Over the Line

Breaking Barriers

by Erin Marie Bassett

She’s chasing her dream. He’s chasing her.

Laney Matteson refuses to let her dad down, again. She’s out of time and money, and is desperate to achieve what her father couldn’t, a professional status as a TitaniumPerson athlete.

When Miguel Garcia, TP World Champion and elder statement of the sport, offers to train her–for free–it’s almost too good to be true. Add in the fact he’s a silver fox? Triathlon training soon involves plenty of stroking, riding, and pounding. The pavement, of course.

With her goal closer than ever, Laney has to navigate her relationships and decide who has her best interests in mind. Miguel has to come to terms with the man he was, and the one he is today. By the end of the story we have two people who learn to stop proving their worth and instead learn to improve themselves, together.

Over the Line is a spicy, age-gap sports romance from the Breaking Barriers Collection.

Tropes &
Sports Romance - Triathlete
Age Gap
No Third Act Breakup
Grumpy x Sunshine
Only One Bed
Rottweiler MMC / Soft Dom
MMC with a thigh tattoo
He washes her hair



On Discussion of a deteriorating parent (cancer), Injury (back), Hypothermia
Off Death of a parent, Misuse of prescription drugs (main character backstory)

Genres: Sports Romance

323 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2026

About the author

Erin Marie Bassett is a geriatric millennial, wife and mother of two living in Chicago. (A mile west of Wrigley Field but she, like her husband and kids, are St. Louis Cardinal Fans). When she’s not reading or writing romance, Erin helps small businesses and local organizations use the magic words to connect with their communities. She volunteers hard at her kids school and she believes in the power of S.L.O.W. Living.
Her doctor tells her not to but she drinks a lot of coffee. Like, a lot.

Take the Book Boyfriend Quiz to be matched with one of Erin's MMCs!
erinmariebassett.com
@erinmariebassett

Reviews

[Sarimarys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading something from Erin, and I really enjoyed it. I love a good sports romance, but what made this one feel fresh for me was the sport itself triathlon. 🏊🏼‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️ It’s not something I see often in romance, and I loved getting a glimpse into the dedication and discipline it takes to compete at that level.

Miguel is definitely the kind of MMC that sneaks up on you. A little mysterious, a little guarded, with a dark past, but the way he shows up for Laney every single time? The care, the support, the quiet ways he takes care of her… honestly chef’s kiss. 🤌🔥

There’s also an age gap (she’s in her 30s and he’s in his 40s), which I personally loved because they’re both fully grown adults with life experience behind them. Watching them train together, push each other, and truly understand the commitment their sport requires made their connection feel even stronger.

Thank you Erin for the eARC before release day.

[De Rijdende Boekenwurm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Erin Marie Bassett for providing the eARC. This is my honest opinion.

When the Finish Line Isn’t the Hardest Part

‘Over the Line’ by Erin Marie Bassett rides in fast and doesn’t let go. The story leans into that addictive push and pull where chemistry isn’t just a spark, it’s a pressure point, and every chapter feels like another mile you didn’t realize you had left in your legs. What worked best for me is how the emotional stakes keep tightening even when the plot seems to breathe, because the characters carry their bruises into every conversation, every choice, every almost moment.

The pacing is one of the book’s biggest strengths. Scenes end with just enough tension to keep the pages turning, and the structure builds like a race: steady momentum, then sudden surges, then that final stretch where everything hurts in the best way. Bassett’s writing style is clean and vivid, with a grounded tone that makes the romance feel immediate and real without drifting into melodrama. The character work also shines, especially when the story slows down to show what’s underneath the bravado: fear, pride, longing, and the kind of vulnerability that doesn’t come easy.

That said, a few beats felt familiar, and there were moments where I wanted slightly more breathing room between emotional spikes so certain revelations could land with a sharper punch. Still, the ride stayed engaging throughout, and the payoff hit with enough heart to make the journey worth it. Long after the final page, that lingering ache of what it cost them stayed with me.

