book.
The bad guy Tezharri was freaky scary. I can picture him out there exacting his next plot……
Again I am so glad I found Ms. Cross. I look forward to reading more and waiting for her next installment…..I have added this one to my military ops list of books to keep!”
-5 star reader review, Goodreads
Out of Her League Reviews
“The plot was engrossing and fast paced, and I did shout at my keyboard a few times. Christa’s stalker was creepily realistic and Christa and Rayne are well drawn characters, whose dilemma completely drew me in emotionally. This is a great read, and I thoroughly recommend it.”
-rated 5 star “Top Pick” by Cyd, Night Owl Reviews
“The characters are both likable and believable. The setting moves cross country from Victoria, BC, to Baton Rouge and Charleston, giving a clear sense of each locale.
There’s an interesting subplot involving Rayne’s parents, Luke and Emily. They’ve lived apart for 23 years, but are still very much in love. Rayne both worships and despises his father.
The author provides lots of tension and edge-of-your-seat action. The final resolution is a true nailbiter. This was an extremely enjoyable story and I recommend it highly.”
-rated 5 Hearts by The Romance Studio
“I like the balance Cross has in her romantic suspense stories. There’s the perfect amount of action, romance, family and friends. The suspense is never just glossed over – if something’s creepy or disturbing it’s going to be that way. The ugly stuff isn’t just there to make the hero look tough when he comes to the rescue!
Something else I like is that the characters are not stupid. If they end up in danger it’s for a reason – people aren’t running around doing idiotic things simply to move the plot in the right direction. Christa was smart and interesting, and Rayne was such a wonderful, wonderful hero. Every time I think I’ve found the perfect man in this series another one turns up! “
-rated 5 stars by Zosia, Goodreads
“Ms Cross writes well, with smoothness and polish and her ability to create sub plots means that she makes a [stalker] theme refreshing. Go for it- this is a super read.”
-Between the Lines WRDF Review
“I rode the roller coaster ride of Rayne and Christa and have never enjoyed being on the edge of my seat like this before. The author illustrates not only the scenery perfectly but also the personalities of the characters. The emotions that Christa kept trapped inside and the way she was forced to confront and deal with them were heart-wrenching. You cry for her, and you cheer her on at every little baby step that brings her back to some sense of normalcy when it comes to romantic relationships. Christa’s stalker adds a whole other dimension to the plot and leads the reader on a suspense-filled path that makes you constantly wonder what is just around the corner. I was so impressed by the depth of the story and how each different layer was carefully pulled together in the end. Truly one of the most remarkable stories I have read. Kudos to Ms. Cross for a story well-told.”
- Simply Romance Reviews
“OUT OF HER LEAGUE is a tantalizing story that has well-developed characters plus lots of mystery, suspense of the ever-present stalker, and the suspense of how Christa and Rayne can find common ground in order for them to share the phenomenal love each feels for the other.
Ms. Cross’ description of settings brings the locations to life and reveals even more about the characters. Her smooth, easy flowing writing is a joy to read, AND the love scenes are truly love scenes not just sex – ah!”
- rated 4.5 books from Long and Short Reviews
