Review: Cross the Stars by Venessa Kimball (writing as V. Angelika)

Cross the Stars (Crossing Stars #1) by Venessa Kimball writing as V. Angelika

Release Date: March 8, 2016

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Pages:312

Source: E-Book, Review Copy

Goodreads Description:

What would you risk for love? Would you cross the stars? Steal the moon?

A year shy of graduating from Georgetown University, Ella Wallace feels like she is losing direction. Having carved her own path through life, rejecting her family’s elitist influences, the last thing she wants is to waste time and prove her parents right. A happenstance summer-long program abroad offers the perfect opportunity to immerse herself in volunteer work, finding richness in family and purpose she has never experienced before.

Prince Rajaa bin Ammaar is returning home to Jordan from Georgetown University. His intent is to spearhead a refugee program meant to bring peace to his country. Amidst threats of civil war and revolt, Raj stands for his convictions, even when they challenge his family and the very culture he is preordained to uphold.

A chance encounter at a crowded party in D.C. brought Ella and Raj together for one fleeting moment – two people never thought to meet again. But it’s not until their diverse worlds collide in Jordan that they realize the power of their connection. With the refugee program as their reuniting bond, they must cross the stars and defy their clashing cultures to protect their forbidden love.

With the culturally rich Jordanian backdrop, Cross the Stars will take you on a journey into the  geographical and cultural Middle East, the resilience of people amidst turbulent civil unrest, the parallel unrest of two lovers’ clashing fates,  and the diversity they must challenge with every breath to keep their love alive.

Notes about the book:

This books is not meant for anyone under 18 as it does contain sex scenes.

Book Quote:

“My last memory of her is her asking me, "Is it worth the risk to cross the stars and steal the moon for something greater than yourself? Something greater for someone else? For love?"

"Always do something with purpose, Ella Marie. Something greater than yourself. Risk for love, risk for life. Cross the stars and steal the moon if you have to."

My Review

I was given a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I remember being intrigued by the setting of this book when I originally read the synopsis. It sounded a bit different than the routine romance book I usually read. I looked forward to reading it and it did not disappoint me.

As the book starts out you can see that Ella has many admirable characteristics. She has come from a privileged family. Yet she has refused help from her family to put her through school. She also has many of the reckless characteristics of a normal young adult namely when it comes to what she wants to do with the rest of her life. She sees the opportunity to travel abroad and do volunteer work and is briefly interested in the opportunity. However, what seals the deal for her is her parents making summer plans for her.

Before leaving Washington DC she attends the party of a prince. She lays eyes on the prince without knowing he's the prince and there's a strong force drawing them to each other. The two meet for the first time when they are miles away in Jordan.

Once in Jordan, Ella finds the family life she was missing in Washington and is quickly falls in love with her host family and the girls she teaches. It was a tear-inducing reading about her finding her something greater.

I was immediately drawn into the relationship between Ella and Prince Rajaa. Although I have to admit that I experienced some prudish moments and disliked the secrecy they kept as well as how quickly they got physical. Although, I can see the need for the secrecy and could "see" the obvious chemistry between the two that would lead to the quick physical nature of their relationship.

I also was worried about Prince Rajaa and his family relationships. There were some struggles there that I struggled with and wondered how the author would resolve them. I also wondered how Ella and the Prince's relationship would work. Unfortunately, we don't get all the answers in this book. I hope for a happily ever after for both Rajaa and Ella as well as for the royal family. I'm just not sure it's possible.

I'm anxiously awaiting book two.