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Crossing the Line
Lifelong best friends Derrick and Jeremy met Hanna at a bar ten years ago. Both wanted her-one married her. Now the other man has been invited to join in for one hot weekend.
Everything would've been fine if they'd had their fun that weekend, then gone back to normal. But they didn't. And when past demons resurface, things will never be the same-for any of them.
Crossing the Line is a dark contemporary romance that contains explicit sex and mature situations.
Everything would've been fine if they'd had their fun that weekend, then gone back to normal. But they didn't. And when past demons resurface, things will never be the same-for any of them.
Crossing the Line is a dark contemporary romance that contains explicit sex and mature situations.
ebook
First published November 15, 2013
7 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Karla Doyle
56 books434 followersKarla grew up in a small town on the north shore of Lake Erie. She trained and worked in the fashion industry for over two decades, before embracing the writing muse. When she's not writing romance, Karla loves spending time with her family, friends, and pets, reading romance novels, and playing online Scrabble.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 19, 2014
5 F@@K ME THAT WAS HOT STARS!!!
November 2013 has been a very “out of the box” month for me in that I have visited book genres that you would not normally find on my TBR. Crossing The Line by Karla Doyle is definitely outside of my normal book requirements in that it is a story about ménage. I am not a prude on any level, but I have to say this subject matter has never really appealed to me; in all honesty it is not a genre that I would actively look for under normal circumstances.
However, I am happy to make an exception, when it comes to an author as talented as Karla is. I have read every book she has released, and she never lets me down. Her plots are well thought out, researched and easy to read. She always offers a hot distinctive male lead (in this case two), and a kick ass heroine. The dialogue is funny, emotional, sometimes brutal, and her writing style grabs you, pulls you in and doesn’t let you go until the very end.
Derrick and Hanna are your typical well adjusted married couple, they have a healthy sex life, like experimentation and aren’t afraid to try anything in (and out of) the bedroom. Jeremy is Derrick’s best friend, and things could have been so very different, if it wasn’t for the toss of a coin.
Karla always writes hot innovative sex, and this book is no different. I have to say I don’t really have a frame of reference when it comes to the M/F/M aspects but I found their interactions hot (voyeurism is definitely not a problem for this couple) and Hanna has mad skills with vegetables, and by that I don’t mean in the kitchen ;-)
I can’t say I will go out of my way to now read ménage after Crossing The Line, but as always and what made this 5 Stars for me is the fact that Karla gave me a great story, with well established characters, they encountered real problems and dealing with the consequences of their actions, after the weekend the three of them spent together was quite the rollercoaster I can tell you.
I loved Derrick and his demons. I have a huge soft spot for men who don’t mind getting dirty for a living, have a little ink and that ride a motorbike –
“That’s what monsters do. We scare Princesses.”
It didn’t hurt that he also struggled with demons from his past, and wasn’t afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve around Hanna –
“I would’ve died for you, and now you’re fucking killing me.”
Jeremy pushed all the right buttons too….so yeah I wouldn’t mind being Hanna!!
I really cannot say enough about how highly I rate Karla’s work, and if you are like me and not a major ménage fan, I would urge you to check out her other books (links below). Either way you won’t be disappointed.
More Than Words –
US - http://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Words...
UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/More-Than-Wor...
Game Plan –
US – http://www.amazon.com/Game-Plan-Karla...
UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Game-Plan-Kar...
Body Of Work –
US – http://www.amazon.com/Body-Work-Karla...
UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Body-Work-Kar...
November 2013 has been a very “out of the box” month for me in that I have visited book genres that you would not normally find on my TBR. Crossing The Line by Karla Doyle is definitely outside of my normal book requirements in that it is a story about ménage. I am not a prude on any level, but I have to say this subject matter has never really appealed to me; in all honesty it is not a genre that I would actively look for under normal circumstances.
However, I am happy to make an exception, when it comes to an author as talented as Karla is. I have read every book she has released, and she never lets me down. Her plots are well thought out, researched and easy to read. She always offers a hot distinctive male lead (in this case two), and a kick ass heroine. The dialogue is funny, emotional, sometimes brutal, and her writing style grabs you, pulls you in and doesn’t let you go until the very end.
Derrick and Hanna are your typical well adjusted married couple, they have a healthy sex life, like experimentation and aren’t afraid to try anything in (and out of) the bedroom. Jeremy is Derrick’s best friend, and things could have been so very different, if it wasn’t for the toss of a coin.
