Cross the Line

by Lauren Jackson

Nora Robertson has two remain invisible and don’t tell anyone you're the anonymous author of the hottest romance series in the country.

When her family starts grilling her about being perpetually single, she needs a wedding date fast. Cue Zayden Stark — a charming, chaotic bad boy. Her best friend’s brother.

Between the mounting pressure of football and grades that could risk him losing his scholarship, the last thing Zayden needs is a distraction.

So Nora and Zayden strike a tutoring in exchange for a plus-one. But as steamy nights blur the line between fake and real, Nora begins to realise that she and Zayden might be taking their fake romance way too far.

With their past coming back to haunt them, and a stalker threatening to expose their secrets to the world, Nora and Zayden may have taken on more than they bargained for.

These two may be total opposites, but they might be exactly what the other needs.

Filled with sizzling chemistry and a suspenseful twist, Cross the Line is perfect if you're looking
🩷 Fake dating
🩷 College football romance
🩷 Best friend's brother
🩷 Forced proximity
🩷 Dual POV
🩷 Australian setting
🩷 Spice

Genres: Romance, Sports

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

More 4 1/2 🌟

[Ajla Obic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is perfect if you want a romance book that is very low on drama because the mc’s are both green flags who know what a healthy relationship should look like lol. I finished this quite quickly because not only was it short & fast-paced, but the added little bit of suspense kept me on my toes. I sadly still don’t understand NRL🤣

Zayden is impulsive, confident, disorganised, outgoing, & messy. Nora is his complete opposite. She is quiet, reserved, organised af, & timid. She was also freakishly relatable, especially in terms of her luck with guys. These two were huge green flags. They both knew how to communicate, & were always open, honest, & vulnerable with each other, which is why they worked so well and it’s what made their relationship feel SO easy & natural. I loved the mutual pining, & the tension at the beginning had me blushing!

Thank you to Penguin Australia for my arc!
I’m now going to sit here & beg for a Cami x Parker book asap😩🙏🏼

Read if you like: best friends brother, forced proximity, roommates, fake dating, sports romance (NRL), university/college romance, Australian setting, secret identity

[natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was such a cutesy read that was perfect at getting me into the valentine’s day mood this love month!! i love sports romance’s so much, but when they’re combined with an emotionally mature couple who don’t allow miscommunications to happen and trust each other over rumours??? yeah, i ate this UP.

i loved zayden and nora together so dang much because seeing the way that they were both so supportive of each other’s needs and careers was so refreshing and adorable!!! and the cuteness that came with them fake dating and the tension from him being her best friend’s brother was everything!! also the fact that she’s an author and he’s a star football player? OBSESSED.

zayden is truly the definition of ‘looks like he could kill you, but is a cinnamon roll’ because the way this man was SO sweet and supportive to nora and her career as an author 🥲💞🤞🏻 i just love him so much ahhhh

the drama was high in this one, but never between the two of them, and i was eating up all of the suspenseful moments!

𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞:
🧡 nrl romance
🧡 football star x author
🧡 best friend’s brother
🧡 fake dating
🧡 set in the gold coast, australia

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh this was so super cute and fun! I loved it!!

Book 2 in the Stratton University series and I was totally hooked!

Nora and Zayden 😍 perfection! Fake dating done so well it wasn’t annoying, it was just pure joy! I loved their chemistry, how they communicated, how they were there for eachother.

The storyline was great too. Nora’s difficult family, her big secret that no one knew about and that twist!! Wow!! So good!

Cross the Line is the book you need if you’re looking for;

🩷 Fake dating
🩷 College football romance
🩷 Best friend’s brother
🩷 Forced proximity
🩷 Dual POV
🩷 Australian setting
🩷 Spice

Thanks so much @penguinbooksaus for this copy!

[Charlotte that_reading_mum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best friend’s brother / fake dating / slow burn / Australian setting / secret identity

Such a fun, easy romance read — I was completely sucked in. I seriously couldn’t put it down 😮‍💨
I kept putting this one off, but wow… it was actually so cute. The tension, the slow burn, the fake dating — I ate this UP.
It was one of those books that feels effortless to read but still keeps you hooked the whole way through.
And the ending, I loved that it’s setting up the next book (Parker 👀) and I am READY.

