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The Firing Line #1
Blurring The Line: A steamy romantic suspense novel that will have you on the edge of your seat
When DEA agent Beth Thomson recruits ex-soldier Armando Torres as an undercover agent, she knows she has hit the jackpot.
He will infiltrate ‘Los Zetas’, one of Mexico’s deadliest cartels, and expose their drug-running into the USA. In turn, she promises to turn a blind eye to him finding and killing the rival cartel member who shot his best friend. Beth is good at overlooking the gruesome details of her job; her focus is the bigger picture – nailing ‘El Escorpion’, the mysterious and most-wanted leader of the ‘Los Treintas’ gang.
Torres soon climbs the cartel ladder, and has the tattoo markings to prove his loyalty. So when a secret meet with Beth goes wrong, his cover is strong enough for him to save her from his fellow gang members. His silence hints at the horrors he has performed to get him where he is, and his brutality and strength both scare and arouse Beth simultaneously. The heat between them is unprofessional and yet undeniable. But has he gone rogue? Can Beth trust him to put her mission before his own revenge? And can she trust herself with him?
He will infiltrate ‘Los Zetas’, one of Mexico’s deadliest cartels, and expose their drug-running into the USA. In turn, she promises to turn a blind eye to him finding and killing the rival cartel member who shot his best friend. Beth is good at overlooking the gruesome details of her job; her focus is the bigger picture – nailing ‘El Escorpion’, the mysterious and most-wanted leader of the ‘Los Treintas’ gang.
Torres soon climbs the cartel ladder, and has the tattoo markings to prove his loyalty. So when a secret meet with Beth goes wrong, his cover is strong enough for him to save her from his fellow gang members. His silence hints at the horrors he has performed to get him where he is, and his brutality and strength both scare and arouse Beth simultaneously. The heat between them is unprofessional and yet undeniable. But has he gone rogue? Can Beth trust him to put her mission before his own revenge? And can she trust herself with him?
- GenresRomanceRomantic Suspense
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2014
32 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 25, 2015
I don’t know what I was expecting going in, but holy shit, this was a fun ride! Keirney tells a dirty, dangerous and rough story of two agents who find themselves in a crazy situation and an even crazier one as they begin to develop feelings for each other.
Deep undercover, Armando Torres has worked his way up in the drug cartel known as Los Zetas. Beth shows up a little too earlier for a meeting and Torres is forced to claim her as ‘his’ in order to save her from rape or worse. But now she’s been marked as a potential target. Can Torres keep her safe?
Beth is super uptight and frankly, a little crazy. But it’s a good crazy. She likes order, lists, peanut butter and M&Ms, and I can totally relate. I really liked her. Her lists and color coordinating help calm the crazy that goes on inside her mind that is otherwise filled with guilt and confusion over, god….the girl has some serious guilt issues.
She’s pretty sure she’s faking her way through life (CAN’T WE ALL RELATE TO THAT?!), and even though she has a prestigious job, she’s really not happy. Getting close to Torres totally throws her off her game, especially because she does NOT trust. ever. anyone. But she can’t stop her attraction to this big, scary looking man who is otherwise considerate, sweet and fucking awesome with his tongue. #yesplease.
Torres isn’t sure what he’s doing with Beth. He doesn’t know why he’s so drawn to her at first, but he knows that he can’t stay away now that he’s had a taste. He says he’ll do anything for her, but will he give up his need for revenge against the man that killed his best friend for her too?
As the two get closer, the sparks fly and control is lost. Turns out, Beth likes it a little rough. YES. GET IT GIRL. I really loved these two together and that cliffhanger gave me major sadface. This is pretty different than what I usually read, and I loved every minute. I NEED MORE! MUST GET BOOK 2!!!!
[I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review – thank you!]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
Deep undercover, Armando Torres has worked his way up in the drug cartel known as Los Zetas. Beth shows up a little too earlier for a meeting and Torres is forced to claim her as ‘his’ in order to save her from rape or worse. But now she’s been marked as a potential target. Can Torres keep her safe?
Beth is super uptight and frankly, a little crazy. But it’s a good crazy. She likes order, lists, peanut butter and M&Ms, and I can totally relate. I really liked her. Her lists and color coordinating help calm the crazy that goes on inside her mind that is otherwise filled with guilt and confusion over, god….the girl has some serious guilt issues.
