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Cross Creek #3
Crossing Promises
He's serious.
She's in serious trouble.
Will these opposites attract...or ignite?
Owen Cross cares about two things:
family and farming.
So when widow Cate McAllister offers
to fix his bookkeeping mess
he jumps at the chance.
Who knew she'd be so bossy?
Or that she'd threaten his composure.
Yeah. That way.
Owen's moody, broody, and, okay, yeah.
Smokin' hot.
Also, technically her boss.
She needs this job to get out
of the debt her late husband left behind.
Plus, Owen's a family man
and the last thing Cate wants is anything—
anyone—
with strings attached.
She couldn't possibly heal
from the loss of one family
and find the gruff, gorgeous love of her life.
Could she?
USA Today best-seller Kimberly Kincaid offers up a full-length sexy small-town romance. Reluctant lovers never burned so hot or fell so hard on their way to happily ever after.
She's in serious trouble.
Will these opposites attract...or ignite?
Owen Cross cares about two things:
family and farming.
So when widow Cate McAllister offers
to fix his bookkeeping mess
he jumps at the chance.
Who knew she'd be so bossy?
Or that she'd threaten his composure.
Yeah. That way.
Owen's moody, broody, and, okay, yeah.
Smokin' hot.
Also, technically her boss.
She needs this job to get out
of the debt her late husband left behind.
Plus, Owen's a family man
and the last thing Cate wants is anything—
anyone—
with strings attached.
She couldn't possibly heal
from the loss of one family
and find the gruff, gorgeous love of her life.
Could she?
USA Today best-seller Kimberly Kincaid offers up a full-length sexy small-town romance. Reluctant lovers never burned so hot or fell so hard on their way to happily ever after.
350 pages, ebook
First published March 5, 2018
134 people are currently reading
695 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Kincaid
69 books2,676 followersUSA Today best-selling author Kimberly Kincaid writes romantic suspense that sizzles and contemporary romance with heart and heat. Equal parts action and emotion, her firefighters and first responders always save the day. When she's not finding adventure with her family and naughty Whippets, Olive, Daisy, and Jack, she can be found practicing obscene amounts of yoga, whipping up anything from enchiladas to éclairs in her kitchen, or curled up with her nose in a book.
Kimberly's series include The Intelligence Unit, Remington Medical, Station Seventeen, and her brand-new Remington Rescue Squad series. All titles stand alone for easy reading.
Kimberly's series include The Intelligence Unit, Remington Medical, Station Seventeen, and her brand-new Remington Rescue Squad series. All titles stand alone for easy reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
February 14, 2018
I’ve always been interested in Kimberly Kincaid’s ‘Cross Creek’ series, for its 3 brothers so wildly different that it was almost a guarantee you’d get very different stories out of them. ‘Crossing Promises’ is Owen Cross’s story— the pain-in-the-arse grump, the responsible brother, the long-suffering (and not too silent) chump and it wasn’t hard to develop a soft spot for the own who bore things on his shoulders and carried on for everyone else because he needed to.
Unfortunately, this particular book disappointed me more than the rest in the series, more so because I was looking forward to Owen’s story. But my dislike stemmed from my inability to get on with this pairing, with a ‘heroine’ I found more annoying than sympathetic and one who looked as though she needed to be treated with kid-gloves lest her sensibilities be offended.
As work partners, Cate and Owen were fabulous. Their synchronised way of running Cross Creek was a marvel to behold and for most part, it was enjoyable to see Owen happy and settled. I empathised with Cate from the start, seeing her struggle with the memories and as well as with how she found it hard to get back on her feet.
But ultimately, Cate wasn’t a protagonist I could get on board with at all. While I understood how she wanted to move on with her life as her own person, I never quite got past the idea that she remained fragile as glass, turning to frenzied baking as a way to deal with her unsettled state of mind. That she also kept something fairly monumental from Owen until the end put her straight in the ‘stupid’ category for me and I thought that the fault could be roundly laid at Cate’s door for that. To use children (or the lack of them) a method to ‘rein’ someone in or as a way of shaping a particular lifestyle however, is an idea I absolutely despised and while I hated how it’d been done to Cate, I hated it even more when she’d unconsciously held it over Owen later without even realising it.
The definition of the family/family legacy (and the issue of children) was made out to be a problematic one here and that eventually, did become an issue here for me as well. What I didn’t like was Cate's lack of compromise at the end with the conflict that came up—both Owen and Cate were entitled to their own wishes—but I was fairly unhappy with the rushed ending that had Owen bending backwards for Cate who essentially, used the bitter lessons from her past against Owen.
For Cate not giving Owen’s view on the family any consideration at all killed it for me and while picking sides isn’t exactly that I want to do in a romance, and the ending of ‘Crossing Promises’ somehow did that for me. In fact, I thought the story ended in a way (with Owen’s grovelling that really felt like forced repentance after a talk with Marley) that never suggested Cate had merely thought about what she’d wanted, then selfishly held those up to Owen as a checklist to see if he would be with her in spite of it.
I definitely wished I could have given this a better rating because I’ve always liked Kincaid’s writing. But because I could barely tolerate Cate as someone for Owen, this simply went south too quickly and unexpectedly for me.
*ARC by the author via Netgalley
Unfortunately, this particular book disappointed me more than the rest in the series, more so because I was looking forward to Owen’s story. But my dislike stemmed from my inability to get on with this pairing, with a ‘heroine’ I found more annoying than sympathetic and one who looked as though she needed to be treated with kid-gloves lest her sensibilities be offended.
As work partners, Cate and Owen were fabulous. Their synchronised way of running Cross Creek was a marvel to behold and for most part, it was enjoyable to see Owen happy and settled. I empathised with Cate from the start, seeing her struggle with the memories and as well as with how she found it hard to get back on her feet.
But ultimately, Cate wasn’t a protagonist I could get on board with at all. While I understood how she wanted to move on with her life as her own person, I never quite got past the idea that she remained fragile as glass, turning to frenzied baking as a way to deal with her unsettled state of mind. That she also kept something fairly monumental from Owen until the end put her straight in the ‘stupid’ category for me and I thought that the fault could be roundly laid at Cate’s door for that. To use children (or the lack of them) a method to ‘rein’ someone in or as a way of shaping a particular lifestyle however, is an idea I absolutely despised and while I hated how it’d been done to Cate, I hated it even more when she’d unconsciously held it over Owen later without even realising it.
The definition of the family/family legacy (and the issue of children) was made out to be a problematic one here and that eventually, did become an issue here for me as well. What I didn’t like was Cate's lack of compromise at the end with the conflict that came up—both Owen and Cate were entitled to their own wishes—but I was fairly unhappy with the rushed ending that had Owen bending backwards for Cate who essentially, used the bitter lessons from her past against Owen.
For Cate not giving Owen’s view on the family any consideration at all killed it for me and while picking sides isn’t exactly that I want to do in a romance, and the ending of ‘Crossing Promises’ somehow did that for me. In fact, I thought the story ended in a way (with Owen’s grovelling that really felt like forced repentance after a talk with Marley) that never suggested Cate had merely thought about what she’d wanted, then selfishly held those up to Owen as a checklist to see if he would be with her in spite of it.
I definitely wished I could have given this a better rating because I’ve always liked Kincaid’s writing. But because I could barely tolerate Cate as someone for Owen, this simply went south too quickly and unexpectedly for me.
