Edit: While this book had a decent plot line, it needed some major editing. I also felt like the characters never really fully matured—even by the end of the story—which, to me, is a major red flag. While I wouldn’t say this book was all bad by any means, it did come up significantly lacking, in my opinion. If none of these things bother you, then definitely go read this book!
•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•
{𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝑶𝒏 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒊𝒏𝒆}
🪵 Release Date: December 1, 2024 🪵 . . . I loved the spiritual aspects in this book! I always find it so refreshing when authors include God in their stories as He is a very real part of our everyday lives.
I liked that Jordan Riley’s characters were just as human as anyone, with very real problems and struggles. It was interesting to watch their stories unfold as they grew in their spiritual lives.
This is a story about redemption, about a good girl and a bad boy. Wrenley grew up being a preacher’s daughter, which certainly didn’t set her up for success, but instead made life that much more difficult with all of the expectations placed on her. Having already disappointed her family by getting a job bartending, Wren goes the extra mile by starting to hang out with the town’s bad boy, Kayce. She wholeheartedly jumps into this new relationship certain she can change his ways by being the good influence he needs in his life.
Kayce Warren grew up in a family where you only go to church on special holidays and spend the rest of your Sundays working as usual. He was the bad boy in high school and that certainly didn’t change after graduation. Now he’s an adult and still doesn’t have his life figured out. After meeting the cutest blonde, bow-wearing bartender, Kayce decides she’s the one for him and begins to work his charms on Wren. Soon they are both deeply immersed in a relationship that neither one knows quite how to handle.
Both Kayce and Wren had their fair share of red flags, but it’s to be expected with them both being so young and immature yet. So many of the struggles they faced could have been eliminated with some good communication and maturity. I really wish we could have seen more growth in maturity by the end of the character arcs, but, honestly, I found it lacking.
Probably one of my least favorite characters was Wren’s father. The man was supposed to be a preacher and therefore a godly example to his family and the church, but instead, time and time again, he proved to not show God’s love, grace, and forgiveness towards others. His temper was constantly flaring and getting the better of him with no sign of remorse on his part. In the end, he did chill out a bit, but he never did apologize for his past behavior.
Favorites: 🪵 I love that there’s a playlist to go with this book 🪵 Wren’s goals in life are literally my own: becoming a wife and a mother 🪵 Kayce playing his guitar for Wren 🪵 Wren and her edible flowers and cutesy sundresses 🪵 Dancing in the rain 🪵 Playing their song at his concert 🪵 Their second chance at love 🪵 Reading their vows 🪵 Choosing family over fame 🪵 Holland Grace
Reason for the DNF - It was not my preferred standard of reading and there were some questionable areas for a Christian book (Please note: I have nothing against the author, but this was not my style or standard of a clean book.)
Things I didn't appreciate: - Wrenley is a pastor's daughter who ignores her parents' advice to stay away from a guy who could be a bad influence on her and lead her into sin. - She is in a romantic relationship with someone who is either not saved or living in sin. - When they spend time alone (sometimes at night too), he tries to push her boundaries and even though her conscience is warning her about him and she does not pay attention to the warning signs and continues to spend time with him alone - She works in a bar and on a Sunday. The attire they have to wear is not modest (according to both her father and the "bad boy" she is dating) - She goes to his house for a party while his parents are gone and his friends are there drinking and smoking. (I skimmed ahead and read this before deciding to DNF)
Content guide up to where I read: Sexual content - not detailed kisses x2, lightly detailed kisses x2
Language - damn x4, darn, [what the/shut the...up] hell x5, ass, jackass, bull..., crap x3
Other content - mentions of drinking alcohol (whiskey, beer) and DUIs - mentions of smoking
These two were so painfully young and unsure and insecure. Sweet babies trying to figure it out, but it was almost hard to read at times. Wrenley needed structure and self esteem, not a boyfriend.
