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Kings of Heart #1
Cross the Line
Alexander King:
Handsome, popular and a D1 soccer star, Alexander King appears to have it all. He’s just hiding one (or two, or three) little secrets, like the fact that he’s still in love with his older brother’s best friend Theo, he doesn’t actually want to play soccer anymore, and that at twenty-one, he’s still a virgin. When unexpected circumstances bring him and Theo together, it’s a recipe for heartache, but Alec is sure that he can handle it. He just needs to make sure the jenga tower of secrets he’s been keeping doesn’t topple over and ruin everything.
Theodore James:
At twenty-nine, Theodore James has the kind of stable life his childhood self could only dream of. Sure, the only person he lets into his life is Jason, the best friend he’s had since he was seven, and his sole form of companionship is one-night stands, but he’s content. Mostly. When Jason requests his help, Theo doesn't hesitate, even when that favor involves Jason’s feisty, smoking hot little brother who’s all grown up now. Theo can definitely handle Alexander King. Maybe.
Handsome, popular and a D1 soccer star, Alexander King appears to have it all. He’s just hiding one (or two, or three) little secrets, like the fact that he’s still in love with his older brother’s best friend Theo, he doesn’t actually want to play soccer anymore, and that at twenty-one, he’s still a virgin. When unexpected circumstances bring him and Theo together, it’s a recipe for heartache, but Alec is sure that he can handle it. He just needs to make sure the jenga tower of secrets he’s been keeping doesn’t topple over and ruin everything.
Theodore James:
At twenty-nine, Theodore James has the kind of stable life his childhood self could only dream of. Sure, the only person he lets into his life is Jason, the best friend he’s had since he was seven, and his sole form of companionship is one-night stands, but he’s content. Mostly. When Jason requests his help, Theo doesn't hesitate, even when that favor involves Jason’s feisty, smoking hot little brother who’s all grown up now. Theo can definitely handle Alexander King. Maybe.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2024
About the author
Lucky Hart
4 books261 followersLucky writes character-driven, contemporary mm romance. Her debut novel CROSS THE LINE came out in 2024, and began the series “Kings of Heart”, each featuring one of four brothers on their sometimes messy, sometimes tender paths to happy ever after. MAKE THE PLAY, coming 4.23.25 continues this series of interconnected standalones.
Lucky is a millennial who grew up on fanfic, a lifelong West Coast resident, and a Canva Pro enthusiast. Queer and neurodivergent representation is deeply important to her as a member of both communities, and she loves exploring intersectional experiences through her fiction as a writer and a reader.
When she's not writing, her favorite things include drinking coffee, walking on the beach, staying up late to finish her latest read, and filling her house with rainbows.
Lucky is a millennial who grew up on fanfic, a lifelong West Coast resident, and a Canva Pro enthusiast. Queer and neurodivergent representation is deeply important to her as a member of both communities, and she loves exploring intersectional experiences through her fiction as a writer and a reader.
When she's not writing, her favorite things include drinking coffee, walking on the beach, staying up late to finish her latest read, and filling her house with rainbows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
September 20, 2024
2.5 stars. I want to say for a debut I think this was amazing. The writing was really good and the characters have a lot of depth, which is always a huge win for me! The reason for the lower rating is because it really didn't capture me and I really didn't enjoy reading it. I say that the writing was good because Theo's issues were well explained, the banter was great, Alec's wit and sass were perfect, the angst was frustrating in the bad way.
I love angst, I read a ton of angsty books, but when there's angst I love a resolution that feels equal in magnitude to the conflict. Its a slow slow burn, which was fine, but the reason it was so drawn out was because it was the same thing over and over again, misunderstanding each other, making assumptions about each other, not talking, like at all. I say it was frustrating because literally all their problems could have been solved with a single conversation.
Theo was also a problem for me. I didn't not like him, but he was infuriating. I planned to be a little annoyed and frustrated because the author literally puts a warning in the front of the book about it, but some of how Theo reacted, trauma or not, was just plain asshole behavior to me. I forgive the side effects of the trauma, but the whole inner conflict revolves around him caring deeply for Alec and not knowing what to do about it and scared of how it will effect his life. He admits his own issues, he admits being a bit selfish, and he admits he wants Alec as a friend, but he never really treats him as a friend.
He
I think Theo acted very selfishly and childish for someone who was supposed to be the adult and "so much older" (9 years). It just made the book drag for me, and then when they finally get it together it just felt too short. Even the epilogue, which was all kinds of adorable, didn't give me the happy giddy feelings it should have.
I love angst, I read a ton of angsty books, but when there's angst I love a resolution that feels equal in magnitude to the conflict. Its a slow slow burn, which was fine, but the reason it was so drawn out was because it was the same thing over and over again, misunderstanding each other, making assumptions about each other, not talking, like at all. I say it was frustrating because literally all their problems could have been solved with a single conversation.
