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Out of Line #4
Fractured Lines
The lines we once crossed so easily have widened and torn us apart . . .
Once upon a time I thought Finn and I would live happily ever after, but real life doesn't always have a happy ending. He's testing my trust, and I'm losing faith in the man I thought I'd spend the rest of my life with, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. He’s the one I trusted to keep me safe, but now he’s the source of my greatest pain . . .
Forgiveness is fragile, and some fractures never fully heal . . .
One mistake—a slip in a moment of weakness—might cost me everything I've worked so hard for. The thing about trust is that it's a lot easier to lose than it is to build. Just as I'm about to give up and surrender to the demons from my past, an unexpected threat reminds me what I'm best at: protecting the woman I love. Whether or not she wants me, I will fight for Carrie and our daughter, and I will keep them safe—no matter the cost.
Even if I have to put my life and my heart on the line.
Once upon a time I thought Finn and I would live happily ever after, but real life doesn't always have a happy ending. He's testing my trust, and I'm losing faith in the man I thought I'd spend the rest of my life with, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. He’s the one I trusted to keep me safe, but now he’s the source of my greatest pain . . .
Forgiveness is fragile, and some fractures never fully heal . . .
One mistake—a slip in a moment of weakness—might cost me everything I've worked so hard for. The thing about trust is that it's a lot easier to lose than it is to build. Just as I'm about to give up and surrender to the demons from my past, an unexpected threat reminds me what I'm best at: protecting the woman I love. Whether or not she wants me, I will fight for Carrie and our daughter, and I will keep them safe—no matter the cost.
Even if I have to put my life and my heart on the line.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2014
28 people are currently reading
1154 people want to read
About the author
Jen McLaughlin
35 books1,148 followersJen McLaughlin is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of sexy books with Penguin Random House. Under her pen name, Diane Alberts, she is also a USA TODAY bestselling author of Contemporary Romance with Entangled Publishing. Her first release as Jen McLaughlin, Out of Line, hit the New York Times, USA TODAY and Wall Street Journal lists. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. She is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.
Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and three cats. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.
Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and three cats. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
October 26, 2014
ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review
☆☆☆☆☆5 Beautiful Stars ☆☆☆☆☆
How far would you go to fight for your love? Are you willing to go against all the odds stacked against you? And can love truly heal? In Fractured Lines by Jen McLaughlin, the power of love is the major theme of this book. True love is definitely worth the fight when you know a couple like Finn and Carrie truly deserves the happily ever after. These two battle all the odds and come so far in their relationship. And truly these two deserves that fairy tale ending. So what happens when lies, secrets, and denial could rip this couple apart? Can their marriage survive this difficult period in their lives or will it be left fractured?
Fractured Lines was simply moving. This book will grip you on the raw and real emotional aspect of what love endures. Love is not perfect. Love can hurt. But most importantly love can heal and save you. For Finn, Carrie was his medicine. She healed him in more ways than he could ever explained. His love for her was so real and raw that you felt every fiber of his love for her in his heart. As for Carrie, there was no doubt in her love for Finn. He was her soul-mate. Together they were each other’s hope, heart, soul, and home. And in this book, this couple had to fight for their love and not give up. And Jen McLaughlin truly showcased that love isn’t easy. Love is about trust. Love is an unspoken bond between two people. Love is respect. And true love is definitely worth the fight.
Finn and Carrie had to endure one of the biggest issue in their marriage. Trust. Finn’s ongoing struggle with PTSD was one uphill battle that he tried so hard to overcome but when his signs of his PTSD and abuse of pills and addiction begins to act up again, more secrets and lies begins to add up. How many more lies can Carrie take?
Fractured Lines was definitely a book that you could not put down. I loved the emotional and heartbreaking journey, Jen McLaughlin takes her readers on. It was so raw and real that you felt every ounce of emotion being evoked from Finn and Carrie. What I truly love about this book was how real this book felt. It manages to show the power of love. And the true beauty of this book was that it illustrates love, trust, and respect are intertwined. Love is hard work. Trust has to be earned. Forgiveness is key. And asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength. Love is a battle. And Carrie and Finn proved that whatever stood in their way, they will fight for their love because this is no ordinary love. Its true love.
Jen McLaughlin
☆☆☆☆☆5 Beautiful Stars ☆☆☆☆☆
How far would you go to fight for your love? Are you willing to go against all the odds stacked against you? And can love truly heal? In Fractured Lines by Jen McLaughlin, the power of love is the major theme of this book. True love is definitely worth the fight when you know a couple like Finn and Carrie truly deserves the happily ever after. These two battle all the odds and come so far in their relationship. And truly these two deserves that fairy tale ending. So what happens when lies, secrets, and denial could rip this couple apart? Can their marriage survive this difficult period in their lives or will it be left fractured?
Fractured Lines was simply moving. This book will grip you on the raw and real emotional aspect of what love endures. Love is not perfect. Love can hurt. But most importantly love can heal and save you. For Finn, Carrie was his medicine. She healed him in more ways than he could ever explained. His love for her was so real and raw that you felt every fiber of his love for her in his heart. As for Carrie, there was no doubt in her love for Finn. He was her soul-mate. Together they were each other’s hope, heart, soul, and home. And in this book, this couple had to fight for their love and not give up. And Jen McLaughlin truly showcased that love isn’t easy. Love is about trust. Love is an unspoken bond between two people. Love is respect. And true love is definitely worth the fight.
Finn and Carrie had to endure one of the biggest issue in their marriage. Trust. Finn’s ongoing struggle with PTSD was one uphill battle that he tried so hard to overcome but when his signs of his PTSD and abuse of pills and addiction begins to act up again, more secrets and lies begins to add up. How many more lies can Carrie take?
Fractured Lines was definitely a book that you could not put down. I loved the emotional and heartbreaking journey, Jen McLaughlin takes her readers on. It was so raw and real that you felt every ounce of emotion being evoked from Finn and Carrie. What I truly love about this book was how real this book felt. It manages to show the power of love. And the true beauty of this book was that it illustrates love, trust, and respect are intertwined. Love is hard work. Trust has to be earned. Forgiveness is key. And asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength. Love is a battle. And Carrie and Finn proved that whatever stood in their way, they will fight for their love because this is no ordinary love. Its true love.
Jen McLaughlin
October 11, 2014
Fractured Lines by Jen McLaughlin is book 4 in the Out of Line series. I haven’t read any of the books from this series before. You can read this book as a stand-alone from the series. There is some recapping as to what goes on in the other books so you’re not completely lost, but if you are wanting to read this series I would definitely start by reading book 1 Out of Line. For those who have read this series will probably really love Fractured Lines because their favorite characters are back. I’m not sure if they will be happy seeing their favorite characters go through more drama.
Finn’s past demons come back to haunt him, causing him to slip up in a moment of weakness. That moment of weakness might cost him the family he built and love with all his heart. Trusts are broken along with hearts. What I love most about the story was that even though things are falling apart Finn and Carrie don’t completely just give up, even when they think they might. They worked through it together.
Arc provided by the author for an honest review.
Finn’s past demons come back to haunt him, causing him to slip up in a moment of weakness. That moment of weakness might cost him the family he built and love with all his heart. Trusts are broken along with hearts. What I love most about the story was that even though things are falling apart Finn and Carrie don’t completely just give up, even when they think they might. They worked through it together.
Arc provided by the author for an honest review.
October 15, 2014
** JOSIE'S 5 STAR REVIEW **
The Out of Line series is my favorite series, I read all three books and fell in love with Finn and Carrie. When I saw they were going to be getting another book I was smiling all the way home. I cannot get enough of the pair. Finn is my favorite BBF (I literally cream my panties when I read about him).
In the last book Out of Mind, Carrie and Finn got their HEA, but this story looks into their lives 3 years after they got married and now have a daughter, Susan. Then author shows readers nothing is always happy and when it comes to REAL marriages there is always ups and downs. She shows readers that life is about fighting, that at times you have fight to maintain your happily ever after. In the last book Finn dealt with PTSD and drug dependency. He had a really hard time and struggles with it to this day. I was left speechless while reading this book, I could not believe that the author took me on another emotional roller coaster ride and at the end of this book; I was left in awe.
From the first book in this series I was completely hooked. I got so wrapped in the characters that I forgot there were book characters and not real people. The author has a way of writing their story in a way that evokes such raw and strong emotions in me. There were times when reading this book that things got really tough and I was nervous and highly emotional. I cried, laughed, screamed, swooned and got angry.
Finn gets hurt on the job and during his healing process, his past demons (PTSD), comes back and plagues his mind. He makes a mistake that could cost him everything. Finn’s mistake breaks years of firm trust between Carrie and Finn and hearts are left shattered. I love how the author approached the trouble in their marriage. She gave readers a mature Carrie and Finn that were willing to work together and not give up their marriage and their family.
Finn hates for Carrie to see him as weak while he is struggling and making mistakes. He does not want to admit to Carrie that he has failed. You can see the inner turmoil Carrie faces because she loves Finn with all her heart but she has a daughter now and she has to put her first. She finds it hard to trust Finn and once that trust is gone, how do you get it back?
“I swear on my life they’re not mine. I’m fine. I’m not in that place again.”
“You lied to me, over and over again. Why?”
“S***, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
Just like the last book, Jen McLaughlin writes the topic of PTSD in a way that is raw, authentic and damaging. We can see Carrie’s struggles in this situation as well as Finn’s inner struggle to be the man for her and a dad for Susan that they deserve. I did not get bored reading how they fought to keep their marriage, love and family intact. In fact all I felt was the authenticity of their love and dedication for their family. In life, there are times that trusts are broken and if people are truly dedicated to one another they fight to gain that trust back. The author gives us such an example in this book. Yes when you marry, we go in thinking things will be easy but a strong marriage is work, gritty at times but work.