She’s pretty sure she’s faking her way through life (CAN’T WE ALL RELATE TO THAT?!), and even though she has a prestigious job, she’s really not happy. Getting close to Torres totally throws her off her game, especially because she does NOT trust. ever. anyone. But she can’t stop her attraction to this big, scary looking man who is otherwise considerate, sweet and fucking awesome with his tongue. #yesplease.
Torres isn’t sure what he’s doing with Beth. He doesn’t know why he’s so drawn to her at first, but he knows that he can’t stay away now that he’s had a taste. He says he’ll do anything for her, but will he give up his need for revenge against the man that killed his best friend for her too?
As the two get closer, the sparks fly and control is lost. Turns out, Beth likes it a little rough. YES. GET IT GIRL. I really loved these two together and that cliffhanger gave me major sadface. This is pretty different than what I usually read, and I loved every minute. I NEED MORE! MUST GET BOOK 2!!!!
[I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review – thank you!]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
July 13, 2014
Wow, this book took me for a ride. A fast-paced, high impact, have-to-keep-reading-but-don’t-want-it-to-end ride. And that’s the best part. It doesn’t end. This is the first installment of a hard-edged, gritty romance trilogy.
Beth is a woman with many layers. She’s an agent that knows her stuff, relishes in control, and puts up walls to keep unwanted emotion out. Yet she’s a real woman, after all. Soft about her family, concerned about her sister and ailing mother, and self-conscious of her appearance. She copes as best as possible, pushing off unpleasant reality and battling with her guilt-ridden conscience. The last thing she needs is for her focus to be blurred when it comes to working at the DEA. She’s been honing in on the leader of a violent drug cartel. She can’t misstep – especially with her heart.
Torres is all contradiction. A sexy man with as many facets in his personality as his past. An undercover agent capable of fooling the harshest critics, but also a very loyal friend. Strong, but incredibly vulnerable and hot (ok, that’s consistent throughout). He fights true emotion, focused on the one deed he wants more than anything. Revenge. He’s let it blacken his heart and blur his vision. But beneath the tattoos, muscles, and fierce smirk is a man who needs love as much as the next guy.
The romance is equally as intriguing as the plot and the book so well written, you get lost in the story. I especially liked the dialogue, constant action and unexpected twists. And of course, the best part is that I won’t have to wait long to read more, since this is the first of a trilogy.
Beth is a woman with many layers. She’s an agent that knows her stuff, relishes in control, and puts up walls to keep unwanted emotion out. Yet she’s a real woman, after all. Soft about her family, concerned about her sister and ailing mother, and self-conscious of her appearance. She copes as best as possible, pushing off unpleasant reality and battling with her guilt-ridden conscience. The last thing she needs is for her focus to be blurred when it comes to working at the DEA. She’s been honing in on the leader of a violent drug cartel. She can’t misstep – especially with her heart.
Torres is all contradiction. A sexy man with as many facets in his personality as his past. An undercover agent capable of fooling the harshest critics, but also a very loyal friend. Strong, but incredibly vulnerable and hot (ok, that’s consistent throughout). He fights true emotion, focused on the one deed he wants more than anything. Revenge. He’s let it blacken his heart and blur his vision. But beneath the tattoos, muscles, and fierce smirk is a man who needs love as much as the next guy.
The romance is equally as intriguing as the plot and the book so well written, you get lost in the story. I especially liked the dialogue, constant action and unexpected twists. And of course, the best part is that I won’t have to wait long to read more, since this is the first of a trilogy.
April 14, 2015
So good!
Tons of action and suspense, a good-hearted bad boy, and a neurotic law enforcer.
Bring on the next in the series...
Tons of action and suspense, a good-hearted bad boy, and a neurotic law enforcer.
Bring on the next in the series...
May 2, 2015
This review was originally posted on Fifty Shades of Books
4,5 out of 5 Stars
*** ARC granted in exchange for an honest review ***
When DEA agent Beth Thomson hires Armando Torres into her team, she has no scruples whatsoever. She knew very well Torres would have his own personal reasons to go undercover to infiltrate the Los Zetas gang and find "El Escorpion", leader of the rivaling cartel Los Treintas.
Now that Beth is one name closer to finding El Escorpion, she decides to meet with Torres in person after over 2 years to update him. Yet, during their meeting, Beth becomes more and more aware of the fact that Torres has been successfully working his way up the gang food chain and that he might have become rogue. That's also when she realizes that she can't shove the dirty details of Torres' involvement with Las Zetas under the rug. She can't forget that she was the one to put him into this situation in the first place. And last but not least, can she trust him enough to give him the name that he's been looking for over two years?
