I never believed in fate until you shoved up, now I believe every version of me will always end up with you.Aria Turner finds herself trapped in the relentless grip of an abusive relationship. In the heat of a fierce argument, she uncovers her boyfriend’s betrayal with her best friend. Fueled by heartbreak and resolve, Aria starts plotting her escape. As she prepares to break free, long-buried feelings for a friend quietly rise to the surface.Weston Archer has vowed to become the adult he once desperately needed. Haunted by a past he fears will repeat, he silently swears that his bloodline will end with him, erasing the legacy of the monster whose DNA he carries.As things happen, an unexpected twist brings them closer, leading to consequences that quickly get out of hand.Together, they have to face their deepest fears and handle this delicate new bond, finding strength in each other to get through the challenges ahead.
Hi! I’m Sienna. A Canadian girlie from Southwestern, Ontario.
I wire angsty, banter-filled slow burns with unforgettable characters, magnetic tension, and a full dose of drama on the road to happily ever after. Because the best love stories fight their way to forever, and make you feel every second of it.
I started writing because my brain doesn’t come with an off switch, and turning my trauma into fiction was cheaper than therapy, although I still do the therapy thing, don’t worry. When the Ice Breaks is my debut novel, and it’s as much about falling in love as it is about falling apart. If you’ve ever loved someone so much it hurt, that one’s for you. I started writing when I was twelve—Harry Potter fan fiction specifically if we’re being honest (and we are)—I had no idea what I was doing, but I knew how it made me feel: free, curious, and completely hooked. From there, I never really stopped.
Writing became the place I went when I didn’t know how to say things out loud. The one constant through every season of my life. through every change, heartbreak, and period of healing. A hobby that started started as fan fiction, slowly turned into original stories scribbled in notebooks, and eventually became something I couldn’t imagine not doing.
It’s how I process the world. And now, it’s how I tell stories that might make someone else feel a little less alone.
Landon is gross. We need to start a club for that!
Wes is dreamy.
Aria was deep in it.
I was not expecting certain parts of this book but it definitely made the book different than what I normally read. This had the trope that I think a lot of people don’t like but I honestly enjoy that trope for the most part if it’s done right. And I felt it was.
This book was short and sweet but touched on some heavy topics. It made me wanna go read this authors others!! Overall I’d say 3.5 as I wish there was a little more to this. Rounding up.
For four years, Aria has been with her boyfriend Landon, and while at first everything seemed perfect, over the years she’s discovered that he’s not the same man she fell in love with. While she’s endured his gaslighting and manipulations for years, including physical manifestations of his temper, the final straw comes when she finds out that he got her best friend pregnant, and lies about it when she confronts him. Through all of it, she finds strength in her close friend, a man she knows she shouldn’t want to get so close to, but when he makes it clear that he will be by her side no matter what, she can’t help but to dive in.
West has been running from his past since he was 10 years old, and essentially lost both parents in one night. While he has found new ways to channel his demons, he always swore that he would not repeat his father’s mistakes. Now he’s seeing flashes of his past in Aria, and is determined to do whatever it takes to prevent her from suffering the same fate. After he helps her walk away, they are faced with unexpected new challenges that could change the course of their lives forever.
I received an early copy of this book from the author and I absolutely loved West and Aria’s story. Although he has the reputation of being a playboy, it’s clear, even in When the Ice Breaks, how much he’s been pining over Aria, and yet he has always respected her enough not to make a move while she’s in a relationship. While many MMCs with a similar dark past would wear a mask in front of others, hiding their inner pain, West doesn’t give that impression at all. He’s not afraid to be vulnerable, and seek comfort in those he’s closest to, but also finds healthy(ish) ways to channel his anger when it gets to be too much. He puts Aria on a pedestal, but in no way believes that she isn’t strong enough to stand on her own, he’s just honoured to be able to bask in her light. I love that West never tried to force Aria to leave Landon, but still found away to make it impossible for her to stay with him. Although Aria and West started seeing each other right away, the strength of their friendship over the course of the two books didn’t make it feel like anyone was rushing, more like it was the direction they were always supposed to take. As dark as the subject matter in this book was, there were also so many lighthearted moments, where West’s sense of humour shone through.
This book was an absolute rollercoaster - in the best and slightly frustrating ways. From the start, The Lines We Crossed pulls you into an emotional whirlwind that keeps you turning pages, even when you’re not entirely sure how you feel in the moment.
