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Synopsis

From bestselling author Emily McIntire comes a dark and delicious fractured fairy tale reimagining of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

He is righteousness. She is sin.

Father Cade Frédéric is a holy man. Brought up in the streets of Paris, he has dedicated his life to the church. But there’s a monster that lingers just beneath the surface. A sickness. One that bleeds darkness and feeds on the damned. When he’s tasked to become the priest in Festivalé, Vermont, a town both beautiful in architecture and riddled with despair, his sickness sings, demanding he rid the place of evil.

Amaya Paquette is Festivalé’s beautiful mystery. She spends her days caring for her younger brother and her nights transforming into Esmeralda, dancing for greedy eyes and shameless lips. Although she longs for love, she shies away from companionship, afraid of being abandoned again.

When Father Cade lays eyes on Amaya, he finds himself ensnared, convinced she’s using witchcraft to lure him to her. He can’t eat. Can’t breathe. Can’t think unless it’s of her.

And temptation is a devastating mistress.

She’s his weakness, so he decides he’ll be her demise…even if it means killing the only woman he might ever love.

***

*CROSSED is a dark, contemporary romance (not fantasy or a literal retelling) and the fifth complete standalone in the Never After series: fractured fairy tales inspired by our favorite villains. It features mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all readers. READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Detailed TW can be found on the author’s website. This series can be enjoyed in any order.*

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Understanding Our Spice Level Ratings

Not sure what spice level is right for you? Use this guide to find books that match your comfort level with romantic content.

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Level 1 - Sweet & Mild

Tender moments and stolen kisses. Sweet and innocent romance. No sexual content whatsoever. Perfect for all ages.

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Level 2 - Warming Up

Chemistry is building with passionate kissing. Light physical affection and touches. Intimate moments are hinted at but not shown on page. Sensual but not explicit. Closed door or Fade to Black

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Level 3 - Getting Spicy

At least one intimate scene that readers experience on the page. Physical descriptions are present but tastefully written. Sensual and engaging without being overly graphic. Suitable for most adult readers.

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Level 4 - Fire Alarm

Two or more explicit intimate scenes with detailed descriptions. Frequent sexual content woven through the story. Varied and adventurous encounters. Not for the faint of heart.

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Level 5 - Whew! Hot Damn

Multiple explicit intimate scenes throughout the entire book. Detailed, graphic descriptions of sexual content. Varied and adventurous acts featured prominently. May include kink, BDSM, or other mature themes. Strictly for adult readers seeking maximum heat.