The Lines We Cross

by Rachel Tork

On the anniversary of her sister’s death, a stranger offered Rowan Evans a tissue and watched the sunset with her until the stars appeared. Three years later, as Rowan begins the graduate program at Grandview University’s School of Music, all her plans are shaken when she finds out her advisor has fallen ill and has been hastily replaced by Dr. Julian Lynch, a thirty-four-year-old musical protégé hailing from Scotland. Rowan almost doesn’t recognize him as the man from that day she cried on the steps. But as the weeks drag on, she tries and fails to deny the attraction between them, resulting in a dangerous, charged tension during each of their private lessons.

Julian Lynch doesn’t want to think about the nameless girl from the steps all those years ago. But when her face appears in the files of graduate students he’s set to teach, his world is shaken. Rowan Evans is fiery and defiant, testing his restraint each time they meet. He swears he won’t be the one to break the rules, for both his sake and hers. In the end, he isn’t. But he doesn’t stop her when she kisses him either.

Rowan and Julian’s forbidden attraction escalates on a snowy night in December—a night that results in consequences that will inevitably change everything. And they are both left to wonder… How far are they willing to go for a love they were never supposed to have?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, Forbidden Love

416 pages, Paperback

Published January 14, 2025

About the author

Rachel Tork is the author of fantasy romance and contemporary romance books, including the Evening Star Saga. She adores rainy days, Reylo, and early mornings snuggled on her couch.

She writes quick-paced fantasy with snarky, yet flawed, characters, as well as deeply emotional romance that proves love really can conquer all.

You can follow Rachel on Instagram and TikTok at @racheltorkauthor

Reviews

[Victoria Klein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Azala Press for the advance reader copy, in exchange for an honest review. This was an enjoyable romance read! I like the forbidden romance trope and the first half of this book hit all the right notes for me. I liked the characters and there was the right blend of heartfelt emotion to the story.

The second half of the story went off the rails a little bit and took a turn I did not expect at all; that being said, I still enjoyed being along for the whole ride. The plot lines were a bit far fetched and it definitely wasn’t what I expected but, it still checked all the boxes that I look for in a romance. I sped through this one and would be interested to read other works by this author.

Overall, I’d recommend this romance readers who like forbidden romance tropes and to those who don’t mind a good few ups and downs!

[savannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

1⭐️ dnf - I haven’t dnf’d a book in so long but this one was just not doing it for me

first of all it was super insta lovey. like first kiss at 15% kind of insta lovey. which sometimes i can power through but then she said she was falling for him at 36% and that’s just not for me. im truly a slow burn girly at heart so that’s totally on me.

second of all i was unaware this was accidental pregnancy which is also usually not for me. especially when it feels like the baby forces the couple together and in this instance since it was teacher-student you can see how it forced them together since they wouldn’t have been a couple if they just carried on.

lastly i just didn’t connect with the characters or their relationship. not even the side characters. like why did her friend not even let rowan tell julian herself? ugh. wasn’t feeling this one but it could definitely be for other people

[Sarah-Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a romance that blends forbidden love, music grad school drama, and dark academia vibes, The Lines We Cross by Rachel Tork is a must-read.

Rowan and Julian’s story begins with a chance meeting on the anniversary of her sister’s death, where he offers her comfort in a moment of vulnerability. Fast forward three years, Rowan is a fiery, determined graduate student at Grandview University’s School of Music, and Julian, a Scottish musical prodigy, is her new advisor. Their connection reignites instantly, sparking an intense, forbidden romance.

This book delivers all the tension and longing you’d expect from a teacher-student, age-gap romance, but it’s Rowan and Julian’s shared love of music that adds real depth to their connection. As a music grad myself, I completely related to the high-pressure, competitive world of postgrad study that the author so vividly captures. The passion for music woven throughout the story elevated the emotional stakes and made the relationship between Rowan and Julian even more compelling.

The chemistry between them is palpable from the start, and I appreciated that even with the significant age gap and power imbalance, Rowan is portrayed as a mature, self-assured woman. Julian is protective but never patronising, and his internal conflict is written in a way that feels authentic and heart-wrenching.

The plot is packed with drama and twists—at times, it felt a bit over the top, but honestly, I love high drama when it’s done well, and this delivered on that front. Despite the complications, there’s no unnecessary breakup, which I really appreciated, and the ending ties everything together beautifully. The epilogue, in particular, left me smiling.

With its dark academia aesthetic, morally grey undertones, and nods to forbidden romance tropes, this book has a bit of everything. Plus, the characters on the cover even reminded me of an alternate-universe version of Lily Evans and Severus Snape—just in a music school setting.

This book is perfect for fans of high-stakes romance with a touch of drama, and it’s one I’d recommend to anyone who loves a story filled with passion, angst, and just enough heart to balance it all out.