Karla always writes hot innovative sex, and this book is no different. I have to say I don’t really have a frame of reference when it comes to the M/F/M aspects but I found their interactions hot (voyeurism is definitely not a problem for this couple) and Hanna has mad skills with vegetables, and by that I don’t mean in the kitchen ;-)
I can’t say I will go out of my way to now read ménage after Crossing The Line, but as always and what made this 5 Stars for me is the fact that Karla gave me a great story, with well established characters, they encountered real problems and dealing with the consequences of their actions, after the weekend the three of them spent together was quite the rollercoaster I can tell you.
I loved Derrick and his demons. I have a huge soft spot for men who don’t mind getting dirty for a living, have a little ink and that ride a motorbike –
“That’s what monsters do. We scare Princesses.”
It didn’t hurt that he also struggled with demons from his past, and wasn’t afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve around Hanna –
“I would’ve died for you, and now you’re fucking killing me.”
Jeremy pushed all the right buttons too….so yeah I wouldn’t mind being Hanna!!
I really cannot say enough about how highly I rate Karla’s work, and if you are like me and not a major ménage fan, I would urge you to check out her other books (links below). Either way you won’t be disappointed.
More Than Words –
US - http://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Words...
UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/More-Than-Wor...
Game Plan –
US – http://www.amazon.com/Game-Plan-Karla...
UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Game-Plan-Kar...
Body Of Work –
US – http://www.amazon.com/Body-Work-Karla...
UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Body-Work-Kar...
May 10, 2014
Crossing the Line is a story of undying lone and passion that is so hot, someone is bound to get burned.
This book is a cautionary tale of what can go terribly wrong when an innocent night of fun turns out horribly wrong. This my friends is why a menage can be so dangerous. When its hot, it is SO HOT, but when it goes wrong, it can be disastrous.
Hanna and Derrick are married and madly in love. Derrick is a bad boy mechanic and Hanna is a teacher.
They met one night a long time ago and they have off the charts chemistry.
Hanna has fantasies. She dreams of a menage. So Derrick agrees to give her the birthday she will never forget.
They go off to a resort and invite Derrick's best friend Jeremy. He is allowed to participate and pleasure Hanna.
They have a night of passion that Hanna will never forget.
Derrick begins to feel insecurities. He has said from day one that he does not want to have children. He comes from a messed up family. Hanna wants children, but she is willing to give up that dream to have the man she loves. Derrick's father was an alcoholic who was abusive. He knows that he is damaged.
Derrick sees Hanna and he knows that he's not good enough for her. He sees his friend Jeremy, an accomplished man with a perfect past, and he sees someone who could make Hanna happy. So he does what he thinks is best for her.
While Jeremy could give Hanna children, she doesn't love him. Derrick is the man of her dreams in all ways except one. He refuses to have children because of his fear of being like his father. Hanna is left reeling by Derrick and his choices to push her away.
This book quickly devolves into a hot mess. Derrick is not a great communicator to begin with and then he just goes plain crazy. He starts taking his anger out on Hanna. Jeremy is there for Hanna and quickly swoops in to pick up the pieces. This only further infuriates Derrick proving in his mind that Hanna doesn't belong with him.
This one was quite messy and quite emotional. I had no idea how it was going to turn out and quite frankly wasn't sure I could forgive Derrick. He was a total jerk. I wont tell you what happens and give it away, but in the end, you get a satisfying result. It is not my version of how I wanted things to go, but it wrapped up nicely.
This book has a steamy hot start, an emotional wreck in the middle with a tidy ending. If you like the steam and the angst, than you will probably enjoy this one. I give it four stars instead of five, mainly because of Derrick. I didn't get some of what he did. Hanna also kind of got on my nerves. She was a bit of a doormat. This one is told from multiple points of view. Four stars for me.
www.readinghaven.me
This book is a cautionary tale of what can go terribly wrong when an innocent night of fun turns out horribly wrong. This my friends is why a menage can be so dangerous. When its hot, it is SO HOT, but when it goes wrong, it can be disastrous.
Hanna and Derrick are married and madly in love. Derrick is a bad boy mechanic and Hanna is a teacher.
They met one night a long time ago and they have off the charts chemistry.
Hanna has fantasies. She dreams of a menage. So Derrick agrees to give her the birthday she will never forget.
They go off to a resort and invite Derrick's best friend Jeremy. He is allowed to participate and pleasure Hanna.
They have a night of passion that Hanna will never forget.
Derrick begins to feel insecurities. He has said from day one that he does not want to have children. He comes from a messed up family. Hanna wants children, but she is willing to give up that dream to have the man she loves. Derrick's father was an alcoholic who was abusive. He knows that he is damaged.
