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The Lords of Manhattan #1
Crossing the Line
A relationship between them is strictly forbidden, but they are drawn to each other like moths to a flame. Neither would dare cross the line, until now.
He calls me PG, short for Paisley Grove, and my heart skips a beat.
Nobody calls me that but Hercules Lord, a guy I've had a crush on since we first locked eyes in high school.
Even though our attraction has always been strong, Hercules and I could never be together. The hate between our families runs deep enough to create an invisible line in the sand that neither of us has ever dared to cross.
But that's never stopped us from gazing longingly at each other from across a crowded room. And we've always been friendly to each other.
Then there was that one night seven years ago. I bet Hercules doesn't know that he's my first.
Yet here we are again, locking eyes like old times. As usual, my heart skips beats as desire spreads down my spine like a warm kiss. This moment feels so sweet, fulfilling, and so right, but yet and still, our families would disapprove.
However, tonight is very different from the past.
Our raw desire cannot be contained. Maybe it's because Hercules and I are older, wiser, and finally ready to cross the line.
This standalone must-read billionaire romance book has plenty of angst, steam, and a spicy slow burn romance that'll keep you turning the pages; it also has a happily ever after ending.
He calls me PG, short for Paisley Grove, and my heart skips a beat.
Nobody calls me that but Hercules Lord, a guy I've had a crush on since we first locked eyes in high school.
Even though our attraction has always been strong, Hercules and I could never be together. The hate between our families runs deep enough to create an invisible line in the sand that neither of us has ever dared to cross.
But that's never stopped us from gazing longingly at each other from across a crowded room. And we've always been friendly to each other.
Then there was that one night seven years ago. I bet Hercules doesn't know that he's my first.
Yet here we are again, locking eyes like old times. As usual, my heart skips beats as desire spreads down my spine like a warm kiss. This moment feels so sweet, fulfilling, and so right, but yet and still, our families would disapprove.
However, tonight is very different from the past.
Our raw desire cannot be contained. Maybe it's because Hercules and I are older, wiser, and finally ready to cross the line.
This standalone must-read billionaire romance book has plenty of angst, steam, and a spicy slow burn romance that'll keep you turning the pages; it also has a happily ever after ending.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
1114 people are currently reading
1927 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
November 15, 2021
Crossing The Line is a forbidden love story between two rival families. Forbidden Romance is one of my favorite tropes. So needless to say, I was like, sign me up.
Paisley Grove and Hercules Lord have a long history together since high school and are family Rivalry. Eight years later, after spending one night together, they see each other for the first time at their friends' engagement party. Feelings came back in full force for both of them.
Life is complicated and complex for these two. It’s not all black and white and has a ton of gray areas. A few times I wanted to tell them to wake up. Our man Hercules shines through on several occasions. There is one major twist I can't predict.
This is the first book from both authors and is here to say I am thrilled about how much I enjoyed this book as look forward to future books.
Paisley Grove and Hercules Lord have a long history together since high school and are family Rivalry. Eight years later, after spending one night together, they see each other for the first time at their friends' engagement party. Feelings came back in full force for both of them.
Life is complicated and complex for these two. It’s not all black and white and has a ton of gray areas. A few times I wanted to tell them to wake up. Our man Hercules shines through on several occasions. There is one major twist I can't predict.
This is the first book from both authors and is here to say I am thrilled about how much I enjoyed this book as look forward to future books.
December 8, 2021
Crossing the Line has hot mess written all over it. From family feuds to secret trysts and never-ending drama, Hercules and Paisley take emotions on wild ride of chaos and temptation that will tie the heart in knots.
December 3, 2021
Nerdy wallflower Paisley Grove encounters man of her dreams, Hercules Lord, on whom she has crushed on since high school, at a friend's engagement party. Paisley and Hercules have had a mutual attraction and incredible chemistry since the day they met. It seems they are soul mates. So, this chance encounter seems like a great opportunity to rekindle that flame that's been flickering like a pilot light since the last time they saw each other years ago.
There are two problems. One, the Lords and the Groves hate each other. Paisley and Hercules' families would react punitively to their romance. And since both families are richer than Croesus, that punitiveness would come in the form of turning off the money taps. Two, it seems that Hercules is already engaged. To be married. To his cousin. Okay, to his fifth cousin, but as one character puts it "it's complicated."