But it's too late to dwell on that, since their meeting went wrong, and a hit has been ordered on Beth's head. Will Torres just let her be another necessary casualty for him to finally seek revenge for his best friend, or will he help Beth?
What I loved about this book:
The peculiar character set and their chemistry
The unusual context, and twists in the story
The breath of fresh air this story brings, and the very perfect pace!
What I felt needed improvement:
The actual gang war part wasn't as detailed/explicit as I'd expected
The cliffhanger!
After having read tons of bleh books with excruciatingly slow pace, uneventful storylines and slightly stupid characters, Blurring The Line was a book that came just at the right time for me, with a perfect storyline and great characters that keep me on my toes throughout the book. My last reads pretty much revolved around sappy Navy/SEAL romances and office romances, and reading something darker with more action definitely brought me a breath of fresh air.
I absolutely loved how peculiar the characters were. Beth was a complete anti-hero to being with: a less-than-average beauty, apparently married to her job, a cat-lady... and also a very strong and willed woman who isn't scared about the huge taskforce that she's been assigned, and hell-bent on finding the Los Treintas leader.
However, in all her determination, she is somehow scared of Torres and of what he represents. He slowly makes her realize that the reason why she's been so fearless is her capability of ignoring and denying all the ugly truths - and she realizes she just can't do this anymore. Yet, despite her fear of him, she also feels oddly comfortable with him and shares with him facts no one else knew about her. Beth is a very organized, rational, black or white person with some crazy traits. She pretty much doesn't trust anyone apart from her mother and sister because she's been burnt before, so opening up to Torres seems right to her, yet unnatural at the same time.
Torres was perfect too - in the beginning of Blurring The Line , it was difficult to gauge him: is he helping out Beth out of pity, out of personal interest for getting closer to his target, or is there really something about her he can't resist. Is it because she represents the "normality" that had been missing from his life for 2 years now? Little by littel, morphed from an allegedly cold-hearted killer into a trustworthy partner and friend. And a playful and teasing lover, too. He has all the control and respect in the circles he operates in; yet, he can't control himself around Beth. Beth and Torres are, at first glance, completely unlikely as a couple. But the chemistry between the two of them is definitely there, and becomes incredibly hot and leads to a lot of built-up tension and to some very steamy scenes.
As far as the writing is concerned, I found it really great. It was a 3rd person narrative, mainly from Beth's POV, but which sometimes jumped over to Torres' thoughts. The pace was absolutely perfect and fostered a very enticing story an character development, as both Torres and Beth are confronted to many situations that do not come with a playbook. There were quite a few unexpected twists in the story and in the character's actions. I enjoyed every page of it since Blurring The Line was definitely filled with action and suspense.
What's more, the story does not only revolve around Beth and Torres' involvement, but dig deeper into both their issues. While we are only scratching the surface as to why Torres is so dead bent on finding El Escorpion to act out his planned personal revenge, we do get the full scoop on Beth's story. We actually learn that the DEA was not her career choice to being with, and that there are bigger reasons forcing her to stick with her assigned taskforce and carrying it out until the end.
The only thing I found just a tad lacking in Blurring The Line was how the actual gang war/mission was described, while it is the whole motivation for Beth and Torres to even spend time together, all they do is travel and get phone calls from the offices informing them what's going on. Apart from one specific scene, they are not actually doing anything, which I found strange. I also had a lot of difficulty grasping the time/space element: especially Torres was always in a different place. Within a matter of hours, he would travel from Texas to Mexico, and back or even be in Colombia the next hour - yet, we never get the actual scoop of what's happening or what he's doing when he is there. But well, it didn't mess that much with the whole reading experience so I can close an eye on that.
The last 20% of Blurring The Line were extremely enjoyable. However, it was less enjoyable seeing the page count increase and slowly realizing this book would leave a huge cliffhanger in its wake. needless to say I was so high-strung I went on Amazon as soon as I finished the book and put my hands on Part 2: Holding The Line , which features a very interesting and exciting blurb.
Upcoming author? Need help with a book cover design?
I'm a freelance graphic designer happy to help you out in exchange for a reader's copy. Contact me!