Theo was also a problem for me. I didn't not like him, but he was infuriating. I planned to be a little annoyed and frustrated because the author literally puts a warning in the front of the book about it, but some of how Theo reacted, trauma or not, was just plain asshole behavior to me. I forgive the side effects of the trauma, but the whole inner conflict revolves around him caring deeply for Alec and not knowing what to do about it and scared of how it will effect his life. He admits his own issues, he admits being a bit selfish, and he admits he wants Alec as a friend, but he never really treats him as a friend.
He
I think Theo acted very selfishly and childish for someone who was supposed to be the adult and "so much older" (9 years). It just made the book drag for me, and then when they finally get it together it just felt too short. Even the epilogue, which was all kinds of adorable, didn't give me the happy giddy feelings it should have.
September 12, 2024
Theo & Alec
Rating: 3.7 ⭐
- First Time
- Hurt/Comfort
- Idiots in Love
- Neurodivergent MC
- Anxiety Rep
- Age Gap (8yrs)
- College Soccer Player
- Big Brother's Best Friend
- Years of Pining
- Miscommunication
- Found Family
- Banter
*RTC*
I received a free copy of this book via the authors and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Content Warnings:
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Depictions of a car accident hit and run (on screen)
- Explicit language
- Parental abandonment of a MC (past, off screen)
- Parental neglect of a MC (past, off screen)
- Childhood poverty of a MC (past, off screen)
- Non-graphic sexual assault of a MC (past, off screen, briefly discussed on screen)
- Hospitalization of a MC (on screen)
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No, but there is time apart
Cheating: No
OM/OW Drama: Theo goes to the club twice to find a hookup but it doesn't happen. Alec dances with other men at the club, while drinking heavily, but he leaves with Theo.
Ages: 29 & 21
Rating: 3.7 ⭐
- First Time
- Hurt/Comfort
- Idiots in Love
- Neurodivergent MC
- Anxiety Rep
- Age Gap (8yrs)
- College Soccer Player
- Big Brother's Best Friend
- Years of Pining
- Miscommunication
- Found Family
- Banter
*RTC*
I received a free copy of this book via the authors and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Content Warnings:
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Depictions of a car accident hit and run (on screen)
- Explicit language
- Parental abandonment of a MC (past, off screen)
- Parental neglect of a MC (past, off screen)
- Childhood poverty of a MC (past, off screen)
- Non-graphic sexual assault of a MC (past, off screen, briefly discussed on screen)
- Hospitalization of a MC (on screen)
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No, but there is time apart
Cheating: No
OM/OW Drama: Theo goes to the club twice to find a hookup but it doesn't happen. Alec dances with other men at the club, while drinking heavily, but he leaves with Theo.
Ages: 29 & 21
December 18, 2025
Герої цікаві в своїй неідеальності. Я обох розуміла. Цікаво було читати як проявляється РДУГ та що людина відчуває. Алек полонив моє серденько. А Тео... Складно було його зрозуміти. Більшу частини книги здається, що він не вартий Алека. Може, тому що ми звикли читати як потім герої ідеально доповнюють один одного. Бо тут такого немає і це також було цікаво, тому що викликало емоції.
З мінусів: авторка так розтягнула їх душевні страждання в середині. Тому розвиток їх стосунків був наче "галопом по Європах".
З мінусів: авторка так розтягнула їх душевні страждання в середині. Тому розвиток їх стосунків був наче "галопом по Європах".
February 18, 2026
I just finished "Crossing the Line" by Lucky Hart, and if there are any "older brother’s best friend" trope fans out there, you’re gonna love this one 🍟
Alec King is a guy who’s been pining for Theo for ten years. Honestly, the man has nerves of steel. I also liked how the author wove in the ADHD theme and the way Alec totally burned out on football. It added some real depth and kept things interesting ❤️
But, real talk—there were moments where I just wanted to facepalm. There is zero communication, and the entire plot basically hinges on the fact that they just won't use their words. I get it, we need drama, but sometimes it was just a bit much 😭
Then there’s Theo, who is pushing thirty but occasionally acts like a teenager afraid of getting caught smoking behind the garages. The age gap dynamic felt a bit weak because the "older" one didn't exactly have more brains 👻
And the slow burn? It didn't really "slow burn" the right way You’re just waiting for something to happen while they keep overanalyzing the same things over and over 😐
It’s a light read for a chill evening, and the King family’s banter is easily the best part—I’d honestly read a whole book just about them
Alec King is a guy who’s been pining for Theo for ten years. Honestly, the man has nerves of steel. I also liked how the author wove in the ADHD theme and the way Alec totally burned out on football. It added some real depth and kept things interesting ❤️
But, real talk—there were moments where I just wanted to facepalm. There is zero communication, and the entire plot basically hinges on the fact that they just won't use their words. I get it, we need drama, but sometimes it was just a bit much 😭
Then there’s Theo, who is pushing thirty but occasionally acts like a teenager afraid of getting caught smoking behind the garages. The age gap dynamic felt a bit weak because the "older" one didn't exactly have more brains 👻
And the slow burn? It didn't really "slow burn" the right way You’re just waiting for something to happen while they keep overanalyzing the same things over and over 😐
It’s a light read for a chill evening, and the King family’s banter is easily the best part—I’d honestly read a whole book just about them
September 22, 2024
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, author, for the opportunity.