I was doomed to love this because it combines two of my favourite tropes: soul mates and forbidden love. The narrative is very well done. I found Paisley and Hercules to be immediately likeable, fun, sexy, witty and empathetic. Nevermind how much they really wanted to be together. I wanted them to be together. I had a lot of fun rooting for them the whole time! Paisley's best buddies, Lake and Treasure, were good girlfriends to hang out with and truly enjoyable. And, the Lord boys? Well, with names like Achilles, Orion, Hercules and Nero, the Lords are just begging for some classical Greek drama to shake up that stuffy trust fund.
If I were to put my finger on the one issue that really held back the fifth star, it would be the "forbidden" premise. At first, I kept asking "Why??" Why does Hercules have to marry Lauren against his will? He's not even the oldest brother. Achilles and Orion are both older than him. Why can't one of them marry Lauren? Once it is kind of explained that it is related to their great grandfather's Will, I was still confused. What kind of incestuous Will writing is this and is it even legal? Are the Lords a bunch of inbreds? If the stipulation applies to every Lord, then are they all related to their spouses? The wealthy are truly weird. It seemed to me that the"forbidden" aspect is built on a foundation that is creepy and not too sturdy. It was somewhat off-putting. There is a pleasing, albeit convoluted, attempt to nullify this dubious constraint at the end, which is certainly enticing where future books are concerned.
This review is based on an unproofread ARC supplied by the publisher through Grey's Promotions.
There are two problems. One, the Lords and the Groves hate each other. Paisley and Hercules' families would react punitively to their romance. And since both families are richer than Croesus, that punitiveness would come in the form of turning off the money taps. Two, it seems that Hercules is already engaged. To be married. To his cousin. Okay, to his fifth cousin, but as one character puts it "it's complicated."
I was doomed to love this because it combines two of my favourite tropes: soul mates and forbidden love. The narrative is very well done. I found Paisley and Hercules to be immediately likeable, fun, sexy, witty and empathetic. Nevermind how much they really wanted to be together. I wanted them to be together. I had a lot of fun rooting for them the whole time! Paisley's best buddies, Lake and Treasure, were good girlfriends to hang out with and truly enjoyable. And, the Lord boys? Well, with names like Achilles, Orion, Hercules and Nero, the Lords are just begging for some classical Greek drama to shake up that stuffy trust fund.
If I were to put my finger on the one issue that really held back the fifth star, it would be the "forbidden" premise. At first, I kept asking "Why??" Why does Hercules have to marry Lauren against his will? He's not even the oldest brother. Achilles and Orion are both older than him. Why can't one of them marry Lauren? Once it is kind of explained that it is related to their great grandfather's Will, I was still confused. What kind of incestuous Will writing is this and is it even legal? Are the Lords a bunch of inbreds? If the stipulation applies to every Lord, then are they all related to their spouses? The wealthy are truly weird. It seemed to me that the"forbidden" aspect is built on a foundation that is creepy and not too sturdy. It was somewhat off-putting. There is a pleasing, albeit convoluted, attempt to nullify this dubious constraint at the end, which is certainly enticing where future books are concerned.
This review is based on an unproofread ARC supplied by the publisher through Grey's Promotions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2021
A beautiful story about rival families, and a couple that falls in love, against all odds.
Hercules and Paisley were a couple that should never have been, but the heart knows what the heart knows. A couple who are meant to be together, family wars not getting in the way of this couple.
This was a slow burn, extremely heated, love story.
Hercules and Paisley were a couple that should never have been, but the heart knows what the heart knows. A couple who are meant to be together, family wars not getting in the way of this couple.
This was a slow burn, extremely heated, love story.
January 10, 2024
It’s a no from me. Writing was not it and neither was the plot, I did enjoy Paisley’s & Hercules’ chemistry though. Should’ve been more about just them not all the family drama.
October 21, 2024
A puritan attempt at smut in which ONS is “making love” and being friends is naked swimming in the pool. Orgasms all over the place and they never spent a second apart.
February 5, 2022
Paisley Grove was at her friend Lake's engagement party when she comes face to face with Hercules Lord. Hercules...Mason's best friend and best man. Hercules...who she has known since her senior year at Dorset Meacham Academy. Hercules...who she had a one-night stand seven years ago. Hercules Lord...whose family has been feuding hers for years.
Grove Industrial Technologies and Lord Technical Innovations were competing software development companies who were always fighting in court for licensing rights to TRANSPOT. Despite being a computer coder, Paisley was the PR Director for GIT and has hired Lake for a new signage design and they became immediate friends. She never expected Hercules to be Lake's fiance's boss.