Derrick sees Hanna and he knows that he's not good enough for her. He sees his friend Jeremy, an accomplished man with a perfect past, and he sees someone who could make Hanna happy. So he does what he thinks is best for her.
While Jeremy could give Hanna children, she doesn't love him. Derrick is the man of her dreams in all ways except one. He refuses to have children because of his fear of being like his father. Hanna is left reeling by Derrick and his choices to push her away.
This book quickly devolves into a hot mess. Derrick is not a great communicator to begin with and then he just goes plain crazy. He starts taking his anger out on Hanna. Jeremy is there for Hanna and quickly swoops in to pick up the pieces. This only further infuriates Derrick proving in his mind that Hanna doesn't belong with him.
This one was quite messy and quite emotional. I had no idea how it was going to turn out and quite frankly wasn't sure I could forgive Derrick. He was a total jerk. I wont tell you what happens and give it away, but in the end, you get a satisfying result. It is not my version of how I wanted things to go, but it wrapped up nicely.
This book has a steamy hot start, an emotional wreck in the middle with a tidy ending. If you like the steam and the angst, than you will probably enjoy this one. I give it four stars instead of five, mainly because of Derrick. I didn't get some of what he did. Hanna also kind of got on my nerves. She was a bit of a doormat. This one is told from multiple points of view. Four stars for me.
www.readinghaven.me
November 27, 2013
“I was thinking about our pact from way back—that we’d never let a woman come between us. We broke that deal today, D, literally.”
“Yeah, I guess we did.” Derrick leaned forward, one arm on the table and one beneath. A couple seconds later, Hanna’s breath hitched. “And we’re gonna break it again. Many, many times.”
I'm a huge Karla Doyle fan. She does equal parts sexy and smart and not alot of writers can pull that off. When I found out Crossing the Line would be a menage story, I envisioned all kind of dirty, sexy, steamy things going on. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed. The writing was good, that was not a problem at all. I think the story left me wanting more.
There's a few things that could have contributed to my overall feelings of this just being an okay read for me. First my high expectations going in. I expect nothing but greatness from Karla Doyla and anything less than great was going to leave me a little unsatisfied. Unfair but true. Also, I'm not a big fan of menage for the hell of it. Strictly a personal taste, I rather read about a committed menage relationship than a husband and wife getting bored and adding in a third party for a night of excitement. I'm surprised that I am saying this about a Karla Doyle story but I think the sex didn't go far enough. I don't want to give anything away but I think I wanted more hanky panky and less restrictions. I also think I ended up liking Jeremy more than I liked Derrick.
Crossing the Line did do a good job showing how jealousy and lack of trust can become problems when you invite a third party into a committed relationship. Usually menage stories just gloss right over any potential problems and I thought the story showed a more realistic portrayal, at least in that aspect.
Overall, Crossing the Line fell short of my expectations for all the reasons I listed BUT I stil enjoyed it and would recommend it to others looking for a short and steamy menage read. I am looking forward to seeing what Karla Doyle has planned next. For those that haven't read this author before, I strongly recommend any of her other books. More Than Words was one of my favorite books of 2013.
November 18, 2013
So for some reason, m/f/m menage totally flips my switch. I’ve read a fair amount of it and it seems to fall into a couple of categories, two of which I will talk about. The first one is the good time menage, the kind where the 3 involved have no intention of having a relationship, they are just doing it because it feels good. Sometimes it’s written with no regard as to whether or not the actual act is physically possible. I don’t mind these(the good time menage) at all. (Elle Kennedy has done these really well in some of her Out of Uniform series) There is another category where it’s a more carefully planned act and an actual polyamorous relationship comes out of it as a result. (Lauren Dane is really good with this kind of relationship…Erin, Ben and Todd).
For me, I’ve always been a little bit more interested in those that are written from a more realistic point of view. What are the repercussions? How does it impact or change the relationship between the two who decided to invite a third person? I mean it doesn’t take a whole lot for jealousy to kick in and then the WTF have I done kicks in.
Hanna and Derrick have a really incredible relationship, it’s rock solid but not without struggling here and there in the past. I really loved the relationship between these two. Derrick adored his wife and would do ANYTHING for her, which would be why he invited his best friend into their sex life. They have a very healthy and adventurous sex life and not much seems to be off the table between them. I’m here to tell you these two are so MFing hot, a kitchen table and some produce is all they need to blow my mind. And then add Jeremy to the mix (who I just want to do dirty things to in my mind) and you’ve got quite an incendiary situation on your hands.
For more of my review and an excerpt:
Straight Shootin' Book Reviews
Copy for review provided by author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
For me, I’ve always been a little bit more interested in those that are written from a more realistic point of view. What are the repercussions? How does it impact or change the relationship between the two who decided to invite a third person? I mean it doesn’t take a whole lot for jealousy to kick in and then the WTF have I done kicks in.