Tropes to love:
🎻 Age gap
📚 Teacher/student
💔 Forbidden romance
🔥 Insta-love
👶 Surprise pregnancy
🎶 Music

Thank you to Azala Press and NetGalley for providing a digital copy of this book. All opinions are my own!

[Allyn Hamrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the romance book of 2025 -- mark my words!

Draws you in immediately and never lets you go. Highly emotional. Extremely beautiful. Deeply moving.

Recommend 10x over!

[Faryal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright, let's dive into "The Lines We Cross" by Rachel Tork! 📚✨

Summary
On the anniversary of her sister’s death, Rowan Evans meets a stranger who offers her a tissue and watches the sunset with her. Fast forward three years, Rowan is now a graduate student at Grandview University’s School of Music. Her plans are shaken when her advisor falls ill and is replaced by Dr. Julian Lynch, a musical prodigy from Scotland. Rowan almost doesn’t recognize him as the man from that day on the steps. As they spend more time together, their forbidden attraction grows, leading to a night that changes everything. 🌟💔

Character Sketches
Rowan Evans: A talented and fiery music student, grieving the loss of her sister. She’s defiant and tests Julian’s restraint at every turn. 🎻🔥

Dr. Julian Lynch: A 34-year-old musical prodigy from Scotland, now Rowan’s advisor. He’s determined to keep things professional but struggles with his growing feelings for Rowan. 🎼💔

Genre
This book falls under the romance genre, with a focus on forbidden love and the complexities of a professor-student relationship. It’s a fast-paced read with a picturesque college campus setting. 🌸📖

Rating
I’d give this book a 3.4 out of 5. It’s a solid read for those who enjoy romance with a bit of spice and tension. 🌟📚

Overall, "The Lines We Cross" is an emotional and beautifully written romance that will keep you hooked from start to finish. If you’re a fan of forbidden love stories, this one’s for you! 💖📖

Thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Azala Press for the E-ARC!

[Melody Yip · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley and Azala Press for an ARC copy of this book! I normally don’t prefer professor/student romances, and I was hoping this book would change my mind. The first half seemed to check off a lot of boxes regarding tropes and setting - grumpy/moody MMC, spirited and independent FMC, both classical musicians, he falls first + falls harder. I could feel the tension and longing acutely, and that kept me hooked.

In the second half, however, the plot seemed to veer towards campy and soapy, with crazy events peppered in between mundane scenes - that consistent tension was lacking and the forces trying to keep the characters apart didn’t seem that believable. I also felt like the whole “forbidden” aspect of the professor/student dynamic was focused on too much - emphasizing how their relationship was “wrong” vs. showcasing the endurance of their love.

That said, I thought the first half of the book was compelling and the characterizations of the MCs were really vivid and clear. If you like these kinds of forbidden love romances, this might be something you’ll enjoy!

[rosana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Azala Press for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 46%

I was excited to read (and hopefully finish) The Lines We Cross, but as I read further I realised that I wasn't really enjoying the story itself. I couldn't connect with any of the main or side characters and, in fact, I didn't like some of them. All the characters are adults and they use that argument to prove a point, but then they don't stand up for themselves and they have friends standing up for them, it was a bit out of place for me? I don't even know how to explain it properly without giving away spoilers, which I don't want to do.

I didn't feel the connection they had, especially as they only saw each other once, three years ago, and then the story, despite taking place in the present day, keeps skipping days and weeks, which makes it difficult to root for a couple who only see each other ‘professionally’. The feelings started out of nowhere and went straight into a spicy scene, there was no build-up.

I knew about the surprise pregnancy trope, but it wasn't developed enough. It was like: oh, it broke- now she's pregnant, she hasn't decided what she's going to do, she hasn't even thought about it, but her friend says this and does this and she agrees.

There were too many plots going on at once, too many details for a book that doesn't even reach 300 pages (on my e-reader). It feels like the author was trying to do all these things but didn't have enough space for it and it was too dramatic.

The only good thing I can point to is the fact that the writing is captivating, which got me this far, but there was a turning point for me that I no longer cared to keep forcing myself to read and finish the book.

[Joana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good forbidden romance and the first half of this delivered. It takes place in a grad school setting so the teacher/student relationship is fine. However, I feel like the relationship escalated very quickly and I am very much a slow burn girlie. It was handled correctly here for me but there is also a trope in this book that not all people like so I suggest checking CWs before picking it up. With that being said, the spice in this is perfect. Julian is so devoted to Rowan, I loved how protective he was. I also really enjoyed the music aspect. I recommend this one if you want a forbidden, very emotionally charged romance and don’t mind insta-love.

Many thanks to Azala Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Poppy Cain · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reads like bad fanfiction.

There is a difference between cheesy romance, and just bad writing.