“I can’t lose you, Ginger. I’ve lived life without you, and I’ve lived it with you. I know which one is better. And I always have. I need you. If you keep pulling me closer, and reminding me what I could lose, I’ll get better, I swear it. And I know it’s true, because I can’t lose you again. I just can’t.”
I did not find Finn to be a weak character. My heart bled for him with his struggle and fight to overcome his PTSD and addictions. Throughout his fight, we saw the real Finn. The man that Carrie fell in love with and the man that will die for his Ginger and his daughter. Carrie does not want to walk away, she wants Finn and their marriage but she knows that she has to be strong for him and make him want to get help. I loved Carrie because she fights with everything she has, but she also does not lay down and let Finn get away with things either. If you have been following the series you definitely want to pick this one up. If you haven’t then you need to start.
“F*** you taste so good. You’re so read. So hungry. So mine.”
“I always will be. Just take me.”
The Out of Line series is my favorite series, I read all three books and fell in love with Finn and Carrie. When I saw they were going to be getting another book I was smiling all the way home. I cannot get enough of the pair. Finn is my favorite BBF (I literally cream my panties when I read about him).
In the last book Out of Mind, Carrie and Finn got their HEA, but this story looks into their lives 3 years after they got married and now have a daughter, Susan. Then author shows readers nothing is always happy and when it comes to REAL marriages there is always ups and downs. She shows readers that life is about fighting, that at times you have fight to maintain your happily ever after. In the last book Finn dealt with PTSD and drug dependency. He had a really hard time and struggles with it to this day. I was left speechless while reading this book, I could not believe that the author took me on another emotional roller coaster ride and at the end of this book; I was left in awe.
From the first book in this series I was completely hooked. I got so wrapped in the characters that I forgot there were book characters and not real people. The author has a way of writing their story in a way that evokes such raw and strong emotions in me. There were times when reading this book that things got really tough and I was nervous and highly emotional. I cried, laughed, screamed, swooned and got angry.
Finn gets hurt on the job and during his healing process, his past demons (PTSD), comes back and plagues his mind. He makes a mistake that could cost him everything. Finn’s mistake breaks years of firm trust between Carrie and Finn and hearts are left shattered. I love how the author approached the trouble in their marriage. She gave readers a mature Carrie and Finn that were willing to work together and not give up their marriage and their family.
Finn hates for Carrie to see him as weak while he is struggling and making mistakes. He does not want to admit to Carrie that he has failed. You can see the inner turmoil Carrie faces because she loves Finn with all her heart but she has a daughter now and she has to put her first. She finds it hard to trust Finn and once that trust is gone, how do you get it back?
“I swear on my life they’re not mine. I’m fine. I’m not in that place again.”
“You lied to me, over and over again. Why?”
“S***, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
Just like the last book, Jen McLaughlin writes the topic of PTSD in a way that is raw, authentic and damaging. We can see Carrie’s struggles in this situation as well as Finn’s inner struggle to be the man for her and a dad for Susan that they deserve. I did not get bored reading how they fought to keep their marriage, love and family intact. In fact all I felt was the authenticity of their love and dedication for their family. In life, there are times that trusts are broken and if people are truly dedicated to one another they fight to gain that trust back. The author gives us such an example in this book. Yes when you marry, we go in thinking things will be easy but a strong marriage is work, gritty at times but work.
“I can’t lose you, Ginger. I’ve lived life without you, and I’ve lived it with you. I know which one is better. And I always have. I need you. If you keep pulling me closer, and reminding me what I could lose, I’ll get better, I swear it. And I know it’s true, because I can’t lose you again. I just can’t.”
I did not find Finn to be a weak character. My heart bled for him with his struggle and fight to overcome his PTSD and addictions. Throughout his fight, we saw the real Finn. The man that Carrie fell in love with and the man that will die for his Ginger and his daughter. Carrie does not want to walk away, she wants Finn and their marriage but she knows that she has to be strong for him and make him want to get help. I loved Carrie because she fights with everything she has, but she also does not lay down and let Finn get away with things either. If you have been following the series you definitely want to pick this one up. If you haven’t then you need to start.
“F*** you taste so good. You’re so read. So hungry. So mine.”
“I always will be. Just take me.”
October 2, 2014
“The thing about trust is that it's a lot easier to lose than it is to build.”—Finn
Truth Finn. Truth.
Finn is struggling. He slips up and hates himself for it. Hates what could have happened but also hates that Carrie might see him as weak. Carrie feels for him but she has a kid to worry about and as Finn says once that trust is gone it’s very difficult to go forward and get that back.
The thing about Fractured Lines is that Jen McLaughlin writes Finn’s PTSD in such an authentic way that the reader can’t blame Carrie for her reactions but can’t blame Finn for what’s happening either. The back and forth between them could have become monotonous but it doesn’t because it’s real. People say things they don’t mean. People lose trust, have to gain it back. But this book might be one of the best examples of how sometimes stuff just happens and it’s no one’s fault. Finn isn’t being weak. Carrie isn’t being a whiny harpy. It’s life.
When Finn “slips up” Carrie goes into Mom-mode. She loves Finn, doesn’t want to lose him but has to protect her family, her daughter who has no one else to do it. But it takes a lot of work to get things that you want most back.
Fractured Lines made me laugh, “that V that makes smart girls dumb.” Epic truth right there. It has it’s steamy which you expect from Jen McLaughlin. I mean Finn reading to you from a hot romance novel then doing exactly what he read is one of the most “yes, please” situations out there. But it also makes you feel. Even when I saw things coming, I felt horrible when they actually happened. What I loved most was that while drama was happening, changes needed to be made and help needed to be found, Finn and Carrie always thought of it in terms of us. It wasn’t Finn. And. Carrie. It was Finn and Carrie. They wanted to make things better together. Even when they say they want to give up, they don’t really want to give up.
I think my favorite scene in the entire book was between Finn and Riley. Finn needed Riley in that moment and Riley knew exactly what to say to force Finn to get his head out of his ass to get his family back where they needed to be.
And yes. At one point there was an odd burning sensation in the back of my eyes. I’m not a crier. Very few books have made me cry in my life so I know it wasn’t the start of that. It’s been determined that I suffer from allergies and needed to take a benedryl.
Yeah, someone could say that Carrie and Finn already had their HEA, which is true, they got that in the last book. But the thing about life is that Happily Ever After doesn’t usually come easily. Sometimes you have to fight tooth and nail to keep your HEA. To keep your love going. And this is especially true with someone dealing with PTSD. PTSD can be a lifelong struggle. You don’t go in “get fixed” and everything is sunshine and unicorn babies from there on out. Anything can bring it back.
Fractured Lines did a great job giving all the feels. All of them. Can't wait for Riley's book. Love him!
Also, it's hard to write reviews without spoilers. Sheesh.
Truth Finn. Truth.
Finn is struggling. He slips up and hates himself for it. Hates what could have happened but also hates that Carrie might see him as weak. Carrie feels for him but she has a kid to worry about and as Finn says once that trust is gone it’s very difficult to go forward and get that back.
The thing about Fractured Lines is that Jen McLaughlin writes Finn’s PTSD in such an authentic way that the reader can’t blame Carrie for her reactions but can’t blame Finn for what’s happening either. The back and forth between them could have become monotonous but it doesn’t because it’s real. People say things they don’t mean. People lose trust, have to gain it back. But this book might be one of the best examples of how sometimes stuff just happens and it’s no one’s fault. Finn isn’t being weak. Carrie isn’t being a whiny harpy. It’s life.
When Finn “slips up” Carrie goes into Mom-mode. She loves Finn, doesn’t want to lose him but has to protect her family, her daughter who has no one else to do it. But it takes a lot of work to get things that you want most back.
Fractured Lines made me laugh, “that V that makes smart girls dumb.” Epic truth right there. It has it’s steamy which you expect from Jen McLaughlin. I mean Finn reading to you from a hot romance novel then doing exactly what he read is one of the most “yes, please” situations out there. But it also makes you feel. Even when I saw things coming, I felt horrible when they actually happened. What I loved most was that while drama was happening, changes needed to be made and help needed to be found, Finn and Carrie always thought of it in terms of us. It wasn’t Finn. And. Carrie. It was Finn and Carrie. They wanted to make things better together. Even when they say they want to give up, they don’t really want to give up.
I think my favorite scene in the entire book was between Finn and Riley. Finn needed Riley in that moment and Riley knew exactly what to say to force Finn to get his head out of his ass to get his family back where they needed to be.
And yes. At one point there was an odd burning sensation in the back of my eyes. I’m not a crier. Very few books have made me cry in my life so I know it wasn’t the start of that. It’s been determined that I suffer from allergies and needed to take a benedryl.
Yeah, someone could say that Carrie and Finn already had their HEA, which is true, they got that in the last book. But the thing about life is that Happily Ever After doesn’t usually come easily. Sometimes you have to fight tooth and nail to keep your HEA. To keep your love going. And this is especially true with someone dealing with PTSD. PTSD can be a lifelong struggle. You don’t go in “get fixed” and everything is sunshine and unicorn babies from there on out. Anything can bring it back.
Fractured Lines did a great job giving all the feels. All of them. Can't wait for Riley's book. Love him!
Also, it's hard to write reviews without spoilers. Sheesh.
May 12, 2015
Review coming soon!
November 11, 2014
PEPPER'S REVIEW
FRACTURED LINES is the 4th book in the OUT OF LINE series. However, it can totally be read as a standalone. I haven't read any in this series (which will be rectified immediately) and the book read fine for me. I just need more, so I'm totally going back to read the rest. So...
