Review copy was received from Publicity team. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Crossing Hope by Kimberly Kincaid Series: Cross Creek #4
Published by Self-Published on October 15, 2018
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Format: eARC
Source: Publicity team
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Marley Rallston would rather be anywhere other than too-small-for-a-map-dot Millhaven, Virginia. But thanks to a heap of debt, what was supposed to be a quick trip to fulfill her mother’s dying wish has turned into an extended stay with the family she never knew she had and the father who never wanted her. To top it off, now she’s being forced to do community service with the town’s biggest bad boy, when all she wants to do is make enough cash to get out of Dodge? Life can’t get much worse.
The only thing Greyson Whittaker cares about is his family’s farm. He’ll do anything to keep Whittaker Hollow in the black, including live up to his rough, tough reputation by running the place by himself, no matter the cost. Mandatory community service with the daughter of their biggest rival is the last thing he wants or needs. But the more time Greyson and Marley spend together, the hotter their attraction burns, and the more the unlikely pair begins to realize that forbidden fruit just might taste the sweetest…
I am really loving this Cross Creek series. The first three books were about the Cross brothers, and the farm. They all work the farm with their father. Some of them have other interests and this plays out over the series. Crossing Hope brings many new changes, including a long unknown Cross sister.
Marley seems too abrasive to me initially, as did Greyson. It’s interesting to get past that outer shell to the real people. They are forced to spend time together which results in them getting to know each other and even develop some understanding, And chemistry. I like the way they slowly develop.
This world with lots of farming is comforting to me, even though I grew up in Iowa where there aren’t as many fruit trees or other fruits and vegetables as in this story. The small town prejudices and bending of the rules is rather accurate.
In the end, I enjoyed Marley’s questioning of the prejudice and status quo. She does a good job of looking at facts instead of emotions – for everyone except herself. Isn’t that the way it always is? But she figures it out and it brought some real tears when she faces reality. Thankfully, Marley is a strong enough person to pick herself up and go forward.
About Kimberly Kincaid
Kimberly Kincaid writes contemporary romance that splits the difference between sexy and sweet and hot and edgy romantic suspense. When she’s not sitting cross-legged in an ancient desk chair known as “The Pleather Bomber”, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book. Kimberly is a USA Today best-selling author and a 2016 and 2015 RWA RITA® finalist and 2014 Bookseller’s Best nominee who lives (and writes!) by the mantra that food is love. Kimberly resides in Virginia with her wildly patient husband and their three daughters.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2018 New Release Challenge
Love your review! I have the Pine Mountain series but hadn’t heard of this one. Now you’ve got me interested.
I loved the Pine Mountain series. It introduced me to Kincaid.
I’m not usually a fan of small town settings/romances, but I do like the sound of these two characters. It sounds like Marley is a character worth rooting for (once you get past the initial abrasiveness).
I really like the small town and farm setting. Both Marley and Greyson use an abrasive wall to protect themselves.
I haven’t read Kimberly Kincaid’s work for several years but I do remember enjoying her writing. I do need to give this series a try. I have to say that there is something about these covers that I do not like – not that it really matters all that much. Glad you enjoyed it!
I started with Pine Ridge series and really liked it. I don’t pay too much attention to covers since I do so much digital. There is only one cover I really like from this series, the rest are ok.