Despite the Lord's and Grove's being mortal enemies, Paisley and Hercules couldn't deny their sexual attraction to each other. Until Paisley found out that Hercules was engaged. Hercules was being forced to marry a distant cousin to save the family business.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. I love Paisley and Hercules who are determined to find a way to have a relationship regardless of the feud between their families. But, first Hercules has to find a way out of the arranged marriage that is being forced on him by his family.
This book is action packed, full of complicated relationships, unexpected twists and steamy hot s$x. This is the first time I have read either of these authors, but they are now on my favorite's list. This is the first book in The Lord's of Manhattan series, but I'm also hoping that Max will get his story.
Highly recommend!!!
Grove Industrial Technologies and Lord Technical Innovations were competing software development companies who were always fighting in court for licensing rights to TRANSPOT. Despite being a computer coder, Paisley was the PR Director for GIT and has hired Lake for a new signage design and they became immediate friends. She never expected Hercules to be Lake's fiance's boss.
Despite the Lord's and Grove's being mortal enemies, Paisley and Hercules couldn't deny their sexual attraction to each other. Until Paisley found out that Hercules was engaged. Hercules was being forced to marry a distant cousin to save the family business.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. I love Paisley and Hercules who are determined to find a way to have a relationship regardless of the feud between their families. But, first Hercules has to find a way out of the arranged marriage that is being forced on him by his family.
This book is action packed, full of complicated relationships, unexpected twists and steamy hot s$x. This is the first time I have read either of these authors, but they are now on my favorite's list. This is the first book in The Lord's of Manhattan series, but I'm also hoping that Max will get his story.
Highly recommend!!!
October 18, 2023
It was a good book, that I didn't want to put down. There were problems I has with some of the content and some unanswered questions. Overall though it was a fun read.
November 29, 2021
Amazon
Paisley is still breathless at the sight of Hercules Lord, her high school crush, one night stand in college, and part of her family's most hated family. They knew in high school, they knew in college, and they know now, that a romance between a Grove and a Lord can never be. So why are they unable to take their eyes off each other? Why is Paisley even contemplating anything with someone who is apparently engaged?
I liked Paisley. I liked Hercules. I liked the premise of this story - feuding families, forbidden romance. What I did not like was the reason a relationship was forbidden, I felt like the giant secret was underwhelming for something that was the crux of a huge feud. The other thing I didn't like? Who Hercules was engaged to - um no. It smacks of medieval times or some Lannister deviance, and I was not here for it. So 3 stars because I liked Paisley and Hercules and I liked the story itself. But not 4 stars because the important matter at hand was underwhelming, and the dialogue and transitions were rough and choppy at times.
ARC provided by Grey's Promotions for an honest review.
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November 6, 2023
“Am I out of your system yet?
“No, am I out of yours”
“You’ve never been out of my system, PG.”
Forbidden love, old money (billionaires!), and childhood friends?! This book was SOO cute!
I rarely ever rate arcs 5 stars but this was SO good.
This book follows Hercules Lord and Paisley Grove. Their families hate each other and they have not communicated in years. They are reunited at a wedding of a mutual friend where they have a “night”. However, the press gets a hold of their reconciliation and prints it in a magazine which of course brings the drama. Not to mention Hercules is engaged to a forced marriage. Paisley and Hercules have to maintain a just friends relationship while hiding from the press.
This was SO fun. There was SO. MUCH. ANGST. So if you love that, you will definitely love this! It's steamy but also cute! There is a great girl group and family drama as well as Paisley and Hercule's relationship.
It’s a quick read, took me a few hours!
“No, am I out of yours”
“You’ve never been out of my system, PG.”
Forbidden love, old money (billionaires!), and childhood friends?! This book was SOO cute!
I rarely ever rate arcs 5 stars but this was SO good.
This book follows Hercules Lord and Paisley Grove. Their families hate each other and they have not communicated in years. They are reunited at a wedding of a mutual friend where they have a “night”. However, the press gets a hold of their reconciliation and prints it in a magazine which of course brings the drama. Not to mention Hercules is engaged to a forced marriage. Paisley and Hercules have to maintain a just friends relationship while hiding from the press.
This was SO fun. There was SO. MUCH. ANGST. So if you love that, you will definitely love this! It's steamy but also cute! There is a great girl group and family drama as well as Paisley and Hercule's relationship.
It’s a quick read, took me a few hours!
November 20, 2021
I can definitely say wow!
The slow burn was actually there.
Their relationship was hot, spicy and so nerve wracking!
