Blurred Lines: A Second Chance Romance

by Isabel Jolie

A second chance she swore she'd never risk again. A neighbor she can't avoid. And a "friends with benefits" arrangement that was never going to stay simple.

It’s the best of all worlds...until the lines blur.

Jackson

I never forgot her. But I wanted to.

Back then, I thought because we hit it off in every way—and I mean every way — we’d have a future.

After we imploded, I hoped to never see her again.

If only I'd stayed in Atlanta.

But the promotion called, and thanks to a mutual friend… Hello, neighbor.

My easy-to-talk-to and easy-on-the-eyes neighbor.

And then I went and got a half-cocked idea… or, one might call it a fully-cocked idea.

With the right parameters, we could have it all—friends with benefits.

No stress. No issues. No obligations. No expectations.

Low risk, right? There's no way I'd fall for her twice…

Anna

His unexpected proximity changes nothing.

But I forgot what a good friend he can be…and there’s plenty I never forgot.

The years somehow made him more handsome, because, of course, they did. Doesn’t matter if he’s in a suit or a t-shirt–although, I prefer him in tees, and these days he lives in suits.

I should probably frame the reminder on my college was a different era.

As a hot-shot lawyer, relationships aren’t on his radar. And for once, we agree on something. Dating is a bad idea. There’s no time. It’s too stressful.

Now this other idea of his…there’s no denying it’s tempting. But it could be a really bad idea.

He’s already my ex. What’s the worst that can happen?

Why readers will love this

Second Chance Romance / College Exes ReunitedNeighbors to Lovers (surprise apartment-hall reunion)Friends With Benefits Gone Wrong (Right?)Workaholic Heroine / Alpha Lawyer HeroSlow-Burn Miscommunication & Redemption ArcHe Falls First (and Fights It)Found Family / Best Friend BanterNYC Single-Life Series Book

Heat Steamy, open door 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Banter-heavy, emotional slow burn, forced proximity, one bed(ish) energy, big feelings New York City — corporate high-rise meets creative agency world, neighboring apartments Second Chance Romance, Friends with Benefits, Neighbors to Lovers, College Sweethearts Reunited, Opposites Attract, Workaholic Heroine, Alpha Lawyer Hero, Found Family, Standalone HEA Perfect for fans Lauren Layne, Abby Jimenez, and Claire Kingsley.

Blurred Lines is the first book in the interconnected West Side Series, where a close-knit group of friends discover that love has a habit of showing up when—and where—they least expect it. Each book follows a different couple and can be enjoyed as a standalone.

***ORIGINALLY titled When the Stars Align ***

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2024

About the author

Apple Books Contemporary Romance Bestselling Author of spicy thrillers where love always wins. Get free books + early access: https://isabeljoliebooks.com/#newsletter

Heart-pounding romance. Unforgettable heroes. Sizzling happily-ever-afters—with a side of suspense that'll keep you up way past bedtime.

I dreamed of being a writer as a kid but took the "safe" route: journalism degree, advertising career, MBA, corporate gigs at Chase and Universal. Then in 2020, I said screw it and published my first book. Twenty-five books later, I'm living the dream.

I'm also a mom to two teenage daughters who are perpetually mortified by my career choices. My husband's an entrepreneur whose latest product is Nampons (yes, it rhymes with tampons and yes, it's for nosebleeds). Between my spicy romance and his biz... we've cornered the market on parental embarrassment.

My books feature tough characters facing tougher choices, compelling suspense, and storylines that'll make you think. But no matter how dark things get, my people always choose love.

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Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. This new to me author blew me away by this book! I was drawn in immediately to the story and fell in love with the characters. They became so real to me, I felt invested in their "relationship" and hoped for a happy ending. Will they figure this out?

I like second chance romance stories but this might be my favorite. I really liked that while most of the story was from Anna's POV, the reader also gets to know what's happening from Jackson's as well.

I wasn't so sure about Chase but he slowly grew on me too.

I thought there was a good balance of work and away from work and Isabel let us know what was going on without doing the whole yoyo with a timeline or keeping us guessing. I really appreciated that!