Love. No notes!

[Sara Ann · Rating 1 out of 5]

what the flip did i just read 😑
the only reason i didn’t dnf this was because it was my bookclub read and i needed to get to the end so i could DEBRIEF. to be honest, everything about this made me cringe. i don’t think there was a single thing about this that didn’t feel cringe… was NOT a fan 🙅🏼‍♀️

1.5 ⭐️

[Kiarra-Lee Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren knows what she's doing with her college romances because these two had me giggling and kicking my feet a lot! Zayden and Nora were hot, sexy, fun and so wholesome! I wish there was more of them because their chemistry is off the charts!

overall rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️.5
blush rating: 🍅🤭

Nora, our hard working, organised and secret best selling author, is determined to keep to her simple life, but when she's told she must bring a plus one to her family's wedding, she's not sure who to ask... until Zayden Stark, chaotic football player, incorrigible flirt and her best friends brother is in need of tutoring... she realises they can help each other.

Zayden, the charming, tattooed, adrenaline junky football player is struggling to get his grades ups and with his position on the line, he needs help. So when the universe thrust his sisters best friend, Nora Robertson, in his path, he couldn't help be feel drawn to her. The perfect deal was formed. She helps him with tutoring and he helps her keep her family from asking her about her love life and starting up a fake dating ruse... only, they didn't plan to cross the line.

Nora was such an enjoyable character. I love her fearlessness of writing and creating stories that are best selling novels, depending only on herself because her family were horrible people, and her fiery personality. She's a little shy and nervous but that girl is veryyyyy freaky and we love that hehehehe. Especially Zayden, he definitely loves it.

Zayden, met sweet man, feels like he's 'stupid' because his ADHD stops him from focusing in class and makes him irritable but Nora, makes him feel worthy and smart. She doesn't judge him or mock him but makes it easier for him to process the information and I think that's so sweet and intimate.

Oh, and we can't forget the forced proximity when he moves her into his house because her roommates locked her out... one accidental towel slip and Zayden was a goner for Nora even more than he was. They had the most delicious tension and connection ever!!!!! Ugh I was sweating and clutching my sheets anytime they flirted or got close. AHHHHHH! And Zayden is a biker boy!?!?!?! YES YES YES A MILLION TIMES YES.

Zayden is such a lover boy and he didn't realise how gone he was for Nora. That man was so proud of her when he found out she was a best selling author and that people would read her books on the streets, he wanted to scream from the rooftops how amazing she was and that was everything to Nora. He saw her and that is the most romantic thing someone could do for her. Someone who adored her and cared about her dreams and accomplishments.

Nora was such a great support system to Zayden, with all the confused feelings he had about talking to his mum after all the trauma he tried to rise above, his mother keeping bringing up this bad memories and Zayden didn't know how to move forward. Nora was such a sweet soul for helping him through it and guiding him int the right decision, whatever he made and that she would be there every step of the way. Just like how he had stood up for her against her family and all the horrible comments they were making about her. These two broken souls learned to heal and became the best versions of themselves because they had someone to build them up.

These two have my entire heart, seriously. They are sickeningly sweet but they're also deliciously spicy! Who would have guessed sweet and shy Nora would have nipple piercings (bi panic activated) that Zayden would be absolutely obsessed with hehehehe. Also the freedom to try new things because they felt so open and honest about the things they liked... the toys, the foreplay, the lead up, the unbreakable tension UGHHHHH! THEY HAD ME SWEATINGGGG! I honestly was fanning myself with my book! They are both so hot I don'y know if I want one or both of them BWHAHAHA!

I also loved the side plot of the stalker that had little crumbs placed throughout the book. I almost believed that it was Zayden writing those notes to Nora as well but by the second one I had started piecing together the differences in the way Zayden gives her gifts and the ones she was being left. I never would have guessed it was Riley but wow! It had me gasping and covering my moth in shock! Learning she was the 'man' Nora had a relationship online with and never saw and learned it was a super fan... intense! I loved this side plot a lot and added much more suspense into the novel.