4,5 out of 5 Stars
*** ARC granted in exchange for an honest review ***
When DEA agent Beth Thomson hires Armando Torres into her team, she has no scruples whatsoever. She knew very well Torres would have his own personal reasons to go undercover to infiltrate the Los Zetas gang and find "El Escorpion", leader of the rivaling cartel Los Treintas.
Now that Beth is one name closer to finding El Escorpion, she decides to meet with Torres in person after over 2 years to update him. Yet, during their meeting, Beth becomes more and more aware of the fact that Torres has been successfully working his way up the gang food chain and that he might have become rogue. That's also when she realizes that she can't shove the dirty details of Torres' involvement with Las Zetas under the rug. She can't forget that she was the one to put him into this situation in the first place. And last but not least, can she trust him enough to give him the name that he's been looking for over two years?
But it's too late to dwell on that, since their meeting went wrong, and a hit has been ordered on Beth's head. Will Torres just let her be another necessary casualty for him to finally seek revenge for his best friend, or will he help Beth?
What I loved about this book:
The peculiar character set and their chemistry
The unusual context, and twists in the story
The breath of fresh air this story brings, and the very perfect pace!
What I felt needed improvement:
The actual gang war part wasn't as detailed/explicit as I'd expected
The cliffhanger!
After having read tons of bleh books with excruciatingly slow pace, uneventful storylines and slightly stupid characters, Blurring The Line was a book that came just at the right time for me, with a perfect storyline and great characters that keep me on my toes throughout the book. My last reads pretty much revolved around sappy Navy/SEAL romances and office romances, and reading something darker with more action definitely brought me a breath of fresh air.
I absolutely loved how peculiar the characters were. Beth was a complete anti-hero to being with: a less-than-average beauty, apparently married to her job, a cat-lady... and also a very strong and willed woman who isn't scared about the huge taskforce that she's been assigned, and hell-bent on finding the Los Treintas leader.
However, in all her determination, she is somehow scared of Torres and of what he represents. He slowly makes her realize that the reason why she's been so fearless is her capability of ignoring and denying all the ugly truths - and she realizes she just can't do this anymore. Yet, despite her fear of him, she also feels oddly comfortable with him and shares with him facts no one else knew about her. Beth is a very organized, rational, black or white person with some crazy traits. She pretty much doesn't trust anyone apart from her mother and sister because she's been burnt before, so opening up to Torres seems right to her, yet unnatural at the same time.
Torres was perfect too - in the beginning of Blurring The Line , it was difficult to gauge him: is he helping out Beth out of pity, out of personal interest for getting closer to his target, or is there really something about her he can't resist. Is it because she represents the "normality" that had been missing from his life for 2 years now? Little by littel, morphed from an allegedly cold-hearted killer into a trustworthy partner and friend. And a playful and teasing lover, too. He has all the control and respect in the circles he operates in; yet, he can't control himself around Beth. Beth and Torres are, at first glance, completely unlikely as a couple. But the chemistry between the two of them is definitely there, and becomes incredibly hot and leads to a lot of built-up tension and to some very steamy scenes.
"Objectively, you're as average as they come. But fuck if I can be objective about you. To me, you are beautiful. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met and it pisses me off because I have no idea when or why it happened, but here we are."
As far as the writing is concerned, I found it really great. It was a 3rd person narrative, mainly from Beth's POV, but which sometimes jumped over to Torres' thoughts. The pace was absolutely perfect and fostered a very enticing story an character development, as both Torres and Beth are confronted to many situations that do not come with a playbook. There were quite a few unexpected twists in the story and in the character's actions. I enjoyed every page of it since Blurring The Line was definitely filled with action and suspense.
What's more, the story does not only revolve around Beth and Torres' involvement, but dig deeper into both their issues. While we are only scratching the surface as to why Torres is so dead bent on finding El Escorpion to act out his planned personal revenge, we do get the full scoop on Beth's story. We actually learn that the DEA was not her career choice to being with, and that there are bigger reasons forcing her to stick with her assigned taskforce and carrying it out until the end.
"Everything will be all right in the end. And if it's not all right, it's not the end."
The only thing I found just a tad lacking in Blurring The Line was how the actual gang war/mission was described, while it is the whole motivation for Beth and Torres to even spend time together, all they do is travel and get phone calls from the offices informing them what's going on. Apart from one specific scene, they are not actually doing anything, which I found strange. I also had a lot of difficulty grasping the time/space element: especially Torres was always in a different place. Within a matter of hours, he would travel from Texas to Mexico, and back or even be in Colombia the next hour - yet, we never get the actual scoop of what's happening or what he's doing when he is there. But well, it didn't mess that much with the whole reading experience so I can close an eye on that.