God Dammit. I don't even know how I'm alive to write this review right now. Because this book murdered me.
AKA - So. Hugging. Good.
Let me explain, or try to.
If you've read my reviews, you know I am not into writing real wordy and flowy descriptions of my feels. I often try to be funny and swear a lot and talk a lot about sex. And of course our staple here at ARR is to use GIFs to attempt at getting you to become part of the hilarity that is our friendship...
But, this book. It did something to my wit. It made me cry. Like about my own life. Hard. And for a long period of time. I'm not going to forget about this for, probably ever. Like, this review is basically a journal entry and a thank you note (of sorts) to JenMac for helping me release a lot of heartache.
OK. I know, I know:
And you're all probably going:
I'm trying...
So I'm in this weird place in my personal life, which made this book extremely emotional for me. And obviously judging by the lack of anything intelligent that has been said; it REALLY hit me hard. JenMac takes this HEA marriage and turns it into this raw, gripping insanity. And we see what life should be about (at least for me) for two people owning each other's whole being: LOVE. and passion. and soul mates. and best friends. and the absolute WANT to do what's right. and the NEED for someone. and actually not walking away. and putting the other person first so as to make things right.
Finn is a man. And he messed up bad. And, my God, how do you come back from that? But he's amazing and beautiful. And his intense love and need for Carrie is all encompassing. Like it tore me apart and then I just felt hope that it can be real? Finn's mess up is also something that hits directly at home for me. So the way that this was written - JenMac KNOWS what's up. I mean, just the conversation between Finn and Carrie when things go down. Was, SO REAL.
*sidebar - this book is written so well. This woman knows how to write. The dialogue and the inner voice. All of it. It felt just like my life. And all I can do is give you another GIF on how that made me feel:
It just felt like she was in my head...
And Carrie. When I recover, I'm going to read this again (and probably again) to get some pointers. This girl does not back down. And what she went through? Just the way the chapter read out when she finds out about Finn's fuck up. Holy shit. I was her. I felt all of it. She's not weak. And she doesn't bend - at first. And I respected and loved her for that. She was putting herself and her family first. We all need a lesson in that at times, I think. Carrie inspired me. Honest to God.
OK, even though this is the weirdest, most honest review I've written. I have to talk about the sex. Because, Jesus. I'm tearing up. What the hell did you do to me JenMac??? I just don't even know what to say. Because obviously it wasn't JUST sex. And, God, dare I say it was making love? Nope. It wasn't even that. It was like I need to get inside of every part of you. and not the "hot" kind of inside. But like becoming one person. I suck at this. But it almost felt ethereal for me. So, so amazing.
What this...
...interesting review is basically saying is: read this fucking book. All of it. 3 times. It may not hit you like it did me. But it is the hands down BEST writing I've ever read in regard to addiction and fighting for a relationship. I did NOT want to put this book down. But I had to. Because it made me feel too much. But I'm weirdly grateful for it. You know when you need that hysteria release?
Just read it.
March 8, 2017
Finn e Carrie. Una storia dolcissima, bellissima. Questa novella è stata un piacevole epilogo dell'epilogo, passatemi il gioco di parole. L'amore non sempre salva tutto e aggiusta tutto, ma è una buona base di partenza.
Consigliatissimi, tutti e quattro i libri.
Consigliatissimi, tutti e quattro i libri.
October 27, 2014
I love romance novels – probably more than I love reading any other genre of books. I’m one of those girls who keep re-reading the end of romance novels to see how the boy finally gets the girl. I’m one of those girls who love the angst the characters go through and eventually, their personal epiphanies as they realise that they’d be so much less miserable if they were with their significant others.
But with Jen McLaughlin’s Fractured Lines, I found myself sighing and sniffling every time the characters floundered and fell. There was hope for them—so much hope—but there was also a sense of loss of trust in each other.
Finn and Carrie are in love, but there’s too much shit happening to them, all at once, that they’re finding too difficult to deal with. An ex-marine with PTSD refusing to seek help, and his wife of eight years (who is a shrink) who cannot help but treat him as one of her patients.
Or so Finn thinks.
Fractured Lines is a manic fest of angst – on crack! There were moments I truly felt like this was the end for Finn and Carrie but they’d pull through and I’d be relieved. Temporarily, of course because it seemed like trouble found these two at every turn.
Finn was selfish and a liar but he was also vulnerable because of his recent trauma and almost obsessively in love with Carrie. She was both his weakness and his salvation.
With Finn’s PTSD and his stubborn refusal to seek help, there was a point in the book where I actually wondered why Carrie even bothered with him anymore. Sure they were crazy in love with each other but Carrie was a mother and Finn had been careless with their child.
The last 20% was as stressful as it was heartbreaking. Too many chances of an end and after an unexpected death scare, my heart was in my throat and I couldn’t breathe—I was so scared.
And the end? Fucking worth the pseudo air-hunger.
Finn and Carrie were a kind of couple that revolved around each like the Earth and the Moon—too close and yet, too far. Fractured Lines was literary brilliance and it can make you feel everything these characters go through—love, pain and of course, the theme of this book – hope.
Note: Fractured Lines is #4 in the Out of Line series but can be read as a standalone.
Find this review and more at Rhea's Neon Journal
October 27, 2014
2.5-3 stars
Oh man...
I guess I was expecting a little more from this book.
I wanted Carrie to have more of a tough love / backbone approach with Finn's issues.
Her being a therapist herself... And being in the condition she was in.... She was just not doing it for me.
She needed to insist right from the start & put down the ultimatum and a time frame... For Finn to get help... If he wanted to stay with her and his daughter.
It was just so crazy!!
And I'm sorry... I wasn't feeling the whole BDSM scene in the cabin. They were never like that in the other books... It just seemed out of place... Considering where they were emotionally...in there relationship!
Maybe I would have been ok with it if they were in a good place in their marriage.. Being married for 8yrs.. Spicing things up... I would have been all for it.
But, they weren't... I think that's where the problem lies for me.
And I wasn't feeling the whole threat plot on Carrie. That whole story line just seemed out of place...
I wish this book had just been about Finn's problem & fixing their marriage.
Once the dr told Finn about Carrie in the hospital... I was done...
Totally unnecessary this whole book. This book just ruined it for me. I loved these characters. Flaws and all.. But this book...
Idk...
Just pissed me off.
I should have never read this book at all.
It was all unnecessary drama.
Should have just been about marital issues not all the drama that went on.
Ughhh... I'm so pissed...
The ending of this book...
Was just to cute. For all the drama that went on... I just felt it was all to fast towards the end.
Oh man...
I guess I was expecting a little more from this book.
I wanted Carrie to have more of a tough love / backbone approach with Finn's issues.
Her being a therapist herself... And being in the condition she was in.... She was just not doing it for me.
She needed to insist right from the start & put down the ultimatum and a time frame... For Finn to get help... If he wanted to stay with her and his daughter.
It was just so crazy!!
And I'm sorry... I wasn't feeling the whole BDSM scene in the cabin. They were never like that in the other books... It just seemed out of place... Considering where they were emotionally...in there relationship!
Maybe I would have been ok with it if they were in a good place in their marriage.. Being married for 8yrs.. Spicing things up... I would have been all for it.
But, they weren't... I think that's where the problem lies for me.
And I wasn't feeling the whole threat plot on Carrie. That whole story line just seemed out of place...
I wish this book had just been about Finn's problem & fixing their marriage.
Once the dr told Finn about Carrie in the hospital... I was done...
Totally unnecessary this whole book. This book just ruined it for me. I loved these characters. Flaws and all.. But this book...
Idk...
Just pissed me off.
I should have never read this book at all.
It was all unnecessary drama.
Should have just been about marital issues not all the drama that went on.
Ughhh... I'm so pissed...
The ending of this book...
Was just to cute. For all the drama that went on... I just felt it was all to fast towards the end.
November 18, 2014
I have missed Finn and Carrie. Fast forward time and we find them back in a place neither can handle and rocky wouldn’t even begin to describe the terrain.
This book had a very different feel, more sexual, more anger, more pain perhaps? The description of Finn’s PTSD is so clear. His pain broke my heart. But again why not bring Carrie in, why hold er so far away and allow the rift to grow?
Don’t get me started on Carrie. She drove me crazy! Not because she is a therapist, not because she is scared, but with the way she is so completely untrusting and seems ready to walk away. Past behavior doesn’t always predict future behavior. She comes across as so immature that I found it difficult to care about her. What she goes through is unimaginable, but instead of growing together and finding the strength in each other she pushes him away. Not so cool, where are those vows? What about the promises? If everything she is afraid of is true, then maybe she shouldn’t be with Finn??
There were still many tears for me as a reader. Who doesn’t want a HEA for the characters that have come to mean so much? But the connection between Finn and Carrie was tenuous at best for me. The sex was awkward and the story line stilted, so much painful push and pull. Story felt incomplete, yet gave some closure to their pain.
This book had a very different feel, more sexual, more anger, more pain perhaps? The description of Finn’s PTSD is so clear. His pain broke my heart. But again why not bring Carrie in, why hold er so far away and allow the rift to grow?
Don’t get me started on Carrie. She drove me crazy! Not because she is a therapist, not because she is scared, but with the way she is so completely untrusting and seems ready to walk away. Past behavior doesn’t always predict future behavior. She comes across as so immature that I found it difficult to care about her. What she goes through is unimaginable, but instead of growing together and finding the strength in each other she pushes him away. Not so cool, where are those vows? What about the promises? If everything she is afraid of is true, then maybe she shouldn’t be with Finn??
There were still many tears for me as a reader. Who doesn’t want a HEA for the characters that have come to mean so much? But the connection between Finn and Carrie was tenuous at best for me. The sex was awkward and the story line stilted, so much painful push and pull. Story felt incomplete, yet gave some closure to their pain.
