Crossing Lines: Contemporary Romance

by Symone West

Ambitious fashion designer Davia Sinclair feels neglected in her relationship. On a night out at a club, she meets the owner, Kross, and what begins as a fleeting encounter evolves into a magnetic attraction that blurs the line between friendship and desire.

Savvy entrepreneur Kross Krueger finds himself drawn to Davia’s irresistible fire. The more their connection deepens, the more he yearns for what he’s never had and can no longer deny.

They’ll have to uphold boundaries or surrender to their intense emotions and face the inevitable hurt they’ll cause.

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2025

About the author

Symone West is the author of sweet and sexy, sometimes dark, coming of age and adult romance and suspense.

Reviews

[Darcy J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ 2.5🌶️
If Kross and Davia were anything, they were chaotic and spicy.
-Every character was quite dramatic in this one. There was character development but it went from 0-100 without much explanation. For example, when his mom was in the hospital she told him she wasn’t going to rehab to get better and give up on her and Kross was like “I should” and then she was like “Ok, I’ll go to rehab.”
-Things just happened really fast or without a buildup or much conversation.
-Other things like the reaction to the clothing line leak just felt dramatic and unrealistic.
-I don’t like how Jamir made her uncomfortable and put his hands on her in a way that hurt her and she never told Kross. She made the most excuses for him and he wasn’t a good person.
-Every character had a fight and/or detrimental secret or event happen on page. It was just…a lot. And I really wanted to connect to Kross and Davi but she was more frustrating than anything.

[BookKraves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossing Lines by Symone West had me completely invested in the chaotic, drama-filled lives of Davia and Kross. You know Shawn Mendes’ 2016 hit Treat You Better? Well, this book gives us all the messy, emotional, and steamy details, and I ate up every bit of it!

Davia is on the rise in her career, but when her boyfriend stands her up during an important moment, it’s the final straw. Instead of sulking, she decides to celebrate on her own—which leads her straight to Kross a man who is everything her boyfriend is not. Kross is celebrating the grand opening of his club, and from the moment they meet, the chemistry is undeniable.

Now, Kross may have left the streets, but the streets haven’t left him. He’s reformed, but still carries that edge. And when it comes to Davia, he doesn’t hold back. She’s in a relationship, but Kross? He makes it clear that he’s ready for more whenever she is.

What I Loved
The chemistry– Kross and Davia had that slow-burn, forbidden attraction that kept me on edge. Every interaction between them was charged with tension and the cute dates was the cherry on top.
Kross is THAT guy– He’s not just alpha and intense, he’s patient, confident, and unapologetically into Davia. He wasn’t about playing games; he knew what he wanted.
Davia’s struggle felt real – She’s caught between what’s comfortable and what’s right, and that internal battle made her so relatable.
The drama kept me turning the pages– Between Davia’s failing relationship and the undeniable pull between her and Kross, I couldn’t stop reading.

This book had passion, tension, and a love story that burned bright. Kross and Davia’s connection was electric, and I was glued to the pages, rooting for them the whole way. If you love:
✔️ High-stakes romance
✔️ Bossed-up, reformed bad boys
✔️ A woman realizing she deserves better
✔️ Drama, angst, and spice

Then Crossing Lines is a must-read. This was an easy 5-star for me, and I need more books like this ASAP! 🔥

[Ebony | whatebonyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The modern adage "If he wanted to, he would" should be tattooed on Kross Krueger's body. While celebrating the grand opening of his new club, he encounters a woman who seems like she was crafted by the universe just for him. Determined to make her his, Kross isn’t backing down.

Enter Davia Sinclair, who’s just been stood up by her boyfriend during a significant moment in her career. Instead of wallowing in disappointment, she decides to take herself out and celebrate—little does she know, this night will push her to choose between lingering in mediocrity or crossing the line into true happiness.

From the opening chapters, I was invested in the characters, and by the time I hit 25%, I knew this book was a five-star. There’s something irresistible about a man who isn’t afraid to love his woman out loud, and Kross does just that. He lifts Davia up with every opportunity, reminding her that she deserves more than the bare minimum. There’s drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and I found it hard to put down my Kindle—I had to know what happened next! I am not new to Symone West’s work, and dare I say, this may be some of her best yet!

[Brooke ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5 stars

Okay okay okay!! I have so many thoughts on this. I'm not even sure where to start if I'm being honest lol. This was a really nice buddy read with my cousin, and it was a free book i got from BRAE! I love this cover too like ugh!