I honestly could talk about this book for days and days but Zayden and Nora are truly one of the sweetest and hottest couples I've read about in a while and I loved this book so much! GO BUY THIS BOOK AND READ IT ASAP! I also love supporting local Aussie authors with my entire heart.

A huge thank you to Lauren Jackson and Tanya from Penguin Books for sending me a beautiful PR box with a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. I cannot wait to see what comes next!

[Phoebe Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friends brother, fake dating, he falls harder, hidden identity, found family, university, sports, Australian romance. Yes, yes, yes. Cross the Line is book 2 in Australian author Lauren Jackson's Stratton University series and follows university student/secret author Nora Robertson and university student/football player Zayden Stark. I loved, loved, loved this book. The plot line, characters, setting and emotions are written to absolute perfection. I loved the vulnerability that was displayed by both Nora and Zayden. For Nora, it was her hidden author identity and not feeling like she fit in anywhere and for Zayden it was his academic struggles. Nora and Zayden are such easy characters to connect with because their struggles are often ones that everyone struggles with. I loved seeing the goofy, wild child side of Zayden and how he was able to bring Nora out of her shell and feel more comfortable within and confident about herself. I loved that Nora didn't treat Zayden like a child with his academic issues like so many others would but rather helped him and explained it in a way he could understand. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Cross the Line and highly recommend grabbing yourself a copy and reading it asap.

Thank you so so much to Lauren and the team at Penguin Australia for sending me the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

Cross the Line by Australia author Lauren Jackson is out now in paperback and ebook.

[Ellenmareereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness 🥹 my favourite book couple in this series! Zayden & Nora! I relate to Nora’s hidden identity so much, wanting to hide yourself because you are afraid of people finding out the real you. Her finally being able to be herself in the real world was my favourite moment in the book! We love you NORA ROBERTSON 🥰 Zayden, my boy 🥹 you are a wild child with the sweetest heart! Zayden helped Nora in so many ways 😉🤭 Zayden also had to deal with some difficult things from his past too. But he took like an adult should!

Brothers Bestfriend ✅
Fake Dating ✅
Overcoming The Past ✅✅

Guys 😍 Cross The Line is out NOW!!

[Lucy’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my most anticipated releases of 2026 and it completely lived up to the hype!

Cross the Line (book two in the Stratton University series) follows Nora and Zayden’s love story. They’re complete opposites, but somehow they fit together perfectly. Their relationship felt so real! from the awkwardness and vulnerability that can come with intimacy, to all the sweet and heartwarming moments of falling in love.

This book had me absolutely hooked, not only because of the romance but also because of the fun mystery element woven throughout the story. Beyond that, it carried such a beautiful message about self-love and appreciating the people around you. The female friendships in this book were everything; supportive, genuine, and a reminder that you can grow as your own person while still showing up for your friends no matter how busy life gets.

I don’t want to say too much because I’d hate to spoil anything, but this was such a fantastic sports romance, especially for my Aussie girls. Queensland was the perfect backdrop for the story and made it feel even more special.

I also saw so much of myself in Nora and felt incredibly seen while reading this.

Highly recommend adding this series to your TBR if you haven’t already!

[Natalie Anagnostopoulos · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing and execution really let this one down and it all really felt 2-dimensional. It was very tell don't show and by the end I was so bored, I skimmed. The best friend's brother trope was just there, the best friend/sister in question did not play any significant role in, well, anything. The stalking plotline wasn't the best and also, the idea that she was this best selling author and had so much money she could purchase a house at like 20 felt way, way too unrealistic. Not to say she couldn't be a popular author but from my knowledge getting to the stage of wealthy author usually takes years and years and having a rather large back catalogue of books. It'd have been more realistic if she made enough to not need to work through college. Also she was so financially comfortable that she stayed in the nightmare roommate situation. Make it make sense. The melodrama was really something else as well. All the emotional beats missed the mark and just ended up being something that was there or cringe.