Even after time passed, I was hoping they’d mature, but they still fought constantly over silly things. They really truly didn’t need to be in a relationship. It was just unhealthy and the relationship moved too fast. They would have been better off staying single and pursing their own dreams separately.
Even though I didn’t connect to these characters, I think this author has a lot of potential and I’m interested to see what she writes next!
Absolutely LOVED this wholesome small town romance!
The story follows Wrenley and Kayce who were one of the most relatable couples that I’ve read in a long time. Wrenley, a preachers daughter, is trying to make some big decisions in her life about her future and in comes Kayce, the rugged bad boy that is known for his troubled past. Throughout the book you get to watch them figure out who they are, navigate their relationship, and grow together.
It had the perfect amount of drama, heartbreak and happy tears! I also loved the sprinkle of faith that was talked about throughout the book. Kayce was swoon worthy, charming and although the book is a fade to black read, it had the perfect amount of spice!
I saw so much of myself in Wrenley. She was such a likable character. Kayce had such great character development throughout the book it was hard to stay mad at him for too long.
I really didn’t want the book to end simply because I loved the characters so much! Now I need this to be made into a movie so I can see them come to life😂
**Bonus points because I love when books include good playlists and I promise you won’t be disappointed with this one!
I stumbled across Love on the Line on TikTok and instantly knew I had to read it. Small-town charm? Country romance? Say less. 🥰 I don’t always reach for the sweetest stories, but this one felt like the perfect change of pace — and it didn’t disappoint!
This story follows Wrenley and Kayce as they navigate love, faith, and all the messy, beautiful challenges that come with both. It’s a heartfelt reminder that even when life tests you, turning to God and trusting His plan can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be. Some characters definitely needed a bit of growth (looking at you, certain jealous types 👀), but by the second half, I was hooked again and cheering them on.
Jordan Riley really nailed the small-town feel — the kind that makes you want to curl up with a cozy blanket, sweet tea in hand, and not move until the last page. I’m excited to see where she takes this series next!
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Things I Didn’t Totally Love: • Wrenley’s jealousy sometimes felt a bit much. Like, girl… take a deep breath, he just said hi. 😅 • The fights/arguments - it was a lot and almost too many at times. I found myself rolling my eyes and saying, “they’re fighting again? What is it now?” • Blake’s early chapters gave me major “whiny little brother” energy — but thankfully, he redeemed himself later on!
I loved this book! It follows the story of a pastor's daughter who falls for the bad boy in town who wants to change... for her. Perfect example of if he wanted to, he would! Tons of sweet moments, loved how Wrenley stood her ground and kept Kayce on his toes by holding him accountable. He found love, and God. Highs and lows, real-life struggles. Such a beautiful story and ending! Loved it!
I think Love on the Line was a solid debut romance. This was a nice spin on the good girl/bad boy trope with the good girl being the preacher’s daughter and then the bad boy becoming a country music star. I had a hard time relating to the FMC; I personally didn’t feel like I saw much growth out of her when I could tell or MMC had changed. However I still enjoyed this book and I’m excited to read more from this author!
This is a fade to black romance with mild language.
Love on the Line by Jordan Riley Brunner is a small-town Christian contemporary romance that follows Wrenley Miller, the preacher’s daughter with a heart full of questions, and Kayce Warren, the rugged local country boy with a past that leaves most people wary. From their first awkward conversations at the bar where Wrenley works, to the moments of sweet vulnerability when Kayce shares his music, this story charts two imperfect hearts trying to find their way in love, faith, and life. Through conflicts that test their beliefs and choices that push them toward growth, the novel weaves themes of forgiveness, second chances, renewed faith, and the sacrifices that come with commitment.
Right from the start, I felt both tender and conflicted while reading this book. What made me want to keep turning pages was the raw emotional texture of Wrenley and Kayce’s relationship: their fierce affection for each other felt genuinely human even when miscommunication clouded their judgment, and their moments of reconciliation carried warmth that lingered with me long after I finished reading. I appreciated how faith is woven into the narrative in a way that reflects real struggles and triumphs, not just surface piety. While I did notice that a few scenes felt unevenly paced and some characters could benefit from deeper introspection, I loved how the story ultimately honored both vulnerability and resilience. If you enjoy thoughtful faith elements, a heartfelt small-town setting, and love stories that feel earnest rather than flawless, this book will likely leave you with a cozy, contemplative smile.
