Original small town story

This is the first time I've read Kimberly Kincaid and I'm really glad I did. It took me a little time to warm up to Eli but I loved how we slowly saw his many layers. He and Scarlett made a really nice couple. I thought the journey to their HEA was very interesting.
I also enjoyed the setting on the farm and the interactions with Eli's family.

I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

With his aw-shucks grin and his easy-going, nothing-bothers-him demeanor, Eli Cross has carefully cultivated his slacker brother persona at Cross Creek Farm. But when photographer Scarlett Edwards-Stewart arrives at the farm to do a feature for her friend’s struggling online magazine, Eli’s secrets are made. Scarlett is world-renown to her sharp eye behind the lens, but her perceptive eye away from it can clearly see that Eli is not what he seems.

Once again, this author makes us laugh, cry and love along with the Cross “boys.” Eli at first blush appears to be just a stereotypical simple man who cannot pull his weight on the farm but can certainly pull in the ladies. But with the strokes of her keyboard, Ms. Kincaid gives us a very complex, multi-layered character that once again proves you can never “judge a book by its cover.” Scarlett, meanwhile, has “complex” scrawled all over her, but wound up being the very “true to herself” character. Add in Owen’s ornery-ness, Hunter and Emerson’s continuing love story, a crazy unwinnable bet (or is it?) to the mix and you find yourself swept into a story you cannot put down. No spoilers here but believe me - once you reach “The End” you will find yourself hungry for more!

Crossing the Line is book two in the Cross Creek series by Kimberly Kincaid. I loved the first book in this series so have been so looking forward to Eli’s story. Eli is the youngest of the three Cross brothers and I can’t wait to tell you about him.

In the first book of this series, Crossing Hearts, we met the middle brother, Hunter Cross. But we also got to know Owen who is the oldest, and Eli who is the youngest. We also saw that there is some deep tension between Owen and Eli. The Cross family lives and breathes Cross Creek Farm. Except for Eli. He has never felt the same passion for farming his brothers and father feel. He doesn’t feel like he belongs. His brothers have specific responsibilities on the farm. Eli just floats, picks up what the others don’t. Owen is constantly on him about not doing enough, about not pulling his weight. Cross Creek is going through some rough times financially so they all need to double down to make ends meet.

When Eli runs into his long time enemy from a rival farm in the town feed store, words are exchanged and the other guy throws down a wager. One that Eli should have known better to accept. But all his buttons were pushed and he accepted the wager. Now they have one month to win this competition. If they lose, it could make an already bad situation at Cross Creek a lot worse. A very lot worse.

Scarlett Edwards-Stewart lived most of her early childhood in foster homes. After she was adopted, she still moved around a lot with her adoptive two dads. So Scarlett has never known a set place as home. Now as an adult, she is a travel photographer. She spends most of her life on the road. Scarlett’s only real friend’s magazine, FoodE, is in trouble. If Scarlett doesn’t help her, she might lose the magazine. She’s got some time off right now so she agrees to spend one month at Cross Creek, taking pictures and videos for the magazine to publish. She needs to document life on the farm. Scarlett is no country girl but for her friend, she can do this. Especially once she meets the man who is to be her main escort during her time there.

“This. This was her sanctuary. It didn’t matter where she was, but with a camera in her hands and something new to aim it at, Scarlett was exactly where she belonged.”

Eli and Scarlett are off to a rough start. Eli wants no part of this fiasco. But once he really realizes that this process could really help boost revenue on the farm, maybe help to win the bet he made, he’s all in. The more time these two spend together, the closer they get, the more they respect one another. As Eli and Scarlett’s relationship gets stronger, Eli begins to drop his façade and secrets come out, things he has never told anyone, hopes and dreams he has never shared.

This was such a wonderful story. It’s the story of a man who had big dreams but felt that that is all they could ever be, dreams. Until one little tiny slip of a woman bulldozes into his life and turns it upside down. Most of all, though, she teaches him to believe in himself. He’s beginning to think that together, they can do anything. That together, just maybe those dreams might have a chance at coming true.