First of all. Davia's mama? Girl what in the absolute hail. and i mean HAILLLLLLL??? Every time this women did something I was like okay theres no way it could get any worse right? No. Wrong. Wrong answer. WOW LMAOOOOOO. I mean miss girl just living on chaos mode- tbh if anything I need HER book.

Second, Davia was kind of pissing me off in this. Girl why on earth would you even consider Jamir's feelings at all? She couldnt tell he was cheating? Be serious. Then leading Kross on for so long girl you need to be glad he was still even interested or trying to go after you cause omg. This was very insta-lovey and I can't lie when i got to the end i was like wym its only been 6 months? LMAOOOO. I'm not mad at it though but goodness gracious. You know what though?? Jamir got what was coming for him so I'll take it. But wow this was... this was something for SURE.

I want to say this is my first Symone West book and it will not be my last!!! The drama had me returning time after time to see what would happen next.

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a reminder of the old adage that “you don’t have to cling to a mistake just because you spent a long time making it”. Davia’s relationship was CLEARLY over and it took her WAY too much of the book for her to accept it and move on. Her naivety & inability to get a backbone and make a decision really frustrated me. At one point I almost wanted Kross to just move around because of her waffling. And while I enjoy a “Mr Steal your Girl” that applies pressure, I do think Kross felt a bit pushy at times when it came to her boundaries. There was a lot of mess in this book. Like everybody had something going on. My goodness. Also there were a lot of people who needed hands laid on them….Jamir, His parents, Shanae, & Davia’s mother (for old time sake).

[Sabal Mockingbird · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. Symone West has a nice flow that makes her books easy to read and enjoy. This book dug a little deeper than some of the others and I think that's where it fell flat for me. The emotions are intense in this book and that was also part of the problem. The MFC is so conflicted and contrary that it borders on her being absolutely annoying.

The MMC is likeable but really aggressive and even though he constantly told the MFC the ball was in her court he would do something contrary to that, overwhelming her with his presence and gestures. Turn it around, if he was with this woman and someone started pursuing her aggressively, he would be enraged. It just felt like she never got room to breathe. Sure, her relationship was trash, and it was obvs that her BF was doing something more than 'working', but the author never turns this lightbulb on for her, which made this smart and independent woman seem almost stupid.

The conflict in the book felt forced. Instead of talking it out with her BF, the MFC would make her way to this man's venue. Her BF would constantly show up at her place unannounced, yet she never thought to do that with him? Even the one time when it seemed like that was the only thing the situation called for. Add in all of the side drama with parents and relatives and unrequited love, it just felt like too much was in this book b/c the relationship part of it was not enough. So extra pages with no real substance - imo.

Funny enough, one of the side characters (Preston) was interesting and I found myself enjoying the moments with him in the book and wanted more with him. I think that's what I'm trying to convey, the two main characters are a bit boring and after reading the last sentence (epilogue), I felt nothing. I wouldn't recommend a book that makes me feel this way; however, it was an easy read with tons of heat and the usual flow I get from West, so choose this book if you don't go deep with books, especially romance ones; I don't think you'll be disappointed, I just don't know if you'll come away feeling - anything.

[Lyssa J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review at ihavetosay.blog

Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

This book is currently a standalone contemporary romance book told in the first perspective from both Davia and Kross.

The dynamics throughout this book are complicated and some of them are messy. Davia is introduced to the club and Kross through her coworker who is basically family to Kross, and is one of Kross’s best friend’s sister.

Davia struggles with her deepening feelings and attraction towards Kross, while being in a relationship and getting a dream opportunity to design a fashion line for the company she works for.

Kross is accomplished and helps kids choose a different a path. He also knew who and what he wanted and made it clear.

If you don’t like cheating in books, this isn’t for you. I will say that her boyfriend of five years was inattentive and terrible and it was easy for me to root for Davia and Kross because she deserved more. They did cross some lines (😉) though.

Read for:
👗 Fashion Designer x Business Owner
👗 He Cooks Vegan Food For Her
👗 Leaves Notes in French
👗 Dual POV
👗 Strained/Complicated Mother/Child Dynamics
👗 Cheating trope

OVERALL

Overall, I give this a 4 out of 5 stars. Some parts of it made me laugh, others were sweet, and it was messy. I had a good time.

[Krystal King · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

From the Author:
Slow Burn
Contemporary Romance
Some Cheating
Camil Drama

My adds:
Love at First Sight
Friendship Drama

I loved this book! As I was nearing the end I literally couldn’t put it down.