*ARC by the author via Netgalley
February 20, 2018
I devoured CROSSING PROMISES in every spare second. I absolutely loved Owen—his fundamental decency, his tell-it-like-he-sees-it tendencies, and, well…I’m a sucka for a country boy. ;) Gimme a hard-working man in an old t-shirt and F-250. Seriously Kimberly Kincaid...GIVE HIM TO ME!!!
But the realism of this book, especially when it came to Cate, was what really made it hard to put down even when the traffic light turned green and all the cars behind me honked. She resonated with me on such a surprising level. It’s pretty easy to write a tragic backstory, but Kincaid put a hard twist on it by showing a woman who lost everything and had to deal with that loss, plus the bitter truth that the “everything” wasn’t fulfilling. I respected how well she knew herself, (even as she sold herself short in certain ways. Luckily, Owen was more than capable of nudging her out of her comfort zone while still acknowledging her concerns). And I respected Owen for really hearing her when she confided her hopes and dreams-what they included, and what they didn't.
Kincaid gives us a HEA we can trust to go the distance!
* I was the lucky recipient of an ARC!
But the realism of this book, especially when it came to Cate, was what really made it hard to put down even when the traffic light turned green and all the cars behind me honked. She resonated with me on such a surprising level. It’s pretty easy to write a tragic backstory, but Kincaid put a hard twist on it by showing a woman who lost everything and had to deal with that loss, plus the bitter truth that the “everything” wasn’t fulfilling. I respected how well she knew herself, (even as she sold herself short in certain ways. Luckily, Owen was more than capable of nudging her out of her comfort zone while still acknowledging her concerns). And I respected Owen for really hearing her when she confided her hopes and dreams-what they included, and what they didn't.
Kincaid gives us a HEA we can trust to go the distance!
* I was the lucky recipient of an ARC!
February 18, 2018
I love the Cross Creek series and I’ve really been looking forward to Owen’s story! Well it certainly did not disappoint! I am super happy with how everything went down. I think Cate is perfect for Owen and vice versa. Owen’s faith in her is what finally allows Cate to embrace what she is meant to do. Cate herself is what finally helps Owen pull his foot out of his mouth and go for something more in his life. He is finally able to see that he hasn’t been looking at his future clearly. Flirty, sweet and emotional, this book tugged at my heart. They do have a few hurdles to overcome but what they have found in each other is strong enough to do just that. I love that Hunter, Emerson, Eli and Scarlett are all in this book too! And Marley too of course. I just love this story!
I received an ARC of this book from the author through Netgalley.
I received an ARC of this book from the author through Netgalley.
March 15, 2018
ARC REVIEW
Owen and Cate, really are two peas in a pod they are both workaholics and don't mind the hard work. Cate is a widow who lost both her husband and her daughter in a car crash several years before and ever since she has been struggling to get out of the debt her husband left her. Working two jobs and stress baking is the only way she can handle it. Owen is close to finally breaking ground on the storefront produce stand he's been working to get going for what seems like forever but his bookkeeping skills are lacking. Cate is good with numbers and offers to do it for him the extra money will help pay the mortgage or else the bank will evict her. After a rocky start Cate and Owen make a promise to each other to be completely honest with each other about everything. Cate reveals that her marriage wasn't a happy one and her fear of going after her dream comes from the fact that her deceased husband was an ass. Owen convinces her to give a baking for a living a shot and with the help of Cross Creek her dreams can become a reality. Their relationship moves from friends to lovers fairly quickly even though they say they are "going slow" but it's not as easy as that they still haven't told each other everything and when they do it just might not be enough to keep them together.
Overall, a really good book. I really liked Cate's character you don't really find a lot women like her in books. Owen for all he seriousness and not acting like a jerk anymore was a great character. I really did love the farm aspect of this series. The passion the Owen felt for farming was just as palpable as his love for Cate. I really hope that there is at least one more book left in the series.
Owen and Cate, really are two peas in a pod they are both workaholics and don't mind the hard work. Cate is a widow who lost both her husband and her daughter in a car crash several years before and ever since she has been struggling to get out of the debt her husband left her. Working two jobs and stress baking is the only way she can handle it. Owen is close to finally breaking ground on the storefront produce stand he's been working to get going for what seems like forever but his bookkeeping skills are lacking. Cate is good with numbers and offers to do it for him the extra money will help pay the mortgage or else the bank will evict her. After a rocky start Cate and Owen make a promise to each other to be completely honest with each other about everything. Cate reveals that her marriage wasn't a happy one and her fear of going after her dream comes from the fact that her deceased husband was an ass. Owen convinces her to give a baking for a living a shot and with the help of Cross Creek her dreams can become a reality. Their relationship moves from friends to lovers fairly quickly even though they say they are "going slow" but it's not as easy as that they still haven't told each other everything and when they do it just might not be enough to keep them together.
Overall, a really good book. I really liked Cate's character you don't really find a lot women like her in books. Owen for all he seriousness and not acting like a jerk anymore was a great character. I really did love the farm aspect of this series. The passion the Owen felt for farming was just as palpable as his love for Cate. I really hope that there is at least one more book left in the series.
February 16, 2018
I have loved the Cross Creek Series since book 1 and Crossing Promises by Kimberly Kincaid is a wonderful addition to this amazing series.. There have been twists and turns along with way for the Cross family, but what a ride they have been on. If you have not read the other books in the series, that is ok, each book can be read stand alone, but i would suggest reading the books in order so that you understand the dynamic of the famiy. This is the story of Cate and Owen.
Owen Cross is the oldest of the Cross brother, the one who will carry on the family legacy of farm and family. He loves nothing more that to farm, raise cattle, and work in the greenhouse. Farm and family are everything to Owen, and he would not trade that in for anything. The one thing that he struggles with is the bookkeeping, he needs to hire someone and fast. When Cate McAllister offers to help him out, he jumps at the chance. But being so close the sexy, widow might be his downfall.
Cate McAllister lost her husband and daughter in a car accident more than 3 years ago. Left with a mountain of debit and mountain of guilt, Cate is tired of being looked at with pity and sadness. She wants to be treated like a normal person. When she jumps at the chance to work for Owen Cross, she is surprised that he takes her up on the offer. The problem, she has the hots for him, and that could make that relationship phobic Cate run for the hills.
As Cate and Owen give into the attraction that is sparking around them, what starts as a no strings thing turns into something far more. But when Owen pushes for everything from Cate, and Cate drops a bombshell confession, Owen will need to decide for himself, what he really wants, and in his head and heart, what farm and family really mean to him.
I love how Owen and Cate open up to each other. I love that Owen is patient with Cate, allowing her to voice her fears and open up about her past. I love how Cate sees Owen for who is really is. I love that Owen and Cate encourage and support each other, and in the end, they get the greatest gift of all, a love that will sustain them through the years ahead. An amazing addition to this amazing series.
Owen Cross is the oldest of the Cross brother, the one who will carry on the family legacy of farm and family. He loves nothing more that to farm, raise cattle, and work in the greenhouse. Farm and family are everything to Owen, and he would not trade that in for anything. The one thing that he struggles with is the bookkeeping, he needs to hire someone and fast. When Cate McAllister offers to help him out, he jumps at the chance. But being so close the sexy, widow might be his downfall.
Cate McAllister lost her husband and daughter in a car accident more than 3 years ago. Left with a mountain of debit and mountain of guilt, Cate is tired of being looked at with pity and sadness. She wants to be treated like a normal person. When she jumps at the chance to work for Owen Cross, she is surprised that he takes her up on the offer. The problem, she has the hots for him, and that could make that relationship phobic Cate run for the hills.
