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The Broken Lines of Us

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Charlie Dawson is really good at running away. After the loss of her parents, she’s stayed as far away from Manhattan and her parents’ hotel empire as she could—an act made easier when her brother ruthlessly cut her off from the family fortune. Closing her art gallery, abandoning her dreams, and moving across the country weren’t simple, but that was easier than grieving the loss of the two people she loved most.

When her sister asks her to be maid of honor at her wedding, Charlie has no choice but to return to a city full of memories. As she faces a hectic wedding schedule and a hotel business in chaos, the last thing on her mind is romance. But the beautiful stranger she meets on her first night back changes everything. As family secrets are exposed and Charlie learns the truth about her stranger’s identity, she discovers that the only way to heal is to confront her past.

288 pages, Paperback

Published April 9, 2024

20 people are currently reading
375 people want to read

About the author

Shia Woods

4 books30 followers

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5 stars
157 (54%)
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89 (30%)
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31 (10%)
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8 (2%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Diane Wallace.
1,459 reviews175 followers
April 12, 2025
**'If you're gonna continue telling stories, can you make all your important characters be more three dimensional and maybe some indepth characteristics. Having these makes really good stories..'

3.5 stars!
It's a nice, enjoyable and more family centered storyline -- but had to downgrade it by half-a-star because it just ended abruptly.
Maybe the author is thinking of continuing their (Charlie & Annie) story sometime later later.. -- but it's still good enough to recommend.
Profile Image for Guerunche.
660 reviews35 followers
April 21, 2024
4.5 stars

I’ll write more when I can, but will just say this is a ridiculously sexy read. Oof. The only turn-offs for me were an endearment one character called the other in the throes of passion and the fact that the book ended abruptly.

I would like to think that might be because we will see those characters again, but hard to know.

The two main characters were likable, exchanged fun banter, had terrific chemistry and were stunning. The situation they were in was challenging to say the least. It was certainly an interesting back story.

I don’t know if the publisher plans to release this on audio, but with the right narrator it would be smokin’. I’d definitely listen to that.

Thanks to my buddy Menestrella for recommending it!
Profile Image for Rosi.
402 reviews112 followers
April 9, 2024
This story was very interesting for me, it was a mix between comedy and family drama among upper-class New Yorkers, with a tense undertone from the beginning. Although since, also from the beginning, there was the essential fact of the novel, which is the relationship between Annie and Charlie, the rest remains quite in the background, to be honest.

Charlie is returning home to attend her little sister's wedding, she left after the death of her parents, from New York to LA, leaving her family a little behind. She also has a brother Ian, who does not think much of her, although the feeling is mutual.

Annie goes to the lesbian bar the same night that Charlie arrives in town, and as soon as they see each other they feel that irresistible instant attraction that forces them to do something, which is nothing other than spending the night together, no strings attached, just one night and just knowing each other's first names. But that's going to get complicated.

It is not easy to write the review without spoilers, in this case, so I am not going to reveal much more because I consider that it is very worthwhile to delve into this story without much information. For me it has been a very interesting, romantic, hot and heartbreaking story.


Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review

Profile Image for Leah.
502 reviews257 followers
Read
June 12, 2024
Dnf at 48%. There’s nothing really wrong with it. It just has some things I truly don’t like. Brother and sister sleeping/dating the same woman, Major feelings after one night together. There’s also not much depth/background making me think this was probably fanfic that got turned into a book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cherie.
721 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2025
3.5⭐️ I liked the plot and the scheming that was taking place in the background. If that had been enhanced this would have been a five star book for me. It was humorous at the first family diner when Charlie finds Annie at her uncle's home for a family dinner.

The secondary characters, Holly and Kat were well developed and added to the story. I liked the close family ties that the Dawson family had. Annie's family life needed a lot more development in my mind to understand and appreciate their relationship. Her younger sister seems to be very important to Annie but her character is not in the story. Which made it hard for me to relate to her strong feelings of needing to protect her.

I didn't like the nick name Cho Cho and the reference to Charlie as baby girl, both seemed fake or condescending.

I also didn't understand Annie' s relationship with Ian. There was virtually no dialogue between them and no time spent together in the story. We learn about the "business relationship" but I felt Annie was way too easily manipulated by her father.