Sports Romance | Forced Proximity | Opposites Attract | Emotional Scars | Healing Love | Slow Burn | High Tension Chemistry | Personal Growth | Found Support System

[Afton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was soooo good!

Erin’s writing was incredibly easy and enjoyable to read, I flew through this one. As a non-runner, I not only found it informative but also surprisingly fascinating. I had no idea the world of running could be so intense and competitive.
And Laney and Miguel’s chemistry? Chef’s kiss. Their dynamic made the story even more fun and engaging to follow.

Safe to say I’m officially hooked…now I’m off to devour the rest of Erin’s books!

[Savannah Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d do damn near anything for Miguel Garcia. The burly, focused, striving-to-be-better older man, is everything. He’s hot, demanding and nurturing.
I don’t want to be Laney because running is not for me but I’d love to be her best friend, Dee. Laney is a badass, determined, goal oriented gal that has to achieve what she’s set out to.
Erin, ohmygoddess, is the queen and makes a nontraditional sports romance something I need more of. Love you EMB- grateful for this ARC opportunity.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Okay am I a sports person? nope. Did I eat this book up in less then 24 hours? abso-freaking-lutely! The story of wanting something so badly and having the plan derailed is so relatable even without being a sports person.

The romance between Miguel and Laney is electric and kept me reading! The plot was plotting and I'm happy for an actual plot and not just romance!

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

The entire series of Breaking Barriers has been an incredible series. It has highlighted women’s sports and reminded people women dominate in sports as well. And while they couldn’t plan it, what a time to celebrate women in sports. Over the Line, by Erin Marie Bassett, features triathlon athletes, the focus being on our two MCs who have trained together for some time. As their training pushes them harder and harder, the spark that simmers between them threatens to ignite. Erin never fails to write amazing stories and this one is no different.

Miguel and Laney are amazing in this story. Their passion and dedication to their sport can be felt from page one. The passion they share brings a fire to their relationship that is kept under control by their keeping their feelings for each other secret. I loved the respect they showed each other as well. They are equals, except when things begin to heat up. In the bedroom, there is a definite lead. IYKYK.

Laney is beyond determined, wanting to show her worth and right to be in her chosen sport. She is also encouraging and inspiring. When you learn about her father and her, you understand her drive so much more. Miguel is protective, respectful, and healing. Every interaction he has with Lainey is tension filled and leaves you wanting more. And holy cow when the feelings are finally let free, Erin does not disappoint in giving readers exactly what they want.

As stated before this entire series has been amazing. It has made many women feel seen, appreciated, and encouraged. Women in sports are needed, period. All of the authors have definitely shown their agreement with this statement. I highly encourage reading this entire series and all of these authors. Each one has brought an amazing voice to the series and made it that much better!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🚴‍♀️Triathletes
🧡Age Gap Romance
🚴‍♀️Grumpy x Sunshine
🧡Only One Bed
🚴‍♀️Soft Dom
🧡Training Partners

[jenswhitenoise · Rating 5 out of 5]

"More ink dances across his ribcage and I want to inspect it. Maybe lick it."

Laney & Miguel. I was literally glued to this book the minute I started reading it. I was fascinated with Laney and her struggles and her absolute dedication to her sport and to her father's dying request is heartbreaking and inspiring. Miguel was just everything I needed him to be! I so respected his need to protect himself from himself, and his willingness to let Laney in and be open with her. Reading a sports romance based around triathlon athletes (doing the equivalent of ultra marathons) was so interesting. The MCs were likable, relatable, and I was captivated by their story. I felt like I was on a rollercoaster and it didn't let up until the ending. I LOVED it. I also was so excited that in this book there was more mention of the previous FMCs and we got to see them at the awards ceremony. Such a great way to wrap up the series!

This is the fourth book in an interconnected series (all can be read as standalones). Each FMC is written as as strong FMC, in control of their own destiny, with supportive MCs by their sides.

"Mejor solo que mal acompañado." (Better alone than in bad company)

"I feel it too. I never knew a kiss could feel like every star in the universe shone brighter the moment we connected."