I really can’t wait to read about orion and treasure.
And btw, I LOVED THOSE NAMES!
The book follows Hercules and Paisley. They were high school classmates but on different social levels.
They are from two rich families who hate each other.
Their drama starts and ends with patriarchy. And can I say,
Bravo! Hércules stood his ground and made them eat it lol
Not gonna spoil anything but their families drama was really involved in their relationship and it killed me everytime they had to fought for their love.
Can’t wait to read more honestly.
Tropes: friends to lovers. Families in feud.
Romance: 5/5! The yacht, the hot tub… everything
Spicy: BOY!!! 4/5! Really good
The slow burn was actually there.
Their relationship was hot, spicy and so nerve wracking!
I really can’t wait to read about orion and treasure.
And btw, I LOVED THOSE NAMES!
The book follows Hercules and Paisley. They were high school classmates but on different social levels.
They are from two rich families who hate each other.
Their drama starts and ends with patriarchy. And can I say,
Bravo! Hércules stood his ground and made them eat it lol
Not gonna spoil anything but their families drama was really involved in their relationship and it killed me everytime they had to fought for their love.
Can’t wait to read more honestly.
Tropes: friends to lovers. Families in feud.
Romance: 5/5! The yacht, the hot tub… everything
Spicy: BOY!!! 4/5! Really good
August 8, 2023
This was messy. I didn’t vibe with the writing, it felt young. There were multiple spelling and grammar errors. Many times the names of the characters were not kept straight. It felt like a very 1st draft of a book. You also get thrown right into the story with no lead in. Which made for a quick read for sure. But you are only told about the encounters between the characters growing up. And it was advertised as a slow burn with lots of angst? There is no slow burn, very little angst. They characters are already in love and get together right away. And that is not even mentioning the weird cousin thing. A 5th cousin is barely related and everything is made a very big deal. Can anyone actually make their 5th cousin? And that’s not how marriage works at all. It was all messy.
November 30, 2021
Whew this is one HOTTT story and info the angst is off the charts! It’s everything I love in a book and this is my first by this author and definitely not the last!
Hercules and Paisley have history and that history runs deep! With a strong connection, undeniable attraction these two just can’t keep from coming together but with so much at stake they just might have to settle for reminders of what once was!
If you love your books steamy this story is for you because Hercules is a man who knows what he wants and takes it! Paisley is also no pushover and I loved everything about her!
Hercules and Paisley have history and that history runs deep! With a strong connection, undeniable attraction these two just can’t keep from coming together but with so much at stake they just might have to settle for reminders of what once was!
If you love your books steamy this story is for you because Hercules is a man who knows what he wants and takes it! Paisley is also no pushover and I loved everything about her!
December 3, 2021
This is my first book from these authors so I didn't really know what to expect. But I was really excited to read this one!
These authors did not disappoint, I loved these characters from the very beginning. I'm usually on the fence about "star-crossed" lovers. I guess you can say I'm particular, I feel like I actually have to believe there is a genuine reason for them to fall in love without it just feeling like a forbidden fruit type of thing.
I really enjoyed the names of these characters because they are aren't your typical book names but they're also kind of cool. I enjoyed learning about each and every on of them. Hercules was awesome. I loved him from the very beginning. Kept on loving him throughout.
Paisley is a pretty great heroine. There were times when I was like "omg you poor little rich girl" but that's just my petty-broke af college debt girl so we can ignore. But I would totally be friends with Paisley. She's smart (totally jealous) and she has a desire to do more with her life which is always a plus to have in a heroine!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I'll probably read it again, down the road when I have more reading time. It was a feel good romance and I enjoyed every single second of reading it.
I don't want to give away a spoiler, but I'm very much looking forward to the continuation of the series and the next book! Can't wait to read that love story!
These authors did not disappoint, I loved these characters from the very beginning. I'm usually on the fence about "star-crossed" lovers. I guess you can say I'm particular, I feel like I actually have to believe there is a genuine reason for them to fall in love without it just feeling like a forbidden fruit type of thing.
I really enjoyed the names of these characters because they are aren't your typical book names but they're also kind of cool. I enjoyed learning about each and every on of them. Hercules was awesome. I loved him from the very beginning. Kept on loving him throughout.
Paisley is a pretty great heroine. There were times when I was like "omg you poor little rich girl" but that's just my petty-broke af college debt girl so we can ignore. But I would totally be friends with Paisley. She's smart (totally jealous) and she has a desire to do more with her life which is always a plus to have in a heroine!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I'll probably read it again, down the road when I have more reading time. It was a feel good romance and I enjoyed every single second of reading it.
