Reviews

Cross by Shantel Tessier

taniamg's review against another edition

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5.0

Wow who would have thought that so far Cross is my favorite King!!! I’ve been intrigued by Bones since book 1 and never really thought much about Cross and wow did his story blow me away!!! Alexa was the perfect girl for him. She was off limits but not really lol. Who would have thought that casual had this much chemistry. Unbeknownst to them they gad connections because of third parties. These two did lots of back and forth and Cross knew she was it; she just needed to speed up and get on the same page. There was incident that brought out the dark side in Cross because someone tried to get rid of Alexa and he was not about anyone hurting his woman. The things he did along with his brothers just showed his strong their brotherhood is. It’s not only Cross problem it’s all of them problem. The other Kings and their girls had their own issues one in particular that was an extremely sad moment but as much as the guys have a strong bond so did they girls. Loved it!!!

katiereadingcorner's review against another edition

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5.0

Cross is smoking hot and will set your heart on fire in this book.

This is the first book of “The Dark Kings” Series I have read and I thought it was a great book and can imagine it being a good series to read. It reminded me a lot of the MC series by Serena Akeroyd. Both styles of writing are similar and well done.

We hear from Alexa and Cross’ point of view. We hear from the other characters through the narration of Alexa and Cross as well. I would give this book a trigger warning for someone who may be triggered by pregnancy loss.

The book starts with Cross’ 13th birthday, his father says it is time for Cross to repent for his sins. His mother is there with him as well and watches the whole scene. His mother then gives him a birthday present, which is a zippo lighter with engraving on it.

We then pick up present time Alexa, she comes across as a relaxed no nonsense kinda girl, she was cheated on by her ex and is now single, although he doesn’t want them to be over and won’t leave her alone. She owns a bar called “Lucky’s” and works their with her brother Derek.

Alexa is best friends with April who is Grave’s wife. Grave, Cross, Titan and Bones are all Kings, their fathers were the three wisemen and went about their business privately, whereas the Kings don’t do anything privately, people know to be afraid of them and to watch out who they mess with. They own a hotel in Las Vegas which is full of restaurants, bars, clubs, casinos, strip clubs and tattoo shop “tit for tat” which is run by Cross, he is a tattoo artist.

During the book we learn about Alexa and Cross’ relationship, but also their is a deal which has not gone right and the Kings are trying to work out how to fix it. There are a few hot sex scenes and a few gory fight and torture scenes. It reminds me of a mafia style of book.

Cross isn’t as dominant as I thought he would be, he is very possessive and doesn’t want people knowing his story, he doesn’t let people in and struggles with trust, the only people he trusts are his King brothers.

I would definitely recommend this book, you don’t need to read the whole series before this book.

meganlaza's review

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challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

_bookish_kristy_'s review

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5.0

4.5 intense stars

Cross is the 4th book in the Dark Kingdom series. I am loving watching the Kings fall for their Queens. Cross and Alexa’s story was filled with intense, emotionally packed drama. What should have been a casual hookup, turned into something way more than either expected. This dark and gritty book held me captive until the end. Shantel does dark romance so well!

madnes4life's review

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challenging dark emotional funny mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

gnlee26's review

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

alexa and cross
4.5⭐️
i reallly liked this one. the story was awesome, i love how devoted cross is, honestly all of the kings. i hated the way april and graves story went and i want them to just be happy :( i can’t wait to read bones!!

cat_gordon's review

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dark emotional fast-paced

4.25

amberbaird's review

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5.0

Ms. Teaser does it again ! Her writing just pulls me in .

avidbooknerd2028's review

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5.0

Can't Get Enough

OMG!!!! I can't get enough of this series. I absolutely adore all the characters and love watching them grow in their relationships. These books keep me enthralled and never seem to have a dry spot.

Onto the next one I guess!

theeclecticreview's review

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5.0

I have to confess I've only read the prequel to the Dark Kings series [b:Code of Silence|50266464|Code of Silence|Shantel Tessier|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1578097006l/50266464._SY75_.jpg|73324993], which introduced me to Cross, Titan, Bones, Grave, Emilee, Haven, and Jasmine, and so at least I had an idea what the Dark Kings were all about.  Ms. Tessier's books are dark, passionate, steamy, and suspenseful, which is everything I want in a book.

Cross's past is shocking and sad as his father, a priest and one of the Three Wisemen, and his unsupportive mother, abuse him while training him to be a Dark King. His only family are the Dark Kings, Titan, Bones, and Grave, who share Cross's heritage being born into the same unsavory life. When loner Cross meets the feisty, independent Alexa, his world changes for the better. He expected a one-night stand and he got so much more.

Alexa owns her own bar and has sworn off relationships. Then she meets Cross. The forbidden Dark King. He's dangerous, sexy, and everything she thought she would never find in a man. But can she live with his nefarious side?

Cross and Alexa are a good fit.  They are both comfortable with themselves and know what they want in life.  They are also very supportive and committed to their friends and family. The many sides of Cross are written well. From his vicious business side to his vulnerable side when hiding his past and his scars.  He also shows a very passionate and loving side to Alexa as he falls hard and fast for her.  Alexa is strong and ambitious as she decides to go into business with her friend Jasmine. She is no pushover, nor a freeloader as she pays her way. I really love the interactions between Cross and his Dark King brothers. You will see a lot of love and respect there. Case in point, when Grave, a recovering addict, needs help from some devastating news, the Kings share his grief and provide a wonderful bond for a hurting brother. 

Supporting characters abound with the hilarious Jasmine (can't wait to read her story), April and Grave, Titan and Emilee, the broody Bones (his story will be awesome), and definitely Silent Nite, who had a small part in this book, but I really want to read his story as well. In addition, Alexa's brother, Derek, plays a major role as well as Alexa's slimy ex, Mitch. One last note...the Mason brothers are going to have their own series. Yummy!

I highly recommend this compelling dark romance filled with passion, suspense, and wickedness. Alpha males and badass women are my cup of tea! Give this book and the Dark Kings series a try. I promise I will.

Thank you to Ms. Tessier for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.