I received a complimentary eARC and my review is voluntary. Thank you to the author!

[Jess Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens a when your coach is the one man you can’t resist?

Over the Line is the final story in the Breaking Barriers series and is a great way to close it out.

Laney is trying to fulfill her father’s final wish but feels like she may not be good enough to get there. She is sassy and tough but needs to learn that doing it on your own is not a sign of strength.

Miguel has a past that he tries to forget and a future that got shaken up when chaos enters his controlled world. Miguel is determined, steadfast, and is the epitome of a book boyfriend you want to take home.

Together Laney and Miguel are unstoppable. Their banter is fun, their chemistry is electric, and their hearts fall fast. Their story is about love, strength, and knowing your own worth.

Like all the books in this series, a key theme is women doing the hard things to break through societal conventions and show the world just how strong we really are. Laney is a great example of that with her determination to hit her goals and become a world champion.

If you’re like me and love a story that highlights the strength, determination, and shear brilliance of women, Over the Line and the Braking Barriers series are for you.

[Molly Bolish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are we joking? I’m so sad that life got in the way of me finishing this sooner!

A classic, funny, feel-good, relatable Erin Marie story. This book made me giggle, made my cheeks turn bright red and made me tear up.

Being an athlete is not for the weak, especially for women. And not because women aren’t strong (because DAMN we are) but because of terrible stereotypes of what a woman “should” be or what a woman “should” focus on.

Laney’s journey of discovering self acceptance of her accomplishments was beyond eye opening for me, personally. Her letting Miguel help and realizing it wasn’t because she couldn’t do it herself but because she didn’t need to do it alone.

Miguel’s journey of understanding that your past does not define who you are as a person. Everyone goes through shit. Hard shit. It’s how you grow and learn from it that makes you who you are.

These two paired together are a real-life-relatable dream team. A couple that feels real, that sacrifice and learn together.

“That everything we need to succeed is within us, all we have to do is believe it.”

If you are an athlete of any kind, I HIGHLY suggest reading this beautiful book. I know I learned a thing or two from it. 🧡

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book for several reasons:

The topic was new to me. I know nothing about endurance racing / Iron Man events. I’m sure there is more to training for and competing in these events, but it was fun to learn something new.

The characters were relatable. I mean for me the FMC was. Trying to live up to parents’ expectations, unsure who you are and wondering if what you’re doing is even worth it. Laney is very independent and learns that she can rely on others and ask for help because she is worthy.

I like the friendship between Dee and Laney. Female friendships are the best and I like how the author wrote their friendship. Maybe we might get a next book with Dee?

I like how Laney and Miguel got out of their heads and learned to trust each other. These two were perfect for each other, they really balanced each other out. Plus the age gap was a cool element. Not usually my favorite trope, but it worked in this book! Plus, I loved the way they took care of each other in times of need.

Dual POV is one my favorite type of book. I like getting the thoughts of both characters in the first person.

Spice level: 4 out of 5.

Thanks for the ARC of this book!

[Jamie Hobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was grateful to be chosen as an ARC reviewer for this book.

This book broke me within the first couple of chapters. I actually had to put it down for a few days because Laney making that promise to her father as he was dying from cancer hit way too close to home for me. Having lost both of my parents to cancer, those scenes were incredibly emotional and deeply personal.

When I finally picked it back up, though, I couldn’t put it down.

I absolutely loved the contrast between Laney and Miguel. Laney is chaotic, messy, and all over the place in the best way, while Miguel is focused, steady, and grounded. Watching him train her and seeing that professional dynamic slowly turn into something real and meaningful — despite the age gap — was so beautifully done. Their chemistry felt natural, earned, and emotional.

And when Laney took the podium? I cried.

Erin has such a gift for writing sports romances that completely pull you in and make you feel like you’re living inside the story. I never considered myself a sports romance girlie, but after reading one of her other books, I was intrigued — and now I’m officially hooked.