Profile Image for bookster.
767 reviews
April 15, 2024
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the book and I will read more from this author. The story was well written and the casts were entertaining. My only comment is that I wish there was an epilogue as the ending felt a bit rush.
Profile Image for currentlyreadingbynat.
879 reviews101 followers
June 17, 2024
The Broken Lines of Us is a promising debut that kept me engaged until the last page. The author intertwines compelling family dynamics with a romantic subplot, creating a narrative that's both captivating and well-written.

The story follows Charlie Dawson, who returns home after four years for her sister's wedding, only to find herself unexpectedly drawn to Annie, her brother's girlfriend. While the insta-love between Charlie and Annie didn't quite win me over, the chemistry between them is palpable and well-depicted.

Despite these minor issues, it was the family relationships that kept me engaged throughout. There is a showcase of complex and realistic portrayals of sibling dynamics and personal growth. The open-ended conclusion left me wanting more closure, especially regarding Charlie's relationship with her brother. Nonetheless, Woods' engaging writing style ensures I'll be looking out for more of her work in the future.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sue Plant.
2,324 reviews33 followers
September 29, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book

after losing her parents in an accidental crash Charlie Dawson runs away from everything her family, the business and her life and started afresh in LA

but now she is back for her sisters wedding and she cant avoid her family any longer...

but first a bit of nostalgia and she goes to her favourite gay bar... and ends up having a one night stand.... that blows her mind

you can only imagine her shock when at a family dinner that night she meets her one night stand and not only that her one night stand is her brothers girlfriend......

but this story is so much more...its about family dynamics and family betrayals and its not long before it becomes evident that ian their brother is doing untold damage to the legacy left behind by their parents

and as the wedding looms so does the attraction between charlie and her one night stand and the disaster that her brother is creating with their hotel chain...

its a one way train of disasters....

what a ride this book gives you.... the fairy tale wedding in new york and the attraction between charlie and annie..... wow just wow
Profile Image for Victoria.
531 reviews83 followers
April 15, 2024
I may have enjoyed this book a little too much. I absolutely loved it and added all of Shia Woods' future books to my to-read list. Her writing style had me hooked from the very beginning. The book was easy to read and had just the right amount of angst and smut (blessed you).

Charlie and Annie were such likable characters. The other side-characters are endearing as well and I would love to read a book based on Holly. I do wish there was an epilogue to give us a more satisfying ending, but nonetheless, I adore this book!
Profile Image for Fran Sappharc.
829 reviews47 followers
April 6, 2024
3 for most, but absolutely 3.5 for the last bit!

Many questions from the start, so I am interested. I know from the blurb the one night stand is going to be complicated. Normally I like my mains to have a relationship before expressing it, not prudish I just like the chemistry however it didn’t bother me in this. Having said that, and this is totally preference, some of the words used pulled me out the scene. Totally me, not them. Unfortunately it continued to be an issue for me and I didn’t particularly enjoy the second intimate scene.
I am interested in the background story. The background story however mainly concerns one main so doesn’t move the romance forward. The romance just not the the expression of it, I enjoyish. There is a bit of eye rolling at the break up arc, but I have to admit the bricks were there for it.
I’ve read so many books with epilogues I just expected one. It’s not left open for a sequel, or incomplete, it’s just felt like a sudden end.
Profile Image for Misha.
1,695 reviews67 followers
April 4, 2025
(rounded down from 4.25)

I'll add a warning up front that if cheating in a romance book turns you off, this is one to likely avoid. I normally don't enjoy that sort of thing, but here the person being cheated on is also openly cheating, so I enjoyed it anyway.

This is a tale of grief and guilt and then meeting someone randomly with whom you have a spark only to find they are already obligated to date someone else in your family. I enjoyed the themes of carving your own path to being happy and familial trust and love.
110 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2024
Unbelievable! This story took me on so many twists I got whiplash. I was just not expecting everything that popped up and I loved it. Each time I thought I figured out why something happened or was happening I was thrown for a loop. Honestly this was well written with so much drama the story never stalled. The relationships were very believable and the romance was amazing. I loved the dynamics of all the characters involved, no one held back from saying what they actually meant but boy could they hold onto secrets and grudges. Honestly just grab this book and read it. My only gripe is that I felt like the ending was rushed and some questions were left unanswered which was a let down but I would definitely read it again.
Profile Image for ReadingwithCaz .
215 reviews35 followers
April 3, 2024
Can one night turn into forever even when it turns out to be a complicated mess? A delightful story with big family drama, funny banter and a love that is undeniable.