I don't want to give away a spoiler, but I'm very much looking forward to the continuation of the series and the next book! Can't wait to read that love story!
December 25, 2021
Advanced reader copy received from Booksprout and author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in an way.
5 Stars for Crossing The Line
This book was everything I love in a romance !
Great cover
Awesome characters in Paisley Grove ( aka PG ) and Hercules Lord
Modern day Romeo and Juliette unfolds between two rival families
Humor and funny situations
Amazing sizzling chemistry
Happily Ever After
Hopefully secondary characters that might also have books coming in the series.
Outstanding book for me as I read in just one sitting ! In fact I’m happy to say I got nothing else done for the day !
Highly recommend Crossing The Line and this author who I will now start stalking !
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 Stars for Crossing The Line
This book was everything I love in a romance !
Great cover
Awesome characters in Paisley Grove ( aka PG ) and Hercules Lord
Modern day Romeo and Juliette unfolds between two rival families
Humor and funny situations
Amazing sizzling chemistry
Happily Ever After
Hopefully secondary characters that might also have books coming in the series.
Outstanding book for me as I read in just one sitting ! In fact I’m happy to say I got nothing else done for the day !
Highly recommend Crossing The Line and this author who I will now start stalking !
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2021
This is a well written book with strong characters in Hercules and Paisley. It's a forbidden love between the fueding families. The authors do a wonderful job pulling at your emotions and showing what the characters are feeling. They bring drama,humor,anxiety and love. This is the first book in the series and I'll be watching for the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
November 21, 2023
so good but looking at the hints of the books and the future endgame in blurbs ....the authors are masochists who love to torture the readers 🧍♀️
edit : forgot to give my customary fuck you to orion lord 😂😂😂😂 you're not funny blud 😂😂😂😃😃😂😂😂😃😃😃
edit : forgot to give my customary fuck you to orion lord 😂😂😂😂 you're not funny blud 😂😂😂😃😃😂😂😂😃😃😃
July 18, 2023
When Google books has free books, I gave one a go while getting tattooed.
I started reading this within the last hour-ish of my session, I'm surprised at how hooked I was.
The story reminds of gossip girl, though it references more towards Romeo & Juliet, due to the feuding family's.
A story of how money talks, love lies and best friends succeed in the end.
It's only a short less than 300 pages but oddly enough managed to keep me distracted from the last hour.
I started reading this within the last hour-ish of my session, I'm surprised at how hooked I was.
The story reminds of gossip girl, though it references more towards Romeo & Juliet, due to the feuding family's.
A story of how money talks, love lies and best friends succeed in the end.
It's only a short less than 300 pages but oddly enough managed to keep me distracted from the last hour.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2021
Paisley Grove/PG and Hercules were attracted to each other and he was her first. But their love was forbidden as their families were bitter enemies. His family the Lords are old money and the Groves were new money and each hated the other. Fate kept bringing them back together even after he became engaged. Their chemistry was explosive and I loved how they finally realized that their love was worth fighting for. A great book and the authors did a wonderful job with the story line and character development. I also liked that it was written from a dual point of view. I read an advance copy via Grey's Promotions and voluntarily chose to review it.
November 27, 2021
Crossing The Line is a family enemies to friends to lovers to second chance lovers romance. The Lords and Groves have been enemies for a long time. When Paisley Grove is sent to high school with Hercules Lord, they know they shouldn’t speak to each other let alone become friends. They are assigned to a joint project which changes the course of their future. Years later they run into each other and their feelings for each other take over. I loved the forbidden romance. Their life paths were turned upside down but is their romance worth the wrath of their families?
November 24, 2021
My Thoughts...
Firstly, I was provided this ARC courtesy of Grey's Promo.
Book is about Hercules Lord (such a powerful name) and Paisley Grove both come from prestigious and wealthy families, who hate each other.
H and h have known each other since high-school but lost contact until final year of college on New Year's Eve, where they had a night together. Seven years later they meet again. But as it turns out these two could not be together...
Overall, I was nicely surprised and enjoyed this book. The plot was fun and intriguing, kept me interested and paced well. Dual POV and I love when you can understand both characters - enjoyed the development of their relationship.
This was my first novel by the authors and I'm really looking forward to read other books - especially I'd this becomes a series ❤
Enjoy the book, I recommend it.
Firstly, I was provided this ARC courtesy of Grey's Promo.