[Crystal Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story kinda pulled at my heartstrings. When Laney lost her father, I understand that pain. I’ve felt that pain and I wanted her to succeed so badly.

Laney doesn’t want to let her father down, she is literally pushing herself with everything she has. It seems like there is always something going against her and she comes up a little short in qualifying. But then she catches Miguel’s attention. Miguel is older, he is driven, and he is a TP Champion. He is exactly who Laney needed in her corner.

These two had an intense push and pull chemistry. Both of them wanted more, but straddling that line of coach and more was always lurking in the background. The stakes were high. It was emotional. It was intense. And then when they gave in, it got spicy too. You find yourself cheering her on, turning the pages at record speed because you have to know if she qualifies or not. Oh, and you can’t help but want a best friend just like Dee. She is in your corner no matter what and she has the best motivational signs.

[Blair Lutner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the chaos versus control dynamic of Laney and Miguel in "Over the Line" by Erin Marie Bassett. I really felt like Laney's backstory and drive to succeed were emotional and I could understand her motivation. Same with Miguel, to be honest. The situations that Laney finds herself in are able to keep the book lighthearted though, and I thought the grumpy/sunshine aspect was funny and well done! Their relationship seemed to evolve the way a normal one might, so the story did not seem far-fetched. Did I know much about long-distance triathlons before reading this book? No. Do I regret reading it? Also no! This is book 4 of the Breaking Barriers series but it can definitely be read as a standalone. This book was a longer read than the other 3 in the series but totally worth it. This is the second book I have read by this author (in as many weeks!), and I am becoming an Erin Marie Bassett fan!

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review Breaking Barriers Series
Antecdotal thoughts while reading
I have read other books in this series as an ARC reviewer. They can be read as a standalone.

Laney - former Olympic Trials hopeful, lineage of Olympic dreams, dying father pushing her back to a sport she loved
Miguel - trying to push himself to finish 10 TitaniumPerson races in a row...dang!! reigning world champ continuing to reach that runners high that just keeps needing to be higher and higher
Miguel, savor of the unsafe sleeping conditions.
Miguel, disciplined to the minute to keep on the straight and narrow.
Can you sponsor Laney, Miguel??
Is she his next addiction?
Laney is getting downright bold.
Will Laney go digging into his history now that her curiosity is peaked?
🎉🎉 Laney!!!!
That's the bad ass girl group!! 📰
Her sponsor ❤️
She has her cheering squad! Dee🤣
Is Lucy Bausch the FMC of the next book in the series?
Worlds 🏆

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miguel + Laney

Over the Line is a spicy open door sports romance that is going to have to panting like a dog. Phew the intimate scenes between these two when they finally give in are intense, memorable and so so good.

Miguel is much older than Laney and decides to take her on as a client (to train) because he sees her potential before she does. Laney is trying to live up to a promise she made her dad before he died. She is hard working, a knockout, and loyal. She's got some issues with her mom which are rectified near the end.

I flew through this book in one night. I really enjoyed the concept of the TP and how well it was described throughout the book. Not only that but as a person who loves sports this was on I was not familiar with so it was nice to have the extra information sprinkled throughout the book.

Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Mylissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of Erin Marie Bassett's sizzling tension, snappy wit and tender moments between Laney & Miquel this unique sports romance takes readers into the world of triathlon training & racings. As a runner myself, I've not come across a sport romance with this focus before and I absolutely could not put the novel down. I found the author did an incredible job blending the emotional/mental drive of long distance endurance athletes with the grief of losing a parents while also weaving in a love story that included growth for both main characters. This novel does explore the ethical dilemma about an athlete being involved with their coach but for me since it wasn't a pro athlete situation it didn't bother me & only made it hotter 😉🔥

I'm loving the Breaking Barriers series so far and can't wait to read the other books by these incredible authors!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This just made me feel fuzzy warm feelings. I loved the dual athlete dynamic, but also how Miguel took a backseat to really focus on Laney, because he saw the potential of what she could be. I loved the slow burn aspect. I was loving how much of their sport we got to see, like the trainings leading up to an event and even the smaller things like the mental fortitude, the nutrition, how different equipment has different results. And I really enjoyed the vulnerability of both of these characters and while there is a minor third act kerfuffle it’s not considered a breakup and I appreciated how they worked through that and each person was heard, validated and then they were able to move forward.
The final scene with her mom had me choked up. I absolutely loved how that whole interaction played out. No Spoilers!

