ARC Review: Cross & Crown by Abigail Roux

“CROSS & CROWN sets the series in motion.” ~ Under the Covers

Since the last book in the series, I’ve been anxiously awaiting for this book. I wanted to know what Abigail Roux had in store for Nick and Kelly. However, at the same time, I didn’t bother reading the blurb before diving in because I didn’t want to go in with expectations or opinions on how this book should be written. One of the hardest things about writing a spin off series that takes readers away from such beloved characters and focuses more on secondary characters, is that people will always compare it to Ty and Zane. As much as I adore them, I wanted to give Nick and Kelly a fair chance.

In the beginning of CROSS & CROWN, Nick finds himself in the middle of a double homicide involving a guy who cannot remember who he is or why he was at the scene of a crime and some missing old books. Not to mention, a familiar face is spotted at the scene as well and sparks some suspicion. Yet through all this, Nick is supposed to be taking it easy and spending time with his new boyfriend, Kelly.

Kelly is a great character. I love his enthusiasm and his constant support. I think he handles Nick’s darkness well and combats it with the humor that makes this series so fun to read. Nick, on the other hand, has that alpha thing going on and the way he tries to take control often leads to more sexy times. I cannot complain about that.

Tension arises, but never really manifests into a real problem when JD, the guy found at the scene who cannot remember his identity shows an interest in Nick. While Roux plays it up slightly, I don’t think it was ever a real issue in the first place. I think she was just trying to show that Nick had a choice before him- he could have anyone he wanted, but he chooses to be with Kelly. I like the romantic notion in that.

“Doc. There is no ‘something else’ for me. There’s no second option. It’s you. It’s just you. ”

Julian Cross plays an significant part in the story and while I wasn’t sure how it would all work out at first, I think in the end, it was entertaining to have them all together despite their strained dynamics.

Roux has now revealed how she plans on taking the series. I am still unsure of how I feel about this. The idea is intriguing, but I will hold off on any judgement until I read the next book in the series. However, the treasure hunting route doesn’t seem so bad when you consider the hunt for the treasure in this book.

CROSS & CROWN sets the series in motion. With its tender moments mixed with the action and suspense, I think readers should definitely give Nick and Kelly a shot.