A review by booksbytheglass
Crossed by Emily McIntire

challenging dark sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I’m really quite sad that I wasn’t as into this one as emily’s other books, especially because I love a good forbidden romance AND hunchback of notre dame!! 

for me, the pacing itself was just too all over. it was the slowest of slow burns between MCs cade and amaya - and yes, the payoff was worth it, but then it went from 0 to 100 so fast I got whiplash 😅 and the whole arc with parker was hot and cold too 

I loved amaya’s fiery spirit, and I wish we got to see more of that rather than the constant self-doubt and bullying she received at the hands of others. when she finally stood up for herself, I was pumping my fists in the air!! but then she immediately resorted to extreme measures which felt super unhealthy and out of character …

and cade, as much as I love a good sexy conflicted man, was boring. his chapters were an endless cycle over and over again of being obsessed with amaya, giving into his feelings for her, immediately regretting it, self harming himself to “repent” and then starting all over again the next day. 

the chapters with quinten were by far my favorite - and I love how emily’s creative mind is able to adapt and change these known characters into a completely new story but keeping the same vibes 👌🏼 

the main conflict with parker wasn’t my cup of tea either, especially because it could have been avoided altogether if everyone just talked to each other 🙃 but overall, the storytelling was just as beautiful as ever, and I’m looking forward to the next installment!

rating: 3 stars
wine pairing: beaujolais nouveau red blend 
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