While this book does touch on some heavier themes, it still has that quirky humorous style that Erin always brings to her books. There were multiple moments I was laughing out loud at the Miguel and Laney’s dynamic and banter.

This is part of a miniseries with three other books written by three different authors, and I am excited to go check them out!

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chemistry! Absolutely devoured the chemistry in this read. Miguel and Laney just have that irresistible pull to each other made even better by his need to take care of her and train her to be her absolute best and her need to push him out of his comfort zone and get him living again not just surviving. I love the backstories for these two, a girl who lost her dad and wants to fulfill the promise she made and a guy with a past as an addict that needs his control and routine to feel like he’s truly moved past all his demons, it plays out so well between them and gives them both reasons to fight for what they want. A great addition to the Breaking Barriers series this read just has heart, lots of it, and with the age gap, the theme of having support, and the fantastic push and pull between these two it’s just an all-around extremely enjoyable read.

[HeadCanonHeadCase · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laney is so close to achieving her goals that she can practically taste them, but she just can't seem to reach them. Miguel offers to coach her and help her get the support she needs. She's chaos where he's control. On paper they couldn't be more different, but every training session is a lesson in endurance as they fight their growing feelings.

Read if you like:
-Dual Athletes
-Chaos x Control
-Age Gap

Laney was the highlight of Over the Line for me. She was equal parts relatable and hysterical. I was rooting for her to get her breakthrough the entire book and celebrated alongside her when she finally got her podium. I felt the romantic element took a little while to find its footing, but once it did, the spice was fire.

[Brenda Yager · Rating 5 out of 5]

The differences between Laney & Miguel are drastic but each brings something to the other that is needed.

Laney is chaos, sunshine, emotionally motivated and a tad lost in how to achieve her goals that she promised her father she would.

Miguel is focused, ridged, but also a bit floundering looking for more meaning in his days.

They make a wonderfully unlikely pair with Miguel trying to add discipline and good eating habits to her life and Laney adding passion, yearning and need back into his life. I enjoyed these characters and hope Dee gets her own story because I would love to read that.

Thank you Erin for a change to read this as an ARC. You were so great in sending it to me even after the deadline because I forgot to request it. Can't wait to read more of your works.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely ate this book up—from the very first page all the way to the last. I’m not someone who runs, trains, or even pretends to be athletic, but this story pulled me so far into Laney and Miguel’s world that it didn’t even matter. The running and athletic aspects became part of the emotional journey rather than just a backdrop, and I loved how naturally it all wove into their growth.

What really stood out to me was how Laney and Miguel built trust with each other. It wasn’t instant, and it wasn’t easy. They had to learn how to let their guards down, communicate, and show up for one another even when things got hard. Their bond was something they earned, and watching it unfold felt so satisfying.

Their journey wasn’t smooth—it was full of bumps, missteps, and emotional potholes. They both had their own struggles to overcome, and together they faced even more. But instead of breaking them, the challenges pushed them to fight harder, to grow, and to choose each other over and over again.

By the end, seeing how far they’d come—both individually and as a couple—made the payoff feel so worth it. Their growth, their resilience, their connection… it all added up to a beautifully written story that kept me hooked from beginning to end.

[Emma (thecaffeinatedbookaholic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!
Hello Miguel Garcia!!! The way this man shows up for Laney?! SWOON. The man thrives on his routines and discipline, on staying in control, and Laney comes in and disrupts it all. He’s so thrown off, but he can’t not help her. I was living for the way Laney unknowingly caused chaos and the way Miguel couldn’t stay away. I loved seeing Laney finally have someone in her corner and finally start to believe in herself. Both of their stories tugged on my heartstrings, but I adored watching these two banter and support each other, I loved the chemistry between them, and I just really enjoyed this one!