I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Charlie Dawson has fled New York after her parents died in an accident. She left everything behind to start a new life in L.A., away from the pain. That also meant leaving her family behind, especially her sister Kat. Their parents have build a successful hotel company. A company that has been run by Charlie’s and Kay’s brother Ian. He always only had eyes for wealth and status and is on his way to ruin their parent’s legacy. A fact Charlie has turned a blind eye to ever since the death of her parents. After four years of hiding Charlie has to go back to New York when Kay gets married. She expects to be overwhelmed by painful memories. Fresh off the plain she decides to start at her favorite bar she has only good memories of. Steeling herself with liquor to get ready to face her past, Charlie is swept off her feet by the most gorgeous woman she has ever seen. She knows things between them will never be more than a one night stand. And that fact is made abundantly clear when Charlie meets her hook up Annie again at a family dinner as her obnoxious brother’s girlfriend. Talk about a mess…

This story is packed full of drama but also with undeniable feelings. We follow Charlie through her reconnection with her old home and her family. Her instant attraction to Annie sizzles off the page. But they don’t only have a very hot physical connection. As the story evolves Annie becomes a beacon for Charlie and she slowly starts to understand that fleeing from her painful past isn’t helping her at all.

The Dawson family holds such love for each other. Brother Ian is the only dissonant. Charlie is enveloped into their love instantly and that makes her see that maybe escaping to the other side of the country wasn’t the best decision. The way Charlie communicates with her aunt and uncle, her sister and her cousin radiates love. There might be huge problems with the family business and therefore with Ian, all other family members stick together. It’s heartwarming to see Charlie accept her place within the pack.

Shia Woods writes extremely funny dialogues. I’ve laughed out loud on more than one occasion. The banter between Charlie and her sister and cousin is hilarious. The easy way Charlie and Annie play off each other in dialogue is fantastic and sexy as hell.

This book is amazing and I have just one more thing left to say: Go and let yourself be swept away by this story!
Profile Image for Romantic.Rainbow.Reads.
169 reviews8 followers
March 30, 2024
I ended up not being a fan, though this book may be a good fit for those who are fans of insta-love, and don’t mind reading about infidelity.

Charlie left NYC to avoid her grief after her parents died in a car crash. Now, she’s back in NYC to be maid of honor in her sister’s wedding. Charlie sleeps with Annie, but what was supposed to be a one-night stand turns into more.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley
Profile Image for Jen.
223 reviews11 followers
July 21, 2024
I usually really like romances with the one night to forever trope but this one was too Insta-love. Romance didn’t work for me and I had a hard time with this book as a result.
Profile Image for Kaye.
4,368 reviews73 followers
March 29, 2024
Riveting. I was on the edge of my seat wondering which way this family drama and romance would turn next. Charlie Dawson returns to NYC after four years to take part in her beloved sister's wedding. On her first night in town she visits her favorite bar and old hang out. While there she meets Annie and takes her back to her hotel. It is insta lust and attraction on a new level for both of them. She doesn’t expect to see Annie again and is shocked when she arrives at a family dinner and is Charlie’s estranged brother’s girlfriend.

There are of course other complications. There are issues with the family business and her parents will. Annie’s family is involved in the business dealings as well. Also everyone is trying to get along as to not disrupt the countdown to the wedding. I like that there is time for dates, trysts and learning about each other so it doesn’t seem as surprising that they both feel a strong connection. It is told first person from Charlie’s POV but Annie shares enough of her feelings and background to get a good feel for her character. I thought it was left open ended as far as what the future would look like for the pair and what happens with her brother. I don’t know if that was intentional leaving it open for a sequel, or if it is to let the reader fill in the HEA.