What to expect:
📍Brother's best friend
📍Long pinning
📍Unrequited love
📍Slow burn
📍ADHD rep
📍Freckles
📍Oral fixation
This is the author's debut novel, and regardless of my experience with the book, I wanted to be sure to congratulate the author on a successful debut. I have read very positive reviews and I'm aware that my position is in the minority.
Before going into detail about my rating, it is worth noting the parts of the book that I found relevant and may be of interest to future readers. First, let's highlight the quality of the writing and editing of the book, a great start to the author's career. What struck me the most was the care and depth in the construction of the characters, even the secondary ones stand out for the naturalness of their dialogues and their distinctive personalities. And last but not least, the inclusion and treatment of issues such as mental health, ADHD, and Latino heritage.
Aside from that, I have to admit that the book disappointed me. I'm used to reading really long slow burns and couples that take a long time to confess their feelings (100+ chapters) as well as long pinnings that last several lifetimes and reincarnations, so I didn't find it a problem to read a book with this theme and didn't suffer as much as mentioned in other reviews. However, after such a long wait, the normal thing would be a romance arc and allow the reader to enjoy the couple who have suffered so much. This was not the case here. I was left waiting for the romance. For me, this was like an introduction to the story of these two people, I needed a second book or more chapters showing the change in the relationship or finally a good COMMUNICATION scene!!! But I didn't expect at all that the book would end with just their confessions and then an epilogue with an engagement proposal. It felt very abrupt.
I don't see how this couple can have a happy future. That was the other big problem I had with the book. Yes, the two characters were extremely complex, with flaws and very human personalities. However, at no point in the book do these two people ever really get to know or understand each other. A 10-year crush on someone older and unattainable is understandable, although it is questionable if you can love a person with whom you have had no communication whatsoever and who is quite secretive and hides many details about his thoughts and past. But hey, at least that side of the relationship was justified. On the other hand, Theo has ignored Alec his whole life and in the first chapter of the book he realizes that Alec is already an adult whom he finds attractive. It all makes sense, but from there to falling in love with him? When did that happen and how? At least, I was not able to understand this change.
So my biggest problem was the couple. These two people were not in the right place mentally to start a relationship. To be honest, I would be more satisfied if the book ended with a HFN or if the two of them just said they were going to try to figure out how to go on. The jump to eternal love, marriage and happiness was the biggest shock.
PS: I'm not saying this for this book specifically, but the whole idea of the taboo of falling in love with your brother's best friend, I don't get it. What is there to be afraid of? Two of the most important people in your life being happy together sounds amazing. The fact that your friend is finally considered family should be motivation enough.
What to expect:
📍Brother's best friend
📍Long pinning
📍Unrequited love
📍Slow burn
📍ADHD rep
📍Freckles
📍Oral fixation
This is the author's debut novel, and regardless of my experience with the book, I wanted to be sure to congratulate the author on a successful debut. I have read very positive reviews and I'm aware that my position is in the minority.
Before going into detail about my rating, it is worth noting the parts of the book that I found relevant and may be of interest to future readers. First, let's highlight the quality of the writing and editing of the book, a great start to the author's career. What struck me the most was the care and depth in the construction of the characters, even the secondary ones stand out for the naturalness of their dialogues and their distinctive personalities. And last but not least, the inclusion and treatment of issues such as mental health, ADHD, and Latino heritage.
Aside from that, I have to admit that the book disappointed me. I'm used to reading really long slow burns and couples that take a long time to confess their feelings (100+ chapters) as well as long pinnings that last several lifetimes and reincarnations, so I didn't find it a problem to read a book with this theme and didn't suffer as much as mentioned in other reviews. However, after such a long wait, the normal thing would be a romance arc and allow the reader to enjoy the couple who have suffered so much. This was not the case here. I was left waiting for the romance. For me, this was like an introduction to the story of these two people, I needed a second book or more chapters showing the change in the relationship or finally a good COMMUNICATION scene!!! But I didn't expect at all that the book would end with just their confessions and then an epilogue with an engagement proposal. It felt very abrupt.
I don't see how this couple can have a happy future. That was the other big problem I had with the book. Yes, the two characters were extremely complex, with flaws and very human personalities. However, at no point in the book do these two people ever really get to know or understand each other. A 10-year crush on someone older and unattainable is understandable, although it is questionable if you can love a person with whom you have had no communication whatsoever and who is quite secretive and hides many details about his thoughts and past. But hey, at least that side of the relationship was justified. On the other hand, Theo has ignored Alec his whole life and in the first chapter of the book he realizes that Alec is already an adult whom he finds attractive. It all makes sense, but from there to falling in love with him? When did that happen and how? At least, I was not able to understand this change.
So my biggest problem was the couple. These two people were not in the right place mentally to start a relationship. To be honest, I would be more satisfied if the book ended with a HFN or if the two of them just said they were going to try to figure out how to go on. The jump to eternal love, marriage and happiness was the biggest shock.
