Sandy M’s review of Entwined with You (Crossfire, Book 3) by Sylvia Day
Erotic Romance published by Berkley Trade 4 Jun 13
Just about the time I began reading this third installment of the Crossfire series, I found out this is not the end of the story for Gideon and Eva. Needless to say, I was surprised and thrilled at that prospect, but some readers are a bit miffed at how this book ends due to the extension of the series. Doesn’t matter to me, because with Ms. Day’s assurance the next two books will be released in closer succession as once promised for Entwined with You, I’m happy to wait to continue my ride of life with these characters.
This story basically picks up where Reflected in You ends, shortly after Eva discovers what Gideon has done for her – all at dangerous peril to himself. They’re still “estranged,” Eva learning exactly how far Gideon has gone, and they’re now trying to figure out a way to get back together without raising eyebrows on too many fronts. In the meantime, they surreptitiously come together as much as possible, mostly in the apartment Gideon has rigged up next door to Eva and Cary, all the while fighting guilt, hurt, and every other emotion in between
While the sneaking is going on, everyone goes about their daily lives as much as possible. There’s plenty of upset to be had – Eva’s old flame Brett is back and wants her just as much as he did in RiY; Gideon’s guilt over using Corinne eats at him, causing jealousy in Eva; Eva’s mother still won’t back off and let her daughter live her own life and her father is torn up over the fact he never knew about the abuse in her past; Cary still can’t/won’t choose between the model and the veterinarian and we have a huge wow moment with him later in the book; and through all of this both Eva and Gideon have to worry about the police popping up on their doorstep throughout the murder investigation. Yeah, besides the dysfunctional bit between them, it seems the world is just dysfunctional where they’re concerned.
I so love the relationship between Eva and her father. The scenes when he hightails it to New York from California when he discovers her secret are heartbreaking. You feel the father/daughter love so acutely. Then Ms. Day really shakes things up between mom and dad, which further messes with Eva’s relationship with her mother. But I find it interesting how these two women look at and live with love so differently. I’m intrigued with this part of the story and hope to see more repercussions in the next books.
There’s a very bizarre turn in the homicide case, which perplexes both Gideon and Eva and the reader. I’m as curious as they are as to who could be behind such goings-on and look forward to Gideon’s results in searching for the culprit.
I’m not sure where Cary is going to end up, after the eye-popping news we get here. Maybe this is the turn-around he needs to stop his self-destructive behavior, but I keep hoping he’ll finally see his model for her true self. This is another curious aspect of the book, what’s in Ms. Days’ mind by throwing in this unexpected news.
Then, of course, there’s the lust, desire, love, and hotter-than-hot sex/lovemaking. And it’s really both when it comes to Gideon and Eva. Despite all the issues past and present these two have to still work out, they can’t keep their hands and mouths off each other. At times it’s just plain old down-and-dirty sex and at others is the gut-clenching, awe-inspiring lovemaking that is sweet, sensual, and sexy. Along with being one of the best at writing such depth in her characters, Ms. Day is also one of the best at sex scenes. These two take it to a whole new level. The Mile High Club has nothing on them.
It’s baby steps Gideon and Eva make in this book. I guess you could say most of the content is filler between books, but I kind of like just seeing them day by day, week by week and so on. There’s a scene where Eva pushes Gideon during lovemaking, and it’s actually a very pivotal point for him, and there’s other small instances like this that propels them forward throughout the story. I do believe their trust has grown quite a bit, especially on Eva’s part. Though Gideon does need to learn to be more forthcoming more often, but I have a feeling that’s going to happen sooner rather than later now.
I wish I knew when the next book will be released, but since we’re just a week out on this book, guess I’m pushing my luck. Ms. Day has a number of other releases coming soon, so we’ll just have to wait and see. She’s given us plenty to ponder, even with that abrupt ending. So picking up another of her books will be only the thing to get me through. Good idea!
Grade: A+
Summary:
From the moment I first met Gideon Cross, I recognized something in him that I needed. Something I couldn’t resist. I also saw the dangerous and damaged soul inside–so much like my own. I was drawn to it. I needed him as surely as I needed my heart to beat.
No one knows how much he risked for me. How much I’d been threatened, or just how dark and desperate the shadow of our pasts would become.
Entwined by our secrets, we tried to defy the odds. We made our own rules and surrendered completely to the exquisite power of possession…
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
