Former MI6 operative, Max Grant, has created a new life in Chicago, heading up the cybersecurity arm of a global security company. He is also building a relationship with author Cress Taylor, the woman he has dreamed about for twenty years. But Max’s past is about to catch up with them both.
Ten years ago, Max was caught in ambush in an Istanbul alley, where most of his team died. Max’s testimony helped put the terrorist mastermind in prison. Now he’s escaped and word in the intelligence community is that he is targeting Max.
A planned trip to Europe turns deadly as Max is drawn inexorably toward an inevitable confrontation. He has to stop Faez, before he eliminates them—permanently.
Sharon Michalove is the author of At First Sight, the story of how Max and Cress reconnected twenty years after their first encounter at Oxford University. A standalone continuation of Max and Cress’ story, At the Crossroads is the second romantic suspense novel in the Global Security Unlimited series.
Sharon Michalove grew up in suburban Chicago. She received four degrees from the University of Illinois because she didn't have the gumption to go anywhere else, and spent most of her career at the university, eventually earning a PhD, working in departmental administration, publishing and libraries. Her specialties are 15th-16th century European history, polar exploration, and food history. She may be one of the few people in America to never live outside her home state.
In graduate school, she met and married the love of her life. They shared a love of music, theater, travel and cats. He died in 2013.
Sharon also loves hockey, reading, cooking, writing, and various less elevated activities like eating cookies and sampling gins and single malts. After spending most of her life in a medium-sized university town she moved back to Chicago in 2017 so she could go to more Blackhawks games and spend quality time at Eataly. She hopes to accomplish a lifetime goal by publishing a book this year. Unfortunately her other lifetime goal, to be English, is likely to remain unfulfilled.
Sharon Michalove created two main characters that are full of imperfection and far from the typical characters seen in romance novels; however, it adds incredible depth to their relationship.
**Audio Review** At the Crossroads by Sharon D. Michalove was a suspenseful, intriguing story with a touch of romance. In book 2 of Michalove's Global Security Unlimited series, we get even more of Cress and Max's whirlwind romance. Max plans to visit his family in Europe and keep Cress safely in Chicago due to terrorist threats. Cress will have none of it and accompanies Max on his European adventure filled with various twists and dangerous turns.
Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke narrate this audiobook, and both really showcase how talented they are! Both take on quite a few accents, and their ability to flow from character to character was flawless!
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and look forward to more from Sharon Michalove.
THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK: At the Crossroads GENRE: Contemporary Romance AUTHOR: Sharon D. Michalove TROPE: Contemporary romance, suspense, mystery, action TYPE: Global Security Unlimited 2 MY RATING: 4.5 Stars POV: Dual Fist Person
At the Crossroads is the second book in Cress and Max’s story. In order to find out what happened with them, you would need to read the first book in Global Security Unlimited series. Max is a former MI6 agent who is now working at the Global Security Company. The story continues with them starting off this book as a couple.
I thought this book was full of action and suspense. It almost read like Borne book/movie. I did not read the first book in the series before I read the second book and now I wish that I had so that I could have seen how the two characters came together. Reading this book quite exciting. I felt like I was in the middle of an action book. It had me on the edge of my seat. Not the typical romance book that I normally read but it was exciting none the less.
The author did a great job of writing flawed characters who come together to form a strong relationship. I absolutely loved Cress and Max together.
At the Crossroads is the second book of Cress & Max's story, so you have to read how it all started in At First Sight (Book 1) to see how they got together. He's a former M16 operative who is now heading up the Cybersecurity Arm of Global Security Company, and has found his person in Cress. However, he has quite the colorful past as you can imagine with what he did, and someone from his past has come back to make him pay, and that the terrorist he put away doesn't care who gets in the way of that goal. Max has no choice but to try to hunt this evil down before anything else goes sideways, so the danger is big time with twists coming in hot, and action to get the heart racing. To see what happened, and how it all panned out, you'll have to hit those one click buttons! As for me?! Well I'm ready for more of this author's work & HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
This was a well thought out and developed storyline, with fleshed out characters and plenty of moving parts to keep the pace going. A mature couple, combined with a sophisticated feel, a promising romance, some intrigue and a bit of danger all make for a captivating read.
I wouldn't say Cress is my favorite heroine or makes any real impact as a heroine quite honestly. I really liked Max, but you would think a former MI6 agent would have better instincts. But together their chemistry was both sweet and beguiling.
I did feel like it ended with unanswered questions regarding a subplot so there were loose strings for me. But overall a good read.
I received an ARC and I am leaving a review voluntarily. Opinions are my own.