PS: I'm not saying this for this book specifically, but the whole idea of the taboo of falling in love with your brother's best friend, I don't get it. What is there to be afraid of? Two of the most important people in your life being happy together sounds amazing. The fact that your friend is finally considered family should be motivation enough.
May 10, 2026
I love an “always it’s been you” book. Alec was just so sweet-I love how he never gave up on having something with Theo. He’s so cheeky, and I love it & how he really got past all of Theo’s walls & just knows him so well. I feel like it took forever for him to come around & Theo not being able to commit to him at first really hurt. I hated that Theo was so scared to love & be loved because of his childhood. & I felt so bad for Alec for feeling like he didn’t have anyone to lean on when he was that person for everyone else, and how he couldn’t tell anyone he was spiraling. I kinda wanted to throttle Theo for not realizing it was him Alec had been in love with the whole time, like SIR!! Butttt I loved when they both finally admitted their feelings & Theo accepted Alec’s love for him.
This was a super slow burn (maybe a teensy too slow for my liking honestly & I felt like the lead up to them getting together dragged on a bit). I felt the pacing was a bit off once they did have sex & everything happened a bit too quick after that. I wanted a little more of them actually together idk!
Fav parts:
Alec knows all of Theo’s flaws and shortcomings now, he knows the shape of his smile and the shadows of fear that haunt him, and somehow he adores him all the more for it. Theo is far from perfect, but Alec loves him. Always has and probably always will. Love is a painful, beautiful, terrible thing, and Alec is pretty sure that loving Theodore James will be the thing that breaks him.
“I said thank you. Thank you for loving me when I didn’t deserve it, and seeing more in me than I saw in myself. Thank you for loving me when I didn’t know what to do with it and loving me until I did. Thank you for loving me the way only you could.”
Loving Alec, and letting himself be loved in return, is the bravest thing he’s ever done.
This was a super slow burn (maybe a teensy too slow for my liking honestly & I felt like the lead up to them getting together dragged on a bit). I felt the pacing was a bit off once they did have sex & everything happened a bit too quick after that. I wanted a little more of them actually together idk!
Fav parts:
Alec knows all of Theo’s flaws and shortcomings now, he knows the shape of his smile and the shadows of fear that haunt him, and somehow he adores him all the more for it. Theo is far from perfect, but Alec loves him. Always has and probably always will. Love is a painful, beautiful, terrible thing, and Alec is pretty sure that loving Theodore James will be the thing that breaks him.
“I said thank you. Thank you for loving me when I didn’t deserve it, and seeing more in me than I saw in myself. Thank you for loving me when I didn’t know what to do with it and loving me until I did. Thank you for loving me the way only you could.”
Loving Alec, and letting himself be loved in return, is the bravest thing he’s ever done.
Read
September 4, 2025DNF
This is not for me :)
no rating
This is not for me :)
no rating
Did Not Finish
January 8, 2026DNF 10%
Written in present tense - Some sentences feel hella weird, some feel wrong and I don’t have the patience to deal with it.
It’s sad because aside from the writing and choice of writing in third person present tense, this sounds like something I’d devour and enjoy a lot.
Written in present tense - Some sentences feel hella weird, some feel wrong and I don’t have the patience to deal with it.
It’s sad because aside from the writing and choice of writing in third person present tense, this sounds like something I’d devour and enjoy a lot.
Read
September 12, 20243. 5 Forbidden romance debut about a soccer-playing baby brother and the older brother's best friend who falls for him! There's lots of pining, some flirting, athleisure wearing (Alec), smoothie making, stray pet adopting, sweater wearing (Theo), anxiety having, and.....a very slow burn.
Cute book that runs a bit long...the Epilogue is the sweetest and best! I'm intrigued by all the King brothers....what will come next?
Thanks to the author for this ARC! This is my honest review.
Cute book that runs a bit long...the Epilogue is the sweetest and best! I'm intrigued by all the King brothers....what will come next?
Thanks to the author for this ARC! This is my honest review.
August 28, 2024
The ARC came out on my birthday :) A nice fun read with big ups and big downs - it WILL hit you right in the feels and kick you while you're down, but it will also be the soothing balm to your soul. I would especially recommend it if you like k-dramas because it has that kind of energy. Alec is my personal fave, I would go to battle for him.
Things this book has:
- Drama
- One (1) Extremely Anxious Man
- A short king in even shorter shorts
- Romance
- Soccer balls
- Goofballs
- Other kinds of balls ;)
- Wholesome male friendships
- Hurt/Comfort
- More animals than you may expect.
Things this book does NOT have:
- ENOUGH THERAPY FOR THEO!!!!!
- Enough of Alec's friends to adopt his rescue pets
- Riley getting the chance to beat somebody up for being mean to Alec >:(
- An appearance from Theo's brain cells
- And technically, not enough sweaters for a sweater museum.
Content warnings:
- Brief, non-graphic depictions/recollections of sexual harassment/assault.
