Crossed (Never After Series)

Crossed is a dark contemporary romance reimagining of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, set in the present day rather than as a literal retelling. Father Cade Frédéric is a priest who grew up on the streets of Paris and has devoted himself to the church. However, he harbors an internal darkness—a sickness that drives him to eliminate evil. When assigned to Festivalé, Vermont, a town marked by architectural beauty and underlying despair, his compulsion intensifies. Amaya Paquette is a mysterious woman in town who cares for her younger brother by day and performs as a dancer named Esmeralda by night. She desires love but avoids relationships, fearing abandonment. When Father Cade encounters Amaya, he becomes consumed by her, believing she uses witchcraft to control him. Unable to eat, breathe, or think of anything but her, he views her as his weakness and resolves to destroy her—even if it means killing the only woman he could ever love. This is the fifth standalone book in the Never After series of fractured fairy tales centered on villains. The novel contains mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all readers. Reader discretion is advised.