“Crossed,” the fifth complete standalone novel in the Never After Series by Emily McIntire, presents readers with a captivating and dark reimagining of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Father Cade Frédéric is a man of the cloth, dedicated to his faith and the church. Despite his upbringing in the streets of Paris, he has devoted his life to righteousness. However, beneath his holy exterior lies a darkness—a sickness that consumes him and drives him to rid the world of evil. When he is appointed as the priest in Festivalé, Vermont, a town shrouded in despair, Father Cade feels the pull of his sickness, urging him to confront the darkness that plagues the town.
Amaya Paquette is a mysterious and alluring figure in Festivalé. She cares for her younger brother by day, but by night, she transforms into Esmeralda, captivating audiences with her dance. Despite her longing for love, Amaya keeps her distance from others, fearing the pain of abandonment.
When Father Cade crosses paths with Amaya, he is immediately drawn to her, convinced that she possesses witchcraft powers. Despite his vows of piety, he finds himself consumed by thoughts of her, unable to resist the temptation she represents.
As their forbidden attraction grows, Father Cade becomes determined to rid himself of the temptation Amaya presents, even if it means destroying the only woman he may ever love.
“Crossed” is a gripping contemporary romance that delves into themes of temptation, desire, and the battle between light and darkness. McIntire skillfully blends elements of romance and suspense, creating a story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
I’ve devoured the entire Never After Series, and they are all fantastic! Yet, this book, alongside “Hooked,” stands out as a favorite. You will NOT be disappointed!
Cade and Amaya epitomize the essence of unconditional love. Amaya’s unwavering devotion to Quin is as it should be. This powerful life story captivated me, and I absolutely loved this book.
First and foremost, make sure to read the trigger warnings for this book. While not much typically phases me, some intense topics in this book left me feeling a bit queasy at times. This is undoubtedly the most gruesome installment in the Never After Series, but don’t let that deter you. If you’re not affected by the trigger warnings and can handle gore, it’s an incredibly compelling read. It’s a modern retelling of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Though I’ve never seen the movie, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It reminded me a lot of “Priest” by Sierra Simone but is much darker.
I absolutely LOVED this one. I wasn’t a huge fan of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” growing up, so I was initially hesitant about reading “Crossed.” However, I approached it with an open mind and was utterly pleased. Cade’s physical and mental portrayal is beautifully crafted, and the heat in this book—whew, LAWDDDD!! I love all of Emily’s books, and with each one I read, I’m continuously blown away!
As the fifth installment in the Never After Series, “Crossed” offers readers a compelling and immersive reading experience. McIntire’s evocative prose and complex characters make “Crossed” a must-read for fans of dark romance and fractured fairy tales alike.