Things this book has:
- Drama
- One (1) Extremely Anxious Man
- A short king in even shorter shorts
- Romance
- Soccer balls
- Goofballs
- Other kinds of balls ;)
- Wholesome male friendships
- Hurt/Comfort
- More animals than you may expect.
Things this book does NOT have:
- ENOUGH THERAPY FOR THEO!!!!!
- Enough of Alec's friends to adopt his rescue pets
- Riley getting the chance to beat somebody up for being mean to Alec >:(
- An appearance from Theo's brain cells
- And technically, not enough sweaters for a sweater museum.
Content warnings:
- Brief, non-graphic depictions/recollections of sexual harassment/assault.
April 2, 2026
I fucking love the brother's best friend trope, and it was a lot less messy because they are adults but I still enjoyed it a lot. A slight age gap is also a thing here which I also like.
Love Alec, he's such a fun character and I'm so happy there are three other books in the series.
Love Alec, he's such a fun character and I'm so happy there are three other books in the series.
February 5, 2025
This is a lovely book, and I liked it. Didn’t love it though, because I wasn’t a fan of the writing. Especially the sex scenes. SO. MUCH. TALKING! I literally felt asleep while reading it. I get that Theo wanted to be careful but come on! How much consent do you need? And not contacting Alec after was just cruel.
I thought it was a bit of a lazy choice for the author to let Alec get into a car accident. That could have been solved more creative.
Given that this was a debut novel and the first in the series I don’t think it was bad. It just wasn’t as good as I’d hope. I am looking forward to the next one though. I hope Riley finds one of the other King brothers. Charlie maybe?
I thought it was a bit of a lazy choice for the author to let Alec get into a car accident. That could have been solved more creative.
Given that this was a debut novel and the first in the series I don’t think it was bad. It just wasn’t as good as I’d hope. I am looking forward to the next one though. I hope Riley finds one of the other King brothers. Charlie maybe?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2025
Мене дуже роздратував опис від третьої особи та slow burn, який неправильно слоубьорнився!😅 Спочатку все максимально затягнуто, потім одразу все. Де натяки, «мутки»?🙂↕️😅
Проте сама атмосфера і цей маленький всесвіт мене зацікавив, тому буду читати про братів❤️
Проте сама атмосфера і цей маленький всесвіт мене зацікавив, тому буду читати про братів❤️
February 26, 2025
this book made me want to crawl out of my skin in the best way possible … i feel seen and i needed this book after going through a rough time. theo and alec deserve happiness 💗 i enjoyed this book so much and im glad i finally gave it an opportunity.
i see myself in alec, especially with his age and what he is going through.. i’m glad he was able to find his path.
i see myself in alec, especially with his age and what he is going through.. i’m glad he was able to find his path.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2025
Addictive writing style that I didn’t want to stop reading, with very well-rounded characters (even side characters)!
It wasn’t perfect but I really enjoyed most of it. The sex scenes were some of the worst I’ve ever read (so much talking? Shut up and get on with it!), there was not enough romance, there was not enough groveling, there was not enough therapy, there was not enough medication taking, and the ending was kinda lazy.
I was rooting for these two the entire time though, and I had a good time overall. The chemistry was there, the pining was top notch, the level of angst was perfect. These two morons just needed to talk more about what they were FEEEELIIIIIING.
It wasn’t perfect but I really enjoyed most of it. The sex scenes were some of the worst I’ve ever read (so much talking? Shut up and get on with it!), there was not enough romance, there was not enough groveling, there was not enough therapy, there was not enough medication taking, and the ending was kinda lazy.
I was rooting for these two the entire time though, and I had a good time overall. The chemistry was there, the pining was top notch, the level of angst was perfect. These two morons just needed to talk more about what they were FEEEELIIIIIING.
April 30, 2026
Actual rating: 3,5-3,75
This was a really great debut!
I loved the characters and the premise of your teenage crush you could never let go of finally also developing feelings for you.
I think both characters were written absolutely beautifully, they had a lot of depth and felt like real humans with real problems and background stories.
Alex ADHD rep was amazing and him struggling so much with his sport and school, while it looked like the perfect life form the outside made me hurt so much for him.
I totally got how Theo and his family life affected him and left him with unresolved trauma years later.
I honestly must say though that I didn’t get the feelings part from him as much as I did from Alex. Often I just really wanted to shake him, because it got to the same conflict over and over again without a different outcome. And you know what they say about doing the same thing all over again and expecting a different outcome (it’s the definition of insanity).
I wish this book would have been just a little shorter and these two would have simply talked about stuff more openly, because this just made the whole conflict feel too prolonged for me.
Instead of actually talking it out and admitting his feelings it needed a very dramatic end for Theo to finally get his head out of his ass and for me personally that just felt too little, too late.
I must say that I really loved their banter though, the kitten rescue and Alex portrayal as a drunk was A+ accurate.
I will definitely read the next books asap and I really hope Alex roommate gets his own book (because I kind of shipped them when Theo couldn’t open his mouth lol)!
This was a really great debut!