October 24, 2014
I haven't read any of Jen's books previously so I was worried knowing this was a standalone of a line of her books. I am telling you there was absolutely no reason to worry. In fact, I read this book in one sitting because I couldn't put it down and now need to read the rest!
I loved this story. It was real. It was not a sappy romance or all about sex. It was like a real life marital struggle that you get to witness. Jen had amazing character development in this story and even though it was set in the present, you were still able to walk away from the book knowing the history too.
The storyline was like a typical marital situation and was funny to read at some points and frustrating at others because you could tell it was about communication or lack of. Then again, isn't that one of the number one problems in marriage anyways? The irony, is Carrie is a therapist. You read her struggles on balancing work, family, and Finn's struggles. Finn comes across like the typical male that just doesn't want to deal with the situation and thinking it'll all be better if not there or if handled his way.
I highly recommend this book and it can be read as a stand alone with out giving away ties to the others in the series, which is a major bonus for me.
I loved this story. It was real. It was not a sappy romance or all about sex. It was like a real life marital struggle that you get to witness. Jen had amazing character development in this story and even though it was set in the present, you were still able to walk away from the book knowing the history too.
The storyline was like a typical marital situation and was funny to read at some points and frustrating at others because you could tell it was about communication or lack of. Then again, isn't that one of the number one problems in marriage anyways? The irony, is Carrie is a therapist. You read her struggles on balancing work, family, and Finn's struggles. Finn comes across like the typical male that just doesn't want to deal with the situation and thinking it'll all be better if not there or if handled his way.
I highly recommend this book and it can be read as a stand alone with out giving away ties to the others in the series, which is a major bonus for me.
March 11, 2019
Rant and Spoiler
.
.
Finn is an ass! Ok, maybe at the beginning. I get the PTSD and the fact that he thought to be unworthy of love but after 8 years he could have learnt something.
Later on....
Carrie is an ass! She says that he has to leave, that "this" isn't love, that she can't do this anymore and she can't trust him and let him be part of their family BUT when he does her exact inner thoughts then suddenly she is the victim of abandonment.
They are a walking/talking contradiction so freaking inmature that they seem to be teens instead of adults.
And even though I did cry a few times, it wasn't as an emotional trip as the others were.
This was too sappy.
3 stars
.
.
Finn is an ass! Ok, maybe at the beginning. I get the PTSD and the fact that he thought to be unworthy of love but after 8 years he could have learnt something.
Later on....
Carrie is an ass! She says that he has to leave, that "this" isn't love, that she can't do this anymore and she can't trust him and let him be part of their family BUT when he does her exact inner thoughts then suddenly she is the victim of abandonment.
They are a walking/talking contradiction so freaking inmature that they seem to be teens instead of adults.
And even though I did cry a few times, it wasn't as an emotional trip as the others were.
This was too sappy.
3 stars
January 23, 2015
This book felt like an afterthought, like the author originally planned on three but saw the success of them and decided.. "what the hell, let's extend it!"
Nah...let's not. The plot felt repetitive to what the couple had already overcome in previous books, the characters seemed immature and honestly there wasn't a real sense of the couple actually working through their issues. The ending was needed so the author sugarcoated it all and rushed it.
Not something I would read again.
Nah...let's not. The plot felt repetitive to what the couple had already overcome in previous books, the characters seemed immature and honestly there wasn't a real sense of the couple actually working through their issues. The ending was needed so the author sugarcoated it all and rushed it.
Not something I would read again.
October 5, 2014
This is the first and only book I read in the Out of line series. But I can say that I did not feel lost. Some things are told in this book of what happened in the previous enough to get an idea of what was going on. I gather these two went through quite a lot together before getting their HEA.
You can find my full review here:
http://snoopydoosbookreviews.com/?p=123
You can find my full review here:
http://snoopydoosbookreviews.com/?p=123
October 3, 2014
Full review to come...
January 7, 2015
Could have done without it. Loved how book3 ended but this book was unnecessary drama.
February 17, 2015
There hasn't been a couple since Liv and Dean that deserved a HEA more! What a fantastic journey to take with these two!
January 19, 2015
My Finn & Carrie...sigh...
December 22, 2017
#POSSIBILI SPOILER#
________________________________________
"Ora so che la fiducia è più facile da perdere che da conquistare."
Ho cominciato a leggere questo ennesimo capitolo della serie Out of line, con un pizzico di scetticismo, chiedendomi in tutta onestà cosa ci fosse ancora da dire su Finn e Carrie dopo l'epilogo dell'ultimo libro.
Non ho cambiato completamente idea. In corso d'opera ho apprezzato alcuni aspetti della narrazione e in fondo rileggere della spumeggiante quanto problematica coppia è sempre un piacere, ma a volte il troppo stroppia.
E' sicuramente vero che una coppia durante il percorso di vita insieme si ritrova ad affronatare varie difficoltà. Messi costantemente alla prova ed in varie circostanze, si ha l'impressione che tutto quello che si è costruito possa sgretolarsi inevitabilbente.
Sono proprio queste le sensazioni a cui deve far fronte Carrie quando i vecchi demoni che hanno tormentato Finn nel recente passato, tornano con tutta la loro spaventosa forza distruttiva. In seguito ad un incidente automobilistico, l'ex soldato ripiomba tra i demoni della dipendenza da farmaci e gli incubi causati dal disturbo post-traumatico da stress di cui ha sorfetto in passato, affollano le sue notti insonni. Non avrebbe dovuto tradire la mia fiducia… tante, troppe volte. L’avevo sempre perdonato senza battere ciglio, ma ora aveva passato il segno.
Sfortunatamente Carrie scopre il segreto che il marito le nasconde e di fronte all'ennesima verità negata è costretta a prendere una drastica decisione. In ballo non c'è solamente il loro amore. Adesso hanno una famiglia, hanno costruito una progettualità insieme fondata sulla fiducia e il rispetto recipro. Ma cosa accade quando la fiducia viene meno?
Finn come il classico "tossicomane" nega di avere bisogno d'aiuto, convinto che solo l'amore della sua donna possa salvarlo. Ma Carrie non si fida più, adesso che è una psicoterapeuta comprende bene che l'amore da solo non è sufficiente, soprattutto quando i ruoli di moglie e di terapeuta assumono confini sempre più sfumati.
Non avevo bisogno di un’altra analista nella mia vita per guarire. Avevo bisogno di lei. Se fosse rimasta con me ci sarei riuscito. Insieme a lei avrei superato qualsiasi ostacolo. Se mi avesse tenuto tra le braccia, mi avrebbe visto guarire. Mi avrebbe fatto guarire.
Emergono malumori, parole non dette, pensieri nascosti che avvelenano la coppia ad ogni scontro, e prima che tutto possa andare in pezzi, un auito provvidenziale cercherà di fare da pacere, affinchè torni a splendere il sole su Carrie e Finn.
Non è finita certamente qui, altrimenti vi avrei raccontato tutto il libro. Altri nemici minacciano la serentà dell coppia e anche se Carrie non ha più fiducia in lui, Finn ha giurato di proteggere la donna che ama fino alla fine dei suoi giorni.
La felicità che rinasce dalla crisi. Un sole che torna lentamente a risplendere. Nubi che si diradano faticosamente e una circostanza che inaspettatamente legherà ancora più profondamente i nostri protagonisti.
"Le tirai indietro i capelli e la baciai sulla fronte. Chiusi gli occhi e respirai il suo odore ancora una volta. Sapeva di sole e di felicità. Era tutto quello che avevo sempre voluto nella vita… e anche di più."
Come vi accennavo sopra, divorerete letteralmente il libro, perchè lo stile è quello inconfondibilmente fresco e scorrevole della McLaughlin che fa scorerre le pagine a ritmo serrato. Vi ritroverete ad aver terminato il libro stupiti che sia passata solo qualche ora. Il punto di vista alternato ci offre uno spaccato dei differenti approcci alla crisi, elemento imprescindibile per dare esaustività, quando si affronta una tematica come quella della relazione d'aiuto e della dipendenza. Il tocco piccante non è eccessivo ma piacevole. Non mancano passaggi pregni di intensa tribolazione che stringono il cuore del lettore in una morsa, ma...
Un epilogo secondo me era sufficiente.
October 10, 2017
Piccola novella che proprio novella non è.
Troviamo i nostri Carrie e Finn, ormai quasi trentenni alle prese con la famiglia, una bimba piccola e con i problemi di un passato che pensavano di aver oltrepassato.
I disturbi da stress post-traumatici sono sempre in agguato, basta un niente per cadere nuovamente nelle vecchie cattive abitudini ma quando hai l'amore tutto sembra molto più facile.
Litigi, parole grosse e un'assenza totale di comunicazione porta i nostri protagonisti al punto di alcuni anni prima, dove entrambi pensavano di doversi lasciare per stare meglio. Ma non è così.
L'amore è il punto da cui si deve partire sempre per oltrepassare ogni ostacolo e per venirsi incontro anche quando tutto sembra perduto, e i nostri Finn e Carrie l'hanno capito.
Quando si intravede l'ennesima minaccia per la figlia del senatore Wallington, Finn è pronto a trasformarsi di nuovo nella sua guardia del corpo, mettendo da parte i suoi demoni ma soprattutto quando questa minaccia diventa realtà tutto si rimette in gioco.
Una storia carina, da leggere al termine della storia principale che ci lascia vedere il loro futuro, e che ci fa capire che i problemi non smettono mai di esserci.
Quattro stelline e mezzo.
Troviamo i nostri Carrie e Finn, ormai quasi trentenni alle prese con la famiglia, una bimba piccola e con i problemi di un passato che pensavano di aver oltrepassato.