Hanna and Derrick have a really incredible relationship, it’s rock solid but not without struggling here and there in the past. I really loved the relationship between these two. Derrick adored his wife and would do ANYTHING for her, which would be why he invited his best friend into their sex life. They have a very healthy and adventurous sex life and not much seems to be off the table between them. I’m here to tell you these two are so MFing hot, a kitchen table and some produce is all they need to blow my mind. And then add Jeremy to the mix (who I just want to do dirty things to in my mind) and you’ve got quite an incendiary situation on your hands.
For more of my review and an excerpt:
Straight Shootin' Book Reviews
Copy for review provided by author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 26, 2013
Derrick loves his wife Hanna with a depth and desperation that knows no bounds. Unable to give her the child that she so desperately wants, he gives his sexually adventurous wife everything else that she craves. For her birthday he decides to grant her fantasy – a threesome that includes his best friend Jeremy to whom she is attracted. They agree set ground rules and do it just once before going back to being just friends. But while everything appears to go smoothly on the surface, the ménage weekend reopens old wounds and insecurities.
Author Karla Doyle lures the reader down a path that is both erotic and disastrous, where one is titillated and fearful as tragedy unrolls in slow motion. From the beginning, the characters are so engaging and real, and their love and friendship so palpable, it makes us believe that maybe free lunches do exist, maybe a loving, devoted couple can have a fantasy weekend ménage without repercussions. But then cracks appear and widen right before our eyes.
As with her other books, Ms. Doyle writes with a witty, punchy style and cranks up the heat to scalding. But Crossing the Line crosses over to the dark side, where there is price to pay for sexual fun and games. Although it has its strong romantic elements, I would classify Crossing the Line as erotica, rather than erotic romance. But whatever it is, it’s a five star read!
Author Karla Doyle lures the reader down a path that is both erotic and disastrous, where one is titillated and fearful as tragedy unrolls in slow motion. From the beginning, the characters are so engaging and real, and their love and friendship so palpable, it makes us believe that maybe free lunches do exist, maybe a loving, devoted couple can have a fantasy weekend ménage without repercussions. But then cracks appear and widen right before our eyes.
As with her other books, Ms. Doyle writes with a witty, punchy style and cranks up the heat to scalding. But Crossing the Line crosses over to the dark side, where there is price to pay for sexual fun and games. Although it has its strong romantic elements, I would classify Crossing the Line as erotica, rather than erotic romance. But whatever it is, it’s a five star read!
April 18, 2018
I found this one in my old TBR file. One clicked it back in 2014 and I wish I hadn't just let it sit there for so long. This is an erotic and somewhat dark romance. Hana, Derrick and Jeremy met 10 years ago at a bar. Derrick and Jeremy were both attracted to Hanna, as she was to them. A flip of the coin between Derrick and Jeremy leaves Derrick the winner to pursue her. They fall in love and it's a true, deep love. Derrick will give the world to Hanna because she's his whole world. They have a very healthy sex life with no inhibitions. They've never shared outside of the marriage but they watch porn together often. Hanna's favorite porn is a threesome, two men, one woman. Derrick thinks he is giving Hanna her dream when he talks his BFF Jeremy into meeting them at a weekend resort for that threesome. Hanna agrees before Derrick sets it up. Be careful for what you wish, as the old saying goes. Derrick is carrying a lot of baggage from his abusive childhood and things get very complicated after the threesome. The sex scenes are really hot and erotic. The love between Derrick and Hanna is undeniable. I felt so sad for what Hanna and Derrick go through before things work out as they should. This was a deep love story coupled with some really hot sex.
November 28, 2013
I enjoy reading erotic ménage stories so I was excited to hear that author Karla Doyle was writing one! I've read several of Ms. Doyle's books and she has become an immediate go-to author for me. When I was given a review copy of Crossing the Line, Karla warned me upfront that this book was different than her other ones in that it's more of a darker and edgy contemporary romance. Hence, I went into Crossing the Line with this in mind.
To be honest, I have mix feelings about this book. It was different than her other books, yes, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The steam factor and sexiness were still present and I actually liked the darker elements, such as the angst, that Karla brought into Crossing the Line. Perhaps the biggest issue of mine with this book was that I couldn't connect well with the characters Hannah, Derrick and Jeremy. The characters' interactions felt a bit forced in my opinion and I just didn't feel the connection between them. In addition, the pacing of the story was a bit slow for my liking and for that it lost me at some parts. In fact, it actually took me a while to get into the story.