Book is about Hercules Lord (such a powerful name) and Paisley Grove both come from prestigious and wealthy families, who hate each other.
H and h have known each other since high-school but lost contact until final year of college on New Year's Eve, where they had a night together. Seven years later they meet again. But as it turns out these two could not be together...
Overall, I was nicely surprised and enjoyed this book. The plot was fun and intriguing, kept me interested and paced well. Dual POV and I love when you can understand both characters - enjoyed the development of their relationship.
This was my first novel by the authors and I'm really looking forward to read other books - especially I'd this becomes a series ❤
Enjoy the book, I recommend it.
November 30, 2021
Ok, so I had a day to decide how to do this review. I will start first with saying that this is my first book from the both authors Zoey Locke and Z. L. Arkadie.
The pacing of the book was really quick. Like literally. The book starts where the blurb finished. It was okay with me, because while I was reading, the next minute I was at the middle of the book.
I liked both main characters - PG and Hercules. The attraction between them was the same that they had with each other 8 years ago. And the steamy scenes...they were enough for the eye and even more. Within the pages everyone can see the insta love that they had between them
I also loved the secondary characters. And I am really curious to see what will happen with some of them within the future books in the series. It will be soo nice with all the sparks that are floating around 🔥🔥🔥.
Overall I really really liked the book 😊.
I received an ARC copy from the author and Valentine PR for my honest opinion, which I am thankful to them for this.
The pacing of the book was really quick. Like literally. The book starts where the blurb finished. It was okay with me, because while I was reading, the next minute I was at the middle of the book.
I liked both main characters - PG and Hercules. The attraction between them was the same that they had with each other 8 years ago. And the steamy scenes...they were enough for the eye and even more. Within the pages everyone can see the insta love that they had between them
I also loved the secondary characters. And I am really curious to see what will happen with some of them within the future books in the series. It will be soo nice with all the sparks that are floating around 🔥🔥🔥.
Overall I really really liked the book 😊.
I received an ARC copy from the author and Valentine PR for my honest opinion, which I am thankful to them for this.
November 15, 2021
“When she’s in the room, I’m not at my best. She ruffles me. No other girl or woman has made me feel this way—like I want to experience her twenty-four seven.”
4/5 ⭐️
I was fortunate enough to receive this ARC courtesy of Grey’s Promo. It was my first book I’ve read from the authors and I enjoyed it.
Crossing the Line is a billionaire romance with the forbidden love told in first person and dual point of view.
Paisley and Hercules have known each other since high school. And Paisley has always had a crush on him and little does she know he’s had a crush on her too.
But one thing has stopped them from being together. They’re families hate each other, creating their romance forbidden. So after a one night thing between the two, they find it’s best to stay friends.
But we know how that turns out. 😉
I enjoyed reading this one. It was a well paced book with some steam. It’ll definitely have you hooked from the first couple of chapters.
I definitely love the chemistry and history the two main characters have. From their first encounter you can just tell they have the tension and chemistry between them.
Another thing I like about this book was it has the opposites attract vibe. Paisley is into computer programming and considered the nerdy type while Hercules is the hot popular boy type.
Definitely recommend if you like a good steamy billionaire romance with the forbidden vibe to it as well.
4/5 ⭐️
I was fortunate enough to receive this ARC courtesy of Grey’s Promo. It was my first book I’ve read from the authors and I enjoyed it.
Crossing the Line is a billionaire romance with the forbidden love told in first person and dual point of view.
Paisley and Hercules have known each other since high school. And Paisley has always had a crush on him and little does she know he’s had a crush on her too.
But one thing has stopped them from being together. They’re families hate each other, creating their romance forbidden. So after a one night thing between the two, they find it’s best to stay friends.
But we know how that turns out. 😉
I enjoyed reading this one. It was a well paced book with some steam. It’ll definitely have you hooked from the first couple of chapters.
I definitely love the chemistry and history the two main characters have. From their first encounter you can just tell they have the tension and chemistry between them.
Another thing I like about this book was it has the opposites attract vibe. Paisley is into computer programming and considered the nerdy type while Hercules is the hot popular boy type.
Definitely recommend if you like a good steamy billionaire romance with the forbidden vibe to it as well.