I saw a long list of books by Isabel, so you better believe I will be looking for more of her work. A new favorite author for me, after only reading one of her books!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Silke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blurred Lines is the newly re-released and re-titled 1st book in the West Side series. A second-chance at love romance full of witty banter, steamy sexy times and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Yet there are also lots of very realistically portrayed instances of sexual harrassment at work which made me cringe along with failed attempts at communication leading to misunderstandings and heartache. Both Jackson and Anna are wonderful characters with lots of chemistry and I was rooting for them to get their HEA from the first to the last page. So glad they finally figured out that communication is key!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via the author, and I'm willingly leaving an honest review.
Wow... I'm going to love this series and can't wait to read the rest of them.
This is the first book in the series, and it's a second chance at love for Jackson and Anna....
Four years ago, after a misunderstanding, Jackson and Anna parted to each follow their dream!
Now, after discovering that they are neighbours... Jackson proposes a friend with benefits arrangement as neither have the time or inclination for a relationship......
Wonderful storyline with great characters and loved the HEA.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Blurred Lines' was entertaining. The plot was filled with an unfortunate drunken night, a blast from the past, a sprained ankle, a fake boyfriend, friends with benefits, relationship phobias, blurred lines, a big misunderstanding, and falling in love. Moreover, Anna and Jackson, the protagonists, took advantage of their second chance meeting. Neither of them, however, expected the end result. Also, I liked the witty banter and funny quips the characters elicited. Overall, I liked the exuberant narrative.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Zelda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this author’s work for her suspenseful security series and now working my way through her backlist. Formerly known as When the Stars Align, it’s the second chance story of Jackson, a lawyer, and Anna, an advertising creative. There’s some deep stuff here—the importance of women’s careers vs men’s, the glass ceiling, sexual harassment on the job. I loved the cast of secondary characters, from family, to friends, to coworkers, and Chewbacca the dog. Nicely paced, really satisfying ending.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things did not end well between Jackson and Anna when their first run of sweethearts came to a conclusion. They did not expect to be around one another again until a promotion brings Jackson back into her life. In fact, he winds up right next door. This pair was not really done as is evidenced by the slippery slope that they slide down toward their second chance romance. A fun read that carried us along as they worked things out between them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

They didn't end on good note four years ago. And they are not happy to see each other as neighbors now. Could they tolerate each other or maybe even to be friends? Their attraction is undeniable, but none of them wants relationships now. Could they be friends with benefits then?
But nothing goes according to the plan, none of them can stay within established borders.
Loved the story, tense, twists and turns. Loved characters and their fake-real relationships.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

Blurred Lines is the first book in the West Side Series. This book is a reissue of When the Stars Align from 2020. The story itself has not changed but it has been retitled and redesigned, as the whole series is going to be.
I really love Isabel Jolie's writing and story-telling and this second chance love story is a great read. There is a lot of witty and snappy banter, a lot of attraction and steamy fun, and some lines that get more than a little blurred between Anna and Jackson. I can't wait to read the rest of this series.

[Floraljoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to the series:
This was a sweet and enjoyable second chance romance. I was curious to see how it was going to work out as both Anna and Jackson were determined to remain single whilst they focused on their careers. I did find it got a bit bogged down near the middle of the book but it was still an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackson and Anna are college sweethearts who parted ways badly. Now they find themselves neighbors. The attraction between them is still there and Jackson suggests they have a friend with benefits relationship but when feelings come into the picture will their friends with benefits turn into a chance for a happily ever happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Anna and Jackson. The author brings a second chance romance with a benefits arrangement as neither are looking for a relationship. She moves the story fluidly with her descriptive scenes and delivers a great start to a new series.


I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! Anna and Jackson dated briefly in college it ended badly. Now he’s her new neighbor. But wow the attraction still sizzles. Anna and Jackson are both very focused on work. Neither looking for a relate what little time they gave they spend together. Some situations and advice later. they both realize the truth. Love this couple!

[Kostia D · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Blurred Lines” is a book that touches some sensitive subjects like, like sexual harassment in the workplace. The author kept it real on the aspect of how people fear to speak to the HR about some things. The miscommunication between the two MCs is something that I usually dislike as trope but this worked out perfectly.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m reading the complete series in one book, but as Goodreads counts it as one book, the rest wouldn’t count towards my reading challenge so I’m entering them in manually. I haven’t read a book by Isabel Jolie before but I really enjoyed this one. I loved Jackson & Anna’s story. I’m intrigued to find out more about this group of friends

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the West Side Series. It’s a very well developed second chance romance. Jackson and Anna were college sweethearts who parted ways. When the meet again, the chemistry is still there. I really enjoyed their journey to love.

[H. Croukamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson and Anna were sweethearts but parted ways badly. Now years later they are neighbors. They both want to stay single to focused on their careers. They agreed to be friends with benefits. Will they get to be more. This is a great must read story.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!!! Jackson and Anna are phenomenal together. I absolutely loved these two characters! LOVED THEM!! This book was Just perfect in every way. I’m at a loss for words on how to articulate my thoughts. I loved the book and I give it 5 hot and spicy stars!! Well done Isabel!!!!! Happy reading

[Gin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well-paced book with likeable characters and a good balance of romance, humour and drama. It dealt with a serious issue in a thoughtful way.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blurred Lines
Book 1 of West Side Series
Isabel Jolie

Well written. Great characters, brilliant journey and easy to read.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jolie has a way of seducing emotions. From the uncertainty of love to the passion of attraction, Blurred Lines speaks to the heart loud and clear. Sweet and spicy are a delightful combination.

[Sarah Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Jackson and Anna's second chance romance and was completely absorbed by their story from the first chapter. There were plenty of misunderstandings, miscommunication and mistakes, but also sizzling chemistry, compassion and caring. The underlying subplot of sexual harassment in the workplace was very real and uncomfortable, but overall this was a beautiful love story about opening yourself up to being vulnerable with another person and being true to yourself while learning to compromise. Jackson and Anna were both complex and engaging characters and I found myself eagerly turning the pages awaiting their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.