I've read my fair share of ménage stories, but for some reason I just wasn't feeling the ménage in Crossing the Line.
Something was off about it although I can't really put my finger on what it is; Yet, I believe it's due to what I mentioned earlier about not feeling the connection between the main characters and so that just killed it for me.
I did, however, enjoy the emotional aspects of this book. It did take me on quite an emotional ride especially when Derrick's demons came out to play. There were also moments in the book where it had me questioning and worrying if there was going to be infidelity involved...since that's something I do not tolerate in my books. Yet, rest assured that there is no cheating! I know that Karla would never go in that direction with her romance novels, but I seriously had no clue what direction this book was heading so kudos to Karla for keeping me on the edge of my seat guessing!
As for the ending, it was rather nice. I personally would have preferred Derrick to grovel a bit more and really work for Hannah's forgiveness especially after his dickhead behavior and doubts about her loyalty to him. Yet, that's just my two cents.
Overall, Crossing the Line wasn't bad. It was well-edited and well formatted and I enjoyed the writing as usual. It just wasn't a story I connected well with along with its characters. Yet, I know that Karla Doyle has a great talent for writing engaging romance stories so this won't be my last book of hers. I'll be looking forward to many more stories from Karla Doyle in the future.
*I received a review copy from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
To be honest, I have mix feelings about this book. It was different than her other books, yes, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The steam factor and sexiness were still present and I actually liked the darker elements, such as the angst, that Karla brought into Crossing the Line. Perhaps the biggest issue of mine with this book was that I couldn't connect well with the characters Hannah, Derrick and Jeremy. The characters' interactions felt a bit forced in my opinion and I just didn't feel the connection between them. In addition, the pacing of the story was a bit slow for my liking and for that it lost me at some parts. In fact, it actually took me a while to get into the story.
I've read my fair share of ménage stories, but for some reason I just wasn't feeling the ménage in Crossing the Line.
Something was off about it although I can't really put my finger on what it is; Yet, I believe it's due to what I mentioned earlier about not feeling the connection between the main characters and so that just killed it for me.
I did, however, enjoy the emotional aspects of this book. It did take me on quite an emotional ride especially when Derrick's demons came out to play. There were also moments in the book where it had me questioning and worrying if there was going to be infidelity involved...since that's something I do not tolerate in my books. Yet, rest assured that there is no cheating! I know that Karla would never go in that direction with her romance novels, but I seriously had no clue what direction this book was heading so kudos to Karla for keeping me on the edge of my seat guessing!
As for the ending, it was rather nice. I personally would have preferred Derrick to grovel a bit more and really work for Hannah's forgiveness especially after his dickhead behavior and doubts about her loyalty to him. Yet, that's just my two cents.
Overall, Crossing the Line wasn't bad. It was well-edited and well formatted and I enjoyed the writing as usual. It just wasn't a story I connected well with along with its characters. Yet, I know that Karla Doyle has a great talent for writing engaging romance stories so this won't be my last book of hers. I'll be looking forward to many more stories from Karla Doyle in the future.
*I received a review copy from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 19, 2014
I was warned about this book. First by the author on Twitter when I bought the book and she warned me this one was different from her other books, darker...then by some of the GR reviews I skimmed when looking up info on the book. And finally by the warning at the beginning of the book:
“Crossing the Line is a dark contemporary romance that contains explicit sex and mature situations that may not be comfortable for all readers.”
Now let it be known that warnings like these don't scare me off at all. If anything it'll make me want to read the book even more. So when I finished Karla Doyle's other book I'd bought along with this one, I knew I was staying with the author and reading the book she warned me about.
I love reading (erotic) romance novellas about married couples as often the relationship is already established and ongoing and there's more room for depth and conflict. Well CROSSING THE LINE definitely fits that bill. This is a story about a happily married couple that has been through ups and downs in their 10-year relationship. Now, because Derrick can't (or won't) fulfill Hanna's fondest wish, he decides to bring in a third (his best buddy) in order to fulfill her sexual fantasy of a threesome. Things start out sexy and dirty and hot and then things started falling apart. Derrick assuming things and driving Hanna to do things I didn't want her to do. Jeremy doing things I didn't want him to do. This all was breaking my heart and many tears fell and sobs were uttered while reading those final chapters.
When groveling time came, Karla Doyle didn't take the route I was fearing she'd take. The route that is expected by many romance readers, the route that is par for the course in many a romance novel's HEA. And I applaud her for this because that route would not have worked for this book, these characters and this marriage.