I disturbi da stress post-traumatici sono sempre in agguato, basta un niente per cadere nuovamente nelle vecchie cattive abitudini ma quando hai l'amore tutto sembra molto più facile.
Litigi, parole grosse e un'assenza totale di comunicazione porta i nostri protagonisti al punto di alcuni anni prima, dove entrambi pensavano di doversi lasciare per stare meglio. Ma non è così.
L'amore è il punto da cui si deve partire sempre per oltrepassare ogni ostacolo e per venirsi incontro anche quando tutto sembra perduto, e i nostri Finn e Carrie l'hanno capito.
Quando si intravede l'ennesima minaccia per la figlia del senatore Wallington, Finn è pronto a trasformarsi di nuovo nella sua guardia del corpo, mettendo da parte i suoi demoni ma soprattutto quando questa minaccia diventa realtà tutto si rimette in gioco.
Una storia carina, da leggere al termine della storia principale che ci lascia vedere il loro futuro, e che ci fa capire che i problemi non smettono mai di esserci.
Quattro stelline e mezzo.
March 16, 2022
4.5
Jen McLaughlin è una conferma: il romanzo tratta un argomento difficile da descrivere e capire, eppure entri perfettamente nei pensieri di una persona che soffre di un disturbo del genere. Ogni scena è decritta nel dettaglio e di sequenza in sequenza la storia prende vita da sola e ti impedisce
smettere di leggere.
I colpi di scena non mancano e la lettura scorre veloce e intensa. Questa volta la storia assume connotati ancora più sensuali di quelli precedenti, tant'è che puoi toccare con mano il fatto che adesso Carrie e Finn non abbiano più vent'anni e siano cresciuti davvero insieme.
Il tocco della McLaughlin è presente in ogni pagina e non puoi fare a meno di apprezzare il suo stile e il modo indimenticabile in cui tratta ogni situazione. Suspense e romanticismo colorarono il romanzo di una venatura di malinconia e tristezza, ma il finale ci regala non poche sorprese..
Ho amato questo ultimo capitolo di Carrie e Finn e posso solo dire che deve essere letto
Jen McLaughlin è una conferma: il romanzo tratta un argomento difficile da descrivere e capire, eppure entri perfettamente nei pensieri di una persona che soffre di un disturbo del genere. Ogni scena è decritta nel dettaglio e di sequenza in sequenza la storia prende vita da sola e ti impedisce
smettere di leggere.
I colpi di scena non mancano e la lettura scorre veloce e intensa. Questa volta la storia assume connotati ancora più sensuali di quelli precedenti, tant'è che puoi toccare con mano il fatto che adesso Carrie e Finn non abbiano più vent'anni e siano cresciuti davvero insieme.
Il tocco della McLaughlin è presente in ogni pagina e non puoi fare a meno di apprezzare il suo stile e il modo indimenticabile in cui tratta ogni situazione. Suspense e romanticismo colorarono il romanzo di una venatura di malinconia e tristezza, ma il finale ci regala non poche sorprese..
Ho amato questo ultimo capitolo di Carrie e Finn e posso solo dire che deve essere letto
September 22, 2017
Faccio un unica recensione per questa serie composta da 4 libri che parla di Carrie e Finn, stavolta, devo dire che trovo lei eccezionale, ha una tale forza d'animo da invidiare, per non parlare della sua capacità di perdono, Finn e Carrie dopo questo quarto libro si completano, e sono decisamente una di quelle coppie che ti fanno venire un infarto ogni capitolo.
July 10, 2017
Ugh, the tortured rehash. I can't stand it when stories do this. And it's a novella too, which means there's barely time for the angst to start before the story is being quickly wrapped up and winded down. Didn't enjoy this that much. I bet I will like Riley's story next though.
May 20, 2016
Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls
Otto anni son trascorsi da quando Carrie e Finn si son conosciuti, anni in cui i due hanno sopportato alti e bassi, hanno capito che in due ogni sofferenza risulta essere meno pesante, quasi come se una mano amica ci sostenesse e supportasse.
E questa mano, metaforicamente parlando, è Carrie.
Insieme i due hanno affrontato ogni sfida che il destino ha messo loro avanti, o almeno così credevano.
Avevamo lasciato i nostri beniamini con il loro lieto fine da vivere e, in questo capitolo, li ritroviamo di fronte ad un altro problema, un qualcosa che mai Carrie si sarebbe aspettata.
Due spoiler, due, e non ve ne farò altri. ( Non so bene se si possano definire così, visto che ne verrete a conoscenza nei primi uno o due capitoli)
Ormai al quadretto della famiglia Coram si è aggiunto un nuovo soggetto, una nuova vita ormai fa parte della loro routine da tempo, la piccola Susan.
Quando tutto sembrava andare per il meglio, un incidente ha portato nella vita di Finn i vecchi demoni che popolavano il suo passato, mettendo a rischio ogni cosa.
Nonostante abbia cercato con ogni sua forza di combattere i fantasmi che, come canti di sirene, lo trascinavano in un buio senza uscita, Finn si ritrova davanti ad un bivio: continuare a soffrire, combattendo le urla dei morti che albergano nei suoi sogni e nella sua veglia, o cercare di attenuare il tutto con le pastiglie, senza ricorrere ad un aiuto da parte di persone competenti.
«Io voglio guarire. Lo voglio».
E lo volevo sul serio.
Semplicemente non eravamo d’accordo su cosa fare per raggiungere l’obiettivo.
Lei pensava che io avessi bisogno di uno strizzacervelli.
Per me, bastava lei.
Perché non potevamo essere d’accordo sul fatto di non essere d’accordo?
In fin dei conti, guarire era la cosa più importante.
E io sarei guarito. In un certo senso ero già guarito.
Si sa, il matrimonio non è solo fatto di compromessi e di doveri, di piaceri e supporto, ma si basa anche sull'onestà, e questo Finn e Carrie se l'erano promesso, si erano impegnati a fare in modo che uno potesse essere il porto sicuro dell'altro.
Basta però una singola decisione sbagliata a portare alla luce tutti i vecchi timori della ragazza, la paura che il suo amore non possa bastare e, cosa ancora più importante, che i demoni di suo marito siano sempre più forti, pronti a rendere la loro vita un inferno.
E' bastata una singola decisione e tutto ciò che avevano costruito insieme è stato messo a dura prova, come se un uragano si fosse abbattuto su di loro, senza però intaccare la loro volontà di esserci, di prendersi reciprocamente cura l'uno dell'altra.
«Non è difficile, basta dirlo: “Io non voglio più stare con te, Finn. Abbiamo chiuso”». Sì, sarebbe stata meglio senza di me. Scosse la testa più forte. «No, non è così. Non è finita tra noi. Susan ha bisogno di suo padre, io ho bisogno di mio marito, ma l’uomo di cui abbiamo bisogno non è quello che ho davanti a me in questo momento. Stai naufragando. Ma tutto quello di cui hai bisogno è un piccolo aiuto per tornare a riva. Se solo tu fossi disposto ad accettarlo, se solo ti rendessi conto di ciò che davvero vuoi e lo trasformassi in…». Sbattei la bottiglia sul piano con tanta, troppa forza. Carrie trasalì. «Io so quello che voglio. Io voglio te».
Cosa succederebbe, però, se l'errore commesso non fosse uno, ma bensì due?
Basta un attimo, veloce quanto il battito delle ciglia, per creare un danno capace di ripercuotersi sulla vita della famiglia Coram in un modo che mai si sarebbero aspettati, perché lo dico?
Perché è, e sarà sempre così, che le cose che mai vorremmo accadessero a volte capitino proprio nei momenti in cui noi non siamo presenti, facendoci rimpiangere la nostra assenza per molto tempo.
Quest'ultima frase penso rappresenti al meglio il mio pensiero su questo libro che, benché non sia voluminoso, è stato un colpo di scena unico, al punto che quando finalmente riprendevo fiato mi ritrovavo subito dopo a trattenerlo, pregando con tutto il cuore di sbagliarmi.
Benché abbia sempre amato Fin, una cosa devo dirla: mai ho imparato a conoscerlo come in questo libro, a capire le battaglie che ogni giorno ha dovuto affrontare, e non tiratemi fuori il detto che la vita sia sempre una battaglia per tutti.
Non è vero, per alcuni io credo sia come un continuo viaggio all'Inferno, dove quei brevi attimi di respiro diventano sempre meno frequenti, perché anche se le ferite si rimarginano, le cicatrici negli animi delle persone impiegano più tempo per fare in modo che ciò avvenga, proprio come per Finn, come per tutte quelle persone che han visto la morte troppe volte nella loro breve esistenza.
Otto anni son trascorsi da quando Carrie e Finn si son conosciuti, anni in cui i due hanno sopportato alti e bassi, hanno capito che in due ogni sofferenza risulta essere meno pesante, quasi come se una mano amica ci sostenesse e supportasse.
E questa mano, metaforicamente parlando, è Carrie.
Insieme i due hanno affrontato ogni sfida che il destino ha messo loro avanti, o almeno così credevano.
Avevamo lasciato i nostri beniamini con il loro lieto fine da vivere e, in questo capitolo, li ritroviamo di fronte ad un altro problema, un qualcosa che mai Carrie si sarebbe aspettata.
Due spoiler, due, e non ve ne farò altri. ( Non so bene se si possano definire così, visto che ne verrete a conoscenza nei primi uno o due capitoli)
Ormai al quadretto della famiglia Coram si è aggiunto un nuovo soggetto, una nuova vita ormai fa parte della loro routine da tempo, la piccola Susan.