November 26, 2021
Paisley Grove and Hercules Lord cannot be together. For generations, for reasons unbeknown to most of the Grove and Lord families, they've been at war. But Paisley and Hercules have had feelings for each other since high school, and that one-night stand they had almost a decade ago? That didn't tame the fires burning at all. Now reunited, PG and Hercules can no longer deny their passion for each other, family feud or not. But with controlling parents and siblings trying to force them apart, and trying to force Hercules to marry someone he doesn't even like, their rendezvous officially has a time limit. If Hercules and PG are going to find their happily ever after, they must first end their families' decades-long feud. But as it turns out, love just might actually conquer all for the Lords and the Groves.
Okay, first of all, you can cut the tension with a knife with these two. Paisley (or PG as Hercules calls her) and Hercules sizzle from their very first meeting in the very first chapter. Due to their families' feud, they are dark and dangerous from the very beginning, and I was immediately pulled into their romance. With money and power to both their names, Crossing the Line was very mafia romance without technically being mafia romance. I absolutely loved the rival families aspect of the story. And I especially loved that Paisley was intelligent and contributed to her family's company and Hercules was not at all put off by that; he openly acknowledged her intelligence, something that's not shown enough in these types of romances.
Locke and Arkadie did a fantastic job with these characters. Not only were they fire when together, but I really liked them apart, too. Being together meant dealing with impossible odds, but they both took the chance and fought for each other. Like any good Romeo and Juliet story, Hercules and PG were willing to put it all on the line in order to be together. Both PG and Hercules were dynamic characters, as any main characters should be, but I was surprised at how involved I became in the supporting characters stories, too. I could easily read stories based on all of PG and Hercules' family members and friends. No one was just background filler in this book, and that created such great world building.
I honestly would have loved to see more happen between the big reveal and the story's wrap up. It felt a little sparse, a little rushed to me, like Hercules hatched his plan and then it was over. We spent the entire book hoping for a way for Hercules and PG to be together, and it felt like they finally found a way and then it was the end To me, it felt like Crossing the Line was more about the journey and not the destination, which is fine. I personally would have liked to see more plot between the reveal and the end of their story, but I did really enjoy the story as it was written.
Crossing the Line is perfect for fans of feuding families, forbidden romance, and tension that drips off the page.
A huge thank you to the authors and Grey's Promotions for providing an advanced copy of Crossing the Line for review.
Okay, first of all, you can cut the tension with a knife with these two. Paisley (or PG as Hercules calls her) and Hercules sizzle from their very first meeting in the very first chapter. Due to their families' feud, they are dark and dangerous from the very beginning, and I was immediately pulled into their romance. With money and power to both their names, Crossing the Line was very mafia romance without technically being mafia romance. I absolutely loved the rival families aspect of the story. And I especially loved that Paisley was intelligent and contributed to her family's company and Hercules was not at all put off by that; he openly acknowledged her intelligence, something that's not shown enough in these types of romances.
Locke and Arkadie did a fantastic job with these characters. Not only were they fire when together, but I really liked them apart, too. Being together meant dealing with impossible odds, but they both took the chance and fought for each other. Like any good Romeo and Juliet story, Hercules and PG were willing to put it all on the line in order to be together. Both PG and Hercules were dynamic characters, as any main characters should be, but I was surprised at how involved I became in the supporting characters stories, too. I could easily read stories based on all of PG and Hercules' family members and friends. No one was just background filler in this book, and that created such great world building.
I honestly would have loved to see more happen between the big reveal and the story's wrap up. It felt a little sparse, a little rushed to me, like Hercules hatched his plan and then it was over. We spent the entire book hoping for a way for Hercules and PG to be together, and it felt like they finally found a way and then it was the end To me, it felt like Crossing the Line was more about the journey and not the destination, which is fine. I personally would have liked to see more plot between the reveal and the end of their story, but I did really enjoy the story as it was written.
Crossing the Line is perfect for fans of feuding families, forbidden romance, and tension that drips off the page.
A huge thank you to the authors and Grey's Promotions for providing an advanced copy of Crossing the Line for review.
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September 25, 2023
Cute lil Romeo Juliet situation in NY. Really simple, nothing amazing but loved their high school crush romance
December 5, 2021
A well written entertaining love story, interesting main characters. Paisley and Hercules liked each other in school, but because their families were rivals, they could never give in to the attraction. They also had a one stand stand a few years later. When they meet again another few years later, Hercules does not want to let her go, although he is engaged, accordingly to rules within his family, not because he is in love with his fiancée. He wants to find a way to get out of the engagement. Hercules and Paisley are both likeable characters. The story revolves around the love between these two, but so much comes to surface that you have to follow the series if you want to know how it ends, How the brothers, sisters, cousins of both families will find love. Why the families hate each other. I especially look forward to the story of Orion ( how can this man can ever be reformed?!. He is horrible) Will Treasure choose him for a husband or Achilles? Eden and Nero , Max and .... Will Lake an Mason get their HEA? Yet I did not always find the story easy to follow . For example, I don;t understand why such strange marriage demands can be made, why the families suddenly need each other in this, or what the families have legal disagreements about. Perhaps this will become clearer in the rest of the series.