The MMC was, without a doubt, a standout for me. His backstory added so much depth to his character, and the way it shaped his actions and relationships felt authentic and layered. And his obsession with Aria? Completely sold me. It never felt shallow or overdone - it was intense, protective, and at times exactly what I wanted from a character like him. What I appreciated most was his growth; he didn’t just show up for her, he grew up for her, and that evolution made his character incredibly satisfying.
Aria, on the other hand, took me a bit longer to warm up to. In the first half of the book, I found myself getting frustrated with her decisions and reactions. There were moments where I just wanted her to see what was right in front of her. But to the author’s credit, that slow shift in my feelings felt intentional. By the end, I genuinely adored her. Her development was gradual but meaningful, and it made the payoff feel earned rather than rushed.
The pacing made this a quick and easy read, but it still managed to carry emotional weight. It’s not just a surface-level hockey romance - it dives a bit deeper into the characters’ pasts, their struggles, and how those shape the way they love.
That said, I did find myself wanting just a little bit more, more emotional depth in certain moments, more time spent on key turning points, and maybe a bit more exploration of their relationship once everything came together. The foundation was so strong that it left me craving that extra layer.
Overall, if you’re looking for a hockey romance that blends intensity, character growth, and emotional depth with a fast-paced, engaging storyline, this is definitely one to pick up.
I am actually unwell over this book 😭💛 The Lines We Crossed absolutely wrecked me in the best way possible. I went in expecting emotional romance and got HIT with heartbreak, healing, tension, loyalty, found family vibes, and characters that crawled into my chest and made themselves comfortable.
Aria had me rooting for her from page one. Watching her slowly fight for herself after everything she’d been through was emotional as hell, and I loved that her strength wasn’t loud or perfect. It felt real. And WEST??? That man had me clutching my kindle like a gremlin guarding treasure. The way he loved so carefully while battling his own fears and trauma just shattered me. He wanted to be better than the men before him and you could FEEL it in everything he did.
And omg WEST 😭 I loved WEST and Aria so much, and the way West kept trying to help Lennox not completely derail while also helping Aria escape that absolute douche canoe of a boyfriend had me so invested. Every interaction felt layered and emotional and messy in the best way.
The chemistry in this book simmered so perfectly. Not rushed, not insta-love chaos, just two broken people slowly finding safety in each other while life kept throwing flaming bricks at them. The emotional scenes genuinely hurt my feelings and then somehow stitched them back together five chapters later.
There were so many moments that made my chest ache, but there was also softness and hope threaded through everything. One minute I was angry enough to throw hands, the next I was melting into a puddle over the tenderness between them.
This book felt like surviving a storm wrapped in a hug. Sienna M.L. Grey really said “here, carry these emotions forever” and honestly? I will 🥹
4 ⭐️ West and Aria are my new favorite couple in this series… and I didn’t expect to fall for them this hard.
The Lines We Cross by Sienna Grey is messy, emotional, and at times really heavy—but it balances that with a romance that feels raw and earned. Also with some sweet, funny moments that show the characters true colors. Aria’s storyline is tough to read at points, especially watching her navigate a toxic, abusive relationship with Landon. The way her thoughts constantly revolve around keeping the peace and avoiding his anger was heartbreaking and very real.
And then there’s West… 🫠 Protective, rough around the edges, but so soft for her. From the start, you can tell he’s been gone for Aria, and once they finally get there?? It’s intense in the best way. He sees her, supports her, and never makes her feel small. Their connection feels like safety after chaos. The friend group also deserves a shoutout—Mia and Seb especially. They don’t just stand by quietly, they push Aria when she needs it and support her through everything.
I couldn’t put this book down, because I just needed that HEA both characters deserved, after the hardships life put them through.
This book does deal with some heavy topics (abuse, manipulation, trauma), so definitely check content warnings—but the growth, the healing, and the love story made it worth it for me. Also… West calling her “pip”? I’m done. That’s it.
✨ Tropes: Friends to lovers Protective MMC Found family Escaping toxic relationship “He’s always loved her” Praise kink vibes (you’ll see 👀) Hurt/comfort Secret relationship
If you love an emotional romance with a protective hero and a heroine finding her strength, this one will pull you in.
I’m convinced Sienna is set on trying to rip her readers hearts out and then neatly put it back together, minus one crucial piece. The piece that makes you come crawling back every time she calls.
That being said, book one, When The Ice Breaks, left me distraught and I still think of it daily. Sienna has a way of writing characters & their pain so viscerally, that you almost make it your own.