I loved the characters and the premise of your teenage crush you could never let go of finally also developing feelings for you.
I think both characters were written absolutely beautifully, they had a lot of depth and felt like real humans with real problems and background stories.
Alex ADHD rep was amazing and him struggling so much with his sport and school, while it looked like the perfect life form the outside made me hurt so much for him.
I totally got how Theo and his family life affected him and left him with unresolved trauma years later.
I honestly must say though that I didn’t get the feelings part from him as much as I did from Alex. Often I just really wanted to shake him, because it got to the same conflict over and over again without a different outcome. And you know what they say about doing the same thing all over again and expecting a different outcome (it’s the definition of insanity).
I wish this book would have been just a little shorter and these two would have simply talked about stuff more openly, because this just made the whole conflict feel too prolonged for me.
Instead of actually talking it out and admitting his feelings it needed a very dramatic end for Theo to finally get his head out of his ass and for me personally that just felt too little, too late.
I must say that I really loved their banter though, the kitten rescue and Alex portrayal as a drunk was A+ accurate.
I will definitely read the next books asap and I really hope Alex roommate gets his own book (because I kind of shipped them when Theo couldn’t open his mouth lol)!
April 25, 2025
Content warnings: parental abandonment (in the past), parental neglect (in the past), childhood poverty (in the past), sexual assault (in the past), hit and run, hospitalisation, mental health, vomit, alcohol
I kind of struggled with the first...25%??...of this. Not because of anything the characters did or because of who the characters were but simply because the age gap - newly 21 and a solid 29 - was a tad too much for me. Especially when we're told REPEATEDLY that Alec confessed his feelings for Theo when he was 15, making Theo 23. And, like, as someone who works with teenagers? C.R.I.N.G.E. It's too much. I'm not opposed to age gaps in romances or the brother's best friend/best friend's brother trope. But an age gap of this much when one character is in their late teens or early 20s lowkey gives me the ick.
Anyway, I basically chose to pretend their ages weren't listed and I continued regardless because the PINING my God the pining was flawless. I did have a couple of issues with the fact that his name is Theo James, but on the whole I loved the characters a lot and I had a fabulous time reading this. And I'm dying to read Jason's story now oh my God.
I kind of struggled with the first...25%??...of this. Not because of anything the characters did or because of who the characters were but simply because the age gap - newly 21 and a solid 29 - was a tad too much for me. Especially when we're told REPEATEDLY that Alec confessed his feelings for Theo when he was 15, making Theo 23. And, like, as someone who works with teenagers? C.R.I.N.G.E. It's too much. I'm not opposed to age gaps in romances or the brother's best friend/best friend's brother trope. But an age gap of this much when one character is in their late teens or early 20s lowkey gives me the ick.
Anyway, I basically chose to pretend their ages weren't listed and I continued regardless because the PINING my God the pining was flawless. I did have a couple of issues with the fact that his name is Theo James, but on the whole I loved the characters a lot and I had a fabulous time reading this. And I'm dying to read Jason's story now oh my God.
March 24, 2025
Oh my god, this was beautiful and messy and I felt so much! I couldn't put it down, I have basically read as I walked because I just wanted Theo to GET IT TOGETHER. I feel a bit sad Alec doesn't want football but I feel it made sense. The King Brothers have nestled their way into my heart and I can't wait for the next one.
March 27, 2025
I loved Alec from the get go but you definitely go on a bit of a journey with Theo 😭
At the beginning I loved him and then for most of the book I wanted to smack him upside the head and I wasn’t totally convinced I would have it in me for forgive him on Alec’s behalf but alas, Lucky made it happen.
By the end I was really rooting for them both and loved their HEA.
At the beginning I loved him and then for most of the book I wanted to smack him upside the head and I wasn’t totally convinced I would have it in me for forgive him on Alec’s behalf but alas, Lucky made it happen.
By the end I was really rooting for them both and loved their HEA.
July 17, 2025
3.7⭐️
Charlie should have punched Theo when he has the chance 😭 letting him leave the house crying at 2am was such a mean thing to do . Theo didn’t communicate with Alec or Jason about his feelings / actions like what are we doing babe 😫 why aren’t we using our words .
Charlie should have punched Theo when he has the chance 😭 letting him leave the house crying at 2am was such a mean thing to do . Theo didn’t communicate with Alec or Jason about his feelings / actions like what are we doing babe 😫 why aren’t we using our words .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2025
Ahhh I knew I should of read this book sonner!! I'm not usually a fan of slow burn but this totally worked especially for Alec and Theo. Can't wait to read Charlie's book next!!
January 18, 2025
I really, really enjoyed Cross the Line! Everything hit just right for me! The flirting, the pining, the romance, the tension, the friendships, the spice… all of it! In many ways, Theo and Alec are so wrong for each other, and yet them together is just so right!