*Received an ARC via NetGalley in return for an honest review*

Writing Style
It must be stated that this reviewer is both a current writer, and avid reader of fanfiction. I believe it serves a great purpose for entertainment and self expression. Some of the greatest works I have ever read have been fanfiction. This being said, this book reads like bad fanfiction of either Reylo or Lily/Snape and I cannot explain how. Even if this work didn't originally start out as fanfic, I don't believe it meets the current standards for novels being published and the entire thing reads like it's from a very junior author who doesn't yet understand how adults interact with each other, especially in the world of academia. This is not meant to insult them directly, but because the characters are so one dimensional all you can hear is the authors voice as they have the characters walk about on the page and bring up talking points, instead of feeling like realistic beings being documented just existing in a world.

This entire novel also felt like it was taking heavy inspiration from The Love Hypothesis except it seemed to have no idea how grad school actually works and how professionals interact with one another. 'Write what you know' is the only advice I can give for this novel.

The writing was incredibly juvenile and insta-lovey, which clashed heavily with the explicit sex and surprise pregnancy trope you often find in erotica. Didn't know who it's audience was.

The author's own claim that "Trauma is hard. I should know. And unlike Penny Thea (a supporting character), I won't tell you why I know that, but I will tell you that a large part of the reason that I wrote this story the way I did was in order to explore the way that love and trauma intersect." I'm not claiming or trying to insinuate that the author has never experienced trauma or loss, but they are really bad at writing it. Both inaccurate, and not emotionally compelling in the slightest. It felt very insincere to read this at the end of the book when it felt more like erotic fanfiction (not shaming that part, sex is great) of pre-existing characters than any kind of exploration of trauma, because the trauma was so poorly represented it just felt like a plot device instead of a theme of the story.


Characters
Every character was completely flat and felt like bad copies of existing characters but only taken at face value, e.g., traumatised protagonist, he-fell-first grumpy male love interest, well-meaning but kind of bad friend, the random guy who assaults the mc to bring the two love interests together.
Rowan was ... inconsistent at the best of times and empty at the worst. Flip flopping between standing up for herself to drive the plot and 'tension' between her and Julian and then becoming a blank slate when trying to provide any type of emotional connection to her deceased sister. It is all told and not shown, I mean the literal whole reason she's even doing music is in memory of her sister, and get she feels completely emotionless when flat describing to the audience this ... "both taken band almost all the way through high school. That is, until Alex couldn't. Music has been her sister's dream. Rowan couldn't let that die." I can forgive a lot, I cannot forgive breaking the CARDINAL SIN of writing that is show don't tell. I just cannot believe the author has siblings or knows how to write them because in every flash/memory they call each other 'sister' and it's like being slapped by the fourth wall.

Julian was the copy and paste broody dark-haired love interest who feigns disinterest and cruelty to hide his INSTANT ATTRACTION to the main character. Don't think I'm just a hater, this is my go-to trope, but it was such a poor, unoriginal use of it I couldn't even read it for the trope-love. On PAGE 2 after seeing this random girl ugly crying, his internal monologue is literally "the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, and if I was a weaker man, I might just as to kiss you.". Cut to me banging my head against a wall. How on earth is it romantic in any kind of way to see a girl going through it and the only reaction is, damn, I'd hit that. He just sounds like someone who cannot feel empathy.

Amelia, aka, I realised that without another female character the book wouldn't pass the Bechdel test, so lets shoehorn in this completely replaceable character who exists solely to tell us all how cool the FMC is and get the plot moving. Pretty sure it still didn't pass the Bechdel test anyway.

Jack/Ethan. Crappy male characters who exist solely to harass the FMC so that the MMC can come in to save her and look incredibly feminist whilst doing it. This trope has been dead in mainstream media for over 5 years, and for good reason. If you're adding themes of sexual assault and harassment, make it to affect the plot and not just be a shiny badge for the love interest.


Pacing
13% through is the first kiss (chapter 4, and the like 3rd interaction with each other), and at 40% she realises she's pregnant. There are MILLIONS of templates, books, workshops etc, on how to structure and pace your romance, so in 2025 it's really no excuse to have the kiss be the 'reveal' that the two protagonists are interested in each other. Nothing more to add.


Felt impossible to read past 43% and had to skim for stand out scenes in order to get the grasp of the full story before writing the review. Truly, diabolically, bad.

[konstantina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Professor-student romances are my weak spot and I can never get enough of them. Yet this book kind of let me down; there were so many random events thrown here and there, making the plot and pacing weird. I loved the couple, they were adorable, but the “insta-love” trope is not something I’m into. I think something slower, with more stakes would have been interesting for this plot, which is so unique with its setting and its two protagonists who have been through so much already.

(Provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

[Chiara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book, the premises and the setting were promising. Unfortunately, I DNFed at 45%

I just wasn't into it. I didn't feel any connection to the characters. i think the characters themselves have very little connection to each other honestly.

The TW should be updated. I'm not a big fan of surprise pregnancies and it wasn't advertised in the TW, so I was not happy about that. A condom broke and the girl kept laughing about it.