Rating: 3 out of 5 Because the emotional honesty and themes of faith and growth moved me, even if the pacing and character depth felt uneven at times.
I first came across LOTL while scrolling through TikTok and was immediately hooked by what I saw and read! Small town, country romance? Please and thank you! I don’t always read the sweetest books, and I thought this would be a nice change up! And I was not disappointed!
The book focuses around Wrenley and Kayce. About the trials and temptations they face along their journey. And how turning to God, to let Him guide you, can help you find your way no matter the situation. Some characters had a lot of growing up to do and they certainly did in Part 2 of this book! Definitely made up for some of the things I didn’t care for in Part 1!
The overall concept of the story was amazing and I’m lookin forward to seeing what Jordan gives us with this new series coming out!
P.S. THANK YOU Jordan for introducing me to Warren Zeiders!
•Things I Didn’t Care For in LOTL• 🙃 -I didn’t like how easy it was for Wrenley to get so jealous. Like EVERY single time Kayce just spoke with another female. Kinda think that was over done. There was a fight every other page. -Also, didn’t care for how whiny Blake was in the beginning. The 20 year old was giving tattle tale vibes. Lol
that was a wild ride. i will say the characters were quite insecure at times and needed even more growth than what they got, but did i have a good time? yes, yes i did. no regrets. sweet story.
Tropes: 💐Forbidden romance 🎤Small town 💐Pastor daughter x rebellious country boy 🎤Waiting till marriage 💐Faith centered 🎤Second chance 💐Opposites attract 🎤Double pov
This book has left me speechless. I loved this book. @jordanriley.author, you did a phenomenal job when writing this book. 🫶 I love the small town, opposites attract in this book. I loved this book because it not only shows the struggles these characters have but also how they grow from it. I loved the way she made the book faith-centered. I enjoyed how Kayce is protective of Wrenley and also how he shows how much he loves her. You can see how beautiful Wrenley is at heart and how she can see the best in others. ✨
This book is based on the preacher’s daughter, Wrenley Miller, and rebellious countryman, Kayce Warren. Wrenley has a job at a bar (her parents obviously don’t particularly love it) and Kayce comes for a drink every night. Since he sees her almost every night they start talking and he eventually asks her out. She agrees but also is a bit hesitant because she knows how he is, he likes to do all of the things she doesn’t. They go through struggles together because of their relationship because her family thinks he is a bad influence for things he has done in the past. They are worried she’s going to get caught up in all the wrong things. He first sings her a song, on one of their dates, and from there she tells him he should pursue music. Eventually, he realizes maybe she’s actually on to something and he goes out to Nashville to see if he can make a name for himself. Wrenley and Kayce during that time had to do long distance and Jordan Riley did a great job of representing how hard it was on them. Since Kayce is making a name for himself he and Wrenley go through the struggle of his career vs. their relationship. It makes it difficult for them. Will Kayce choose love or his career?
Similar to other reviews there was lots of grammar errors in this story. It was Jordan’s first release so sure but this should have been quadruple checked as I am sure all authors do.
The characters were very childish yes but I also understand these are young adults and realistically for all millennials who read this book, this is often how young adults act now especially having almost no experience in dating. So I gave it the pass it needed for the young love!
However with the pass, i felt the character development lacked. I did love Wren & Kayce at the end of the story which was 3% of the book and was actually the bonus chapter haha. The driving force for the plot and unexpected loss of communication with the characters also was very random and just thrown in without any subtle hints prior it felt unnecessary but as if the author just wanted to make a filler.
So it wasn’t the best writing style or character development Ive read but i still do want to continue with reading more books and i am currently reading the novella to this story!