[Lynda Malone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cross The Line

Wow, this book was sooo freakin' good. Zayden and Nora are couple goals. Once again Lauren has written a story that is more than just a romance.

Her writing is nuanced just like her characters. Both of our MC's have hurdles in their lives that they are trying to overcome, some are obvious whilst others are lurking around them, ready to knock them down without warning.

I love reading an Aussie author as I get the quiet little references that only another Aussie would get. But seriously, the writing is so effortless and it brings you into this world, fully immersing you in what is happening. You really care about what happens to them and how they interact together is wonderful to read.

As this is the second book in the 'Stratton University' series you already know who these characters are but getting to know them on a deeper level is a joy. This one is a 4.5 star read for me. Already looking forward to the next one in the series.

[Jessica Bryce · Rating 5 out of 5]

2 days! That’s all it took for me to consume this book. I loved the writing and the storyline. The characters were so relatable and the spice was SPICY!!!🥵please tell me there is a book 3 coming. Please let it be Parker and Cami 🤞🏻
The books gods were with me cos when I reached out to Lauren on Instagram asking how can I possibly get my hands on an advanced copy and then emailed her team a couple months later it turned on my door. I don’t have a following and I’m not an influencer but for Lauren to go out of her way and get her team to send me a book has been the highlight of my year.

[Helena Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘I’m so happy I found you.’ He whispers. ‘I feel like I’ve been waiting my whole life for someone like you.’ - Zayden

‘I never want to know a life without you in it.’ - Nora

Whatever Lauren Jackson writes I will read!

I loved Zayden and Nora’s story. The best part was no miscommunication, no break ups and they fully trusted each other. Just loved!

Hoping there’s a book three in our future (Cami and Parker!)

[Shadow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutly loved this couple.

you could feel the suspense of Nora's life. of everything that just didn't seem to make sense, and completely getting someone to be there and validate wtf is happening.

I'm not a big sport romance person, but I am thoroughly enjoying this series.


I cannot wait for Tammy's story

[Jessica Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

‼️CONTAINS SPOILERS‼️

Its no secret that I’m obsessed with anything Lauren Jackson writes but this book? Tops EVERYTHING. I’ve never EVER had a book move so fast to number 1 of my list of favourite books of all time but this one did and honestly? I knew this book was going to be a 5 star read from page 24. As I read this book I had multiple moments where I said to myself out loud “there’s no way this book could get any better” … I was proved wrong multiple times. Yes this book is everything to me and will forever be in my heart. I honestly don’t believe any other book could ever top this one book. Literally a masterpiece 😩✨

This book had YEARNING, romance, smut, the most hilarious scenes and more.

Nora Robertson is a sweetheart. She grew up with a father who honestly treats her like shit and the same with her step mother and step siblings. She’s always being berated and shamed by them and oh my god is it infuriating. She’s never really had a serious relationship or done much in the romance department. Normal girl right?

She actually is also a secret author with a books series which is currently the hottest romance series in the country. She goes by the anonymous name of valiant vixen and she’s pretty famous 🤭

Zayden Stark is the sweetest man ever! He’s chaotic, relatable and has a habit of making impulsive decisions… He had a rough upbringing with his step father who was absolutely horrid to him and his mother before he died and it was so heartbreaking to read.

Together these two were a dream. They were so freaking perfect together istg. He was obsessed and so protective of her and she was so caring and patient with him.

Every single moment together so was precious and funny and ugh I’m literally so obsessed with everything about this book.

Some other key points that I want to share:
1. I’m so proud of the fact that I knew Riley was off.
2. Cami and Parker 🙏
3. Me liking and wanting a redemption arc/HEA for Leasa 🥹

This book is immaculate and I refuse to hear anything negative about it. In my eyes and my whole being I truly believe that this book is one of the best books and EVERYONE needs to read it.