Thank you NetGalley and editor for the ARC for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[cm4rt1n3zc]

Thank you to NetGalley and Azala Press for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 20%

I was excited to read this book after reading the summary, but sadly it just wasn't for me. I felt it was too insta lovey and couldn't connect with the relationship. I just wasn't really into it. I see the connection between the characters, and I didn't connect with them either. the book felt overall chaotic and drawing inspirations of some many pieces of media that it felt a bit overwhelming.

[Mary]

My oh my. Not sure this one was for me.

[Kaitlyn]

Forbidden romance and it's set in December. LETS GOOOOOO.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

Netgalley Arc 2024

[Sorina · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review - publication date: 14 January 2025

Rowan and Julian met on the anniversary or her sister’s death. They did not see each other until three years later when she starts the graduate program at Grandview University’s School of Music and Julian is replacing her advisor that is ill.

This book is for you if you like:
- Age gap
- teacher/student
- forbidden romance
- insta-love
- he falls first
- surprise pregnancy
- forced proximity
- music

The start of the book was good and it got me engaged with the story. Even of I am not an insta-love fan, I liked the connection between Rowan and Julian. There was chemistry between them and music was something that connected them.
Even if there is an age gap and he is her adviser, Rowan is a mature woman that knows what she is doing. And Julian acted mature and protective towards her when needed.

The drama and suspenseful part of the book was a bit too much. There were too many twists and complications.

But I liked the ending and the epilogue. Also, even of the relationship is complicated, there is no break up.

I received a digital copy of the book from Azala Press and Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Hope Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was in my top 10 of 2024. I was hooked from the very beginning. Which says A LOT! I personally struggle with enjoying books in the 3rd person but this author somehow made it incredibly enjoyable!! Rowan and Julian will forever have a place in my heart! Their love is forbidden, the tension, yearning, and spice had me CLUTCHING my kindle. Truly loved every second of it.

Thank you NetGalley and Azala for the ARC!

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Tork’s The Lines We Cross is a beautifully written, emotionally charged romance that explores themes of grief, ambition, and forbidden love. With its slow-burning tension, richly developed characters, and an immersive academic setting, this novel is a poignant and heartfelt journey that will captivate readers from the very first page.

Plot & Emotional Depth
The story follows Rowan Evans, a passionate graduate student at Grandview University’s School of Music, whose carefully laid plans are upended when she discovers that her new advisor is none other than Dr. Julian Lynch—the enigmatic man who once offered her comfort on the anniversary of her sister’s death. What begins as a professional relationship quickly becomes entangled in unspoken feelings and undeniable chemistry, creating a simmering tension that neither of them can ignore.

Julian, a renowned musical prodigy from Scotland, is a man bound by ethics and responsibility, but Rowan’s presence challenges his carefully maintained self-control. Their growing attraction reaches a turning point on a snowy December night, leading to a moment of passion that forces them to confront the boundaries they’ve crossed—and the consequences that follow.

Tork deftly balances the weight of Rowan’s unresolved grief and personal growth with the ethical complexities of their relationship. The novel explores the delicate line between desire and duty, as Rowan and Julian navigate the risks of their forbidden love amidst the pressures of academia and their own emotional baggage.

Characters & Relationships
Rowan is a strong, relatable protagonist, driven by ambition yet haunted by loss. Her journey of healing and self-discovery is compelling, and her dynamic with Julian is both tender and fraught with tension. Julian, for his part, is a complex and layered character—brooding yet compassionate, wrestling with his own vulnerabilities while trying to uphold his professional integrity.

The push-and-pull between them is written with exquisite care, capturing the raw emotion, hesitation, and longing that make their relationship feel authentic and deeply human. Their connection is undeniable, but Tork doesn’t shy away from the very real stakes involved, making their story all the more compelling.

The supporting cast, from Rowan’s friends to faculty members, adds depth to the narrative, offering insight into the academic world and further highlighting the challenges she faces in both love and career.

Writing Style & Atmosphere
Tork’s writing is lyrical and evocative, with a keen attention to emotional detail. The musical setting is woven seamlessly into the narrative, providing a rich backdrop that enhances the novel’s themes of passion, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence. The atmospheric descriptions, from quiet practice rooms to snow-covered campus landscapes, create an immersive experience that pulls readers into Rowan and Julian’s world.

The pacing is steady, allowing the tension to build naturally without feeling rushed. Tork masterfully captures the subtleties of unspoken feelings, stolen glances, and the slow unraveling of self-restraint, making every interaction between Rowan and Julian feel meaningful and electric.

Highlights
• Emotional Resonance: The exploration of grief, ambition, and forbidden love is heartfelt and deeply moving.
• Authentic Romance: The chemistry between Rowan and Julian is intense yet delicately handled, making for a slow-burn romance that feels realistic.
• Atmospheric Setting: The academic world of music is beautifully depicted, adding layers of depth to the story.
• Strong Character Development: Both protagonists undergo meaningful growth, making their journey all the more satisfying.

