Cross My Heart

I think this book, as well As The Sequel, was one that will definatly get your heart rate up. Carly Phillips Is Always an Amazing Author but this book really hit home. it touches on why many of us are impossible at relationships-Our Past. I highly recommend this and The Sequel To this boook.

Ten years ago three friends, Ty, Hunter and Lilly, hatched a plan to get Lilly away from her abusive uncle. Lilly changed her name to Lacey and at the age of 17 moved to New York on her own. When Ty and Hunter hear that her uncle is going through the motion to get Lilly declared legally dead so he can claim her trust fund, they decide it is time to bring Lilly out of hiding. On the day that Lilly said goodbye to her life and friends, she and Ty had the beginnings of young love. In all these years neither has forgotten the other so when Ty shows up on her doorstep, Lilly/Lacey knows exactly who he is. He convinces Lilly to come back and facer her past and uncle and claim what is rightfully hers. However, when Lilly arrives back in her hometown, it seems not everyone is happy to have Lilly back. I am a Carly Phillips fan as she almost always delivers an entertaining, light and quick read. Her stories and characters are always fun, fabulous, and her books are hard to put down. Cross My Heart is my favorite CP book, and for me her best to date, it has a lot more depth than what we usually get. From the first chapter I knew this book was going to be different from any of her other books, just by the emotions the characters make you feel so soon. It's not your typical predictable romance as it has some interesting twists and turns. The mystery portion of the story was strong and kept me guessing and second guessing while reading it. The secondary characters help add to the enjoyment and complexity of the story. This was a reread for me as I am getting ready for the release of the next book in the series, Molly and Hunter's story, Sealed with a Kiss. This book was great the first time I read it and I enjoyed it just as much this time around. I am looking forward to the next one.

The book arrived in great time and in great shape.

Carly Phillips writes the type of books that are fun and sexy romantic reads, perfect for taking along to the beach on a relaxing summer day and this book fits pretty much into that mold. The prologue sets the story up nicely showing Tyler Benson and Daniel Hunter, two young teens, conspiring to save their best friend Lillian Dumont from further abuse by her guardian uncle. By faking her death she would be leaving them, but they all agreed the sacrifice was worth the risk in keeping her safe from the clutches of her greedy alcoholic uncle. Ten years later Lilly, who is now known as Lacey Kincaid, has a new life and a successful business in New York city when Ty her best friend, childhood sweetheart and co-conspirator from Hawkens Cove, has turned up on her doorstep. Ty learned that her uncle was getting ready to claim her inheritance by declaring her officially dead and urged her to come home to claim it for herself. Lacey had never intended to return to the place that held such unhappy memories but seeing Ty again rekindled the flames of a childhood passion that had never completely left her. In order to see where these newly aroused feelings would progress she decided that maybe returning home and becoming the Dumont heiress wouldn't be too hard to take. Unfortunately, it became obvious that someone from Hawkens Cove doesn't want to see Lacey claim that inheritance and Ty would have to keep Lacey alive long enough not only to claim her inheritance but to claim her heart. *** This was an interesting and fast paced read with a lovely romance for the main characters as well as featuring a blossoming secondary romance for their best friend Hunter and his new gal pal Molly. The plot itself was relatively simple with no big surprises. Motivations and character actions are well defined and the romance is sweet and tender showing the characters taking the time to get reacquainted before immediately falling prey to their physical attraction. Although Phillips is known for her off-beat humor in previous novels the seriousness of the storyline did not call for, nor was humor a major factor in this story. Other than references to Lacey's odiferous dog, I did not find much humor at all in the story. Judging by the cover, I was under the impression that this would follow Phillips signature lighter fare. So I would caution the reader that if you are picking this book up by looking cover, you might be misled when you discover that humor was not a primary ingredient in this story. A fast and sexy read - just in time for great summer beach reading. Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization

Carly's newest book is a heart warming read dealing with lies, deceit, truths uncovered and second chances. After her escape from Hawken's Cove with the help of her two closest friends, Tyler Benson and Daniel Hunter, Lilly Dumont goes under an assumed name of Lacey Kincaid in New York City. Fast forward 10 years and the appearance of Tyler at her door, who she has never forgotten and the fledging love that never had a chance to see where it could or would go. He is requesting that she come back and claim her trust fund and inheritance, before her abusive Uncle, who was her guardian when both her parents were killed, has her declared dead and takes it and everything that is rightfully hers. Now the problems start to compound, attempts are made on her life. The sexual tension between Tyler and Lacey is so tangible but both are afraid to let down their walls and see where this might lead. Tyler, more so than Lilly, has lots of baggage to overcome but even so he is her most fierce protector and supporter. Along with this you have the sub plot and characters of Hunter, their best friend, and Molly Gifford, the soon to be step-daughter of her Uncle. This book will move you to tears, make you smile and have you turning pages from the moment you open the book till the last page because you are anxious to find the answers to resolve this highly charged emotional roller coaster. It is skilfully weaved and your heart strings are tugged as each chapter unfolds and issues resolved. I highly recommend this book, and hope that Hunter and Molly get their own story as well, because I am sure there is more that needs to be told. Hopefully you will agree with me.