The author has a writing style that appeals to me, so even though everything wasn;t clear, I still enjoyed reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The author has a writing style that appeals to me, so even though everything wasn;t clear, I still enjoyed reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2023
Crossing the Line (The Lords of Manhattan, #1) by Zoey Locke – So I read this with two friends and that is how I made it through this book. This book needs an editor to cut at least 1/3 of the rambling filler out, get rid of all the flashbacks (or consolidate them into one long bit at the very beginning), and fix all of the bits that make no sense. I have highlights in this book like I am getting ready to do a peer edit in one of my college classes. The plot in buried under too many characters that just get launched in without introduction, stream of consciousness style descriptions (which is really jarring in a romance), and a lack of dialogue. When the characters actually talk instead of the narrator just telling us what everyone is thinking, the story moves along well. But as soon as we get stuck in HL or PG’s heads, it feels like being in a drunken ramble. I swear give me 6 hours and a red pen, and this would be 1000% better! The ending where all the tangles unravel was actually a nice climax and denouement because the puzzle pieces were embedded in the story along the way if you could slog through long enough to find them! So much potential! Happy Reading!
December 8, 2021
'Crossing the Line by Z.L. Arkadie and Zoey Locke is part of their The Lords of Manhattan series and tells the story of Paisley Grove and Hercules Lord. Paisley and Hercules have known each other since high school but do not associate. Their families have been feuding for longer then anyone can remember. In fact, no one even knows what the original argument was about. Besides the Grove family is new money and the Lords are not. Regardless of their families Paisley, or PG as Hercules calls her, and Hercules have feelings for each other, although they can't act on them. When they were in college they managed to spend a passionate New Year's Eve together but had to part the next day.
Seven years later they run into each at their respective friend's' engagement party. Their feelings have not abated and the family complications have only gotten bigger. However, neither PG nor Hercules can resist revisiting their passion. They decide to secretly see each other while trying to end the family feud. And they have another issue to deal with, Hercules' family is pushing an engagement to his distant cousin, Lauren, on him. Then an on-line gossip site gets a video of PG and Hercules kissing and posts it on their site. Their respective families are not happy and strife to keep apart.
The story is emotional, with some angst, laughs, secrets, family issues, passion, and plenty of steam. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who likes some drama with their romance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Seven years later they run into each at their respective friend's' engagement party. Their feelings have not abated and the family complications have only gotten bigger. However, neither PG nor Hercules can resist revisiting their passion. They decide to secretly see each other while trying to end the family feud. And they have another issue to deal with, Hercules' family is pushing an engagement to his distant cousin, Lauren, on him. Then an on-line gossip site gets a video of PG and Hercules kissing and posts it on their site. Their respective families are not happy and strife to keep apart.
The story is emotional, with some angst, laughs, secrets, family issues, passion, and plenty of steam. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who likes some drama with their romance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 30, 2021
"Our families would've torn each other apart"
Welcome to the new & improve Romeo & Juleit. I love PG/Paisley & Hercules together especially on their flashback when he took her virginity. He spoke of the "what ifs" and that he would've been their for her if them "what ifs"happened. Just prove that he is a good man and he knew she was the one for him. She was not alone with them feelings but their families are the ones that are stopping them to be together...no spoilers
"You've never been out of my system, PG." That is how hot and heavy they are for each other and they are soul mates.
It was well worth the worth the wait, it was a long ride their love story with suspense of will they make it...no spoilers
☆MUST READ☆
Welcome to the new & improve Romeo & Juleit. I love PG/Paisley & Hercules together especially on their flashback when he took her virginity. He spoke of the "what ifs" and that he would've been their for her if them "what ifs"happened. Just prove that he is a good man and he knew she was the one for him. She was not alone with them feelings but their families are the ones that are stopping them to be together...no spoilers
"You've never been out of my system, PG." That is how hot and heavy they are for each other and they are soul mates.
It was well worth the worth the wait, it was a long ride their love story with suspense of will they make it...no spoilers
☆MUST READ☆
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