As Cate and Owen give into the attraction that is sparking around them, what starts as a no strings thing turns into something far more. But when Owen pushes for everything from Cate, and Cate drops a bombshell confession, Owen will need to decide for himself, what he really wants, and in his head and heart, what farm and family really mean to him.
I love how Owen and Cate open up to each other. I love that Owen is patient with Cate, allowing her to voice her fears and open up about her past. I love how Cate sees Owen for who is really is. I love that Owen and Cate encourage and support each other, and in the end, they get the greatest gift of all, a love that will sustain them through the years ahead. An amazing addition to this amazing series.
February 18, 2018
**4-4.5 stars** Oh how I loved this book! This book features Owen Cross, the oldest of three brothers who run Cross Creek Farms along with their father. This is Owen’s legacy and he couldn’t imagine doing anything else other than taking care of the farm. But lately he’s been feeling like there’s something missing. His brothers have found love, but he’s never given himself time to find it for himself. But that all changes when Cate McAllister comes into his life.
Cate lost her husband daughter in a tragic car accident 3 years ago. Everyone in town treats her differently since then and she just wants everyone to see her as a regular person. She’s been working two jobs to support herself after she learned her husband had put them in major debt. Owen ends up hiring her to help clean up the mess of paperwork and bookkeeping for the farm.
Cate never sees herself getting close to someone again, but the more time her and Owen spend together, those lines are starting to blur. Owen is understanding, supportive and honest and even with his gruff personality, he gets her. Owen can see a future with Cate and a part of his family. Now if he can just get her to see that she deserves to be happy and have love in her life…
Crossing Promises is full of heat, heartfelt and emotional moments and a few surprises. A great addition to this series! I love the family bond between the Cross family too!
**I received an ARC from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Cate lost her husband daughter in a tragic car accident 3 years ago. Everyone in town treats her differently since then and she just wants everyone to see her as a regular person. She’s been working two jobs to support herself after she learned her husband had put them in major debt. Owen ends up hiring her to help clean up the mess of paperwork and bookkeeping for the farm.
Cate never sees herself getting close to someone again, but the more time her and Owen spend together, those lines are starting to blur. Owen is understanding, supportive and honest and even with his gruff personality, he gets her. Owen can see a future with Cate and a part of his family. Now if he can just get her to see that she deserves to be happy and have love in her life…
Crossing Promises is full of heat, heartfelt and emotional moments and a few surprises. A great addition to this series! I love the family bond between the Cross family too!
**I received an ARC from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
February 19, 2018
I loved this book. Owen and Cate are perfect for each other. Owen is the oldest and his farm is his birthright and legacy. He works tirelessly to make is succeed, but he's got no other interests than the farm. Cate has had tragedy in her life and everyone thinks she is "poor Cate". She's in over her head financially and she's struggling to fix the overflowing costs. She can't follow her dreams. Owen offers her a job to help with the farm and she grabs it and is spectacular at it. Owen slowly brings her out of her own shadow and she starts to bloom, so does their relationship. There are big issues, and I mean big. Ms. Kincaid does a wonderful job of them trying to work it out. The character's grow and you, as the reader, grow right along with them. The writer's descriptions of the food and the processes in both baking and farm life are impressive.
I would recommend this book to new and current reader's of Ms. Kincaid's. I received this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
I would recommend this book to new and current reader's of Ms. Kincaid's. I received this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2018
I love Cross Creek & all 3 brothers. I've been looking forward to Owen's story & it did not disappoint.
Owen, being the oldest has always been serious about the family farm. He is all about family & the farm. He has a habit of putting his foot in his mouth often but tends to re-think what he says. He loves growing the different produce that they sell to local restaurants and at the farmer's market and enjoys the good days on the farm as well as the bad days as well.
Cate is the perfect partner for Owen, though they started out as friends & workers when he offered her a job on the farm. Cate is desperate for another job after she discovers how much debt her late husband left her in. She is sassy and doesn't let Owen get away with things & keeps him on his toes which is what he needs.
I also loved catching up with Hunter & Emerson as well as Eli & Scarlett.
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
Owen, being the oldest has always been serious about the family farm. He is all about family & the farm. He has a habit of putting his foot in his mouth often but tends to re-think what he says. He loves growing the different produce that they sell to local restaurants and at the farmer's market and enjoys the good days on the farm as well as the bad days as well.
Cate is the perfect partner for Owen, though they started out as friends & workers when he offered her a job on the farm. Cate is desperate for another job after she discovers how much debt her late husband left her in. She is sassy and doesn't let Owen get away with things & keeps him on his toes which is what he needs.
I also loved catching up with Hunter & Emerson as well as Eli & Scarlett.
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
March 5, 2018
I really wanted to love Kimberly Kincaid’s Crossing Promises, but sadly I found it a bit lacking. I was looking forward to the third Cross brother finding love and while I liked quite a few things that happened in this story, the romance wasn’t one of those. Crossing Promises as a romance didn’t work for me, but as part of the Cross family series I wouldn’t have missed it.
As I stated in reviews of the previous books, I loved the bond between the four men who make up the Cross family. There is no doubt they each felt the loss of the family matriarch deeply and in different ways, and despite they didn’t always see eye to eye, they were there for one another even when they didn’t always understand the choices each of them made. As the brother’s found love and women started infiltrating their testosterone filled world, it was interesting seeing them welcome them and adapt to a new normal. This continues in Crossing Promises as their lives are changed in many ways during the course of this book. The scenes between these men are some of my favorite in this book and as they try to bond with their half sister Marley, it proves that despite losing their mother when they were younger and they are rough around the edges, they are good men.
Owen Cross is the eldest son and his legacy is Cross Creek Farm and he has his mother’s voice reminding him almost daily “family and farm” to make sure he understands what is important in life. Owen loves both fiercely and honestly is a workaholic when it comes to the farm because he wants it to succeed, he wants to leave this legacy for future generations, he wants to honor his mother’s dying words, and because he truly loves the land and what it bears. Owen has always been a little short tempered, a bit gruff, and a whole lot stubborn and so I was excited to see who would win his heart, make him want to knock off an hour early or sleep late one morning, and I really had nothing against Cate McAllister whose tragedy has been the talk of the town for three years. It was easy to see there was attraction between Owen and Cate from the minute she started working at Cross Creek, but there was just something about the way they interacted that seemed stilted. In part I think it was despite the fact these two promised to be upfront and honest with one another from the start, their relationship was a bit superficial. They didn’t really talk about important things because they agreed to be casual, but as it move to more than that I never felt like they had those important conversations one does when committing to a relationship which of course came back to bite them in the a$$. While I felt for Cate because her life was pretty much upended twice, for some reason she annoyed me, you’d think she’d be a sympathetic character but instead she just came across as a woman with a chip on her shoulder about almost everything. Owen really grew on me over the course of this book and I began to see how much his work meant to him and why. He was wonderful at helping Cate see she could do whatever she wanted, helping her build her self esteem, and giving her opportunities, but I honestly felt the relationship was one sided in that regard. The ending was way too abrupt considering the problem between them was huge and the solution one sided and given without a decent amount of thought or discussion, something I think Owen would have talked with his father and brothers about to make sense of it, not just the sister he barely knows.
I enjoyed Crossing Promises, but I didn’t love it; I needed more to feel comfortable with this paring and the decisions they came to in order to be together.