Quando tutto sembrava andare per il meglio, un incidente ha portato nella vita di Finn i vecchi demoni che popolavano il suo passato, mettendo a rischio ogni cosa.
Nonostante abbia cercato con ogni sua forza di combattere i fantasmi che, come canti di sirene, lo trascinavano in un buio senza uscita, Finn si ritrova davanti ad un bivio: continuare a soffrire, combattendo le urla dei morti che albergano nei suoi sogni e nella sua veglia, o cercare di attenuare il tutto con le pastiglie, senza ricorrere ad un aiuto da parte di persone competenti.
«Io voglio guarire. Lo voglio».
E lo volevo sul serio.
Semplicemente non eravamo d’accordo su cosa fare per raggiungere l’obiettivo.
Lei pensava che io avessi bisogno di uno strizzacervelli.
Per me, bastava lei.
Perché non potevamo essere d’accordo sul fatto di non essere d’accordo?
In fin dei conti, guarire era la cosa più importante.
E io sarei guarito. In un certo senso ero già guarito.
Si sa, il matrimonio non è solo fatto di compromessi e di doveri, di piaceri e supporto, ma si basa anche sull'onestà, e questo Finn e Carrie se l'erano promesso, si erano impegnati a fare in modo che uno potesse essere il porto sicuro dell'altro.
Basta però una singola decisione sbagliata a portare alla luce tutti i vecchi timori della ragazza, la paura che il suo amore non possa bastare e, cosa ancora più importante, che i demoni di suo marito siano sempre più forti, pronti a rendere la loro vita un inferno.
E' bastata una singola decisione e tutto ciò che avevano costruito insieme è stato messo a dura prova, come se un uragano si fosse abbattuto su di loro, senza però intaccare la loro volontà di esserci, di prendersi reciprocamente cura l'uno dell'altra.
«Non è difficile, basta dirlo: “Io non voglio più stare con te, Finn. Abbiamo chiuso”». Sì, sarebbe stata meglio senza di me. Scosse la testa più forte. «No, non è così. Non è finita tra noi. Susan ha bisogno di suo padre, io ho bisogno di mio marito, ma l’uomo di cui abbiamo bisogno non è quello che ho davanti a me in questo momento. Stai naufragando. Ma tutto quello di cui hai bisogno è un piccolo aiuto per tornare a riva. Se solo tu fossi disposto ad accettarlo, se solo ti rendessi conto di ciò che davvero vuoi e lo trasformassi in…». Sbattei la bottiglia sul piano con tanta, troppa forza. Carrie trasalì. «Io so quello che voglio. Io voglio te».
Cosa succederebbe, però, se l'errore commesso non fosse uno, ma bensì due?
Basta un attimo, veloce quanto il battito delle ciglia, per creare un danno capace di ripercuotersi sulla vita della famiglia Coram in un modo che mai si sarebbero aspettati, perché lo dico?
Perché è, e sarà sempre così, che le cose che mai vorremmo accadessero a volte capitino proprio nei momenti in cui noi non siamo presenti, facendoci rimpiangere la nostra assenza per molto tempo.
Quest'ultima frase penso rappresenti al meglio il mio pensiero su questo libro che, benché non sia voluminoso, è stato un colpo di scena unico, al punto che quando finalmente riprendevo fiato mi ritrovavo subito dopo a trattenerlo, pregando con tutto il cuore di sbagliarmi.
Benché abbia sempre amato Fin, una cosa devo dirla: mai ho imparato a conoscerlo come in questo libro, a capire le battaglie che ogni giorno ha dovuto affrontare, e non tiratemi fuori il detto che la vita sia sempre una battaglia per tutti.
Non è vero, per alcuni io credo sia come un continuo viaggio all'Inferno, dove quei brevi attimi di respiro diventano sempre meno frequenti, perché anche se le ferite si rimarginano, le cicatrici negli animi delle persone impiegano più tempo per fare in modo che ciò avvenga, proprio come per Finn, come per tutte quelle persone che han visto la morte troppe volte nella loro breve esistenza.
October 31, 2023
This was a re-read for me, and it still held up as a decent read for me. I liked the book and the story. I hate that it was broken up into so many books, so stupid.
February 9, 2017
Salve lettrici,
Questa settimana sono stata super occupata con la serie Out of line di Jen McLaughlin e che dire.. settimana meravigliosa esprime bene il concetto?
Oggi vi parlo di " Mi manchi tu", quarto e ultimo capitolo della serie. Finn e Carrie avevano avuto il loro lieto fine. Avevano lottano, sofferto e amato, ma cavolo se avevano vinto. L'autrice aveva concluso la trilogia in maniera perfetta, divina, e io avevo versato più di qualche lacrima. Ho amato i protagonisti pagina per pagina e lasciarli è stato un duro colpo. Ma l'autrice Jen McLaughlin che fa? Mi regala un sogno e scrive un ultimo capitolo. Lo dedica a noi fan, e non smetterò mai di ringraziare lei e la casa editrice Netwon Compton per averlo tradotto per noi.
"Lei era la mia salvezza. E la mia rovina."
Così per un'ultima volta entriamo nel loro mondo, e per un'ultima volta percepiamo il loro amore immenso.
La storia, ripeto, era perfetta così, e questo capitolo è stato amore puro misto a sofferenza. Insomma, avrei preferito che l'autrice non mi facesse soffrire ancora, e che non facesse soffrire loro. Ma sono autolesionista, e sono felice di aver letto ancora di loro. Finn dopo un incidente stradale ha una ricaduta, e i suoi incubi tornano a galla. Ogni rumore, ogni sparo, e ogni morte si fa strada nei suoi ricordi, nella sua testa, e lo distrugge. Ma non sono solo gli incubi a tornare in superficie, ma torna anche la sua dipendenza dall'alcol, dalle medicine e dalle bugie. Carrie non si fida più di lui e, invece di stargli vicino, lo allontana. Il loro amore sappiamo già quanto è forte e vero, e sappiamo che è capace di superare tutto. Ma se loro non volessero più quel tipo di amore? Bugie e malintesi li accompagnano per tutta la saga e il dolore che provocano é forte, sopratutto questa volta che in gioco c'è molto di più: in gioco c'è la vita della loro famiglia, di Susan, la loro bellissima bambina dai capelli rossi.
"Tu sei la medicina di cui ho bisogno. Finché sarai qui con me, io starò bene."
Un incidente li ha divisi, un incidente li riavvicina. Finn e Carrie sono maturati molto nel corso degli anni e ora sono pronti per il loro lieto fine, quello vero. Spezzati e sofferenti, conquistano quella felicità che tanto è costata loro.
Questo libro è un regalo splendido, anche se quando penso al loro lieto fine li immagino esattamente come li avevamo lasciati in "Ogni Volta Che Sei Qui": immersi nel loro primo Natale con Susan, ad abbellire il loro albero. Era un finale perfetto perché rappresentava tutto ciò che ha sempre desiderato Finn, ma evidentemente quello non era il loro lieto fine, perché dopo quel giorno ne hanno affrontate ancora tante, e alcune ancora più dure di quelle passate, ma con la maturità e con l'amore che non li ha mai abbandonati hanno vinto la guerra contro l'infelicita, e hanno portato a casa la vittoria del loro lieto fine.
"Avevamo lottato per il nostro amore. Avevamo lottato l'uno per l'altro. E avevamo vinto."
Questo romanzo divino come i precedenti é la prova che la vita non è sempre facile, e quando pensiamo di aver vinto invece scopriamo che è solo l'inizio. Carrie e Finn sono la dimostrazione che ogni battaglia vinta vale il sudore e la sofferenza che ci mettiamo, sopratutto se ha vincere è il nostro cuore. Ora non ci resta che attendere la storia di Ryan e quella di Marie che l'autrice ci ha promesso, perché se c'è una cosa che mi ha fatto amare ancora di più questo libro è proprio il fatto che, nonostante entrambi siano migliori amici della coppia, in questo romanzo non scopriamo nulla del loro futuro e della loro vita privata. E io non vedo l'ora di conoscere il loro lieto fine.
"Nonostante tutto quello che avevamo passato eravamo sopravvissuti. Anzi eravamo vivi. La via non sarebbe mai stata facile, e avevamo tanti ostacoli da superare, lo sapevo. Ma l'amore.. L'amore aveva trionfato."
Buona lettura!
Questa settimana sono stata super occupata con la serie Out of line di Jen McLaughlin e che dire.. settimana meravigliosa esprime bene il concetto?
Oggi vi parlo di " Mi manchi tu", quarto e ultimo capitolo della serie. Finn e Carrie avevano avuto il loro lieto fine. Avevano lottano, sofferto e amato, ma cavolo se avevano vinto. L'autrice aveva concluso la trilogia in maniera perfetta, divina, e io avevo versato più di qualche lacrima. Ho amato i protagonisti pagina per pagina e lasciarli è stato un duro colpo. Ma l'autrice Jen McLaughlin che fa? Mi regala un sogno e scrive un ultimo capitolo. Lo dedica a noi fan, e non smetterò mai di ringraziare lei e la casa editrice Netwon Compton per averlo tradotto per noi.
"Lei era la mia salvezza. E la mia rovina."
Così per un'ultima volta entriamo nel loro mondo, e per un'ultima volta percepiamo il loro amore immenso.