So I'd been warned about this book and it still took me by surprise! From the blurb and the above-mentioned warnings I suspected this ménage was going to wreak havoc on my emotions and oh boy, did it ever! Sweet Lord, this book ripped my heart out of my chest, crushed it to dust and then pieced it back together but it never went back to its original state. It's my favorite Karla Doyle book to-date and a 2014 favorite for sure!
Memorable Scenes:
- the swimming pool scene > my oh my... Seriously hot!
- the scenes where shit hit the fan > I bawled like a baby
- the end > perfect end to a beautiful story
Fave Quotes:
Jeremy’s lips grazed the shell of her ear, his deep, smooth voice filling her head and sending a string of sparks zinging through her body.
Her taste—not some artificial mint or fruit, just this delicious, indescribable thing that was one-hundred-percent, pure Hanna—worked its way through him. Starting on the tip of his tongue, it filled his head, spread through his body like a sweet-hot streak that made every inch of him more alive than any adrenaline rush. As it had since their first kiss.
“Crossing the Line is a dark contemporary romance that contains explicit sex and mature situations that may not be comfortable for all readers.”
Now let it be known that warnings like these don't scare me off at all. If anything it'll make me want to read the book even more. So when I finished Karla Doyle's other book I'd bought along with this one, I knew I was staying with the author and reading the book she warned me about.
I love reading (erotic) romance novellas about married couples as often the relationship is already established and ongoing and there's more room for depth and conflict. Well CROSSING THE LINE definitely fits that bill. This is a story about a happily married couple that has been through ups and downs in their 10-year relationship. Now, because Derrick can't (or won't) fulfill Hanna's fondest wish, he decides to bring in a third (his best buddy) in order to fulfill her sexual fantasy of a threesome. Things start out sexy and dirty and hot and then things started falling apart. Derrick assuming things and driving Hanna to do things I didn't want her to do. Jeremy doing things I didn't want him to do. This all was breaking my heart and many tears fell and sobs were uttered while reading those final chapters.
When groveling time came, Karla Doyle didn't take the route I was fearing she'd take. The route that is expected by many romance readers, the route that is par for the course in many a romance novel's HEA. And I applaud her for this because that route would not have worked for this book, these characters and this marriage.
So I'd been warned about this book and it still took me by surprise! From the blurb and the above-mentioned warnings I suspected this ménage was going to wreak havoc on my emotions and oh boy, did it ever! Sweet Lord, this book ripped my heart out of my chest, crushed it to dust and then pieced it back together but it never went back to its original state. It's my favorite Karla Doyle book to-date and a 2014 favorite for sure!
Memorable Scenes:
- the swimming pool scene > my oh my... Seriously hot!
- the scenes where shit hit the fan > I bawled like a baby
- the end > perfect end to a beautiful story
Fave Quotes:
Jeremy’s lips grazed the shell of her ear, his deep, smooth voice filling her head and sending a string of sparks zinging through her body.
Her taste—not some artificial mint or fruit, just this delicious, indescribable thing that was one-hundred-percent, pure Hanna—worked its way through him. Starting on the tip of his tongue, it filled his head, spread through his body like a sweet-hot streak that made every inch of him more alive than any adrenaline rush. As it had since their first kiss.
February 17, 2014
Karla Doyle has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I must have been holed up under a NaNo rock when this came out in November, but as soon as I saw Crossing the Line, I snapped it up and devoured it in a day.
Hanna and Derrick have a solid marriage. After eight years, they still can't keep their hands off each other. They have struggled in the past with some serious issues, but come through more committed than ever to each other. I really enjoyed how well-developed both characters were in terms of their issues and back story. The author does a nice, concise job of conveying a lot of complicated emotions between the two.
I loved Derrick. He's a strong hero/husband who adores his wife. To give her a birthday she'll never forget, he offers her a threesome with his best friend, Jeremy. Ah, Jeremy. He is a swoon-worthy hero worthy of his own story. Things are okay for awhile but then they slowly fall apart. I really liked how the author explores the very real possible consequences of inviting a third person (who is a friend no less!) into a committed relationship.
Be prepared with a nice box of soft tissues, because Crossing the Line just about ripped my heart out. What a wonderfully written, emotional and erotic read! Fabulous story line, perfectly imperfect characters and an ending that makes sense. I'd give Crossing the Line ten stars if goodreads let me!
Hanna and Derrick have a solid marriage. After eight years, they still can't keep their hands off each other. They have struggled in the past with some serious issues, but come through more committed than ever to each other. I really enjoyed how well-developed both characters were in terms of their issues and back story. The author does a nice, concise job of conveying a lot of complicated emotions between the two.