February 21, 2018
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
*Steps on Soapbox* ANOTHER BOOK WITHOUT AN EPILOGUE!!!!! OMG, I MAY LOSE MY MIND!!! *Steps down from Soapbox*.
That's two books IN A ROW I have read with no epilogue. This book needed one for sure. Anyway...
Owen Cross is a farmer at his family's farm. His brother Eli has left to travel the world as a photographer, leaving him, his brother Hunter and their father. While he's great at the manual labor, the office work is really struggling. Enter Cate McCallister.
Cate is a young widow. She's also a baker - when she's stressed or nervous, and she makes amazing treats. Cate offers herself to Owen as his bookkeeper and Owen immediately takes her up on her offer. She whips the office into shape in no time.
I really liked Cate, up until about 95%, when she made a revelation I did not understand and could not relate to. I won't spoil what happened, but I didn't like what happened at the end, or how quickly/easily the issue resolved itself.
Owen was a grouchy, lonely guy until he met Cate. He was caring and kind to Cate, and really made her come out of her shell. Cate had the same effect on Marley, the Cross sister they found out about in book 2 (I'm assuming; didn't read book 2). Marley was pretty rude to her family, but Cate made her look at things differently.
As always, I would have liked the story much better if it had been told in first person, alternating POV's, but the story was good. I liked that Owen pushed Cate outside her comfort zone. And I liked that Cate softened Owen.
Overall, a good story, and if there is a book about Marley, I will read it.
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March 15, 2018
As the oldest brother, Owen Cross has lived by the family motto: “family and farm.” Family always first. He’s busy running Cross Creek and loves every minute he spends in the greenhouse, working the land and animals and growing the business. But the business needs some attention . . . needs someone to come in and clean up the books and manage the office. Owen and his brother, Hunter and their father are much too busy with all that’s needed OUTSIDE to manage the INSIDE effectively too.
Enter Cate McAllister. She’s needing a change in her life too. She’s been spinning her wheels working as much as possible to pay off the debts her husband racked up before he died, leaving her to clean up his mess. Working at Cross Creek would make life a heck of a lot easier, and getting the chance to see Owen every day isn’t so bad either.
Sigh. I love a slow building romance. One that just happens so naturally, so wonderfully that you just enjoy everything about it. That’s exactly what I found with Owen and Cate. Both are so dead set against anything permanent, anything ending with the letters “-ship” because they’re too busy with every other aspect of their lives. But when they take the time to really see each other, to really stop for a minute and look at all the life and love they’ve both been missing, there’s something magical about their relationship. It’s honest, true, and damn sexy. And I enjoyed every bit. ~ Missy, 4 stars
Enter Cate McAllister. She’s needing a change in her life too. She’s been spinning her wheels working as much as possible to pay off the debts her husband racked up before he died, leaving her to clean up his mess. Working at Cross Creek would make life a heck of a lot easier, and getting the chance to see Owen every day isn’t so bad either.
Sigh. I love a slow building romance. One that just happens so naturally, so wonderfully that you just enjoy everything about it. That’s exactly what I found with Owen and Cate. Both are so dead set against anything permanent, anything ending with the letters “-ship” because they’re too busy with every other aspect of their lives. But when they take the time to really see each other, to really stop for a minute and look at all the life and love they’ve both been missing, there’s something magical about their relationship. It’s honest, true, and damn sexy. And I enjoyed every bit. ~ Missy, 4 stars
June 11, 2018
3 soil covered stars for CROSSING PROMISES.
Owen Cross knows he's meant to be nowhere else but running Cross Creek Farm. It's in his soul and his blood. But it's a lot of work, especially when his dad has scaled back, one brother decided on a new career and the other kinda likes spending time with his woman. Enter Cate McAllister. The young widow he's known his whole life is now his bookkeeper, and Owen's shocked at how damn good she is. He starts to see her in a new light, one that's surprising, but not unpleasant. Owen helps Cate see her potential, while Cate helps Owen relax…a little…and the two find a comfortable groove. Is it finally their chance for an HEA, or will expectations get in their way?
CROSSING PROMISES, book 3 in the Cross Creek series, is one I've really looked forward to, mostly because Owen has been the biggest douchenozzle in earlier books, and I figured SOMEONE had to love the curmudgeonly dude. Sadly, Owen didn't get much more lovable in this book, and I struggled with Cate as well. While my heart broke for her losses, she just wasn't a super lovable character. She didn't have a lot of depth, and her character was pigeonholed. So, in their own way, these two were great for each other. They were similar in their stoic focuses and they both chilled out (slightly). For the most part, CROSSING PROMISES was really just…boring. I really had to push myself to read this and not get distracted by Twitter or Expedition Unknown or twiddling my thumbs. It's not that this is a bad book, it's not, it's just that it's exceedingly average. No excitement, no dynamic characters, no real conflict, just, blah. Not the best addition to this series.
Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; no violence/murder.
Owen Cross knows he's meant to be nowhere else but running Cross Creek Farm. It's in his soul and his blood. But it's a lot of work, especially when his dad has scaled back, one brother decided on a new career and the other kinda likes spending time with his woman. Enter Cate McAllister. The young widow he's known his whole life is now his bookkeeper, and Owen's shocked at how damn good she is. He starts to see her in a new light, one that's surprising, but not unpleasant. Owen helps Cate see her potential, while Cate helps Owen relax…a little…and the two find a comfortable groove. Is it finally their chance for an HEA, or will expectations get in their way?
CROSSING PROMISES, book 3 in the Cross Creek series, is one I've really looked forward to, mostly because Owen has been the biggest douchenozzle in earlier books, and I figured SOMEONE had to love the curmudgeonly dude. Sadly, Owen didn't get much more lovable in this book, and I struggled with Cate as well. While my heart broke for her losses, she just wasn't a super lovable character. She didn't have a lot of depth, and her character was pigeonholed. So, in their own way, these two were great for each other. They were similar in their stoic focuses and they both chilled out (slightly). For the most part, CROSSING PROMISES was really just…boring. I really had to push myself to read this and not get distracted by Twitter or Expedition Unknown or twiddling my thumbs. It's not that this is a bad book, it's not, it's just that it's exceedingly average. No excitement, no dynamic characters, no real conflict, just, blah. Not the best addition to this series.
Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; no violence/murder.
March 6, 2018
Heartwarming, emotionally engaging and sweetly thrilling romantic journey for two people that were not really looking for love but found it in-spite of themselves.
Owen Cross is the classic alpha male older brother holding down the family farm and keeping everyone together, he is gruff, lonely and has a huge heart. Cate McAllister is a sassy, sexy and smart as a whip widow next door with a past she like to keep to herself. Including all the debut that her late husband left her in and she really is not wanting to depend on another man again (no strings for this girl). Highly entertaining late night cuddled in bed read that I really enjoyed.
Owen Cross is the classic alpha male older brother holding down the family farm and keeping everyone together, he is gruff, lonely and has a huge heart. Cate McAllister is a sassy, sexy and smart as a whip widow next door with a past she like to keep to herself. Including all the debut that her late husband left her in and she really is not wanting to depend on another man again (no strings for this girl). Highly entertaining late night cuddled in bed read that I really enjoyed.
February 23, 2018
I love the Cross Creek series, and this was another one which was written with so much emotion.
Book 3 in the series we have Owen Cross the oldest brother. He was set in his ways. The ranch was his life. His mother always told him ranch and family. He lived by those two things. He worked hard, and his family was important to him. The one thing he wasn’t expecting was Cate McAllister.
