ARC Review: Crossing the Line by Kelly Jamieson
10:00
Series: None
Author: Kelly Jamieson
Published January 12th 2025 by Boldwood Books
Goodreads Synopsis
Rule #1 Do not cross the line with best friend’s sister
Ben
On the ice I’m formidable, relentless and I lead by example. Now my coach wants me to step up as Captain – and lead the team off the ice too. But this is my worst nightmare; I’d rather play hockey naked than do any kind of public speaking! To make matters worse, my best friend’s sister has shown up out of the blue to live with us temporarily. We have a history… it’s awkward, she’s starting to invade my fantasies and I can’t seem to escape her. But maybe she could be the answer to my problems…
Mabel
Moving in with my brother was not part of my life plan, but I have no choice at the moment. I need to get away and start my life over. I just wish I didn’t have to share the condo with Ben. I thought I’d buried my teenage crush, but seeing him all the time has me fascinated with him all over again! But now he’s asking for my help to be more outgoing and confident, and basically fake it until he makes it. Sure I can help, but that would mean a lot of time alone. I need to stay strong and resist the obvious temptation...
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
As his career has progressed, it makes sense that Ben Antonov is being put forward to captain his team. The only problem is that he's a huge introvert and the idea of public speaking or being that sounding board to bolster the team is a nightmare for him. And then to make matters worse, his roommate's little sister is moving in, and they have a history. Mabel Smits thought she had gotten over the hurt of being rejected by her brother's best friend, Benny, when they were younger. But now she's had to flee her home and ex, and move in with her brother, Malek, and Ben. The feelings come back and hit her like a truck, and Ben asking for her help to make him more sociable is not going to help at all!
Hockey romance: check! Brother's best friend: check! Childhood crush: check! Okay, sign me up! Crossing the Line is my first book by Kelly, but my god, it will not be my last. As soon as I saw the cover and read the synopsis, I was in, and I was hooked from the first page. Both of the main characters were so compelling, and the way their shared history was woven into the plot helped us to fall for them even more. It was hot, steamy, but also really emotional and heartfelt at times. Mabel had been hurt by the rejection she felt from Ben all those years ago - he did have a very good reason for it though, so he's somewhat forgiven - and then the relationship she's just escaped had left her with scars. She needed to find herself again, and helping Ben really gave her that opportunity, while also allowing her to feel worthy of love again. Ben was such a sweet character, and as soon as he spotted that Mabel needed him, he was there! I was so invested in their romance, and it was worth it. I can't wait to get my hands on Kelly's next book!
Dates Read:
February 4-5, 2025
Rating
4 Stars
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