I loved Derrick. He's a strong hero/husband who adores his wife. To give her a birthday she'll never forget, he offers her a threesome with his best friend, Jeremy. Ah, Jeremy. He is a swoon-worthy hero worthy of his own story. Things are okay for awhile but then they slowly fall apart. I really liked how the author explores the very real possible consequences of inviting a third person (who is a friend no less!) into a committed relationship.
Be prepared with a nice box of soft tissues, because Crossing the Line just about ripped my heart out. What a wonderfully written, emotional and erotic read! Fabulous story line, perfectly imperfect characters and an ending that makes sense. I'd give Crossing the Line ten stars if goodreads let me!
December 30, 2013
Crossing the Line by Karla Doyle
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
I just love Karla's writing!
This was a great story. I knew a little about the book before hand because I checked it out on Karla's WIP page on her website. I was excited to read the whole story and it did not disappoint. I did think that it would go another way but in the end I am glad it didn't. These were some wonderful characters who pulled off a fabulous story line. I can't wait to see what Karla has in store for us next.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
I just love Karla's writing!
This was a great story. I knew a little about the book before hand because I checked it out on Karla's WIP page on her website. I was excited to read the whole story and it did not disappoint. I did think that it would go another way but in the end I am glad it didn't. These were some wonderful characters who pulled off a fabulous story line. I can't wait to see what Karla has in store for us next.
November 21, 2013
Hot 5 star read!!! Yes there was angst but we also got resolution in the end!!! Enjoyed this one! A quick read for me!
July 9, 2016
Fantastic read!
December 29, 2014
Derrick and Hanna had been married for eight years, this two were always so happy and it looked like they were always in their honeymoon. They are very open minded when it comes to their sexual relationship. As a couple they love to do things other couples would think twice before doing it.
Hanna's birthday is approaching and Derrick wants to give her an unforgettable birthday celebration. Since three years ago he broke her heart he has been trying to make it up to her ever since. He knows what she has been fantasizing when this two have sex and he comes up with a plan to make her fantasy come true.
Derrick and Jeremy have been childhood friends and he is the brother he never had so when it was time to make Hanna's dream come true Derrick thought who better that his best friend to help him.
But not everything is wonderful, Derrick has been fighting his dark demons for so long he does not see how amazing he is with his beloved wife.
Can Derrick demons destroyed their ten year relationship this two have?
Talk about a HOT HOT HOT book!! Crossing the Line not only is a very steamy book but the plot of the story is amazing.
I love this book and I will recommend for you to read it. You will not be disappointed.
Hanna's birthday is approaching and Derrick wants to give her an unforgettable birthday celebration. Since three years ago he broke her heart he has been trying to make it up to her ever since. He knows what she has been fantasizing when this two have sex and he comes up with a plan to make her fantasy come true.
Derrick and Jeremy have been childhood friends and he is the brother he never had so when it was time to make Hanna's dream come true Derrick thought who better that his best friend to help him.
But not everything is wonderful, Derrick has been fighting his dark demons for so long he does not see how amazing he is with his beloved wife.
Can Derrick demons destroyed their ten year relationship this two have?
Talk about a HOT HOT HOT book!! Crossing the Line not only is a very steamy book but the plot of the story is amazing.
I love this book and I will recommend for you to read it. You will not be disappointed.
October 30, 2014
This was a fantastic, smoking hot, angst-ridden read, and I loved every second of it. In fact, I don't think I've finished a book this quickly in a while. Of course, there's the menage appeal, but there was so much more than that to the story. Karla knew how to take this story to the very edge--sexually and emotionally--without (pardon the pun, but I HAD TO) crossing the line. There were moments where I was thinking "Oh, this could get a little too aggressive..." but then she reassured me that all parties were enjoying themselves. And also moments where I thought "What an asshole!" and then Karla reassured me that he wasn't actually an asshole. Both of the dudes, actually. The characters in this story are very human, very likable, and although there is a TON of hot sex, I kept coming back for more (and shirking my responsibilities to do so) because of the story. Hanna and Derrick are a couple to root for, and Jeremy is a, well, non-couple to root for. :) I wholeheartedly recommend this book!
November 25, 2013
If I could give 3.5 stars that's what this one would be. Mostly because I'm not a hug fan of novellas. This one was good though. The character development was better than most novellas I've read. This novella was well written, the story line was intriguing and the steam was off the charts. I was definitely grabbed by the hole "this could end badly" an "what the hell are these people thinking" thoughts!! Being that I am a true lover of human nature, I'm totally drawn in when story's are about how we could potentially react in different life situations. This story has that element quite dramatically.