This (book two) was damn near the same level of impactful, although she spared our feelings a little more with this one. I still felt robbed, but in a good way? If that’s even possible.
Weston was an immediate favorite in book one and I was chomping at the bit trying to get my hands on his book. (Just ask Sienna 😅) I didn’t have the hugest opinion of Aria at that time but liked her as a side character in WTIB. Regardless, I was eager to read it anyway.
Aria was endearing. Her sweet & calm demeanor had me sympathizing with her from the very beginning. I wanted her to choose herself and take control of her life. West, the golden retriever that he is, really helped in that area.
Together, they were adorable. Their banter was witty, funny & steamy. I love West’s cocky but soft humor and his character growth as a whole. The ending is where I may or may not have rioted in Sienna’s DMs 🫣 Was there a threat involved… maybe. All love of course.
I flew through reading this, I was locked in. It had me rotting on my couch. My kindle battery is at 12%. I couldn’t stop. It had me giddy, sad, giggling, tense as hell at the end & begging for more. I’m happy with the outcome, but I need an epilogue, pronto!👀
I really didn't know what to expect going into reading this book but this one was quite the emotional ride. There's heartbreak, trauma, abuse, tension, found family, deep love and loyalty. This book will wreck you in the best of ways. Tissues definitely needed.
I saw so much of myself in Aria so of course I was routing for her, yelling at her, and encouraging her throughout this journey. She had been through so much but still was the kindest soul. It's hard to be your true self when you're drowning in self doubt from abuse. Once she was away from that you could see how strong she truly was.
Now West he was amazing. Did he have his past demons too of course but he's worked on himself hard. How he helps that young Lennox is truly sweet and inspiring. You could tell this guy loves so hard and he shows it and shows up for others.
The chemistry between Aria and West was so perfect. So many emotional scenes throughout. I loved how much West was there for her and how safe she felt with him after everything she's been through.
This book was such a ride but one I'm so glad I took. I do wish there were more closure with some things like her ex I felt like he got off too easily. I also think the ending ended a little abruptly, I would have loved to have a chapter of two more of their lives if anything an epilogue of some sort. Overall it was wonderful and I highly recommend.
This book The Lines We Crossed was a definite page turner. I will warn you will need tissues for this read. This book will give you all the feels and you’ll be crying, laughing, yelling and screaming at characters but in the best way. Aria is a figure skater in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship. At first I wasn’t to sure about her and I was frustrated with her and yelling at her a lot and things that happened. However as the book progressed I grew super fond of her and her strength and her struggles. West, my my. I loved West. He is a hockey player. He and Aria have been friends for years. West has a very traumatic past and that just made him who he is and why his character is so great! And he is super sweet with Aria especially given her past with an abusive ex. This book has great tropes from surprise pregnancy to friends to lovers and found family and very protective MMC. I recommend reading the first book When The Ice Breaks, I didn’t get a chance to so some parts I was a little lost with but after going back and reading the first book it’s brilliant! If you have any triggers you may want to check those before! I definitely recommend reading this book! I received this ARC book as a gift and this review is completely my own opinion and thoughts and I’m so glad I got the opportunity to read and review it!
I was so excited for West and Aria's story and it did not disappoint! They go on one hell of a rollercoaster in this book but I loved how it only made them go from strength to strength.
In true Sienna fashion this book had a character I despised with every fiber of my being and pulled at my emotions constantly, revisiting hurts from book one while adding more with this book but I love that in a book honestly. I want to feel when I read and I know reading this series will always make that a reality! I laughed, cried, hurt and was in awe of both the characters.
West was a standout side character for me in book one and I knew I would love him as much as I did, he was such a caring soul and protector, the way he worshipped Aria was everything! I loved learning his story. My heart hurt for Aria but I loved how incredibly strong she was and her journey to finding safety and peace, she was also incredibly kind and sweet even after the world knocked her down. The found family vibes in this book were once again on point, I love this whole crew and I can't wait for the next book.
Sienna's representation of an abusive relationship was written incredibly. A lot of depth went into this and I know sadly it will be relatable to some people.
This book has TW's that need to be read for your own mental peace.
I was given an early copy of this book and have chosen to write this review due to my enjoyment of the book which I read in one sitting.
This was such a gripping and emotionally charged read.
The Lines We Crossed explores heavy, real-life themes with intensity and honesty, creating a story that feels both raw and deeply engaging. The emotional tension builds steadily throughout the book, and once it picks up, it becomes incredibly hard to put down.