This is the first book I’ve read by the author and I will look for future works. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Veda.
114 reviews
October 21, 2024
Won’t lie wanted Ian to get it in the worse way bro is actually a baby should’ve brought the full hammer of the court on his ass imo and for that I can’t rate it higher that 3 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sarah.
186 reviews16 followers
April 1, 2024
I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this. I originally looked into the book because I thought the cover was cool. The description made it sound like it wouldn’t be bad so I gave it a shot. I’m glad I did. I stayed absorbed from the onset. I loved the main characters and their interactions and I really hated the the bad guy (the brother). It was pretty sex forward and the language was a little crude for my taste in areas. This is not really my thing, but it didn’t take away from the story. One thing I would change would be to add just a smidge more to the ending. Maybe add in an epilogue or an extra chapter. It was a sweet ending, but I want to see everything tied up with a nice little bow. I’m not a big fan of using my imagination or thinking too hard.
Profile Image for Jamie R..
206 reviews
March 22, 2024
YES and more please! This book is so good!!! My only complaint is that I finished it too soon and want more! I was invested from the start and finished reading it in a day and a half. So hard to put it down!
Charlie leaves everything and everyone behind when she moves from NY to LA trying to escape the pain after the death of her parents. She has returned to NY for her sister’s wedding. On her first night in town she meets a hot, mysterious woman named Annie and they share a night of intense passion, agreeing they will never see each other again. They don’t even exchange contact info. The next day she meets with her family and things get complicated.
The story is well written, entertaining and flows smoothly. It is witty, humorous, steamy and completely engaging. The characters are easy to care about unpacked well. The storyline is believable and interesting throughout.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this debut book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Author 1 book17 followers
March 22, 2024
Years after leaving New York for LA, Charlie Dawson is calledback to attend her sister's wedding. Worse, she's asked her to be the maid of honor!

But history catches up to her, and her brother's mishandling of the family business complicates things.

And, of course, the first night she's in town, she meets a gorgeous woman, Annie.

The book is a good mix of romance and drama. The cast is fun, the situation is interesting and the storyline is good. I'd willingly read more from this author.
Profile Image for Sloan Stryker.
162 reviews8 followers
March 19, 2024
Charlie Dawson has come home again for her sisters wedding. Charlie isn’t happy about being back in the city that took so much from her.
A chance encounter led her to Annie and they spent a sex driven night together. Knowing one night is all they’ll have.
Imagine Charlies surprise when she sees Annie again at the final planning and parties for her sister. There will be even more surprises as Charlies brother sells the family empire without a word to anyone.
The stakes are high for everyone especially Charlie and Annie.
This was a quick and enjoyable read I would recommend.

Thank you #NetGalley #BoldStrokesBooks #TheBrokenLinesOfUs for this ARC
Profile Image for TheLisaD.
1,110 reviews21 followers
March 25, 2024
Such a great story I loved that this ended how it did and I loved the family and how close they were and I loved the way the Uncle and Aunt stepped up for their Nephew and Nieces. Also love how the chemistry between Charlie and Annie was so instant and felt so right for them.
Profile Image for Heather Creeden.
296 reviews25 followers
March 25, 2024
This story was very good and instantly hot I couldn’t stop reading it and would love more to see the after, after effects.
36 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2025
I loved the fast paced story of Charlie and Annie. I really loved that the entire story took place over a few weeks. It felt like I was in real time with them as they experienced all the twists and turns of their story. Family complications, running away and finding yourself all equal a really good story. This story was messy and twisty and i loved it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC
32 reviews
April 8, 2024
Best novel I’ve read in sooo long!!! Shia woods writes the funniest banter and it’s consistent right through her stories. Her writing style is unlike anything I’ve read before because she writes in the present tense and in a way that makes you feel like your watching a movie, and literally forget your even reading in the first place! The other thing that makes her my absolute FAVOURITE author is how passionate, compelling and romantic all the love scenes are - I literally can’t recommend her stories enough!! And i really REALLY HOPE she publishes Miss Callahan💘 This novel is fantastic and I’ll be rereading it in a year or two.
Profile Image for Meghan.
703 reviews11 followers
March 26, 2024
First book by this author, but won't be my last. Woods is an author to look out for. This book was engaging and well written and kept me reading until I finished.

Charlie Dawson left home four years ago after her parents died and her younger brother cut her off from the trust fund. She sold her condo and her gallery and fled to LA. Now she's back for her sister's wedding and everything that comes with it, including seeing her brother who she hasn't seen since she left. She doesn't expect to meet someone her first night in town, nor to have such a connection with someone she just met. It's just supposed to be one night so when she goes to a family dinner, the last thing she expects is to see her again and as her brother's girlfriend.

This is all done in first person and I wish I could have known Annie's POV which would have given some more insight into the story, but it was very well done and kept me interested. The chemistry was written very well and you could feel there connection jump off the page. The other thing I wish is the ending would have been better written and we would have gotten more closure with the brother and their relationship and the families. It felt open ended somewhat and I didn't like that.

Overall, a very enjoyable book and I do recommend it. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for AharonMc.
132 reviews4 followers
April 8, 2025
Wonderful! Art, family dynamics, grief, closet, brother's girlfriend - has it all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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