Final Thoughts
The Lines We Cross is a powerful and emotionally charged romance that lingers long after the final page. Rachel Tork crafts a nuanced and thought-provoking story about love, loss, and the choices we make when faced with impossible circumstances. Fans of slow-burn academic romances with deep emotional stakes will find themselves thoroughly invested in Rowan and Julian’s journey.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
A beautifully written, poignant love story that explores the complexities of ambition, grief, and desire with grace and authenticity.

[Celia - lostinmoonlitpages · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book - I loved the cover and immediately wanted to read it, and the premise sounded good because I like the forbidden romance trope, but unfortunately, it just wasn't for me :(

I like the start of the book, how Julian and Rowan meet for the first time, and then the surprise of meeting again after three years. It was very insta-love, but I was fine with it as long as there was tension and longing, and from the description, I was expecting that along with a slow burn, but nope - at 30% it's all done and there was not a lot keeping me interested in their relationship tbh. I enjoyed the intimate scenes and did not find them cringy at all, but all the big feelings that the characters were experiencing... I just did not feel them, I couldn't see an emotional connection between them because there was none - there was barely any relationship development, they just suddenly got together, so I really struggled to believe their feelings. Being honest, I did not care much about any of the characters. I felt like they lacked depth, as I didn't even feel that the actually liked or had a passion for music!

There was A LOT of drama in this book - sooooo many different plots that felts underdeveloped and rushed; I wish the author had picked one and expanded on it, because so many of the things happened all of a sudden and without much build-up or fall-out. Like, big and really serious things happened, and they were brushed over like they were nothing. These characters had reeeally, reeeally bad luck and just could not catch a break!

Lastly, I think the marketing of this book should include the surprise pregnancy trope, because I was not expecting that at all, and I was not very happy about it - it's not my favourite trope, but I'm fine if I know it's going to happen, but it was not mentioned anywhere, and it ended up being the main plot line of the book.

Overall, I think the idea was good, but the execution could have been better and then I would have been more invested in the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Azala Press for the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

[The Sewist's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐
2.5🌶️
Tropes/Themes: age gap, teacher/student, forbidden relationship, hurt/comfort, healing, musician MCs, Snape/Lily vibes, soulmate.
Dual POV 3rd person

So first of all I’m putting trigger warnings at the bottom to avoid spoilers, because this book has some themes that might not be for everyone.

And I want to note for any authors reading this who include people doing medical imaging in their stories….we are not technicians, we are technologists. 🫶

The first note I wrote down when I started reading this was “is this Snape/Hermione fan fic?”. Turns out I was close, because reading about it afterwards, I found the author wrote that it’s supposed to be a Snape and Lily vibe. It’s not bad, just kinda impressed that I was close to being right lol.

I got sucked into the book pretty quickly and loved the first half of it or so. The angst and chemistry was so delicious and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the drama to drop. It gave me literal anxiety similar to what I felt when reading June First (IYKYK). And then the ball dropped and the hits just kept hitting and then…..it was resolved with a significant amount of the book left to read. It’s like it dropped off almost completely and went into a really long wrap up so I wish the writer had switched up some of the order of events to keep my attention after the major stuff happened.

To be clear I was still invested in the story but I had to push myself a little bit to finish. I also wish there had been more backstory/more time spent on their families and on him being Scottish. I genuinely didn’t know he was or that he had an accent until maybe halfway in? My other complaint is the way the MCs kept using the same thing to prove their love to each other- it got repetitive. I get why it would be necessary in a forbidden romance/teacher and student relationship but I think it could’ve been done in a different way.

That last line though, before the epilogue? Absolute perfection 😩😍

Trigger warnings below
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Sibling death, SA, trapped in a fire/getting burnt, gun violence, accidental pregnancy, discussion of pregnancy loss, hospitalizations

[the.bookish.mama.lion · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you again to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a book where my head was overly critical throughout, but my heart was eating up the vibes. However, the vibes became a little too excessive for me in the second half, and I had a hard time staying with the story.

Here's what I liked:
▪︎ 10/10 on the cover. I truly love it.
▪︎ The book initially gave me The Love Hypothesis
vibes, but music edition, while still being its
own story.
▪︎ I ate up the forbidden romance plus
accidental pregnancy trope in this instance.

What didn't work for me:
▪︎ The characters felt flat to me the entire
story. I never felt or even understood the MCs
connection. I didn't see a reason for Julian's
instant obsession with Rowan at their initial
meeting years prior. When they do meet again,
Julian is quite rude and abrasive to Rowan with
no hint of anything else. For me, there was no
reason for them to have a spark. In addition, I
saw no reason for the antagonist(s) to take
such PSYCHOTIC and INSANE actions - what
even were his motivations?! He seemed simply
like a plot device to move the story forward.
▪︎ In addition, a lot of the time the characters
acted more like immature high schoolers than
grad students with their level of gossiping and
bullying. And the worst thing for me was her
"best friend" spilling her secret about being
pregnant to Julian a DAY after she had just
found out. Like, who do you even think you
are?!
▪︎ There were too many crazy huge plot twists
for me. These events were so excessive and
unlikely that without a really good reason, I
just couldn't buy it.
▪︎ As a mom, it was hard to overlook errors in how
pregnancy was written.