Cate overheard Owen talking about working at the ranch, and soon she was telling him how she could help by looking at the books for Cross Creek Ranch. She was not expecting him to say yes. Cate was working two other jobs. It was hard after her husband and daughter died.
See what happens while Cate is working at the ranch. Sparks fly and she confides in Owen.
He does the same.
Truly emotional book. Keep the Kleenex handy.
Book 3 in the series we have Owen Cross the oldest brother. He was set in his ways. The ranch was his life. His mother always told him ranch and family. He lived by those two things. He worked hard, and his family was important to him. The one thing he wasn’t expecting was Cate McAllister.
Cate overheard Owen talking about working at the ranch, and soon she was telling him how she could help by looking at the books for Cross Creek Ranch. She was not expecting him to say yes. Cate was working two other jobs. It was hard after her husband and daughter died.
See what happens while Cate is working at the ranch. Sparks fly and she confides in Owen.
He does the same.
Truly emotional book. Keep the Kleenex handy.
March 4, 2018
It’s time for another visit to Cross Creek, where the farms are plentiful, and the farmers are hot. Plus, this time, we get grumpy oldest brother Owen’s story and believe me when I say it’s not to be missed.
I freaking loved this book so much. In fact, it might just be my favourite Cross Creek book yet. I absolutely fell head over heels in love with Owen and his feisty heroine Cate as I watched their love story unfold.
Kimberly Kincaid dragged me through just about every emotion while reading this book and I can’t thank her enough for doing so and giving us the reader the book we have been waiting for and allowing us to take the journey with these two unforgettable characters.
For me, this story was about so much more than just Owen finally getting his HEA. It was about family and how much it can mean to everyone and how bigger role it plays in our lives.
I always think of Owen as the heart of the family even though Pappa Cross is there, Owen really is the glue that keeps them and the family farm together. When changes happen within the Cross family you know the heart is going to be the one thrown for a loop the most.
Enter Cate McCallister, the one person who will ground Owen like no one else can when his world shifts, and he starts to realise there’s more to life than the farm.
I love, love, loved Cate. I adored her from her first appearance, the way she stress bakes, her stubborn backbone, to the way she keeps things real with Owen, and for all she’s been through, she’s become a favourite of mine.
Put these two together and watch the sparks fly. Yes, they butt heads as they get to know each other better, but for me it just made the story so much richer and okay, it was like extended foreplay too. When they hit the sheets, you are in for a dirty talking farmer treat. Who knew that beneath the grumpiness there was a hot dirty talker in Owen?
I can’t forget the other things that happen in this book. BIG things that will make you squeal in joy, gasp, tear up and maybe even leave you goofy grinning more than once.
If you are a fan of this series, you will love what happens, if this is your first try, then it will no doubt have you scrambling to grab the other books to catch up. I can’t heap enough praise on this series. It just gets better and better as the family grows and makes me want to move to a fictional town to see if the famers really are that hot.
Kimberly Kincaid, thank you for Crossing Promises. That is all.
February 11, 2018
Owen sometimes puts his foot in his mouth, “not that you don’t look, uh. Fine like that. All I meant was, you don’t have to get dressed up. Jeans are okay.” Owen sometimes has to readjust his thoughts and himself, "adjusting his jeans to make sure his appearance was one hundred percent socially acceptable, he forced himself to think of cow manure and tractor sludge..." Cate is a blunt, feisty thing, “I’m sorry, have we met?” she asked, coming to a stop at the island. “I had almost three hours to kill and all I could think about was ***. Of course, I needed to bake something. Anyway, since you’re so intent on feeding me, I’m really just returning the favor.” I really liked this book, I think this is my favorite out of the series I loved Owen and Cate.
April 7, 2018
WOW!! I'm having a book hangover! Eli and Cate's story is real with real life troubles. Beautiful and heartbreaking all in one! I laughed, I cried, I fell in love!
August 1, 2021
Such a fantastic addition to a phenomenal series!! Cate and Owen have a slow build chemistry that is combustible. Cate is Sassy (yes, capital S). She is honest with everyone, especially herself. Owen, my grumpy farmer, is direct, to the point of being rude. The things that come out of this man's mouth! These two have you rooting for them from the first chapter! I loved everything about this book, especially it's surprising conclusion. And we get to catch up with Hunter, Emerson, Eli, and Scarlett. This book can totally be read as a stand-a-lone but read the whole series!! It's so good!
May 17, 2018
Owen was the brother I identified least with during the first two Cross Creek stories, but I should have known that hard exterior was just a cover for sexy traits like "compassionate", "observant", and "driven to succeed"—the hard-working qualities that define a man who literally lives for his livelihood. Of course he'd be a ball of loneliness and vulnerability down under that hard-shell heart.
And Cate's story is both heartbreaking and anger-inducing. Widowed by an accident that took her high school sweetheart and nine-year-old daughter, she was thrown into unexpectedly deep debt and has some serious commitment issues, making even holding a full time job stressful. She craves freedom of mind and spirit, and she needs it like some people need wine or yoga or video games to unwind.
I respect the hell out of both Cate and Owen's forthright natures, because that's my method too—straightforward and right to the point. But Owen's a country boy, raised with manners and a steel set of ethics around work, women, and romance. He might suffer from foot-in-mouth syndrome, but he's a gentleman where it counts, and his determination to help Cate slow down and enjoy life is so very sweet and endearing.
I loved this quote from the story:
“Tasting it is an experience ,” he said, holding the strawberry over her lips. “You focus on the flavors. The feel of the food on your tongue, the vitality of it. When you taste something— really taste it—you’re surrendering to the flavors. You’re letting yourself enjoy it. That’s the difference.”
I also totally fell for his earthy, all-in approach to food. He's talking about food in that scene above (specifically, a strawberry—super sexy moment with Cate there!), but the same is true for wine tasting, and that's one of my favorite hobbies.
Check out this smexy quote:
He shifted back to put some space between them— not much, just enough for her to see the seriousness in his stare— and she hooked her legs around his hips to haul him right back in.
“I’m very, very sure,” Cate murmured against his lips, “that if you don’t keep undressing me, I’m going to lose my mind.”
“Ah.” He kissed her deeply, just once before his fingers found the lacy edges of her bra. “That’s where you’re wrong. Because I’m going to keep undressing you.” He slid her shirt from her shoulders as proof. “And then you’re going to lose your mind.”
Have I mentioned combustible? It takes a while for these two to let go enough to admit wanting one another, but once they do...whew. But really, just... Owen. This man is so sweet and romantic, and I totally thought he'd be my least favorite after Eli's story. But I'm pretty sure he turned out to be my favorite. And Cate, she's so strong.
This book is beautifully written, with complex characters and believable conflicts. Real, honest problems and decisions that change and define lives. One of the things I love about Kimberly Kincaid's writing is how she doesn't take the easy way out of a problem, and she builds layers upon layers of personality, commitments, fears, friendships—all those core things that define a person—into her characters like it's as natural as breathing. I love that she forces these characters out of their comfort zones and into their hearts. It's just freaking perfect. And almost never what you expect.
March 2, 2018
Crossing Promises by Kimberly Kincaid
Cross Creek #3
Three brothers raised on Cross Creek Farm do their best to continue the family legacy. Not having read the first two books I did catch on to the fact that Eli met Scarlett and the two took off to work together as journalists but will return to work the farm in the future AND that Hunter and Emerson had a book telling their love story and will marry before the end of this book.