The author says the book was a slow burn but I think it went at the right pace. What does the world say - another man’s trash is another man’s treasure, Kross took that literally. Some men think they have you locked down and even after all your pleading to fix the missing connection, they fail to do so. You never ever want to give your woman a chance to look at another man to fill in your gaps. Jamir knew exactly what he had but didn’t care because he assumed Davia would just stay … Kross said nah, I got it from here. And he did - he showed her everything a man should bring to woman’s life and didn’t waiver not once. Didn’t lie. Lived up to his promises.

The author did a great job with the characters and the story. I’ll def be reading this again at some point. The drama wasn’t too much, it was just enough and oddly I found the fact that Davia and Kross having the same childhood background perfect. It helped them be more understanding and empathetic. Something I hope they don’t lose.

Well done. Now where’s the sequel … 🫶🏽

[Taylor Nadon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
Gosh this one was so good. I think this is officially my favourite from this author which is crazy because I normally don’t love some of the tropes in this book but it was just done so well. The absolute obsession that Kross has for Davia from the very beginning is so captivating and I just loved how everything went down. It was full of drama in the best of ways and I really felt like these characters had a lot of depth especially with their backstories. The only reason this isn’t a 5 for me is because there were a couple of times I felt like everything was being rushed and I just wanted more time to see those things play out. But trust me this book is 100% worth your time and it is so fast paced that I read it in less than 12 hours.
Thank you Symone West for the E-ARC!

[Samone Webber-Blount · Rating 5 out of 5]

GIIIRRRLLLLL!!! This book was chef’s kiss! I received an eARC of this book 12 hours ago & when I tell you I DEVOURED IT! I loved Kross & Davia’s chemistry and love story soooo much! I enjoyed that Davia wasn’t eager to cross the line (see what I did there👀😂) with the MMC so fast despite their attraction. BUUTTT after a certain point I was like girl cmon now😂🤭 Jamir is a sack of shit & got EXACTLY what he deserved, sorry not sorry✋🏽

I was sooo happy to receive an eARC of this book & im so glad that it didn’t disappoint!! LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!!! 20/10 HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kross and Davia—THE blueprint for mutual pining! REAL YEARNERS! From the moment they locked eyes, the attraction was undeniable…except Davia had a man (cue frustrated sigh). Jamir Uuuugghhh. He stayed getting on my nerves and Kross’s too lol But where Jamir fell flat, Kross stepped up in every way. The slow burn was real, but the build-up? Absolutely worth it. The tension, the longing, the chemistry—Symone West delivered it all. If you love a romance that makes you ache in the best way, Crossing Lines is a must-read!

Thank you Symone West for the eARC!

[Carolyn Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have one word for this book MESSY! Why you wonder?
- there’s cheating with everyone and people you don’t expect to be cheating
- there’s get back
- women fighting each other
- a nosy family member sharing everyone’s business and stirring the sh*t
- there’s sabotage and stealing

I mean it’s just messy! This is the story of Kross and Davia. How they meet and fall in love and yes they do get a HEA. But Lordt the stuff that goes down in between!

I’m actually rating this book 3.5 ⭐️because while it was messy I did enjoy the story. I appreciated Kross and Davia’s journey to love.

[Ashontee Billingsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Davia & Kross really tried to keep that friendship going but their heart and body wanted more than that. Symone did her thang with this book! I really didn’t want to put it down with the drama and that boyfriend of hers.

Kross was patient, showing up for her, sending her lunch, and being the man she needed (even when she didn’t realize it). He was down bad for her!! I loved it so much! Davia eventually realized she couldn’t fight it, knew she deserved better, and accidentally caused some drama at work.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drawn out

This book could have been about 80 pages less. The back and forth became a bit much after some time. The same story could have been told in a much shorter format. Also Davia worked my nerves this entire book. Eventually she made the right choice in men but my lord it took forever.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute read. It’s my first read from this author and I will definitely read more.

[Yanique (YanCanWorld) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!

[alexis.rae.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crossing Lines is a messy and complicated romance. I loved every minute of it.

The story follows Davia and Kross. Davia is in a relationship where she does not feel valued or appreciated. She meets Kross at his club, and they have an instant connection. The two believe they can just be friends, of course it turns into something more. Davia tries to fight it, but she is no match for Kross.

Kross is confident and knows what he wants. And what he wants is Davia, no matter the obstacles.He was a man obsessed. I loved that he just wanted to spoil Davia and show her what a healthy relationship is supposed to look like.

Davia took a little more time to fall for Kross. She had to deal with her boyfriend Jamir and her guilt of falling for another man.

Despite the forbidden aspect of their relationship, you can't help but hope they get their happily ever after.

Symone West perfectly weaves romance and drama to create an engaging story.