Note: This is a Christian romance but theres cursing which I didn’t like…i understand why due to the character of Kayce but wasn’t my cup of ☕️
Really enjoyed this one!! The main characters start out young and confused. They don’t really know where they are going in life or what their priorities are. This book really takes you on a journey of character growth. The characters both grow in their faith, understand what is important to them, and make some tough life decisions. One thing I love about Jordan’s books are that she gives you the whole story…like the love story, the engagement, the wedding and the baby! I love that because sometimes I read romances and I’m like “Oh I’d love to read a little more about the after story!” And Jordan always delivers that. You walk away not having questions about where the characters end up in life.
I did mark this down one star because I just wished the characters had a little more depth to them. There were scenes where I wanted some depth, felt like it lacked some dialogue or some inner thoughts. But for a debut novel, it was still good!
If you love a book that takes place in a small town, has a lot of grace and forgiveness, gives second chances, about a couple of kids who grow up, and has a bit of famous Nashville life, and Faith themes then I think you will enjoy this book!
can you say “devoured this book in almost one sitting”? yeah bc that’s basically what I did. I don’t even know how late I stayed up because once I started this book it sunk its claws into me and I had to force myself to put it down so I could sleep and actually work the next day😀 This is a tale that displays all of the good and bad in a relationship. The ups downs and struggles that a lot of Christian relationships go through. I love that Wrenley isn’t afraid of who she is. she stands firm in her faith, but you also get to see her stumble along the way. dating Kayce who’s more a Christian in name only is difficult and I love that it wasn’t her acting perfectly throughout the whole book. I think that’s what I loved most. It wasn’t a perfect relationship. They fought and made mistakes but in the end they loved each other enough to let go, and then rebuild. normally cheating would turn me off, it makes my stomach knot and it gives me anxiety (even in books and tv lol) but I think Jordan did a wonderful job with the emotional aspects behind it. I can’t say enough good things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What a fantastic read! Love On The Line was as described, and more.
A whirlwind until the end, but still full of hope. I guarantee you’ll be cheering on the characters the whole way through reading, as I was. I barely put the book down to sleep or make dinner lol.
The relatability of the characters, and the development in their faith over the course of the book were really nice touches.
The book came packaged so nicely I almost hated to open it! Highly recommend giving this one a read and checking out the playlist even if you aren’t into country.
I gave up spicy reading a few years back and this was the perfect book to get me back into reading again without the 🌶️.
I love a sweet, small-town romance, and when this book came across my social media feed, I thought, "Why not?" and borrowed it on KU.
Unfortunately, this one was a total miss for me. It started with mistakes on page one, and I'm sad to report that things did not improve from there. This book demonstrates a lack of knowledge about even basic syntax, grammar, and punctuation.
I tried to push through, but I couldn't get to the heart of the story through all the errors, so I had to DNF.
Such a special debut read!! I absolutely love the faith elements woven throughout this story! This was a very vulnerable story about two young people who fell in love and grew together! I highly applaud Jordan for publishing this sweet book! rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 spice: fade to black! CW: moderate language.
This one is a no for me. I think both the mmc and fmc are very immature. But the further into the book I got, the more I disliked the fmc, her jealousy was just tiring. She chose to forgive and move on but she acts like a child. Their relationship won't last long with these behaviors. But that's just my opinion.
This book reminds me of my days scrolling Wattpad and eating up stories left and right—I ate this one up just the same. It was fun and sweet and swoony with a hint of angst (which I always love) and I can’t wait to read more from this author!!
Super sweet, heart warming story about a hometown love! I loved the way Jordan weaved Christianity into the story, and how the main character, Wrenley, held firm to her beliefs. So many twists and turns I did not expect! I wish there were more to hear about them!💕
I truly loved the story behind the book , the only thing that really bothered me was the writing there were a lot of grammar errors that I had to kind of make up myself to figure out what the author meant but other than that I enjoyed it!