[ARC review]

[Jalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 Stars
First of all really appreciated the definitions in the front of the book and loved the little jokes sprinkled throughout! Was literally laughing from page one! Then when I realized it was Miguel I was beyond excited! I was really hoping to see more of him! I liked this one a lot more than I thought! I originally wasn’t sold on the “running” aspect of this because I hate running 😂 but it was actually pretty cool to get a little insight on the three different parts of a TP race! I loved Laney and Miguel and as often described in the book, Laney was the perfect amount of chaos to mix up Miguel’s life for the better! They are so good together and I loved watching both characters grow! Also shoutout to the author for no third act break up and making them discuss their issues like adults! Another great read from Erin Marie Bassett!

Thank you to Erin Marie Bassett for this ARC opportunity!

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over the Line is part of the Breaking Barriers sports collective- stories that have strong athletic fmcs!

Laney is trying to fulfill her father’s deathbed wish- to win a Titanium Person race (iron man). She’s doing her best to prove herself while barely scraping by financially when she bumps into older pro hottie Miguel.

Calling all age-gap lovers- this one is for you. Erin has written another fabulous sports romance!! The writing flows well and I giggled throughout. The steam is there🔥, and Miguel is a natural caretaker, and he takes his role of coach very seriously- on the course and off. ☺️

I read this in one day- I couldn’t put it down!

[Craftin' Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over the Line centers on Laney Matteson, a driven triathlete who refuses to let her father down and is desperate to achieve what he couldn’t: success as a professional TitaniumPerson athlete. When Miguel Garcia, a seasoned champion in the sport, offers to train her for free, everything changes — including her relationships and what she believes about herself. Together they navigate intense training, personal challenges, and a complicated age-gap romance as they work toward their goals.
Well written, though I feel some word and phrases are a bit overused, thats personal preference.

[MRH Kotz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read and a look at endurance sports from the inside. It’s a nice age gap story with an older experienced MMC and a struggling to achieve FMC. The story doesn’t go as deep into the character formation as I would have liked but does a good job of getting you into their mindsets. This was a light nice story to get you out of a funk from moodier other reads. I love all of Erin’s stories and how they link to other books. This one is part of a women’s empowerment series with strong female leads and the male partners we all wish for.

[Laura Twaroski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book - and it pains me to admit it, but I think I even love Miguel’s man bun.

Key takeaways:
- “Yes, Coach” is hot.
- Our parents are imperfect humans, just like us.
- The life of an athlete sounds exhausting…but the abs sound divine.
- We all need a Dee in our lives (not sexual, gutter minds, the friend).

This book gets all the stars. This book can take stars from other books.

Thanks to EMB and her team for the ARC!

[Jessica Wisniewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Laney & Miguel’s story, and I loved the age gap trope. It was so wonderful to see Miguel put Laney and her training first. The breaking the barriers series is a great series full of powerful FMCs.

Thank you to the author (Erin Marie Bassett) for this e-book ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I definitely recommend all the books in the series if you like reading about sports romance.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Title: Over the Line
Author: Erin Marie Bassett

Star Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

I loved this book so much! Miguel and Laney had so much chemistry and they way they both helped each other be more focused. Laney wants to honor her dad and Miguel wants to be seen as more than his past!

I have never read a Titanium Person athlete book and it was fun and interesting! I can't wait to see what's next for Erin!

#OverTheLine #ErinMarieBassett #sportsromance

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review
Cute age gap sports romance. I enjoyed it, but the one thing that constantly bugged me was that the author renamed “IronMan” to “TitaniumPerson.” And I read the author’s note about why, and I get that it is more gender inclusive, but it is just such a mouthful (literally twice as many syllables) and it’s a sport that already exists. (The MMC and FMC are both IronMan athletes, and the whole plot revolves around the FMC competing, so the terminology is rampant.)