I look forward to the next book in this series which will be Owen’s story. I can’t wait to go back and visit Cross Creek Farm again.

“My home - my heart, my everything - it’s all you. I belong with you.”

An opposites attract romance with real heart.
Eli is a farmer who knows in his heart that he does not want to spend his life at the family ranch with the close knit family that he loves.
Scarlett is a blond tatooed tumbleweed of a New York photographer who has never thought that anywhere was home. Even worse, she is vegan.
Both of them would do anything for the people that they care about. So when Eli makes a ridiculous bet with a competitor, he has to work with Scarlett for the sake of his family.
This emotional and poignant romance is a real rollercoaster where their relationship is put to the test from the start by Eli. But stick with it.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟½

Chemistry: ❤❤❤

Trope: Big city / small town romance

One-Sentence Summary: Big City girl meets Small Town boy

Review: I loved the first book in Kimberly Kincaid’s latest series focused on the lives of three farming brothers and it gave us enough of an introduction to Eli that I thought I knew what I was getting in this book: a hot, cocky gung-ho young farmer who is won over by a famous photographer from a big city.

I was right, in part, but Eli is so much more. He has a secret he has been hiding from his brothers, he is smart, he is torn up about how he can’t remember his mother, he feels the odd one out in the family and he is generally still trying to find his place in the world. Usually it’s the Heroine in romances that get the most character development and I love that the focus was on the guy and his issues for a change.

There’s a family twist right at the end of the book that I didn’t see coming and will no doubt be explored further in Owen’s story but for now, am I the only hoping for a Greyson/Marley 4th book in the series? Surely I’m not the only one who can see the potential for this ship. The fact they haven’t met yet is a minor stumbling block for sure but there’s the whole third book to setup and then explore the potential for an interesting dynamic between the unwanted orphan and the Cross family’s biggest rival???

Kimberly Kincaid is definately one of my favorite authors, her Crossing the Line series is another great book to add to my collection. I look forward to all of her books.

This is a great addition to the Cross Creek series. While I still like the first book better, I did enjoy Eli and Scarlett 's love story. I can't wait to see how the surprise at the end plays out in the next one in this series. Happy ☺reading 📚!

Kimberly Kincaid is one of my go-to authors when I want a feel good romance full of sexy fireworks. We are back at the Cross Creek Farm with the undeniably sexy Cross brothers. In book 2, we get to follow the youngest brother, Eli, while he grapples with his unease that he doesn't belong on the farm. I loved his relationship with Scarlett...the way she inspires him and supports him into following his dreams. And they way Eli helps to ground her. They were a perfect romantic match. There was an odd twist at the end that I didn't see coming, but I am curious to see if that goes somewhere in the next book. Please tell me that we are going to get Owen's story :)

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

4.25 Hearts Another wonderful read from Kimberly Kincaid. We are back in Cross Creek for Eli’s story.

When Scarlett is sent to help a friend by taking pictures on the farm Eli is assigned to show her around. Their story starts off with animosity but there is still an underlying attraction. Soon they head to friendship and eventually lovers. But as with all good stories. There is more than meets the eye with Eli and Scarlett is going to discover his secret.

The book was a fast entertaining read. It kept me interested from the first few pages and never really let go. It can be a stand alone but is only the 2nd in the series so you might want to pick up the first one too.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Loving this Cross Creek series by Kimberly Kincaid.

Eli has spent his entire life feeling like the outsider of his family, so that is part of the reason that he keeps his dream of writing a secret from everyone. Enter Scarlett, the photographer who is sent to Cross Creek to photograph and help save her best friends failing magazine.

Poor Eli doesn't stand a chance against Scarlett and soon starts to enjoy his time with her and opens up about everything to her. She taught Eli that is was okay to follow his dream and I loved their journey together.

I can't wait to get the next book in this series and hoping that Owen will finally get his story.