This is the story of Owen, the eldest brother. He is committed to the farm, runs it in most ways and has a vision for the farm that he is working hard to implement. His brother Hunter and he work hard with their father to get everything done even when the list of things to do is endless. Owen, with two brothers in committed relationships, begins to feel a bit jealous BUT doesn’t want to settle for just anyone so…he waits.
Cate McAllister was widowed three years before the story begins. She is holding down two part time jobs and when restless she bakes. The more troubled she becomes the more difficult the recipe is that she tackles. Baking is her release and acts to calm and settle her soul as it also inspires her. She has always dreamed of owning her own bakery but life happened and it never has come to pass. With her finances and life in turmoil after the loss of her husband and daughter she is working hard and on the lookout for a third job when she overhears Owen talking to a friend about needing a book keeper. And, she finds herself offering to tackle the job.
Owen is taciturn, curmudgeonly and has a tongue that seems to twist in ways that makes what he wants to say come out a bit harsh. Cate is all for honesty although I have to say that her omission of something big kind of left me questioning her honesty a bit. The two work together well, find they play together well and manage to enhance one another’s lives. That said…there is a could-be deal breaker once Cate tells Owen something she has not shared earlier in their growing relationship…in spite of how well they communicate and get along together previously. I have known some people who have felt like Cate and made the choice she did in this book but I was a bit surprised at how easily Owen fell in line with Cate’s wishes.
This is a story of family and just what family is and is not and suggests the idea that not all families are a husband, wife and 2.5 children. It is also about supporting rather than pulling down, communication, honesty, changing family dynamics, determining what is truly important…and so much more.
Thank you to the author who bequeathed me a copy of this book through NetGalley – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
Cross Creek #3
Three brothers raised on Cross Creek Farm do their best to continue the family legacy. Not having read the first two books I did catch on to the fact that Eli met Scarlett and the two took off to work together as journalists but will return to work the farm in the future AND that Hunter and Emerson had a book telling their love story and will marry before the end of this book.
This is the story of Owen, the eldest brother. He is committed to the farm, runs it in most ways and has a vision for the farm that he is working hard to implement. His brother Hunter and he work hard with their father to get everything done even when the list of things to do is endless. Owen, with two brothers in committed relationships, begins to feel a bit jealous BUT doesn’t want to settle for just anyone so…he waits.
Cate McAllister was widowed three years before the story begins. She is holding down two part time jobs and when restless she bakes. The more troubled she becomes the more difficult the recipe is that she tackles. Baking is her release and acts to calm and settle her soul as it also inspires her. She has always dreamed of owning her own bakery but life happened and it never has come to pass. With her finances and life in turmoil after the loss of her husband and daughter she is working hard and on the lookout for a third job when she overhears Owen talking to a friend about needing a book keeper. And, she finds herself offering to tackle the job.
Owen is taciturn, curmudgeonly and has a tongue that seems to twist in ways that makes what he wants to say come out a bit harsh. Cate is all for honesty although I have to say that her omission of something big kind of left me questioning her honesty a bit. The two work together well, find they play together well and manage to enhance one another’s lives. That said…there is a could-be deal breaker once Cate tells Owen something she has not shared earlier in their growing relationship…in spite of how well they communicate and get along together previously. I have known some people who have felt like Cate and made the choice she did in this book but I was a bit surprised at how easily Owen fell in line with Cate’s wishes.
This is a story of family and just what family is and is not and suggests the idea that not all families are a husband, wife and 2.5 children. It is also about supporting rather than pulling down, communication, honesty, changing family dynamics, determining what is truly important…and so much more.
Thank you to the author who bequeathed me a copy of this book through NetGalley – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
March 6, 2018
*3.5 stars*
Crossing Promises is the third book in the Cross Creek Series by Kimberly Kincaid. It's about three brothers who takes the concept of family to heart. In this third book readers finally get to Owen's story, the eldest of the brothers, the more serious one and the one very much invested in their farming business. He finds it a little bit concerning that both his brothers are finally paired up and have found their niche while he seems to be adrift when it comes to his own love life. Cate has been trying to move on from a tragedy that has defined her for the last three years. She loves baking but it seems its more of a crutch than a longheld dream lately. Working two jobs also isn't enough to stave off impending foreclosure so when Owen needs a bookkeeper for his farm, she takes up the challenge, never knowing that the books isn't the only thing she would be contending with. Fans of the series will probably remember Owen as being uptight and no fun at all. In fact, previous books in the series would be hard pressed to find anything nice about him but Crossing Promises sheds light on Owen's character, his love for his family and his devotion to the Cross Creek Farm. Cate is actually a little bit of a surprise, since her character development is a piece by piece reveal. We get the persona she presents to the world and the one she hides away. Their chemistry is undeniable, they both bring a little fun to each other's lives but when things become serious that's when trouble starts.
I do love the Cross Creek series, and to finally find out how Owen ticks is quite the revelation plus to partner him with Cate is basically asking for a redirection of life and finding out what truly matters. I did find the resolution of the conflict between Owen and Cate quite abrupt even if it did make sense, for me it was to quick to happen the way it did. Still Crossing Promises was a wonderful read full of sizzle, fun and thought provoking situations.
*ARC provided thru NetGalley*
Crossing Promises is the third book in the Cross Creek Series by Kimberly Kincaid. It's about three brothers who takes the concept of family to heart. In this third book readers finally get to Owen's story, the eldest of the brothers, the more serious one and the one very much invested in their farming business. He finds it a little bit concerning that both his brothers are finally paired up and have found their niche while he seems to be adrift when it comes to his own love life. Cate has been trying to move on from a tragedy that has defined her for the last three years. She loves baking but it seems its more of a crutch than a longheld dream lately. Working two jobs also isn't enough to stave off impending foreclosure so when Owen needs a bookkeeper for his farm, she takes up the challenge, never knowing that the books isn't the only thing she would be contending with. Fans of the series will probably remember Owen as being uptight and no fun at all. In fact, previous books in the series would be hard pressed to find anything nice about him but Crossing Promises sheds light on Owen's character, his love for his family and his devotion to the Cross Creek Farm. Cate is actually a little bit of a surprise, since her character development is a piece by piece reveal. We get the persona she presents to the world and the one she hides away. Their chemistry is undeniable, they both bring a little fun to each other's lives but when things become serious that's when trouble starts.
I do love the Cross Creek series, and to finally find out how Owen ticks is quite the revelation plus to partner him with Cate is basically asking for a redirection of life and finding out what truly matters. I did find the resolution of the conflict between Owen and Cate quite abrupt even if it did make sense, for me it was to quick to happen the way it did. Still Crossing Promises was a wonderful read full of sizzle, fun and thought provoking situations.
*ARC provided thru NetGalley*
March 6, 2018
I would have laughed if someone had told me, after reading the first two books in this series, that stubborn, grouchy, all-work-and-no-play, Owen Cross would end up being my favorite Cross brother but that's exactly what's happened. There's so much more to this man that what we've glimpsed in the first two books and Cate McAllister is just the woman to bring it out. I loved these two together!
Kincaid once again gifts readers with realistic, complex characters who bring both humor and heart...along with a fair amount of heat. Cate and Owen have both been impacted by losses in their lives. For Owen, the death of his mother strengthened his resolve to make family and the family farm his legacy. Work is all he knows. Cate's loss has left her determined to avoid the possibility of another marriage. Yet, the desire that flares between them won't be ignored.