La storia, ripeto, era perfetta così, e questo capitolo è stato amore puro misto a sofferenza. Insomma, avrei preferito che l'autrice non mi facesse soffrire ancora, e che non facesse soffrire loro. Ma sono autolesionista, e sono felice di aver letto ancora di loro. Finn dopo un incidente stradale ha una ricaduta, e i suoi incubi tornano a galla. Ogni rumore, ogni sparo, e ogni morte si fa strada nei suoi ricordi, nella sua testa, e lo distrugge. Ma non sono solo gli incubi a tornare in superficie, ma torna anche la sua dipendenza dall'alcol, dalle medicine e dalle bugie. Carrie non si fida più di lui e, invece di stargli vicino, lo allontana. Il loro amore sappiamo già quanto è forte e vero, e sappiamo che è capace di superare tutto. Ma se loro non volessero più quel tipo di amore? Bugie e malintesi li accompagnano per tutta la saga e il dolore che provocano é forte, sopratutto questa volta che in gioco c'è molto di più: in gioco c'è la vita della loro famiglia, di Susan, la loro bellissima bambina dai capelli rossi.
"Tu sei la medicina di cui ho bisogno. Finché sarai qui con me, io starò bene."
Un incidente li ha divisi, un incidente li riavvicina. Finn e Carrie sono maturati molto nel corso degli anni e ora sono pronti per il loro lieto fine, quello vero. Spezzati e sofferenti, conquistano quella felicità che tanto è costata loro.
Questo libro è un regalo splendido, anche se quando penso al loro lieto fine li immagino esattamente come li avevamo lasciati in "Ogni Volta Che Sei Qui": immersi nel loro primo Natale con Susan, ad abbellire il loro albero. Era un finale perfetto perché rappresentava tutto ciò che ha sempre desiderato Finn, ma evidentemente quello non era il loro lieto fine, perché dopo quel giorno ne hanno affrontate ancora tante, e alcune ancora più dure di quelle passate, ma con la maturità e con l'amore che non li ha mai abbandonati hanno vinto la guerra contro l'infelicita, e hanno portato a casa la vittoria del loro lieto fine.
"Avevamo lottato per il nostro amore. Avevamo lottato l'uno per l'altro. E avevamo vinto."
Questo romanzo divino come i precedenti é la prova che la vita non è sempre facile, e quando pensiamo di aver vinto invece scopriamo che è solo l'inizio. Carrie e Finn sono la dimostrazione che ogni battaglia vinta vale il sudore e la sofferenza che ci mettiamo, sopratutto se ha vincere è il nostro cuore. Ora non ci resta che attendere la storia di Ryan e quella di Marie che l'autrice ci ha promesso, perché se c'è una cosa che mi ha fatto amare ancora di più questo libro è proprio il fatto che, nonostante entrambi siano migliori amici della coppia, in questo romanzo non scopriamo nulla del loro futuro e della loro vita privata. E io non vedo l'ora di conoscere il loro lieto fine.
"Nonostante tutto quello che avevamo passato eravamo sopravvissuti. Anzi eravamo vivi. La via non sarebbe mai stata facile, e avevamo tanti ostacoli da superare, lo sapevo. Ma l'amore.. L'amore aveva trionfato."
Buona lettura!
April 4, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Fractured Lines is the fourth book in the Out of Line series by Jen McLaughlin. I have been a huge fan of this series since the very first book and couldn't wait to read this when I found out there was going to be more in this series. For those of you that haven't yet read the previous books, Fractured Lines can be read as a standalone. I would highly recommend starting at the beginning though to see everything that Carrie and Finn have already been through and how their story started, but it is not necessary to enjoy this book.
Finn and Carrie thought that they had been through the worst and that they were beginning their happily ever after. But a few years into their marriage, and they are realizing that just because you love one another it doesn't make things any easier. When an accident happens, Finn has a moment of weakness and makes a terrible mistake. Carrie finds herself unable to trust Finn, and knows that she loves Finn but that she needs to be strong. While Carrie wants nothing more than to stand by Finn's side and support him through everything, she has more than just herself to think about this time around and must do what is best for her family. Can Finn and Carrie get through the latest obstacle that life has thrown their way, or will this be what breaks them apart once and for all?
Finn and Carrie have such a special place in my heart and are one of my all times favorite couples. I have loved them from the very first book, and I have always felt like they had such an uphill battle to fight when it came to their relationship. They have been tested time and time again, and they always come out strong and steady because the love that they share is so deep. But in this book they have already been through so much and they now have a daughter. Carrie and Finn had some really tough things to face in this story both as a couple and as individuals. But this time things were so different because they really had to think of more than just the two of them. It was really hard to get through part of this book, and my heart broke for these two. Their love and chemistry was never in question, but it was really a matter of if they could get past everything that had happened.
I really loved that this book gave us a look at Finn and Carrie's relationship years into their HEA. I feel like most stories end just when they are actually starting. We often see the build up and are left with a neatly wrapped package, but life isn't like that. Marriage is tough and requires a lot of work, even for the most happy and stable of couples. So seeing Finn and Carrie dealing with real problems and working through issues that came up was so refreshing. It was painful and heartbreaking at times, but that is what made it so real. I love how Jen McLaughlin gave us this extra bit of their relationship and allowed us to see how Finn and Carrie had transitioned into the future from where we last left them. These characters and their struggles are so real and believable, and I think that there is really something that everyone can relate to with this series but especially with Fractured Lines. I definitely recommend this series, but I think that Fractured Lines is a book that anyone looking for real and deep emotional romance stories will enjoy. I am really excited about the next book in this series as well, and I can't wait to get to know Riley better. I really loved his character when he was first introduced and I am excited to see what Jen McLaughlin has in store for him.
**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**
Fractured Lines is the fourth book in the Out of Line series by Jen McLaughlin. I have been a huge fan of this series since the very first book and couldn't wait to read this when I found out there was going to be more in this series. For those of you that haven't yet read the previous books, Fractured Lines can be read as a standalone. I would highly recommend starting at the beginning though to see everything that Carrie and Finn have already been through and how their story started, but it is not necessary to enjoy this book.
Finn and Carrie thought that they had been through the worst and that they were beginning their happily ever after. But a few years into their marriage, and they are realizing that just because you love one another it doesn't make things any easier. When an accident happens, Finn has a moment of weakness and makes a terrible mistake. Carrie finds herself unable to trust Finn, and knows that she loves Finn but that she needs to be strong. While Carrie wants nothing more than to stand by Finn's side and support him through everything, she has more than just herself to think about this time around and must do what is best for her family. Can Finn and Carrie get through the latest obstacle that life has thrown their way, or will this be what breaks them apart once and for all?
Finn and Carrie have such a special place in my heart and are one of my all times favorite couples. I have loved them from the very first book, and I have always felt like they had such an uphill battle to fight when it came to their relationship. They have been tested time and time again, and they always come out strong and steady because the love that they share is so deep. But in this book they have already been through so much and they now have a daughter. Carrie and Finn had some really tough things to face in this story both as a couple and as individuals. But this time things were so different because they really had to think of more than just the two of them. It was really hard to get through part of this book, and my heart broke for these two. Their love and chemistry was never in question, but it was really a matter of if they could get past everything that had happened.
I really loved that this book gave us a look at Finn and Carrie's relationship years into their HEA. I feel like most stories end just when they are actually starting. We often see the build up and are left with a neatly wrapped package, but life isn't like that. Marriage is tough and requires a lot of work, even for the most happy and stable of couples. So seeing Finn and Carrie dealing with real problems and working through issues that came up was so refreshing. It was painful and heartbreaking at times, but that is what made it so real. I love how Jen McLaughlin gave us this extra bit of their relationship and allowed us to see how Finn and Carrie had transitioned into the future from where we last left them. These characters and their struggles are so real and believable, and I think that there is really something that everyone can relate to with this series but especially with Fractured Lines. I definitely recommend this series, but I think that Fractured Lines is a book that anyone looking for real and deep emotional romance stories will enjoy. I am really excited about the next book in this series as well, and I can't wait to get to know Riley better. I really loved his character when he was first introduced and I am excited to see what Jen McLaughlin has in store for him.
**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**
February 15, 2016
Find this review and more at
kimberlyfaye reads
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We all love when our characters get what we assume will be a happily ever after (HEA), but sometimes what happens after the HEA isn't all sunshine, rainbows and kittens. No matter how much a couple loves each other, previous issues have a way of resurfacing and causing trouble a second time around. This is what we find with Finn and Carrie in Fractured Lines.
I should probably be mad at Jen for putting one of my favorite bookish couples through another relationship test, but the truth is, I was so excited to get more of them – and the book was so beautifully-written – so I'm happy she extended their story. Carrie and Finn aren't in a good place at the beginning of Fractured Lines. They're married and have a young daughter. Finn had been in a car accident and was dealing with pain from it, and some of his old habits begin to surface, unbeknownst to Carrie. Ultimately, he won't admit he's addicted to painkillers and Carrie can't put herself and their daughter at risk, so she asks him to leave until he can get himself together.
Fractured Lines was difficult to read at times because of the emotions. I'm so invested in these characters that it hurt me when they were hurting. And both of them were hurting in this book. Carrie was trying to come to terms with the fact that the life she thought she had with Finn might be a lie and could be over. She was wrestling with herself because she wanted to help put him back together, but knew she couldn't. It was something he had to do on his own. Finn felt abandoned by Carrie, yet determined to prove to her that he could change. He could battle his demons and win – and he would for her and their family.
One of my favorite parts about this book is the way Carrie's dad has evolved. Where, in the past, he was one of their biggest obstacles, in Fractured Lines he's actually one of their biggest allies. I loved this transformation and his support of them and desire to get them back together. It definitely gave me the warm fuzzies. Of course, the situation with Daddy Dearest also brought an unexpected outside force into the situation to complicate it further. I won't get into all that because you have to experience the suspense (and emotions that go along with it) on your own. Be prepared. Have tissues. And maybe wine or another adult beverage of your choice.
