Sandy M’s review of One with You (Crossfire, Book 5) by Sylvia Day
Contemporary Romance published by St. Martin’s Griffin 05 Apr 16
The book we’ve all been waiting for. Some a little more unhappily anxious than others for the release. Myself, I’ve loved every minute with Gideon and Eva, even through the unexpected additions added to their story along the way. I figure it was just more time spent with them. This last book brings final growth and the closure we needed for these new friends we made over the last several years.
At this point in the story, everyone is aware of the basic plot, so there’s really no reason to hash over it again. What’s important is how these characters have survived and grown over the relatively short time they’ve been together, how they’ve become stronger together after they’ve fallen and then picked themselves up to keep moving forward, how their passion, lust, anger, romance, and love never wanes and their tragic circumstances are overcome, and, of course, how they’re going to live the rest of their lives.
I think the biggest outcome in this book is Gideon’s growth. He was the more severely damaged years before and he’s kept all that damage under wraps, especially when his bitch of a mother refused to believe him when he came to her originally. She still doesn’t believe him to this day. It’s one great scene when Gideon realizes his growth in facing his mother’s continued disbelief in his office. Though Gideon has toned down the control issues, he still won’t give that up when it comes to Eva, of course. He wants her safe, and he’s the only who can do that, as far as he’s concerned. I was concerned when he makes a snap decision to keep Eva in the dark during a horrendous moment and its aftermath.
Eva, of course, has also grown, and her reaction to Gideon’s above decision shows that in spades. Usually she’s one to run when things get to be too much. That’s a thing of the past. Her journey to becoming a wife and partner to Gideon is finally on a much smoother path with her new understanding of what it takes to be so to a powerful and lusty man like her husband. Standing together really looks great on these two as this book goes on. You can feel how the healing is finally setting in for them, directing them to a different path for the future.
I also like getting caught up with Cary. He has an emotional drama going on, a lot of his own making. That’s why it’s even sadder that he realizes this too late when he could have had it all without the extraneous goings-on. But in the end it looks as though he’s straightened out and will have a good life. We don’t get all his loose ends tied up nice and neat, but it’s not his story, of course. Just knowing he’s probably going to be okay is enough. Gideon’s relationship with his half-brother Chis also takes a surprising turn, and it’s really nice to see. Another issue that needed clearing up for Gideon to move forward. Not as important as others, but important nonetheless.
We’re also thrown a huge curve ball late in the book concerning Eva’s mother, who, it’s found out, has a second identity. Yeah, that’s all you’re getting there if you haven’t read the book. Quite interesting and involved, but it also shows another way both Eva and Gideon have evolved and grown with the way they handle that situation. I even enjoyed the bit of the paranormal thrown in, giving Eva the comfort she needs after a horrible loss and that new eye-opening information.
Apparently there are many who don’t like the fact this series went from a trilogy to a five-book series. I’m not one of them. I wanted more of this couple with every book, and I got it. I’m sad to see the end of their series, but as Ms. Day tells everyone at the end of the book, Gideon and Eva don’t need outside help any longer. Their life will be happy, even amid those famous arguments that now have different solutions due to the strong and close-knit unit they’ve formed because of their trials and their triumphs. Of that I have no doubt.
Grade: A
Summary:
Gideon Cross. Falling in love with him was the easiest thing I’ve ever done. It happened instantly. Completely. Irrevocably.
Marrying him was a dream come true. Staying married to him is the fight of my life. Love transforms. Ours is both a refuge from the storm and the most violent of tempests. Two damaged souls entwined as one.
We have bared our deepest, ugliest secrets to one another. Gideon is the mirror that reflects all my flaws … and all the beauty I couldn’t see. He has given me everything. Now, I must prove I can be the rock, the shelter for him that he is for me. Together, we could stand against those who work so viciously to come between us.
But our greatest battle may lie within the very vows that give us strength. Committing to love was only the beginning. Fighting for it will either set us free … or break us apart.
Heartbreakingly and seductively poignant, One with You is the breathlessly awaited finale to the Crossfire saga, the searing love story that has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