Kincaid guides Owen and Cate with a deft hand, keeping their relationship organic and moving it forward at a realistic pace. The banter and sexual tension between them is terrific and the unexpected emotion - especially on Owen's part - drew me in and kept me involved. I appreciated the gradual exposure of their personal histories, fears, dreams, and ambitions as their relationship deepened. Owen won my heart with his encouragement and support of Cate's dreams, something she had never before experienced, not to mention his skills in the kitchen. One of the sexiest things a man can do is cook for me and that's exactly what Owen does for Cate. I also love that Cate stress bakes as that's something I've done for years. It's so much fun to see ourselves reflected in the characters we're reading about. Kincaid keeps readers guessing as to the direction Owen and Cate's relationship will go until the very end then throws in a twist that I didn't see coming and about which I have mixed feelings. She entertains but also makes me think. I'm still thinking about this couple two weeks after finishing the book.
Kincaid once again gifts readers with realistic, complex characters who bring both humor and heart...along with a fair amount of heat. Cate and Owen have both been impacted by losses in their lives. For Owen, the death of his mother strengthened his resolve to make family and the family farm his legacy. Work is all he knows. Cate's loss has left her determined to avoid the possibility of another marriage. Yet, the desire that flares between them won't be ignored.
Kincaid guides Owen and Cate with a deft hand, keeping their relationship organic and moving it forward at a realistic pace. The banter and sexual tension between them is terrific and the unexpected emotion - especially on Owen's part - drew me in and kept me involved. I appreciated the gradual exposure of their personal histories, fears, dreams, and ambitions as their relationship deepened. Owen won my heart with his encouragement and support of Cate's dreams, something she had never before experienced, not to mention his skills in the kitchen. One of the sexiest things a man can do is cook for me and that's exactly what Owen does for Cate. I also love that Cate stress bakes as that's something I've done for years. It's so much fun to see ourselves reflected in the characters we're reading about. Kincaid keeps readers guessing as to the direction Owen and Cate's relationship will go until the very end then throws in a twist that I didn't see coming and about which I have mixed feelings. She entertains but also makes me think. I'm still thinking about this couple two weeks after finishing the book.
March 7, 2018
Oh, Owen. Even though I haven't read his brothers' stories (yet!) I warmed immediately to the strong relationship between him and his brothers and father (and half-sister). I really, really wanted him to get his own HEA, especially since everyone around him was pairing off and he was starting to feel the effects.
Enter Cate. The two of them worked really well together, both in the management of the farm and in the other ventures that Owen talked her into. I loved that Cate found such a great outlet in her baking, and thought that the two of them were fantastic together...except for Cate's issues with commitment, the reasons for which she initially only touched on briefly, with a fuller explanation coming later--much, much, much later. And that's where the story lost it a bit, I thought.
Cate's keeping something huge from Owen, and it comes out all at once at about the 94% mark. She's made a choice about her life--one that was totally hers to make, I'm not questioning that--but it's a major one, and she doesn't bring it up until that particular point in time? Then in about a hot minute, Owen has to decide that the compromising is going to be all on him, and he's okay with it? It all made the ending feel more than rushed--surely there could have been some further conversation and compromise there, at the very least? Honestly, Cate's "I'm not the woman for him, I can't possibly do commitment" attitude throughout was annoying, but it was at that point that she really lost a good chunk of credibility for me, and the story's rating slipped a bit. Still, Owen did get his HEA in the end, and I really enjoyed reading 90%+ of the book, so...
Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Enter Cate. The two of them worked really well together, both in the management of the farm and in the other ventures that Owen talked her into. I loved that Cate found such a great outlet in her baking, and thought that the two of them were fantastic together...except for Cate's issues with commitment, the reasons for which she initially only touched on briefly, with a fuller explanation coming later--much, much, much later. And that's where the story lost it a bit, I thought.
Cate's keeping something huge from Owen, and it comes out all at once at about the 94% mark. She's made a choice about her life--one that was totally hers to make, I'm not questioning that--but it's a major one, and she doesn't bring it up until that particular point in time? Then in about a hot minute, Owen has to decide that the compromising is going to be all on him, and he's okay with it? It all made the ending feel more than rushed--surely there could have been some further conversation and compromise there, at the very least? Honestly, Cate's "I'm not the woman for him, I can't possibly do commitment" attitude throughout was annoying, but it was at that point that she really lost a good chunk of credibility for me, and the story's rating slipped a bit. Still, Owen did get his HEA in the end, and I really enjoyed reading 90%+ of the book, so...
Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 4, 2018
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Crossing Promises by Kimberly Kincaid, the third book in her Cross Creek series and I really struggled to put it down. I’m not sure how she did it, but this book is even better than the last two, which I didn’t think was possible.
Owen Cross, the eldest brother, is quiet, brooding, socially awkward, and lonely. His brothers have found their soul mates and he wondered if he would ever find someone. Owen lived by the mantra of “Farm and Family” that his mother would always tell him prior to her death. Cate McAllister agreed to manage the bookkeeping tasks that Owen neglected, not having enough hours in the day to get to them. After losing her husband in a car accident and Cate learned how much debt he had gotten them into which is why she needs this job at Cross Creek. She knows her gorgeous but grumpy boss is a family man but Cate is not interested in getting involved with anyone where there are strings attached. However, as Owen and Cate work together they discover so much more about each other and that passion can found in unexpected places.
I loved how encouraging Owen was to Cate exploring her dream of opening a bakery. I admired the strength Cate had to move on after losing her family and her willingness to explore a relationship with Owen, even though she was not looking for one.
I really enjoyed reading this book as Ms. Kincaid drew me in and did not let me go until I reluctantly read the last page. Ms. Kincaid kept this reader mesmerized with wanting to see how things would work out between Owen and Cate. I highly recommend this book to other readers and I for one look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Owen Cross, the eldest brother, is quiet, brooding, socially awkward, and lonely. His brothers have found their soul mates and he wondered if he would ever find someone. Owen lived by the mantra of “Farm and Family” that his mother would always tell him prior to her death. Cate McAllister agreed to manage the bookkeeping tasks that Owen neglected, not having enough hours in the day to get to them. After losing her husband in a car accident and Cate learned how much debt he had gotten them into which is why she needs this job at Cross Creek. She knows her gorgeous but grumpy boss is a family man but Cate is not interested in getting involved with anyone where there are strings attached. However, as Owen and Cate work together they discover so much more about each other and that passion can found in unexpected places.
I loved how encouraging Owen was to Cate exploring her dream of opening a bakery. I admired the strength Cate had to move on after losing her family and her willingness to explore a relationship with Owen, even though she was not looking for one.
I really enjoyed reading this book as Ms. Kincaid drew me in and did not let me go until I reluctantly read the last page. Ms. Kincaid kept this reader mesmerized with wanting to see how things would work out between Owen and Cate. I highly recommend this book to other readers and I for one look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 5, 2018
If you have read the previous two Cross Creek books, you have probably been waiting for Kimberly to share Owen's story. And here it is! I was glad to finally read Owen's story and to get a glimpse into this sexy surly man's mind,
Owen is the oldest and the "broodiest" of the three brothers and his life is all about the farm. He takes on what others cannot and choose not to do but he feels that is what he is supposed to do. After all his mother told him that "farm and family" were the most important things in life.
Cate is a young widow who has had to bear the whispers and the glances of the town for the last three years. She is tired of feeling like the poor widow and she wants to be free from that label. She takes on the job of managing the books for the farm and as such, begins to spend time on a daily basis with the surly and cross Cross brother, Owen.