This second book in Kimberly Kincaid's Cross Creek series was a slow build, but a definite winner for me! Eli Cross and Scarlett Edwards-Stewart may have started out less than ideally, being thrown together to try and boost the farm's business. But when they finally connect and admit their attraction? Yeah well then things got really good. The struggle that Eli felt with his brother's and dad, as well as the disconnect Scarlett has in initially adapting to farm and small town life worked for me. Same for the building of the relationship between Eli and Scarlett. I loved how Scarlett SAW Eli, but I struggled a bit with the fact that as close knit as the Cross family was that know one ever noticed his duck and cover ways til her. Now I want Owen's story and to know more about Tobias.

This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone.

Eli Cross is the youngest of the three Cross brothers. He has never had the passion for running the farm that his dad and two brothers have. He uses charm, deflecting and cockiness to cover up his lackluster feelings. His passion is for writing. I struggled with his need to keep this from his family, thinking they would think less of him, give him a hard time about it, whatever. Despite their personality and outlook differences, they are a tight knit family.

Scarlett Edwards-Stewart, a well known photographer, shows up to do an emagazine spread as a favor for her best friend. The Cross Farm needs a financial boost, as does her friend’s emagazine. Scarlett has a severe case of wanderlust, never staying in one place for more than a week or two so this one month shoot will test her limits.

Eli’s family forces him to play host to Scarlett since he has “the most free time on his hands” and tells him to use his charm to make sure she stays happy and gets what she wants for the shoot. For all the tough exterior he presents to his family, Eli lets Scarlett in surprisingly quickly.

The unexpected twist at the end adds a little drama for the next book. The book ends rather abruptly. I wanted to see how Eli and Scarlett worked out all the details.

Looking forward to Owen’s story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher

Eli is known as the slacker around the farm. But he has secrets that he's keeping from everyone. But when his temper and big mouth out the farm in possible site straights things are set in motion that will change his life forever.

Scarlett is a world traveler, a photographer in high demand and a restless spirit. But when her best friend magazine is in trouble she thinks nothing of going to the Shenandoah Valley and helping her out with some photos and videos from the farm. Little does she know meeting Eli will change her restless spirit and her life.

These two fight each other's ideas, fight their attraction and finally succumb to it. But she doesn't really have a home and he's never felt like he belonged on the farm. Scarlett comes right in and fits right in more to her surprise than anyone's. But when she finds out about Eli's secret she hates to see him hiding himself. He has being doing all the writing and OR work for the farm for years and no one knows. Now when it comes down to the chance of a lifetime, and the chance to travel and be with Scarlett to do it he must face his fears and either come clean with his family or live his life in misery never fulfilling his destiny. But just as he comes to terms with his choices a bombshell co we knocking that will change the course of the family forever.

I loved the first book in this series and the second book is just as fabulous too. The story flows all through the book and it very well written by the author. Great characters with great chemistry and even good secondary characters too. Was a pleasure to read and would recommend to everyone

Eli works on the family farm with his two brother Owen and Hunter and their father Tobias on Cross Farm. To Eli the farm is an obligation and not his life’s calling as his real love is writing. He tends to act before he thinks which gets him into trouble and his latest escapade has the farm needing some positive publicity.

Scarlett is a successful photographer from NYC and she has agreed to help her best friend Mallory with a piece on Cross Farms for FoodE magazine which is owned by her friend.

It is a win-win for both the magazine and Cross Farms as they both need the publicity however there is one Cross family member whose surly attitude is making the assignment as difficult as he can. As they work together there is a chemistry and banter between them and it looks like they may have met their match but what happens when the assignment ends?

I love this family as despite their differences their love and loyalty for each other overrules everything. Eli and Scarlett should be opposites but together they just fit and their chemistry and connection is deep. This is a great addition to the series and I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Crossing the Line is the second book in Kimberly Kincaid's Cross Creek series, about the Cross brothers and their life in Milhaven in the Shenandoah Valley.