March 26, 2025
I loooooved this book! I loved the characters, but also especially the writing style too. It's not often you find romances written in third person present tense and oh boy, do I love that! 🤩
Theo and Alec were super cute but also incredibly frustrating at times. 🤣 Because this book is centered around lots of miscommunication, secrets they hide and lies they tell themselves, and dealing with some personal issues they need to work though. But even so, I loved every minute of this. Because it made me FEEL! I felt their angst and their struggles, and I was so eager to know when they would finally bite the bullet and confess their love, it just kept me so hooked! Let's just say there was quite an explosive ending that was incredibly satisfying, and my heart is super happy 🥰
Theo and Alec were super cute but also incredibly frustrating at times. 🤣 Because this book is centered around lots of miscommunication, secrets they hide and lies they tell themselves, and dealing with some personal issues they need to work though. But even so, I loved every minute of this. Because it made me FEEL! I felt their angst and their struggles, and I was so eager to know when they would finally bite the bullet and confess their love, it just kept me so hooked! Let's just say there was quite an explosive ending that was incredibly satisfying, and my heart is super happy 🥰
September 14, 2024
The premise was good. Best friends brother but friends to lovers. This could have been so much better with just a tad more editing. New authors please don’t introduce a million characters because you want to set the scene for future books. The reader can see what you’re doing. It felt random and I have no idea who anyone is! Except Jason because I was totally intrigued. (He was why I read it)
I will read the next book. I see potential.
I will read the next book. I see potential.
September 15, 2024
✨4.5 I was feeling all the things stars✨ Banter and tension. Pining and chemistry. Boys being idiots at times but for reasons that make sense. Loved this debut and can’t wait for the rest of the series! *with another round of editing this would have been a full 5 stars for me
September 10, 2025
i kinda liked the story but somebody explain to me how it seems the author simultaneously used every word in the english dictionary & found space to say ‘his chest tightened’ at least 3 times per page
November 8, 2024
Bloated, repetitive and stuffed with too many tropes.
March 15, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I read books 2 and 3 for ARCs and with book 4 coming soon, it was about time I reverted back to book 1 and actually read it. We had seen Alec and Theo in books 2 and 3 so I was excited to see where they started.
Alec is the youngest brother of four and a star soccer player. Theo is Alec’s older brother’s best friend and has been around for all of Alec’s life. Alec has been in love with Theo since he was 15.. but Theo doesn’t notice Alec in that way until he returns home from a trip when he’s 21. This wasn’t a super spicy book but I feel like where the spice happened, it was a perfect moment.
These two had a rough path to their HEA but they were super cute together when they got out of their own way. My heart hurt for both of them, for different reasons - Alec because of his struggles with burnout and feeling unchosen.. and Theo because of childhood trauma where he was abandoned and his fear of losing his best friend if he follows his heart.
HEED THE WARNING in the beginning of the book about miscommunication and getting frustrated because lawdy - I knew it was a possibility and I still was frustrated. That being said, unresolved trauma and burnout makes communication hard and I can totally understand where both Theo and Alec were coming from when they were on opposites side of the story.
I’m glad I started later in the series and went back because I probably wouldn’t have continued with the series if I had started with book 1. I am a big hater of miscommunication when it’s essentially the entire book and this book is nothing but miscommunication until about 85% in. We really only 10% of them being happy together. The pacing at the end felt rushed because of this. If this is where you’re starting and also hate miscommunication, books 2 and 3 aren’t nearly as bad.
What you’re getting: brother’s best friend | age gap | mutual pining | opposites attract | hurt x comfort | found family | virgin mc | mental health rep | HEA | spice: 🌶️🌶️
I read books 2 and 3 for ARCs and with book 4 coming soon, it was about time I reverted back to book 1 and actually read it. We had seen Alec and Theo in books 2 and 3 so I was excited to see where they started.
Alec is the youngest brother of four and a star soccer player. Theo is Alec’s older brother’s best friend and has been around for all of Alec’s life. Alec has been in love with Theo since he was 15.. but Theo doesn’t notice Alec in that way until he returns home from a trip when he’s 21. This wasn’t a super spicy book but I feel like where the spice happened, it was a perfect moment.
These two had a rough path to their HEA but they were super cute together when they got out of their own way. My heart hurt for both of them, for different reasons - Alec because of his struggles with burnout and feeling unchosen.. and Theo because of childhood trauma where he was abandoned and his fear of losing his best friend if he follows his heart.
HEED THE WARNING in the beginning of the book about miscommunication and getting frustrated because lawdy - I knew it was a possibility and I still was frustrated. That being said, unresolved trauma and burnout makes communication hard and I can totally understand where both Theo and Alec were coming from when they were on opposites side of the story.
I’m glad I started later in the series and went back because I probably wouldn’t have continued with the series if I had started with book 1. I am a big hater of miscommunication when it’s essentially the entire book and this book is nothing but miscommunication until about 85% in. We really only 10% of them being happy together. The pacing at the end felt rushed because of this. If this is where you’re starting and also hate miscommunication, books 2 and 3 aren’t nearly as bad.