I’ve never been more sad when finishing a book and I’m honestly most likely gonna do a re read already 😭

If you love

1. Obsessive, chaotic hot bad boys (he’s actually the biggest sweetheart) who will make you swoon

2. woman who will melt your heart, who is also one of the biggest sweetheart

3. Scenes so devastating that it makes you feel so much

4. People so frustratingly infuriating

5. Tense scenes that will have you in the edge of your seat

6. a romance that is so beautiful

then you need to read this book ASAP.


I’m so incredibly excited for the next book! And equally as excited for fight for us

[Kierani Dagger · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book got me out of my month long reading slump.. not only was I kicking my feet and giggling but I also couldn’t put the book down because I needed to know what happened next.

ps: love that Nora is a curvy girl like me!

[Natalie Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Scarlett · Rating 3 out of 5]

the first book was so good, but this was disappointing tbh

[Melissa Leach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great sequel to Break the rules, low on spice but a good one or two day read for romance

[Scarlette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute read!!!

[BAINESY.READS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really easy read. Loved the first book, loved this book. 🥰

[Lena Pav · Rating 4 out of 5]

good

[Aussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is one of my favourites! I love how both of the main characters are just green flags were made it so perfect ! I couldnt get enough of it this one .

[Eri · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST AUTHOR
I loveeeee it, it has me giggling at 2am!

[jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a feel good romance
Easy ready, nora and zayden compliment each other so well

[Lauren Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had potential, but didn't reach it. Too many plot ideas, and poor execution. I think Lauren Jackson may have read The Deal before writing this.

[Emma Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

“You’re driving me wild, Nora. I want you. All of you. All the time. Everywhere, every moment.”

I love an Australian setting and this book is the second instalment of the Stratton University series. The plot was a little, “let’s slap every single romance trope into one narrative” for me. Enjoyed this mainly because fake-dating is such a good time!

[Jess | books.with.jesss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Penguin Australia for the gifted physical ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Romantic, fast-paced and addictive.

Best friend’s older brother? Fake dating? Football sports romance? Oh my gosh, sign me up! This was such a fun and quick read and I’d highly recommend it if you’re looking for an easy romance (though there are a few heavy topics)!

Nora Robertson is your average girl trying her best to get through uni - but no one knows she’s also the best-selling author of the hottest romance series in the country. Constantly belittled by her dad’s family for pursuing a creative writing career, Nora keeps to herself, never sharing any news with them.

Wanting nothing more than to please them for once so they’ll get off her back, she accidentally slips up and says she has a boyfriend she’ll be bring to her stepsister’s wedding. Shocked at the words that have left her mouth but she now can’t take back, Nora has no choice but to find someone to fake date.

Enter Zayden Stark - her best friend’s hot older brother - who’s also in need of help. He’s struggling to stay on top of his classes and needs a tutor asap. The pair agree to fake date so Nora can tutor Zayden and he can be her fake boyfriend. Easy enough as long as they don’t catch feelings, right? But Nora’s harboured a crush on Zayden for ages. Will their fake relationship last? Or are their real feelings going to make things messy?

This was super easy to read and I found myself flying through the story (side eyes all the uni work I’ve gotta do but ignored to finish it the book 🤭). I loved the character development and how Zayden stood up for Nora every. Single. Time. It was so sweet and I loved how their trust in each other grew!

Perfect for fans of a spicy fake dating romance that’ll have you giggling alongside the characters!

[Zee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You make me feel like the prettiest girl in the world, Zayden Stark."

"Well maybe you are."

Cross the line by Lauren Jackson review 📚🏍🖊

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow wow wow. this book was everything I was expecting and more. It was steamy, quick, humorous and sexy all in one.

I knew I loved Zayden from book 1...but getting to really get to know Zayden only amplified this. He was such an entertaining character, who loves SO STRONGLY...and rides a motorbike tehe!

Then there's Nora...who is a boss queen that I just wanted to hug the whole time. The complexity to her character was just so so intriguing to read.

THE PLOT TWIST OH MY GOD. I HAD NO IDEAAAAA. I did also love the book 3 crumbs...and dare I say I'm excited?

Overall, such a fun and fast paced read, that I totally recommend if you want a best friend's brother, reformed playboy and motorcyclist!!

So so fun!