At the Crossroads Global Security Unlimited, Book 2 By: Sharon Michalove Narrated by: Jason Clarke, Emma Wilder
Sharon Michalove pens another amazing romantic suspense, the second book of her “Global Security Unlimited” series, a continuation of Cress and Max’s story, which started in “At First Sight”, a not to be missed story and should be read or listened to before this book. Cress and Max are a fairly new couple and they have settled in nicely together, though she is not sure how accepting his family is of her, he tells her they are fond of her but she is not sure. They are living in Chicago now, Cress continues to write and is throwing around ideas of what to write, and Max is heading the Chicago office of Global Security Unlimited. When Max’s past comes back to haunt him with threats, he is worried not only for himself, but for Cress and his family, too. And then there is a cyber attack on Global Security, coincidence or all one of the same. None of that stops his travel plans with his family to the UK and it did not stop the threats either. This captivating and wonderfully written story is cleverly plotted with the perfect balance of drama, angst, action, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions, and romance. Sharon Michalove, thank you for another great story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke’s outstanding performance continues as they bring these characters and story to life. Jason Clarke’s Max is as swoon worthy as ever, accent and all, and plays the perfect bad@rse and hero who is not afraid to show his softer and caring side. Emma Wilder’s Cress is perfection, grasping all sides of her personality. These two make a great team and their voices complement each other. They continue to set the perfect tone for the story, capture all the character’s emotions and project them into their performance and have you feeling every single one. Thank you for another outstanding listen.
Just when their travel adventure takes off, Max and Cress are in mortal danger from an enemy bloodthirsty for revenge. At the Crossroads is an absorbing romantic suspense featuring an established couple, a psychopath on the loose, and lots of traveling. The descriptive narration is immersive while the setting is lush as the couple travels. The romance is one of a couple in love while trying to navigate the extreme danger they’re in. The action scenes are realistic and full of detail. But it’s the characters which make At the Crossroads impossible to put down.
Let’s start with the characters. In this book, we get to know more about Max’s past and his life prior to seeing Cress again. He was a spy working for MI6 and accumulated enemies. The conflict Max feels between protecting the woman he loves and bringing his enemy to justice is palpable. The more I read, the more attached I became to Max.
Cress is her natural self in At the Crossroads and I loved every scene she’s in. Her strength comes from her heart and her love for Max. She’s such a wonderful heroine. I honestly didn’t want the story to end.
What makes this such an unputdownable read is the plot and the narration. The narration is very descriptive and plunges the reader into the story. The plot progression is perfect for the genre and carries the story from one scene to the next. I found myself reading late into the night.
Sharon Michalove pens an outstanding romantic suspense. If you like romance with suspense, action and adventure, you’ll love At the Crossroads.
This novel is mostly about relationship development. While there are hints of threats, there is no suspense until about two thirds of the way through the plot. The action then settles down again until another bit of suspense near the end. Most of the novel, however, consists of the day to day activities of Max and Cress as they go places and meet people. Their characters are developed well although I do feel they are a bit over drawn with action more dramatic than called for by the circumstances.
Michalove excels in description and much of this book reads like one concentrating on well crafted descriptions of travel, places, architecture, and local culture. Max is part of a cyber securities firm so we do get some interesting information about hacking and coding and uncovering the villains.
This is a novel for readers who like ones dealing mostly with travel and location descriptions. It is the second in a series and, while it reals relatively well on its own, the earlier one should be read first to fully enjoy this one.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
At the Crossroads Global Security Unlimited, Book 2 By: Sharon Michalove Narrated by: Jason Clarke, Emma Wilder
Falling back into Cress and Max's life was so easy! But Sharon Michalove doesn't only bring their love to the forefront, but takes us on an action-packed adventure that is impossible not to get immersed in. As these two lovebirds continue their relationship, they are getting ready to go to Europe. But it becomes a dangerous prospect as Max's past comes into play. When it comes to Cress's safety though Max will do anything. Excitement, suspense and romance made this a fun, and thrilling listen and a totally immersive story.
Bringing us into their world is Jason Clarke and Emma Wilder. Clarke is so good with accents and makes Max realistic and swoony! Wilder finds her way into Cress's mind and lets us feel all of her insecurities and love. I always enjoy these two together and this book is no exception.
Romantic suspense - Part 2 The danger returns for Max Grant with the arrival of an envelope from Turkey. Is the white powder a warning? Can he and Cress be safe on their travels? Where will the terrorist emerge from his lair? London? Scotland? Paris? Ms. Michaelove takes the reader on a whirlwind tour of London cuisine against a background of threats. Best served after reading her debut – At First Sight.
As Max and Cress plan to visit Europe, London and Scotland for family and professional events, global security and relationship issues come to a head.
Cress really needs to put on her big girl panties and realize that someone who has worked in fields requiring frequent use if the National Security Act likely will always have some issues that he cannot be specific about. Max must learn that he still needs to share that specific threats might be afoot in order for Cress to understand thr general nature of possible sources of harm or dangers.