In the end, this started off with some strong vibes, but didn't end up being the story I was expecting, though I believe others will love it, and I hope they give it a try.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited going into The Lines We Cross, and loved the title itself. Immediately, I was hooked with the simple, yet beautiful, prose and thoughts from both perspectives of the characters. I highlighted a few passages due to how well-crafted the thoughts and feelings were.

However, I feel like the plot dissolved a bit by the 30% mark with the surprise baby trope being implemented. For this story, it felt unnecessary and used to just progress their relationship. Around the 60% mark there were one disaster after another to the characters and it felt like an entire different book. The story felt a bit jarring from the breakaway of how a romance story is typically plotted. While the incidents made the book more of a romantic suspense novel, it felt very different from the first half of the book. It also paced weird with the location of the climax. There were still so many chapters after that in comparison, felt like it was lagging.

There was also the lack of push and pull happening to the characters throughout. At first, it felt like everything was against the two, with small bits of positive scenes in-between. However, after the drama was resolved (early, I might say), there was hardly any conflict, and just one positive thing after the other, that made reading on a bit dull (which is why many people end books at this bit).

Overall, I enjoyed the diction and writing of the story, as well as the two characters and the discussion of loss, depression, and a forbidden relationship. But I felt like it didn’t need the large life-or-death drama one after the other. The characters were enough to hold the attention of the reader, and I would have liked to see their relationship play out without the theatrics. I enjoyed the ride of the story though, and don’t regret reading it.

- Open Door chapters: 5, 10, 12, 14, 15, 20, 25, 29
- Tropes: Forbidden romance, student/teacher, music student, surprise baby

[giodailyreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝑾𝒆 𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 (𝒂𝒓𝒄) 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 🎻🎼🪈🍵🤎✨

“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨𝐨?”

“𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧. 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞. 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞.”

When I first started The Lines We Cross, I was intrigued. The opening pages felt promising—intense, emotional, and full of potential. But as I kept reading, somewhere around 45%, I realized this book just wasn’t for me.

The unplanned pregnancy trope threw me off at first. It felt jarring, like it didn’t belong in the emotional build-up the book was aiming for. Even so, I kept pushing through because I genuinely wanted to see how it all unfolded.

But here’s where my frustration really kicked in—I didn’t feel the chemistry between the two MMCs until the very last pages. The love story could’ve been breathtaking if the writing had truly captured the depth of their emotions.

And the plot toward the end? honestly, unnecessary. It felt like it was thrown in for shock value rather than adding meaning to the story.

That being said, this story did have its beautiful moments. I’m glad I pushed through because the ending gave me the closure I needed. I loved seeing their relationship evolve, the small moments where they truly began to understand each other. And the character development? That was a highlight for me. Despite the rocky middle, the ending left me with a sense of bittersweet satisfaction.

The Lines We Cross made me feel a mix of emotions—happiness, sadness, and curiosity. While it didn’t fully hit the mark for me, I’m still glad I gave it a chance.

If you’re someone who loves raw emotion and doesn’t mind some chaos in the journey, you might just fall in love with this story in a way I couldn’t.

🤎 Forbidden romance
✨ Dark Academia
🤎 Professor x Student
✨ Unplanned pregnancy
🤎 Music College

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Lines We Cross” is a captivating romance that explores the complexities involved between professional ethics and irresistible attraction. The story Rowan Evans, a gifted graduate music student, whose instant chemistry with her professor, Dr. Julian Lynch poses a threat to her standing in the university, thus potentially hindering her musical aspirations.

The chemistry between them is undeniable, creating tension throughout the novel. Their connection evolves into something deeper, as they struggle with their growing feelings for one another amidst the complications of student-teacher dynamics. There were elements of the book that would probably not play out the same way in real life, but I appreciate the creative license the author took to weave a deeply satisfying HEA.

This was a very enjoyable read for me. I was hooked from start to finish. The book was equal parts steamy, emotional, and surprisingly thrilling. It’s a perfect blend of forbidden attraction and intense connection. It does read like a more polished fanfiction, but I love fanfiction, so it was not a problem for me. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars for this review.

This is the first book that I have read from author, Rachel Tork. I’ll by honest, what initially drew me in was the cover of the book. It was reminiscent of my favorite AO3 pairing, Reylo. I was pleasantly surprised when reading the “about the author” note, that Ms. Tork like me is a fan of the Reylo fandom, which automatically brings her to the top of my TBR authors. I look forward to reading the follow-up novel with Lena and Oliver.