The last 20% of Blurring The Line were extremely enjoyable. However, it was less enjoyable seeing the page count increase and slowly realizing this book would leave a huge cliffhanger in its wake. needless to say I was so high-strung I went on Amazon as soon as I finished the book and put my hands on Part 2: Holding The Line , which features a very interesting and exciting blurb.
Upcoming author? Need help with a book cover design?
I'm a freelance graphic designer happy to help you out in exchange for a reader's copy. Contact me!
March 3, 2018
"Blurring the plot"
The problem with steamy romances is that often the story line is sacrificed for the sex scenes. It's clear this writer can write, but there were so many references to Torres's eyes, mouth, biceps, and virtually every other part of his anatomy, the magic had gone before these two actually did anything.
I had lost interest before the second bout of action.
The problem with steamy romances is that often the story line is sacrificed for the sex scenes. It's clear this writer can write, but there were so many references to Torres's eyes, mouth, biceps, and virtually every other part of his anatomy, the magic had gone before these two actually did anything.
I had lost interest before the second bout of action.
July 7, 2014
Trust is everything. When that is shattered who knows if there is anything that could mend it.
Wow, I don’t know what to say about this story. I know one thing, I couldn’t put it down. From the moment that I read the half of the first chapter I was hooked. I could not believe what was happening. I don’t know how Beth was able to do what she did it seemed she had her own mechanism to deal with everything that happened in her line of work. Then there was Torres he was a man on a mission and he needed to remember that he needed to find the person that killed his bestfriend but it came with a price.
Beth Thomson was a breath of fresh air, she was a very strong woman that was after a criminal and would do anything to get “El Escorpion”. She recruited a man and she knew that be sort of blackmailed him she was serving the man that killed his bestfriend on a silver platter once he was found and she got what she wanted from him. She found Torres a little scary but at the same time she felt safe with him. I loved when she told stories about her childhood, then when she talks about M&M therapy that sounds like me. Only that her therapy usually ends after 4 M&M’s I think I’m one that finishes my bag of M&M’s. I could not believe how relax she felt after a couple of days with Torres but soon all that changed when she thought they could the break they needed. Something horrible happened right in front of her and there was no way she was going to leave an innocent little person there.
Armando Torres is an ex-soldier that got everything taken from him. His brothers had been initiated into the gang known as “Los Zetas” and did in drive bys this was the same gang that shot him and killed his bestfriend. When some woman showed up at his home he took her job offer and was infiltrated into the Los Zetas. He was a leader of a deadly group and he did things that churned his stomach. Torres was responsible for multiple deaths and also for tons of kilos of cocaine coming into the United States. When he met with Beth that was the only time he felt that he was with a normal person. He felt when he was near her but when it comes to his attention that she has been marked there is no way that they were going to kill her. He doesn’t have a choice but to go to her and tell her she is in trouble. He thinks that she is going to listen to him and go into protective custody but he is mistaken. Beth wants to join him and go to Mexico since she just told him who was responsible for killing his bestfriend. The lines are blurring between them and he can’t resist anymore he takes her but he knows if he goes all the way he will hurt her and he can’t do that.
The journey that Beth and Torres take is one that is filled with death, with passion and when it all ends it could cost her everything.
Blurring the Lines was an exceptional read that captivated my attention and it’s a must read. I could not believe the amount of things that went on in this story. The characters are well developed. Beth was something, she was smart, strong and a woman that had major trust issues that I hope one day she can overcome. Then there is Torres, dayum he is one hot, sexy, alpha male that needed a woman that made him feel everything. The chemistry between them is intense but they seem to be tip toeing around each other but the moment that they let loose it’s magical. This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Scott and I have to say that I love her writing style. The amount of emotions that her writing let me feel through out the story was amazing. The tears that I shed were because of the pain and fear that I felt when Beth was thinking the worst. I really can’t wait for what is next for both Beth and Torres.
