It took me less than 24 hours to complete Cross-Checked, I simply could not put this book down.

AJ and McCabe, my new beloveds! Watching their love story unfold was a thing of total beauty. It was a love so well earned, a journey so hard fought, and two leads who evolve so darn gorgeously. This is the type of book that leaves you swooning, leaves you breathless, leaves you triumphant, and leaves you smiling like mad. It worked perfectly for me.

Let me begin with my girl AJ.

It's so refreshing to see a heroine who is not only the older half of the couple, but also 40. A 40 that still feels young and thriving. A 40 where life is still full of lessons to be learned. AJ is a breath of fresh air to follow. My heart went out to her, life has dealt her some harsh blows, but she marches on. She held many cards close to her chest, some of which led McCabe to feel unwarranted animosity towards her. He, of course, feels it's quite warranted, but soon enough he and audience learn why those cards are held so closely. And the sacrifices AJ made to do so.

AJ is an inspiring figure, and I immediately rooted for her happily ever after. She deserves it above all else. And she sets herself on the very path thanks to McCabe's baby daughter.

The bond AJ forges with McCabe's daughter becomes the trigger that drives the two closer together, and suddenly cards loosen, walls falls, and truths are revealed. Leading the pair onto a new, unexpected yet wholly destined path.

Now to the man of the hour, McCabe. While he does hold animosity towards AJ at first, he is quick to recognize when it blinds him to certain truths. And none of it ever binds him from feeling deep respect for AJ, and trust-- trust to take care of his daughter when he has no one else. And she proves how right he is to place that trust in her hands. The domino effect of that decision allows their intertwining paths to blossom in a new direction. Repressed feelings emerge, attraction takes hold, and the heart grows bigger and bigger in love. Their relationship was simply divine. I was out there kicking my feet, curling my toes, twirling my hair, giggling like a schoolgirl. I loved how mature their love is, and how fiercely they come to protect one another-- and the family they come to form. They works together so beautifully-- and so lovingly.

This romance has it all, yearning, longing, angst, heartbreak, swoons, sweets, spice, and heart-warming triumphant.

Thank you Julia Connors for this advanced complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily. 4.5✨