Thank you NetGalley and Azala Press for providing an eARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Lozzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those books where there were elements of it I absolutely loved which would give it a very strong place in the romance genre, however, there were other parts of it that I really had mixed feelings about and at times I felt a little bit pulled out of the story because of it.

Firstly, I loved the characters - their personalities, the way they behaved, and the layers of interaction they all had. I enjoyed the slight suspense before we were thrown into the romance too. I loved our FMC, how she was so headstrong and determined despite all of the trauma she'd been through and I loved our I-will-do-absolutely-anything-you-ask MMC who was clearly just devoted to her completely. I enjoyed their backstories, how they met and got to know each other. All these elements were structured well in the story, There was some absolutely wonderful writing in this that really pulled me in and had me feeling for the characters and being able to relate to them.

Where it started to lose its spark for me was almost around the time we hit the halfway point and too many things just start happening out of nowhere. The introduction of several new plot points, some of them that were maybe about 30% towards the end just felt a little bit much for me. The plot became very intense, which I think then started to impact the romance and how it continued to be fleshed out as well. The pacing just started to feel a bit rushed and as if we were trying to fit too many events into the narrative, also some of the things that happened to them as a couple just felt very out of left field? I'm not the biggest fan of the insta love trope personally and I reckon it would've been great to draw out the tension between the two lovers a little more.

[Fedythereader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author and the publisher, Azala Press, for sharing an ARX of this book with me on NetGalley!!

“He had to snuff it out.
The heat.
The want.
The need and hope and desire …
But the fact of the matter was, she was becoming his jailed, and she had absolutely no idea”

This book surprised me. I’m the type of reader that likes to go in blind especially when the book is marketed as a romance. I tend to be quite picky. When I found out that it was student professor romance I was intrigued and since the tension was there and the attraction was there too, I had a great time getting through the Rowan and Julian’s dynamics. To be fair, I maybe expected it to be a bit more of a slow burn but I don’t feel like complaining necessarily considering that it also had a certain degree of spice that made their romance hot and all over the place at the same time. The frustration, the sadness and the melancholy of what they share is unique and it’s the kind of tortured love people talk about only this time it does end with an HEA. Thankfully, otherwise I would have been extremely sad and tearful. This time around is the girl with trauma in their past and the MMC with a hero complex (again I’m not complaining cause it did have an effect on me) but who’s ready to do everything to save her and protect her. It would have been even more perfect if it’d been in a fantasy setting. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it.

“He didn’t know what to call whatever was between them. There wasn’t a word for it. At least, not one he would let himself use”

“I know that sometimes music can take us away, even from what’s really important to us. Even if we don’t want it to. It’s like a sort of madness”

[Ina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lines We Cross by Rachel Tork | ARC Review

Thank you Rachel Tork and NetGalley for this ARC! Rachel - my poor, poor heart took so many hits with this book, I was sure it was ever going to recover ❤️‍🩹

4.5⭐️//2🌶️

The Lines We Cross truly has it all: forbidden love, romantic tension, good amount of spice, and so many moments that leave you gasping. Rowan and Julian have such a strong connection, and the tension between them is burning slowly, but surely, until they become inevitable. I loved that the characters had a moment in their past, where their lives crossed, to then be apart, and I loved that during all this time apart Julian was still absolutely taken with the mysterious girl he met on the steps of the music building. The kindness he showed Rowan then, made all the difference in how she faced the anniversary of her sister's death.

Later in the book, when Rowan confesses that she no one, except for her dead sister, really understands how she thinks and how she feels, and how Julian is the one person that does. Perhaps she just needed someone to see her for who she was, not who everyone else wanted to see her as: a talented musician, the surviving half of a twin set, a somewhat estranged daughter, or as a reclusive friend. I loved how Julian was the safe landing space for Rowan, and how she was someone who he never anticipated of ever finding.

Through all the ups and downs, all the twists and turns, all the heartache and happy moments, this book guides us through an atypical love story that will surely tug at our hearts and make us feel everything Rowan and Julian went through.

Favourite scene: Ceremony in the garden 🪻🌸🌷
Favourite 🌶️ scene: Rain & hangover makes for sleepovers 🤭

[Sara Machado · Rating 2 out of 5]

While The Lines We Cross offers a promising premise, I found that the story didn’t quite live up to its potential. The central romance between Rowan and Julian felt poorly developed, and I struggled to see the depth of their connection. Their love story seemed more told than shown — I couldn’t fully understand how or why they were in love, and without the narrative insisting on it, I wouldn’t have seen the chemistry between them.

Additionally, the story leaned heavily into excessive drama. There always seemed to be some over-the-top event or twist happening, which, rather than pulling me deeper into the narrative, had the opposite effect. It disrupted the flow of the story and made it difficult to stay invested in the characters’ relationship.