The pacing was well done, especially in the second half, where the story really comes alive and keeps you turning pages. It’s the kind of book that pulls you in completely—you feel invested, anxious, and eager to know what happens next.
What stood out most to me was how immersive the story felt. It doesn’t shy away from difficult moments, and that adds to its impact. By the end, I was left wanting more and curious about where the story will go next.
✨ If you enjoy emotional, fast-paced stories with depth and intensity, this is definitely one to keep an eye on.
This was one of my most anticipated reads for this year so l am incredibly excited! I read it one sitting!
Blurb:- Aria Turner finds herself trapped in the relentless grip of an abusive relationship. In the heat of a fierce argument, she uncovers her boyfriend's betrayal with her best friend. Fueled by heartbreak and resolve, Aria starts plotting her escape. As she prepares to break free, long-buried feelings for a friend quietly rise to the surface. After watching the death of his mother as a child, Weston Archer has vowed to become the adult he once desperately needed. Haunted by the past he fears will repeat, he silently swears that his bloodline will end with him, erasing the legacy of the monster whose DNA he carries. When a certain grey-eyed beauty comes along, his life philosophy is put to the ultimate test.
⛸️ Breaking the Cycle 🏒 He Falls First ⛸️Friends to Lovers 🏒Protective MMC ⛸️Surprise Pregnancy 🏒Found Family
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you for the author for sending me an advanced reader copy early. Overall it was a really good read. Writing was easy to follow and mostly well developed. The MMC had clear growth throughout the book after getting together with the FMC. The relationship between the main characters was healthy. I like how much the MMC stood up for her throughout the story.
The only thing that stood out to me is that the storyline skipped over quite a few times, which made the timeline go forward quite a lot. It made me feel like some important in-between scenes might have been missed and would’ve added more depth to some moments or situations.
But the end was gut wrenching! It was written out beautifully and brought out how difficult that moment was for both characters. That ending will stay with me for a good while.
This was such an easy, addictive read that had me completely hooked. A beautiful friends to lovers romance mixed with heartbreak, healing, and one absolutely psycho ex thrown into the chaos 👀
I honestly felt so much for the FMC ; that ending had my heart STOP for a second before putting it back together again 😭❤️ I don’t usually love surprise pregnancy tropes, but this one was done so well and actually added so much emotion to the story.
The MMC has his own issues in the past his trying to face but I can’t say to much so just go and read it for yourself 🫶🫶
The found family vibes, the healing, the “he falls first” energy… it all worked perfectly for me 🫶
📚 Tropes: ♡ Friends to Lovers ♡ Surprise Pregnancy ♡ He Falls First ♡ Found Family ♡ Breaking the Cycle
Please check your trigger warning before you start this book. What an emotional roller coaster! Landon was the worst!! Aria’s story hit home cause I know what it feels like to be in abusive relationship and you can feel the raw emotions. Then there’s Nate, I just loved him and he’s a hockey player and they been friends for years and they kinda have a crush on each other. West past was traumatic but he didn’t let it define him, he still super sweet and I love how protective Nate is and I also love the way he is with Aria. This book will have you laughing at one point then crying at the next. Sienna you out did yourself with this book and I can’t wait to see what comes next. Thank you so much Sienna for letting me be part of this arc team.
This is a review of an arc, provided by the author. Thank you Sienna for this opportunity 😀
This was the first book of Sienna that I read and i’ve got to say I loved it! I know it’s part of a series of standalones. And let me tell you that I know what I’m adding to my TBR.
I yelled, laughed, cursed and maybe let some tears drop 🙈 reading this book. Even though the subject matter of the book was hard, there were enough light harted moments to makes this book so complete.
If you like following tropes: 👉 sport romance 👉 angst 👉 found family 👉 strong FMC and MMC
The Lines we Crossed is another emotional roller coaster . Sienna M.L. Grey has a way for telling a story that will rip your heart out but gets the point across. This is the second of the book in the Brighton U series. Aria finds herself in a not a healthy relationship. Her ex cheated on her with her best friend and gets her pregnant. West it a hockey player that doesn't have the best past. Aria and West have been friends and both like each other. Aria finally gets away from her ex. After years of friendship they get together and find out they will be parents. Please read the Trigger warnings
THE GANGS BACK TOGETHER!!!!!!! I missed everyone so much. It was like I never left them since WTIB. All characters feel like home.