The Grant family is a busy and sprawling bunch. As Brian the retired RAF Wing Commander says, buy one, get the rest of the lot for free- and they really do seem to be legion.
An old work and school mate to Max, Allan, is an MI6 giant ego and giant pain, more ego than concern that actual harm might cone to Cress and Max.
Personal and family history echo time and again through the places they visit. Will old loves and grudges prove lethal?
Steamy drama and global intrigues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I would recommend this book and the series to fans of action packed intrigue and romance
I loved the first book in the Global Security Unlimited Series, so was thrilled when this second book came to audio. The opening scene gripped me – although it took a moment to orient myself. But soon I was immersed back into Cress and Max’s world.
Theirs’s is a cute love story. She ran into him with a bicycle at Oxford years ago and they never quite forgot each other. Then they encounter each other in Chicago as mature adults and things sort of fall into place. In the first book, anyway. In this book, they are more of an established couple – although Cress still has moments of doubt. But this time their adventures take them away from Chicago and off to the wilds of Scotland as well as London and Paris.
I love the immersive details of the writing of these books. I felt those shops in London or the landscape of Scotland. Every little thing just brings me into the story and makes it real. Anyway, danger stalks Cress and Max at every turn, but they are determined to live their lives. And that decision might, in the end, cost them everything.
This nail-biting romantic suspense book was well-written and brilliantly narrated by Jason Clarke and Emma Wilder. I can’t wait for more books in the series! Highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "AT THE CROSSROADS" This is the second book in "Global Security Unlimited Series my first read by Sharon Michalove I thoroughly enjoyed her writing its got suspense, intrigue, danger, steam, revenge, your hooked to the end. Max Grant former MI6 operative created a new life in Chicago heading up Cybersecurity Arm of Global Security Company. Cress Taylor is an author for 20yrs Max has wanted her to be with him then his past comes back to haunt them both. Intellegence tells Max that the mastermind terrorist Faez he put away for killing most of his team in an Instanbul alley 10yrs ago has escaped & Max is his target. Max makes a trip to Europe to finally take Faez out permanently he has stop him before he takes them out all h*ll breaks lose. I definitely recommend to get this amazing well written story will Max keep Cress safe & come home alive you must get this book to see what happens so well worth the read.
There is so much I liked about this book. For a start the hero and heroine were a mature, well matched couple and they give the impression that they’ve been together for a lot longer than they have. Life is good for them but just as they are settling into domestic bliss, Max’s former life as an MI6 operative rears it’s head. A terrorist he helped put in prison years before has escaped with his sights set firmly on the man he blames for his incarceration.
The plot for At The Crossroads was interesting and detailed and kept up a steady pace with just enough intrigue and suspense to hold my attention throughout and I’ll definitely be looking out for more books in this series.
While this book could be read as a stand-alone I’d advise reading the previous book, At First Sight, to fill in the background story of Max and Cress and if you’re a fan of romantic suspense then this the book for you.
At the Crossroads” was my first book by Sharon Michal and I’m excited to read more of from her!
I loved Cress and Max as characters, especially Cress because I relate heavily to her insecurities and anxieties, though not quite so much with allergies. 😆 Cress is an older heroine (early 40s I believe) and the older one in the relationship. Both Cress and Max have fantastic jobs, Cress is an author of historical fiction and Max works in cyber security after having retired from MI6.
This book felt quite a bit like a Dan Brown book because of the suspense and the international traveling. The suspense of Max being pursued by Faez, a terrorist from his past work in Turkey, kept me reading to find out when Faez would make his move.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
At The Crossroads, Global Security Unlimited 2 by Sharon Michalove Narration by Emma Wilder and Jason Clarke
Romantic Suspense for Max and Cress continues in this latest book. We see how they are growing as a couple but there’s danger lurking from Max’s past. He does everything he can to keep her safe. We get to see the dynamics of Max’s family and friends as things become increasingly dangerous.
It was so nice to see the relationship between Max and Cress become more and how they knew what each other was thinking.
The narration was again wonderful with all of the accents of the many characters. Both Clarke and Wilder were superb actors in bringing all of them to life. I’m hoping that Sharon Michalove brings us more of them and other supporting characters in future books.
This is a continuation of Max and Cress’ story. Max had everything he ever wanted with the girl of his dreams, and as always, he is focused on keeping her safe and protected. When the past comes back to haunt Max, he is the target of a terrorist who is out for vengeance. Will Max and Cress be able to overcome the challenges in their path? This is a well written story which is filled with danger, suspense, intrigue, emotions, family, romance, revenge, twists, and love, which leads to a riveting and all-consuming page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend. I received a free copy of this book via Greys Promotions and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Max, a former M16 operative, is the head of a cybersecurity organization. He's trying to move forward with his life, and that includes Cress, his partner and match. Just when they think they're moving forward, someone from Max's prior M16 live emerges.