You might enjoy this book if you like the following tropes: love at first sight, forbidden romance, age gap, and a protective male main character. Without giving away too much of the plot, the story also includes a surprise trope that can be polarizing and may alienate some readers.

However, if you prefer slow-burn romances with deep character development and organic relationship growth, this book might not fully meet your expectations. The romance between Rowan and Julian is more of an instant connection that lacks the emotional buildup needed to make their love story feel believable.

Ultimately, The Lines We Cross offers plenty of drama and unexpected twists, but those looking for a more grounded romance might find it difficult to stay fully invested.

I would like to thank Azala Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Carolina CHC · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was heartbreaking, there were so many life punches happening at the same time that makes you wonder how the main characters kept going on. However, at the end you understand how the people in your life or the risks you take by being vulnerable towards others it’s the key to free or keep you shut out from life.

Rowan Evans is an independent and talented musician who is hold down by her fear to face her past grieves. She decides to finish her masters in great university following a brilliant tutor who unfortunately at the last moment needed to be replaced by another apparently brilliant but unknown tutor to her or though she thought.

Dr. Julian Lynch is a brilliant musician and great professor just hired to replace a brilliant tutor at a very good university. He is a handsome and serious person who lets very few people if any within his walls. He carries the memory of a sad girl he encountered years ago while trying to console her during a sunset. The connection between them is something he’d never forgotten.

This book was filled with lovely, complex, and very sick and mean characters. The plot is far from just a lovely or funny romcom. It touches heavy topics such as parental abandonment, death, attempted murder, love obsession, among other topics. At the end, there is a HEA in working process as it should be. No cliff hangers but an option to tell another character story in a following book.

I’m grateful for this ARC, this was the kind of book that after reading it, the story keeps coming back in flashes.

[direadsomebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this cover on NetGalley I was immediately curious and then I read the synopsis and the feeling that I had to read this book came over me. I can't tell you how happy I was when I received the arc! I started reading it as soon as I had the chance and devoured the book in just 2 days hihihi
The Lines We Cross is a mix of the comfort of Out On a Limb (yet another book that eliminates my problems with the subject of unplanned pregnancy) and the anguish of Julie Soto's romances. It's amazing how a book full of anguish and tension can be so comforting at the same time, the author plays with strong emotions in a way that I loved and that left me completely hooked on the reading. The characters are brilliantly complex, well-developed, but above all so human. Rowan, the FMC, is an inspiring character, so soft but firm at the same time, with such a strong personality and a fire that she tries to hide. And then Julian, so serious, rigid, that teacher everyone is afraid of, but with a whole other hidden side. These two are two bombs that trigger each other in a continuous and gradually increasing way. A couple who was everything I expected and even managed to exceed my expectations a little with their forbidden romance full of chemistry, an (almost) insta-love but one so natural, with age-gap and forced proximity... What more can you ask for in terms of tropes in a book? These two overcome everything, good and bad moments, and I loved following them through it all. The plot is a little slower than I expected, but overall, always enjoyable. I felt that the ending was a little rushed for a plot with a slower pace, which ended up spoiling the balance that the reading was achieving. It was as if the pages had suddenly run out to finish this story, one so complex that it deserved an ending of equal complexity or at least a more satisfying one. It's no big deal when you consider the plot as a whole, but I have to mention it because it did have an impact on the reading experience.
In short, I loved the writing, the emotional reading, the romance so full of chemistry and strong emotions with passionate characters and a well-constructed and engaging plot. My new comfort book that I highly recommend! I can't wait for what's to come, more than ready for Lena and Oliver's story, but above all to read more books by this author!

Plot & World 4⭐
Characters 5⭐
Enjoyment 4⭐
Writting 5⭐

Overall 4.5⭐

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really something. I was originally drawn to the cover and then the marketing of the Out on a Limb x Not Another Love Song descriptor (just a heads up it’s not that). At first the premise carried a lot of promise, the forbidden aspect of two lonely and tortured characters, student and teacher (and a bit more comfy cause she’s in grad school so aged up a little). But then this kind of goes off the rails. This really is more like romantic suspense. It got to the point where I couldn’t fathom how many bad things and obstacles 2 people can face in a year. There was not enough happy togetherness relationship building time for me to enjoy this as a romance and getting to see 2 people fall in love, they were SO stressed constantly (and understandably, everything was always going so bonkers and they couldn’t trust anyone).

Also, I can give leeway for these types of things so this is minor but the graduate school aspect I did not find to be accurate. The cafeteria style gossiping veered on high school. I know environments like that can be cliquey but it was to an extent that just really doesn’t feel accurate.

What I liked was the brooding man bun of it all with the MMC. I loved that he always showed up for the FMC even when she assumed he wouldn’t. The FMC also has complicated grief with the prior loss of her sister and that was an impactful storyline.

Thank you to Azala Press for the eARC.