I'm so glad Jen decided to write this novel about Finn and Carrie. It was real, raw and full of feels. As much as I hated that they were going through yet another struggle to save their relationship, I loved getting more of their story. Fractured Lines was a gorgeous (and often seriously sexy) look at what happens after the HEA we're all so anxious for our favorite characters to find.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
We all love when our characters get what we assume will be a happily ever after (HEA), but sometimes what happens after the HEA isn't all sunshine, rainbows and kittens. No matter how much a couple loves each other, previous issues have a way of resurfacing and causing trouble a second time around. This is what we find with Finn and Carrie in Fractured Lines.
I should probably be mad at Jen for putting one of my favorite bookish couples through another relationship test, but the truth is, I was so excited to get more of them – and the book was so beautifully-written – so I'm happy she extended their story. Carrie and Finn aren't in a good place at the beginning of Fractured Lines. They're married and have a young daughter. Finn had been in a car accident and was dealing with pain from it, and some of his old habits begin to surface, unbeknownst to Carrie. Ultimately, he won't admit he's addicted to painkillers and Carrie can't put herself and their daughter at risk, so she asks him to leave until he can get himself together.
Fractured Lines was difficult to read at times because of the emotions. I'm so invested in these characters that it hurt me when they were hurting. And both of them were hurting in this book. Carrie was trying to come to terms with the fact that the life she thought she had with Finn might be a lie and could be over. She was wrestling with herself because she wanted to help put him back together, but knew she couldn't. It was something he had to do on his own. Finn felt abandoned by Carrie, yet determined to prove to her that he could change. He could battle his demons and win – and he would for her and their family.
One of my favorite parts about this book is the way Carrie's dad has evolved. Where, in the past, he was one of their biggest obstacles, in Fractured Lines he's actually one of their biggest allies. I loved this transformation and his support of them and desire to get them back together. It definitely gave me the warm fuzzies. Of course, the situation with Daddy Dearest also brought an unexpected outside force into the situation to complicate it further. I won't get into all that because you have to experience the suspense (and emotions that go along with it) on your own. Be prepared. Have tissues. And maybe wine or another adult beverage of your choice.
I'm so glad Jen decided to write this novel about Finn and Carrie. It was real, raw and full of feels. As much as I hated that they were going through yet another struggle to save their relationship, I loved getting more of their story. Fractured Lines was a gorgeous (and often seriously sexy) look at what happens after the HEA we're all so anxious for our favorite characters to find.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2014
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
PURCHASE IT ►►► AMAZON
I am not usually fond of series which features the same couple, but Out of Line Series is an exception. When Fractured Lines was added, I had my fair share of doubts, but when I have read some excerpts, most especially the first chapter of the novel, all my doubts were extinguished, and excitement prevailed.
I am almost seeing a different couple here: Finn and Carrie are older, sexier and more mature. But their love, it’s still there. Only that their issues and baggage is putting a toll on their marriage. Trust was broken, and their love was put into test.
They were supposed to be living their happy ever after, but no. You can feel the pain, the agony that both of them are going through. It was an emotional rollercoaster ride, one that can break your hearts.
The one who gave them the chance that Finn was the person I least expect. He didn’t know the story, but he felt something was wrong. So, he offered them a reprieve from their daily lives to spend time with each other.
But both of them knew they needed more than a weekend romantic getaway. Finn needed help to slay the demons of his past, and he thought Carrie was the one who can help him with his problems, but she thought otherwise. He had broken her trust, and she wasn’t sure if she could bare to trust him again, especially when she has her secret of her own.
Their marriage was crumbling, and there is danger lurking. Their hearts, their marriage, their family and there lives is on the line – what are they both willing to do to save it?
He might start out as a stranger, and I was ready to put him off my book boyfriend list, but Finn made sure he stayed on it. When he finally got a hold of his senses, he makes up for his shortcomings big-time, and you can’t help but love him even more for it. Sure, he had his issues, and he was in denial for quite a while – but that’s life.
This is what makes this book real. Jen McLauglin gives us what happens after the HEA: real life hits you square in the chest, and it takes true love, and every bit of your strength to fight for the things that makes your life worth living.
And this is why I love the book so much – character’s flaws and all. She gave me a rollercoaster ride I couldn’t forget. Jen broke my heart, had me all hot and bothered (because trust me when I say, despite all those problems thrown at them – those steamy scenes will get you all burned up), and gave me a wonderful ending to soothe all those pain.
And Riley’s story is coming up next – yay for him!
•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
PURCHASE IT ►►► AMAZON
I am not usually fond of series which features the same couple, but Out of Line Series is an exception. When Fractured Lines was added, I had my fair share of doubts, but when I have read some excerpts, most especially the first chapter of the novel, all my doubts were extinguished, and excitement prevailed.
I am almost seeing a different couple here: Finn and Carrie are older, sexier and more mature. But their love, it’s still there. Only that their issues and baggage is putting a toll on their marriage. Trust was broken, and their love was put into test.
They were supposed to be living their happy ever after, but no. You can feel the pain, the agony that both of them are going through. It was an emotional rollercoaster ride, one that can break your hearts.
The one who gave them the chance that Finn was the person I least expect. He didn’t know the story, but he felt something was wrong. So, he offered them a reprieve from their daily lives to spend time with each other.
But both of them knew they needed more than a weekend romantic getaway. Finn needed help to slay the demons of his past, and he thought Carrie was the one who can help him with his problems, but she thought otherwise. He had broken her trust, and she wasn’t sure if she could bare to trust him again, especially when she has her secret of her own.
Their marriage was crumbling, and there is danger lurking. Their hearts, their marriage, their family and there lives is on the line – what are they both willing to do to save it?
He might start out as a stranger, and I was ready to put him off my book boyfriend list, but Finn made sure he stayed on it. When he finally got a hold of his senses, he makes up for his shortcomings big-time, and you can’t help but love him even more for it. Sure, he had his issues, and he was in denial for quite a while – but that’s life.
This is what makes this book real. Jen McLauglin gives us what happens after the HEA: real life hits you square in the chest, and it takes true love, and every bit of your strength to fight for the things that makes your life worth living.
And this is why I love the book so much – character’s flaws and all. She gave me a rollercoaster ride I couldn’t forget. Jen broke my heart, had me all hot and bothered (because trust me when I say, despite all those problems thrown at them – those steamy scenes will get you all burned up), and gave me a wonderful ending to soothe all those pain.
And Riley’s story is coming up next – yay for him!
•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
October 19, 2014
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books for 10/20/14.
Fractured Lines takes place several years into Carrie and Finn's marriage, and is classified as an adult rather than New Adult book. If you've read the rest of the Out of Line series, you'll definitely enjoy seeing how their HEA is (or isn't?) going, but if you're new to the series it can definitely be read as a standalone.
I love revisiting couples post-HEA; usually we just catch glimpses of them in other peoples' stories, but every now and then an author decides to show us a not-quite-so HEA period in an established relationship (one of my favorites is Ruthie Knox's Making It Last ), which always feels so authentic and realistic. Everything isn't all sunshine and roses 24/7 after those vows are said, after all.
Jen McLaughlin manages to pack a whole lot of drama into a relatively short book--Finn and Carrie definitely have to work to regain their possible HEA, and for most of the book it definitely isn't a foregone conclusion that they will. Just when you think you know where the story is going, Jen throws yet another, even more intimidating roadblock into their path.
Nothing like making the H/h work for it--and work they do!
Ultimately this was an enjoyable read, if a bit frustrating at times. Carrie in particular went back and forth a lot--I get that she loved Finn and wanted *almost* more than anything to stay with him (but of course her family, especially now that they have a daughter, has to be her number one concern), but still she seemed to give out way more mixed messages--verbal and non-verbal--than was fair. I was with Finn and his confusion on this one. Gah! Make up your mind, woman! Expecting him to realize that the food she was planning on serving him was really a message that she eventually wanted him to come back to them--even after talking to attorney about divorce, a conversation Finn knew about--seemed a bit of a stretch.
The novel--and Finn and Carrie's story--end on a positive and believable note. The next book in the series is Riley's, and the excerpt of it at the end of this novel has definitely piqued my interest.
Rating: 4 stars / B
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Fractured Lines takes place several years into Carrie and Finn's marriage, and is classified as an adult rather than New Adult book. If you've read the rest of the Out of Line series, you'll definitely enjoy seeing how their HEA is (or isn't?) going, but if you're new to the series it can definitely be read as a standalone.
I love revisiting couples post-HEA; usually we just catch glimpses of them in other peoples' stories, but every now and then an author decides to show us a not-quite-so HEA period in an established relationship (one of my favorites is Ruthie Knox's Making It Last ), which always feels so authentic and realistic. Everything isn't all sunshine and roses 24/7 after those vows are said, after all.
Jen McLaughlin manages to pack a whole lot of drama into a relatively short book--Finn and Carrie definitely have to work to regain their possible HEA, and for most of the book it definitely isn't a foregone conclusion that they will. Just when you think you know where the story is going, Jen throws yet another, even more intimidating roadblock into their path.
Nothing like making the H/h work for it--and work they do!
Ultimately this was an enjoyable read, if a bit frustrating at times. Carrie in particular went back and forth a lot--I get that she loved Finn and wanted *almost* more than anything to stay with him (but of course her family, especially now that they have a daughter, has to be her number one concern), but still she seemed to give out way more mixed messages--verbal and non-verbal--than was fair. I was with Finn and his confusion on this one. Gah! Make up your mind, woman! Expecting him to realize that the food she was planning on serving him was really a message that she eventually wanted him to come back to them--even after talking to attorney about divorce, a conversation Finn knew about--seemed a bit of a stretch.
The novel--and Finn and Carrie's story--end on a positive and believable note. The next book in the series is Riley's, and the excerpt of it at the end of this novel has definitely piqued my interest.
Rating: 4 stars / B
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
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