What you’re getting: brother’s best friend | age gap | mutual pining | opposites attract | hurt x comfort | found family | virgin mc | mental health rep | HEA | spice: 🌶️🌶️
February 11, 2025
4.25⭐️
This is one hell of a debut! The writing is really good (besides some typos), it felt fluent and exactly the right amount of detail for seeing every scene play out like a movie, but without it being excessive. I loved the character development, and I'm usually not the biggest fan of slow burns, but it really fit here. There's not really a focus on the established couple and I get some people don't like that, but I thought it suited the story really well. The ADHD rep sounded genuine, especially since it's loosely based on the author's personal experiences. I loved the world building and even tho there were a lot of side characters introduced, I didn't think it were too many - they were really distinctive and I could easily remember names and who they are, and this is not normal for me. Also, I wanna state that this is NOT a soccer romance, if you're looking for rep of sports besides hockey, this is not your standard sports romance. One MC does play college soccer, but it doesn't occupy much space in the story.
Some mishaps, that are definitely excusable due to this being a debut: In my eyes, it was a tad too long, 350 pages would have been enough I think. Also there were some typos or missing words a proofread would have fixed, but I understand that money is tight for a first time self-publisher. Also, while Alec and his brothers were written quite complexly, I didn't get the same good feel for Theo - I actually don't know what he does in life and besides him being the best friend of another character and growing up with them due to his own family dynamics being complicated. A deeper insight into him as a character would have elevated the book, I guess.
All in all, I'm super excited for the following books, since I loved the side characters and the world building, the writing style is gorgeous and I'm sure the debut-mishaps will be eredicated in the next book.
This is one hell of a debut! The writing is really good (besides some typos), it felt fluent and exactly the right amount of detail for seeing every scene play out like a movie, but without it being excessive. I loved the character development, and I'm usually not the biggest fan of slow burns, but it really fit here. There's not really a focus on the established couple and I get some people don't like that, but I thought it suited the story really well. The ADHD rep sounded genuine, especially since it's loosely based on the author's personal experiences. I loved the world building and even tho there were a lot of side characters introduced, I didn't think it were too many - they were really distinctive and I could easily remember names and who they are, and this is not normal for me. Also, I wanna state that this is NOT a soccer romance, if you're looking for rep of sports besides hockey, this is not your standard sports romance. One MC does play college soccer, but it doesn't occupy much space in the story.
Some mishaps, that are definitely excusable due to this being a debut: In my eyes, it was a tad too long, 350 pages would have been enough I think. Also there were some typos or missing words a proofread would have fixed, but I understand that money is tight for a first time self-publisher. Also, while Alec and his brothers were written quite complexly, I didn't get the same good feel for Theo - I actually don't know what he does in life and besides him being the best friend of another character and growing up with them due to his own family dynamics being complicated. A deeper insight into him as a character would have elevated the book, I guess.
All in all, I'm super excited for the following books, since I loved the side characters and the world building, the writing style is gorgeous and I'm sure the debut-mishaps will be eredicated in the next book.
February 21, 2025
this was a random on a whim kindle download and omg i couldn’t be happier it found its way onto my kindle. these two had me hooked from the beginning, absolutely gnawing at my fingers waiting for them to be together (which took a bit as id say this is a slow burn, over 50% before they first kissed) and UGH THAT ENDING I DID INFACT CRY! and the epilogue was so sweet, ugh just the perfect happy feeling i wanted today! and so intrigued for the other books following the other brothers since we really only scratched the surface of them here.
if you had to pull my leg into saying why i gave it a 4 and not anything higher, it’s mainly because of the miscommunication, which i was fully prepared for bc it is in the authors note at the beginning, but i just was clawing my eyes out over it at points so i feel like if i had some reprieve from it earlier it could’ve upped it. and then i also feel like theo needed more to him? im gonna be so honest i have no idea what that man does with his time… he lives in a house but i could not tell you what his job is or anything. i know one of the brothers jason is a coach, i know alec is a student and soccer player but i have no idea about theo. other than that i have no complaints. the brothers best friend trope lives on with these two and beyond that the childhood crush element ugh they melted my heart.
oh also LOVED the ADHD rep! as someone with ADHD i found myself relating to alec a lot and there were many things that made me recognize myself in him bc of it so i appreciated the level of detail into that representation specifically.
🥲*cried at the end thing that happens*
if you had to pull my leg into saying why i gave it a 4 and not anything higher, it’s mainly because of the miscommunication, which i was fully prepared for bc it is in the authors note at the beginning, but i just was clawing my eyes out over it at points so i feel like if i had some reprieve from it earlier it could’ve upped it. and then i also feel like theo needed more to him? im gonna be so honest i have no idea what that man does with his time… he lives in a house but i could not tell you what his job is or anything. i know one of the brothers jason is a coach, i know alec is a student and soccer player but i have no idea about theo. other than that i have no complaints. the brothers best friend trope lives on with these two and beyond that the childhood crush element ugh they melted my heart.
oh also LOVED the ADHD rep! as someone with ADHD i found myself relating to alec a lot and there were many things that made me recognize myself in him bc of it so i appreciated the level of detail into that representation specifically.
🥲*cried at the end thing that happens*
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