FINAL SHOT (Crimson Point Protectors 6) by Kaylea Cross-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 28, 2023

Neither of them were looking for love.

After suffering devastating loss, physiotherapist Everleigh is rebuilding her life in the picturesque seaside town of Crimson Point. She’s even made a list of new things she wants to try—and it doesn’t include men. But when unexpected sparks fly between her and a friend, her life is turned upside down all over again. Grady is taking a new job in another state soon, and her instinct is to guard her heart—but she decides to take a risk on him anyway. She knows better than anyone how short life is, and would rather risk more pain than miss out on the chance for something real. Then evil strikes without warning, shattering her newfound happiness and plunging them both into a desperate fight for survival.

It finds them anyway.

For the past few years pararescueman Grady Mendoza has focused on his career in the military and set everything else aside, including relationships. Until Everleigh. She’s been off limits until recently but when mutual attraction flares hot between them, it’s game on. Now he can’t stay away, and soon she’s making him question everything he thought he wanted out of life. Because time is running out for them, and the thought of walking away from her is tearing him up inside. And when they’re suddenly thrust into the middle of a deadly maelstrom, Grady is prepared to give up everything to save her—including his life.

•••••••

REVIEW: FINAL SHOT is the sixth instalment in Kaylea Cross’ contemporary, adult CRIMSON POINT PROTECTORS romantic suspense series-a spin off from the author’s Crimson Point series. This is former parajumper/ combat medic/critical care nurse Grady Mendoza, and physiotherapist/widow Everleigh Manning’s story line. FINAL SHOT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, including a mass casualty shooting, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from third person perspective FINAL SHOT follows in the aftermath of the car accident that killed Everleigh Manning’s husband, and her unborn child. With the support of her friend and critical care nurse Grady Mendoza, Everleigh battles in the wake of the devastating news that all but destroyed her life. Fast forward several months, Grady Mendoza is injured during a rescue mission at sea, an injury of which he is hoping Everleigh Manning is able to help but Grady’s injuries were beyond the scope of Everleigh’s practice, and Everleigh suggests the help of someone else. Months have passed since the death of her husband, and Grady is hoping to entice Everleigh into something more but Grady’s time in Crimson Point may be coming to an end when he applies for a rescue position somewhere else. All is not well behind the scenes when a former neighbor sets his sights on our story line heroine but not before becoming involved with something more dangerous and dark. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Grady and Everleigh, and the potential fall-out when a domestic terror organization takes aim at the innocent and unaware.

Grady Mendoza has always wanted to work with SOST- a Special Operations Surgical Team-with medical and tactical training yet the injury to his knee may affect his career going forward but not before falling for the woman that now controls his heart. Everleigh Manning has struggled in the wake of her husband’s death and the loss of their child, and battles between head and heart with the more-than-friendship relationship with Grady Mendoza. Everleigh is aware that Grady’s time in Crimson Point has a potential end-date but with the urging of her friends, Everleigh continues to look to the future while pushing down the past.

The relationship between Grady and Everleigh is a friends to lovers; Grady fell in love the day Everleigh asked for his help and support in the hospital ER, but Everleigh never expected to fall in love with someone else. A slow building relationship culminates with Grady’s need to claim Everleigh as his own but the arrival of a domestic terrorist group threatens the lives of everyone they love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Travis Masterson (Falling Hard), Jaia Sidhu (Cornered), Mia and Groz (Sudden Impact), Donovan Myers (Protective Impulse), Walker, and his daughter Shae, Nadia and Callum Falconer (Unsanctioned); Crimson Point PA Kerrigan, Everleigh’s friend Marley, and former neighbor Warren. Walker and Ivy’s story line is next.

FINAL SHOT is a story of betrayal and madness, obsession and hatred, racism and discrimination, love and understanding. The fast paced premise is intriguing and fascinating; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are energetic and charismatic.

I want to reinforce the trigger warning for more sensitive readers.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Falling Hard
Cornered
Sudden Impact
Unsanctioned
Protective Impulse

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.

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