Well what can I say but I was immensely disappointed at the very end because even though I know that this is a trilogy it still is a bummer where it was left off. I could not believe what was happening and yes I already knew what Beth was going to do but I know there is more to the story. I can’t wait for the next installment. Hopefully the wait won’t be long.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
Wow, I don’t know what to say about this story. I know one thing, I couldn’t put it down. From the moment that I read the half of the first chapter I was hooked. I could not believe what was happening. I don’t know how Beth was able to do what she did it seemed she had her own mechanism to deal with everything that happened in her line of work. Then there was Torres he was a man on a mission and he needed to remember that he needed to find the person that killed his bestfriend but it came with a price.
Beth Thomson was a breath of fresh air, she was a very strong woman that was after a criminal and would do anything to get “El Escorpion”. She recruited a man and she knew that be sort of blackmailed him she was serving the man that killed his bestfriend on a silver platter once he was found and she got what she wanted from him. She found Torres a little scary but at the same time she felt safe with him. I loved when she told stories about her childhood, then when she talks about M&M therapy that sounds like me. Only that her therapy usually ends after 4 M&M’s I think I’m one that finishes my bag of M&M’s. I could not believe how relax she felt after a couple of days with Torres but soon all that changed when she thought they could the break they needed. Something horrible happened right in front of her and there was no way she was going to leave an innocent little person there.
Armando Torres is an ex-soldier that got everything taken from him. His brothers had been initiated into the gang known as “Los Zetas” and did in drive bys this was the same gang that shot him and killed his bestfriend. When some woman showed up at his home he took her job offer and was infiltrated into the Los Zetas. He was a leader of a deadly group and he did things that churned his stomach. Torres was responsible for multiple deaths and also for tons of kilos of cocaine coming into the United States. When he met with Beth that was the only time he felt that he was with a normal person. He felt when he was near her but when it comes to his attention that she has been marked there is no way that they were going to kill her. He doesn’t have a choice but to go to her and tell her she is in trouble. He thinks that she is going to listen to him and go into protective custody but he is mistaken. Beth wants to join him and go to Mexico since she just told him who was responsible for killing his bestfriend. The lines are blurring between them and he can’t resist anymore he takes her but he knows if he goes all the way he will hurt her and he can’t do that.
The journey that Beth and Torres take is one that is filled with death, with passion and when it all ends it could cost her everything.
Blurring the Lines was an exceptional read that captivated my attention and it’s a must read. I could not believe the amount of things that went on in this story. The characters are well developed. Beth was something, she was smart, strong and a woman that had major trust issues that I hope one day she can overcome. Then there is Torres, dayum he is one hot, sexy, alpha male that needed a woman that made him feel everything. The chemistry between them is intense but they seem to be tip toeing around each other but the moment that they let loose it’s magical. This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Scott and I have to say that I love her writing style. The amount of emotions that her writing let me feel through out the story was amazing. The tears that I shed were because of the pain and fear that I felt when Beth was thinking the worst. I really can’t wait for what is next for both Beth and Torres.
Well what can I say but I was immensely disappointed at the very end because even though I know that this is a trilogy it still is a bummer where it was left off. I could not believe what was happening and yes I already knew what Beth was going to do but I know there is more to the story. I can’t wait for the next installment. Hopefully the wait won’t be long.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
July 3, 2014
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
I loved this story the only con is I have to wait for the second one. The storyline is solid and keeps you on the edge of your seat. There is so much at stake and for every step they take, it could be more than they bargained for. Drugs & the cartel are dangerous enough. When you add in an undercover agent, it adds a lot more of risk.
Beth is an amazingly strong character and I love the little habits she has. It’s rare that you get to know characters so well you feel as if they are a real person and not just a character in a book. One of my favorite parts is her habits with peanut M&M’s. She makes a kick-ass agent too. The things she has to deal with in her career and personal life, I am not sure I could live through it as well she does.
Torres, Torres, Torres - alpha male all over him. Smart, sexy, and brave. He definitely has a lone wolf type of personality. He puts everything on the line for revenge and the memory of his best friend. The things he does to infiltrate the Los Zetas, is amazing. Plus, he’s been doing it for two years and somehow even with all that he’s seen he still manages to stay the same person at his heart.
The romance between Beth and Torres is such a tug of war the entire book. They are both trying to give in to what they are feeling, yet trying to make sure they are holding their footing based on their past. When they are both able to give in to pleasure, it’s steamy…. So steamy. When they are fighting though, it rips at your heart because they are both so damn stubborn.