I have to say that I would have loved for there to be more story, there was so much potential in this book for more. That being said I'd love to read a book about Jeremy!! I'm not a fan of the ménage story lines but the synopsis got me, I needed to know what was going to happen. I'm glad I took the chance to read this it was a good read.
I have to say that I would have loved for there to be more story, there was so much potential in this book for more. That being said I'd love to read a book about Jeremy!! I'm not a fan of the ménage story lines but the synopsis got me, I needed to know what was going to happen. I'm glad I took the chance to read this it was a good read.
November 13, 2014
This book is totally different from anything that I have read. Crazy sex, testing boundaries, emotions and friendships.
Derrick may not be able to give Hannah the on thing she always wanted but he could give her the second thing she wants or he think she wants and he intends on giving it to her for her birthday. But after she receives her gift, Derrick is reminded of his past and is pulled into darkness that casts a shadow on his relationship, friendship and if he doesn't open his eyes to the truth soon he is going to lose everything that has ever meant something to him.
Derrick may not be able to give Hannah the on thing she always wanted but he could give her the second thing she wants or he think she wants and he intends on giving it to her for her birthday. But after she receives her gift, Derrick is reminded of his past and is pulled into darkness that casts a shadow on his relationship, friendship and if he doesn't open his eyes to the truth soon he is going to lose everything that has ever meant something to him.
January 4, 2014
This is an emotional erotic read with intriguing elements and possibilities. I found this story to be an emotionally charged and entertaining read that gives the reader a fascinating man who wants to give his wife everything, but he has past issues that must be resolved to achieve true happiness.
See my full review at:
http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...
See my full review at:
http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...
January 15, 2014
*3.5* read this a while back. I think I wanted a different ending. Oh well.
November 17, 2013
November 18th
December 27, 2014
So Sweet
Such a touching story about love and forgiveness. Derrick and Hanna's love for each other was palpable through Karla Doyle's amazing writing.
Such a touching story about love and forgiveness. Derrick and Hanna's love for each other was palpable through Karla Doyle's amazing writing.
November 24, 2013
Another winner from Karla Doyle. I can't wait until the next one!
October 27, 2013
Hannah, Derrick and Jeremy
nice story line, not sex every page
good lil quick read
nice story line, not sex every page
good lil quick read
September 6, 2021
Mmm
I'm not really sure why I gave this book five stars, four stars is more my thing but my finger hit it without thought. From the start this is a true love story, the characters, right away you fell in love with them. Read this book, free with Kindle Unlimited but worth your money if you want to buy it. Shirley
I'm not really sure why I gave this book five stars, four stars is more my thing but my finger hit it without thought. From the start this is a true love story, the characters, right away you fell in love with them. Read this book, free with Kindle Unlimited but worth your money if you want to buy it. Shirley
February 14, 2018
ABSOLUTELY A MAZ ING!!!!
I read it in one shot.
It was passionate, steamy, dreamy, addicting.. all other related words.
One million percent recommend.
I read it in one shot.
It was passionate, steamy, dreamy, addicting.. all other related words.
One million percent recommend.
March 3, 2018
I thought this would have been different.
I thought they would've all been together in the end.
I felt like poor Jeremy didn't get anything out of it.
Should have made it into a triad relationship.
I thought they would've all been together in the end.
I felt like poor Jeremy didn't get anything out of it.
Should have made it into a triad relationship.
February 17, 2015
Technically a decent book, just not the kind of story I appreciate. I would not have purchased this if I had know what to expect. I was hoping for an unconventional romance, but instead got a cautionary tale about how easily it is to wreck a marriage by trying to spice things up with a one time threesome with a close friend. This may very well be a fairly realistic portrayal of what happens when people don't want to really think through the implications of what they are doing, but it was also not very satisfying to read if you are a fan of menage romances in which all three people find their HEA.
I didn't find the sex scenes hot nor the husband or wife particularly sympathetic. I was disappointed that they failed to address how badly they have abused their friend whose take on the situation seemed convenient rather than convincing.
I didn't find the sex scenes hot nor the husband or wife particularly sympathetic. I was disappointed that they failed to address how badly they have abused their friend whose take on the situation seemed convenient rather than convincing.
January 27, 2015
Not really sure why I checked this book out, my guess is because of the yummy cover! The story itself fell flat and the characters were irritating. Seriously, what normal couple is all over each other as much as these two were after 10 years together? Or act so lovey-dovey all the time? It was pretty sickening and got old really fast!!! The "steamy" scenes were lack-luster at best. I definitely wouldn't recommend this book to anyone I know.
July 1, 2016
JUST LOVED IT.....
September 27, 2014
3.5 stars
March 13, 2014
More like 3.5
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