Eli is the youngest brother and the one who feels the most out of place. He has secrets and prefers to deny himself his own personal dream and to just concentrate in making the family farm a success. So when a great opportunity for a big publicity comes in the form of the big city photographer, he only hesitates for a moment and decides to show her around.

Scarlet loves her job as a famous photographer but when her best friend needs help she doesn't hesitate to drop everything and travel to the small town of Millhaven to get the much needed photos and story for her friend. Meeting the Cross family and seeing their place was a breath of fresh air,literally. But the unwelcoming Eli Cross was the one that caught her interest the most. As Scarlet and Eli get to know the farming life better, the more that they can't deny their growing feelings for each other. But Eli needs to trust in himself and his family and decide once and for all that to follow his dream is to let go of something else.

Crossing the Line will surprise readers with its self actualization theme intertwined with the romance aspect. There is no denying that Scarlet and Eli's chemistry was sweet, sexy, charming, friendly and definitely combustible. But it is Eli's own awakening and his own acceptance of who he is within the family dynamics that really is the central core. Scarlet realizes as well that sometimes to share a dream is so much better with someone you love.

The Crossing Creek series is a charming family saga that is wholesome and not too heavy on the angst. Each book also zeroes in on a health concern that is informative without being overwhelming the reader with a lot of dry facts, instead giving it a human touch. It is definitely a must read series.

Okay, so while I love the pairing of Eli and Scarlett, Cross Creek itself, the Cross family and the writing style of Kimberly ...I did not love Eli. While I understand that Eli himself feels like he doesn't belong and his passion isn't found on the farm, that doesn't excuse his attitude towards the work that needs to be done. He's seen as a slacker because, well, to a point, he is one.
I'm not sure if he really starts to work harder the longer Scarlett is around or if I just saw him differently, but I did learn to, if not love, definitely appreciate him more. I did love spunky, tell-it-like-it-is Scarlett, though, and thought she brought out a more honest and real version of Eli.
I'm glad to be back in Cross Creek, warts (ugh, Greyson!) and all. And oh, that plot twist...I did not see that coming! Overall, this was a really great read for me and I recommend it both as a standalone and as a series.

I have been waiting for Eli to get his story and Kimberly Kincaid did an awesome job with Eli Cross. Eli is know as the disappointment or slacker in the Cross family but that is so far from the truth, he has the biggest heart and would do anything for his family. Only one small problem - Eli has a secret that he is keeping tightly to himself so he doesn't disappoint his family. Not to give anything away so it doesn't spoil the book, but, it was definitely an "OH WOW" that only Kimberly Kincaid can write.
Eli is muddling along, UNTIL, Scarlett a famous photographer shows up at Cross Creek Farm and challenges Eli at every turn. Scarlett is there to help out her friend by taking pictures of the Cross' produce and doing video's for the Blog site FoodE that her friend owns.
This is where things get exciting and interesting. The chemistry between these two was off the charts H.O.T, my heart went out to Eli in this story as he tries to find where he belongs. Scarlett was the most perfect character for Eli, not only did she help him but being around the Cross family opened her up a bit more and showed her exactly what a family is.
This is an interesting, sexy, emotional, funny read with twists and turns you don't want to miss!! Another 5 * read from Kimberly Kincaid

Crossing the Line, The Cross Creek Series, Book 2 by Kimberly Kincaid deals with the life of one who has dreams different from the rest of his family. Meet Eli who has just that but keeps his dreams a secret. Put him in Ms. Kincaid’s capable writer’s hands, add a nosy photographer, namely Scarlett Edwards-Stewart, give them plenty of chemistry and you will wind up with one funny, heartwarming, steamy love story. Yep, it is all three rolled into one as the youngest Cross brother meets his match.

Crossing the Line has a wonderful Shenandoah setting with a Cross family full of healthy robust males and one bright, witty female. A page turner for sure as city crosses the line with country Kimberly Kincaid style.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.