I can’t/won’t remark too much on the ending well because it’s something everyone should experience. I will say, I think there is more going on than what everyone believes. Also, in regards to the ending, I am a little disappointed how easily people gave in to certain thoughts. I will definitely, be adding the next one to pre-order as soon as I can.
I loved this story the only con is I have to wait for the second one. The storyline is solid and keeps you on the edge of your seat. There is so much at stake and for every step they take, it could be more than they bargained for. Drugs & the cartel are dangerous enough. When you add in an undercover agent, it adds a lot more of risk.
Beth is an amazingly strong character and I love the little habits she has. It’s rare that you get to know characters so well you feel as if they are a real person and not just a character in a book. One of my favorite parts is her habits with peanut M&M’s. She makes a kick-ass agent too. The things she has to deal with in her career and personal life, I am not sure I could live through it as well she does.
Torres, Torres, Torres - alpha male all over him. Smart, sexy, and brave. He definitely has a lone wolf type of personality. He puts everything on the line for revenge and the memory of his best friend. The things he does to infiltrate the Los Zetas, is amazing. Plus, he’s been doing it for two years and somehow even with all that he’s seen he still manages to stay the same person at his heart.
The romance between Beth and Torres is such a tug of war the entire book. They are both trying to give in to what they are feeling, yet trying to make sure they are holding their footing based on their past. When they are both able to give in to pleasure, it’s steamy…. So steamy. When they are fighting though, it rips at your heart because they are both so damn stubborn.
I can’t/won’t remark too much on the ending well because it’s something everyone should experience. I will say, I think there is more going on than what everyone believes. Also, in regards to the ending, I am a little disappointed how easily people gave in to certain thoughts. I will definitely, be adding the next one to pre-order as soon as I can.
June 25, 2015
Full review now available on my blog: http://thewritinggreyhound.blogspot.c...
This book wasn’t really my kind of thing. Although I regularly read books from every genre out there, sometimes a book just doesn’t connect with me for whatever reason.
Especially at the start, the author didn’t really marry the two components of the story (the romance and the DEA/cartel stuff) together well. They felt mismatched, like two completely different books had been merged together, and not well at that. But in fairness, this did improve throughout the book.
Beth is a good character, she’s complicated and intriguing. But I couldn’t help wondering, if she’s supposed to be an OCD workaholic cat-lady, why are so many men falling in love with her? It just seems contradictory. Plus Beth herself had a massive U-turn with her feelings about Torres. One minute she’s scared out of her wits around him, the next she’s inexplicably in love with him. It’s not logical, and it doesn’t realistically make sense. Also, the whole backstory and subplot with her family seemed a little over-the-top and unbelievable. Was it all entirely necessary? I can only assume it’s there as set-up for the rest of the series.
Blurring the Line was okay. Not outstanding, but definitely not bad either. The biggest problem was that I wasn’t really invested in the story or the majority of the characters, so I didn’t have that all-important emotional connection.
This book wasn’t really my kind of thing. Although I regularly read books from every genre out there, sometimes a book just doesn’t connect with me for whatever reason.
Especially at the start, the author didn’t really marry the two components of the story (the romance and the DEA/cartel stuff) together well. They felt mismatched, like two completely different books had been merged together, and not well at that. But in fairness, this did improve throughout the book.
Beth is a good character, she’s complicated and intriguing. But I couldn’t help wondering, if she’s supposed to be an OCD workaholic cat-lady, why are so many men falling in love with her? It just seems contradictory. Plus Beth herself had a massive U-turn with her feelings about Torres. One minute she’s scared out of her wits around him, the next she’s inexplicably in love with him. It’s not logical, and it doesn’t realistically make sense. Also, the whole backstory and subplot with her family seemed a little over-the-top and unbelievable. Was it all entirely necessary? I can only assume it’s there as set-up for the rest of the series.
Blurring the Line was okay. Not outstanding, but definitely not bad either. The biggest problem was that I wasn’t really invested in the story or the majority of the characters, so I didn’t have that all-important emotional connection.
July 19, 2014
Kierney Scott has done it again! If your looking for a refreshing change to the typically predictable erotic/romance novels this is your next must read! Torres was my favorite character by far, so cool, calm, and sexy! Watch out people this one will leave you hanging for the next one, of which I CAN NOT WAIT to read!
January 13, 2016
A little different to what I normally read, but I enjoyed the intensity of the relationship between the hero and heroine more than the murky world around them.