Their interactions were very formal at first, but as time moves on, they begin to feel the attraction that is just simmering below the surface. Cate struggles with her feelings as she wants to feel sexy and attractive but the guilt she feels in regards to her husband and daughters deaths overshadow her wants. Owen is so focused on what the farm needs that he almost misses what is right in front of him.
The climax caught me off guard but the resolution was satisfying to me. I enjoyed this book and recommend the entire series.
Owen is the oldest and the "broodiest" of the three brothers and his life is all about the farm. He takes on what others cannot and choose not to do but he feels that is what he is supposed to do. After all his mother told him that "farm and family" were the most important things in life.
Cate is a young widow who has had to bear the whispers and the glances of the town for the last three years. She is tired of feeling like the poor widow and she wants to be free from that label. She takes on the job of managing the books for the farm and as such, begins to spend time on a daily basis with the surly and cross Cross brother, Owen.
Their interactions were very formal at first, but as time moves on, they begin to feel the attraction that is just simmering below the surface. Cate struggles with her feelings as she wants to feel sexy and attractive but the guilt she feels in regards to her husband and daughters deaths overshadow her wants. Owen is so focused on what the farm needs that he almost misses what is right in front of him.
The climax caught me off guard but the resolution was satisfying to me. I enjoyed this book and recommend the entire series.
March 7, 2018
This book was very different to me in the line of romance. The main male character was quiet. Usually they have a voice. He was opinionated and very driven. If you like good romance books, this is a keeper! Owen hires Cate to do their farms bookkeeping and even questions himself a couple of times as the days go by, but when she proves herself, he has no more questions. Owen has dedicated his life to their family farm and he does whatever he can to protect it. Cate is a very heavily burdened young woman. Not only in her mind from past incidences, but burdened with financial setbacks, she struggles to make ends meet. Cate is fearful, yet confident. She is sassy, yet uncertain. When Owen offers her the job, she is leery at first, but accepts. She outdoes herself with the books and then furthers her confidence by succeeding with her baking explorations, thanks to Owen and his confidence in her. As Owen and Cate learn about each other, things look up (and down) with their relationship. This book kept me on the edge. Then the plot twist at the end made it even more enjoyable! The more I read the less I wanted to put the book down! Kimberly Kincaid is an author I will continue to read, and seek out.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2018
Oldest brother, Owen Cross meets his match with Cate, the p/t waitress dealing with massive debt left by her controlling husband. Owen is your typical over-protective, domineering, oldest sibling, but he also the most grumpy of the brothers. Cate can match Owen almost word for word with his sarcasm and one-liners, but she slowly works her way into the Cross Creek family and the farm.
I believe Cate was a perfect match for grumpy Owen, and while the story ends with a (nice) surprise, it takes you thru ALL the emotions. Daisy, who we have all seen since the first installment, finally gets a romantic interest and it was nice to see and leaves you wanting the update on her romance.
The story also provided more interaction from Marley, the outside child with major attitude. In this installment, Marley finally interacts with her brothers and their women, sparked by her love of baking which connects her to Cate.. By the end of the book, you can't wait to read Marley's complete story.
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March 6, 2018
Crossing Promises by Kimberly Kincaid is book three in the Cross Creek series. For readers like me who are obsessed with this series, this is Owen’s book, and it’s a good one! But if you’re new to this series, that’s okay, you’re able to read this with no problem, as a standalone!
Owen Cross has a lot on his plate, including making Cross Creek a success. When he hires Cate McAllister to do the bookkeeping, suddenly Cross Creek isn’t the only important thing on his to do list.
I liked Cate. She’s a widow, who’s trying to move on and keep up with the finances and working at Cross Creek will let her do that, but with an added bonus…her and Owen have a connection that is worth exploring. But, family and farm are the most important things to Owen, and Cate, well, she’s not looking for another long-term commitment. Can these two get their happy ending with each other?
Emotionally charged with heartfelt characters, Crossing Promises, is not to be missed!
Owen Cross has a lot on his plate, including making Cross Creek a success. When he hires Cate McAllister to do the bookkeeping, suddenly Cross Creek isn’t the only important thing on his to do list.
I liked Cate. She’s a widow, who’s trying to move on and keep up with the finances and working at Cross Creek will let her do that, but with an added bonus…her and Owen have a connection that is worth exploring. But, family and farm are the most important things to Owen, and Cate, well, she’s not looking for another long-term commitment. Can these two get their happy ending with each other?
Emotionally charged with heartfelt characters, Crossing Promises, is not to be missed!
February 21, 2018
Crossing Promises by Kimberly Kincaid is the third book in the Cross Creek Series. Every book can be read as a standalone. I recommend to read the books in order. The previous books are Crossing Hearts and Crossing the Line.
Crossing Promises is Owen and Cate´s story.
Owen Cross is the oldest brother. He´s 33 years old, set in his ways, a hard man. Farming and family is what metters to him.
And then there is Cate McAllister. She´s hired as bookkeeper for the Cross´ family farm. Cate is pretty and pragmatic. And she makes his heart beat faster.
Cate drowns in debts her husband piled up, she needs a job, badly. And what she gets is a gruff and sexy boss.
Owne´s brothers already found their HEA. Hunter is happy with Emerson and Eli travels the world with Scarlett. Owen wasn´t my favorite character in the previous books, but Crossing Promises shines a different light on him. Yes the gruff alpha loner can be tamed .
Crossing Promises is well written, I connected with the characters and I liked the story. Crossing Promises is a love story with twists and turns.
Crossing Promises is Owen and Cate´s story.
Owen Cross is the oldest brother. He´s 33 years old, set in his ways, a hard man. Farming and family is what metters to him.
And then there is Cate McAllister. She´s hired as bookkeeper for the Cross´ family farm. Cate is pretty and pragmatic. And she makes his heart beat faster.
Cate drowns in debts her husband piled up, she needs a job, badly. And what she gets is a gruff and sexy boss.
Owne´s brothers already found their HEA. Hunter is happy with Emerson and Eli travels the world with Scarlett. Owen wasn´t my favorite character in the previous books, but Crossing Promises shines a different light on him. Yes the gruff alpha loner can be tamed .
Crossing Promises is well written, I connected with the characters and I liked the story. Crossing Promises is a love story with twists and turns.
March 5, 2018
Cate and Owen
We once again are off to visit Cross Creek. We have the pleasure of once again meeting up with the brooding cranky older brother Owen . He has always put farm and family first not taking time to find that right one for him.
Cate has been through love, loss and terrible heartbreak. She has come to realize that she can never walk into a room and not feel like someone is feeling sorry for poor Cate. She is tired of living in the shadow of her ghosts and past. What happens when Cate needing a change goes to work for the cantankerous Owen . We have daily butting of heads, sassy comebacks and no backing down from either character. You will have the pleasure of revisiting with all your favorite characters from the past and find and new and fascinating journey with Owen and Cate.
Loved Cate and Owen.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
We once again are off to visit Cross Creek. We have the pleasure of once again meeting up with the brooding cranky older brother Owen . He has always put farm and family first not taking time to find that right one for him.
Cate has been through love, loss and terrible heartbreak. She has come to realize that she can never walk into a room and not feel like someone is feeling sorry for poor Cate. She is tired of living in the shadow of her ghosts and past. What happens when Cate needing a change goes to work for the cantankerous Owen . We have daily butting of heads, sassy comebacks and no backing down from either character. You will have the pleasure of revisiting with all your favorite characters from the past and find and new and fascinating journey with Owen and Cate.
Loved Cate and Owen.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
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