This was a whole new side of the group I was able to learn about and give me so many more reasons why I love them.
I love the cross overs from book 1. I love and hated reliving charlotte’s death. I love reading through others perspectives. I love west I love aria. I hate Landon. And I hate arias mother.
The elevator scene tho 😅
Once again I fell in love with the group and I feel like I grew even closer to them. I seriously cannot wait for the next story.
The Lines We Crossed Sienna Grey ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️/5
I’ve been patiently waiting for West & Aria, and their story didn’t disappoint!! I loved them together so much. Both Aria & West had a lot of trauma, but together they found happiness and the love they were longing for! I went through all the emotions reading this one. One minute I was laughing and then the next I was crying! A true rollercoaster if you get my drift haha😉 Sienna did such a good job of giving all the emotions, while still getting a happy ending! I loved this one and I cannot wait to see what we get next in this series!!🥰🫶🏻
Tropes✨ 🏒he falls first 🍼surprise pregnancy 🏒friends to lovers 🍼found family 🏒breaking the cycle 🍼protective mmc
Thank you so much to Sienna for letting me be apart of her arc team for TLWC!🥹🫶🏻
I usually don'T take a pause during ARC reads_Due to release dates but I Had to an went Right back in.
Im tryna leave this with Zero Spoilers ....
West as A Man. OH MY . HE IS sweet...So sweet. SO gentle But Knows Just when to Be "More" This Book ♡ 10/10 for me _5Stars!!!! It Has Abit Of Everything _Love that it goes through multiple topics ....Its A Story of Love _An learning to..Do Better ...Brave in letting go ..about trying untill you ready an Standing Up for yourself. THE relatiOnship Between the MMC & FMC ...so Hot. SO SEXY. I MUST read ♡
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I am beyond grateful to have received an ARC for TLWC.
Well miss Sienna has done it again. She has written the most beautiful story for West and Aria, another emotional roller coaster that rips your heart out. If you like hockey player x figure skater, black cat x golden retriever, and found family, this book needs to be at the top of your TBR! Prepare yourself for the emotional roller coaster, you’ll be giggling and kicking your feet one moment and sobbing the next.
The storyline is great. Emotional, tense, angry, frustrating, sweet. All the things. However, you have to read the first book to understand. This one has characters and situations that I guess are from the first book, but this one provides no context. I was clueless which characters are skaters, hockey players, or coaches. There are important scenes that I would have loved to read, but they were left out. There are multiple time skips that can be confusing. #ARC
Two words, WESTON ARCHER! I'm already calling it, he is my favourite MMC of the series. He was so much more than the goofy, lovable side character he portrayed in book one. This book showed he cares, and they will stick by your side no matter what, rain or shine. Aria and Weston's story might not have gone according to their timeline, but I am so happy for that because they wouldn't have learned so much if they hadn't gone through the challenges. ALSO, IF YOU WANT A STORY WITH NO MISCOMMUNICATION between MMC and FMC, this is IT! I loved this story and don't think I'll ever stop thinking about it.
Aria was in a long-term relationship with Landon, whom she learned was not the same person she fell in love with. She put up with his abuse and gas-lighting and she left when he knocked up her best friend. I really did feel for Aria and her strength, leaving Landon and following her own path to safety and love. West’s backstory was traumatic and I felt it brought so much more to his character and how he was trying to pay it forward with Lennox. I enjoyed the book - it was an emotional ride.
The Lines We Crossed was so much more than a hockey/figure skater romance. It went into deeper topics that are more common than people realize. The pasts of the characters gave them so much depth and very relatable. I love Aria and West's story and wish I had realized it was the second book. There was some things I felt like I was missing but that made so much sense once I realized it wasn't the first book. I can't wait to read about the rest of the crew
West’s life wasn’t always glorious; on the contrary, he went through hell from a very young age. Ari was stuck in a toxic relationship and desperately needed a way out.
Somehow, they always had that kind of chemistry you can just feel. And when they finally came together, they knew it was for good.
I really enjoyed this book. Such a delicious surprise.
A short story of finding unexpected love while trying to distance yourself from an abusive relationship. Weston has a traumatic past that caused him to grow up in the system, and Aria is struggling to leave an abusive partner who refuses to let her go. The love that develops between West and Aria is surprising but strong, and when life throws them a twist, they fight to overcome it.
What a great hockey romance. This book covers domestic violence and substance abuse so please mind your triggers. This was a fast read that had you rooting for the not so bad bad boy.