The two run into drama! Max cherishes Cress and is trying to protect her at all costs, but Cress has issues with abandonment, so when he goes off to save himself and her, she's left feeling alone. She wasn't my favorite character and was hard to connect with, and I think that helped me understand the dynamic between her and Max.
Since I didn't read the first novel, I was a bit lost for a moment, but that cleared up quickly. It can be read as a stand-alone and is an intriguing romantic suspense story!
The continuation of Cress and Max's story kept me riveted. I read the novel in one sitting, which is always a sign of a great book, and this one is no exception. Strong and relatable characters, fast-paced plot, and swoon-worthy romance worked together to create a memorable and believable story. I liked that the characters were mature and intelligent. Max especially captured my heart with his sensitivity, love, and respect for his beloved. Also, I found Cress to be relatable, and I enjoyed getting to know more about this fun and memorable character. I highly recommend this entertaining book, and I want to read more books by this talented author.
This is a continuation of Max and Cress’s story. They are still madly in love with each other. They share a strong connection and have steamy chemistry. Max as always is worried about Cress always being safe no matter where they are. But are they truly safe? As the book goes on they are spending time with his family and she is getting to know everyone better. This book is suspenseful and at times emotional. I enjoyed the love Max has for her and the support they show each other when they truly need it.
This story required my full attention. I can typically read while other things are going on around me but this one had so many details I had to put my full focus on it. Admittedly I fid not read the first book so that may have been a part of it, missing some ground work details of the story but over all I still enjoyed this one emensly. This has a lot of mystery and intrigue built into what is happening around these characters but still adds a romance piece to it. I loved how detailed the character building was and the whole story was well thought out.
This book continues with Max and Cress’s story. I really enjoyed reading their story. At first, I didn't think there should be a second book. I think it was enough in one book and they get their HEA. But after reading this book, I understand why the author chose to write a continuation of their story. I love getting extended epilogues so this is like that but in a full-length novel. I love getting to see their life after the HEA. And the suspense continues in this one which is really intriguing. It's a very well-developed story.
I will admit that it took me a bit to get into this story as I tried to remember who was who and what had happened previously. The story was a mix of family, friends, work issues, pasts, insecurities, trauma, doubts, romance, secrets, lies, deceptions, trust, support, understanding, acceptance and love. It was a little too wordy for me in places personally, I am interested in seeing where their story takes us next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked this book better than the first one. Michalove takes us around the world in an action packed and smart way in At the Crossroads. I once again enjoyed watching Cress and Max develop along with their relationship. I still love how the POV works. It is hard to write in another gender's voice, but the author has done so clearly. It's also been enjoyable to get to know Cress and Max in such a personal way, in their own voice. I love a good mature romance that leaves a little to the imagination, and this book nails it. Looking forward to the next in the series.
This is the second book in the Global Security Unlimited Series, a Romantic Suspense. Max and Cress's story continues in this emotional, and suspenseful, and captivating installment. Max, a former MI6 operative, is handsome and protective. Sharon is beautiful, smart, and strong. The storyline is entertaining, action packed, and suspenseful, filled with drama, and twists and turns. I liked the mystery, and the intrigue. Outstanding narration from Jason Clarke and Emma Wilder. I enjoyed it. If you like Romantic Suspense, this one is for you! #AudiblyAddicted
I enjoyed this second read in the Global Security Unlimited series a bit more than the first. There wasn't quite as much historical references as in book one and I felt a bit more connected to Max and Cress. There's suspense that kept me on my toes, along with family and friends with a strong bond to each other. I'm curious about some of the other characters and interested to see where this series goes.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
ALC review- So glad Cress and Max are back, after book 1 was so so invested in their story and book 2 is even better. This time Max’s past is back to haunt him. There is so much love and passion between this couple, and the elements of angst and suspense just make this the perfect romantic thriller. Jason Clarke and Emma Wilder are the perfect duo, their voices complement the characters and each other perfectly. Sharon Michalove has built a world so immersive i could not put this down !
This continues from book one as the past comes back to haunt. The fear that Max parents might not like her shows when Cress meet them. Max love for Cress is so clear in all the pages...it will continue again with the strong supportive team.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
At the Crossroads is book 2 in the Global Security Unlimited by Sharon Michalove. This is the first book I have read from this author and I look forward to reading more. I didn’t read book 1 which I will go back and read to get a better picture of Max and Cress’s story. I think this was a well-written book with lots of intrigue, suspense and romance that will keep you hooked to the story.