Wasn't so sure about the end - but then it is part of a series, so I may revisit at some stage.
Wasn't so sure about the end - but then it is part of a series, so I may revisit at some stage.
May 26, 2021
This was a really great read. An engaging storyline and characters made a page turner of a story.
June 22, 2015
In ‘Blurring The Line’ we meet DEA agent Beth Thomson. Beth has been working on a big case for weeks. The DEA is trying to stop one of Mexico’s deadliest cartels, ‘Los Zetas’ and expose their drug-running into the United States. Now Beth is determined to recruit ex-soldier Armando Torres as an undercover agent. With a little persuasion Torres accepts the position. In exchange for Torres working as an undercover agent, Beth will let him deal with the man who murdered his best friend.
Now two years later, they are finally getting closer to ending the case. Torres has successfully entered the higher ranks of the cartel, but this live is taking his toll on Torres. When Beth is in danger Torres decides to help her out. Beth is the only ‘normal’ person is Torres life and with her he feels more than what he felt with anyone over the last two years.
Beth knows Torres is not the guy she should be interested in. But there’s an undeniable attraction between them. Can Beth really trust a guy who’s been living inside one of the deadliest cartels in the world for more than two years?
‘Blurring The Line’ was from the beginning a very interesting book. It’s not just some romance novel. This book is filled with a lot of thrilling and exciting parts and it was a very fun book to read. The chemistry between Beth and Torres is super exciting and enjoyable. But the investigation into the ‘Los Zetas’ cartel also keeps you on the edge of your seat. I just didn’t want to stop reading but I also didn’t want this book to end.
The writing in this book is very good. It’s intriguing and not to sweet. The strong connections in this book are good enough to make the romance work without too much sweet and mushy language.
The character I liked the most was definitely Torres. I loved how he seemed all wrong and bad at the outside, but when you get to know him a little better you get to see that he has a lot of bad history, but he still is a good person. He doesn’t want anybody to see this side of him. But when you look closely, he definitely is a good guy. Torres lost a lot in his life but still he finds the strength to care for Beth.
Beth was also a great character. I loved how she made lists and how she tried to control everything. I could definitely relate to her. Beth doesn’t trust anybody, but slowly on she tries to trust Torres. But losing control is very hard for her.
This book is the first one in the The Firing Line series and I really loved it. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Especially knowing how this book ended. Major cliffhanger alert!
There’s nothing I can do about it.. I have a visit to Amazon in the very near future ahead of me!!
Now two years later, they are finally getting closer to ending the case. Torres has successfully entered the higher ranks of the cartel, but this live is taking his toll on Torres. When Beth is in danger Torres decides to help her out. Beth is the only ‘normal’ person is Torres life and with her he feels more than what he felt with anyone over the last two years.
Beth knows Torres is not the guy she should be interested in. But there’s an undeniable attraction between them. Can Beth really trust a guy who’s been living inside one of the deadliest cartels in the world for more than two years?
‘Blurring The Line’ was from the beginning a very interesting book. It’s not just some romance novel. This book is filled with a lot of thrilling and exciting parts and it was a very fun book to read. The chemistry between Beth and Torres is super exciting and enjoyable. But the investigation into the ‘Los Zetas’ cartel also keeps you on the edge of your seat. I just didn’t want to stop reading but I also didn’t want this book to end.
The writing in this book is very good. It’s intriguing and not to sweet. The strong connections in this book are good enough to make the romance work without too much sweet and mushy language.
The character I liked the most was definitely Torres. I loved how he seemed all wrong and bad at the outside, but when you get to know him a little better you get to see that he has a lot of bad history, but he still is a good person. He doesn’t want anybody to see this side of him. But when you look closely, he definitely is a good guy. Torres lost a lot in his life but still he finds the strength to care for Beth.
Beth was also a great character. I loved how she made lists and how she tried to control everything. I could definitely relate to her. Beth doesn’t trust anybody, but slowly on she tries to trust Torres. But losing control is very hard for her.
This book is the first one in the The Firing Line series and I really loved it. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Especially knowing how this book ended. Major cliffhanger alert!
There’s nothing I can do about it.. I have a visit to Amazon in the very near future ahead of me!!
December 28, 2015
Beth Thomson is a DEA agent with major goals of climbing to the top. As the oldest sister being raised by a single mother on government assistance, Beth has always felt responsible for taking care of her family. And so far, that is exactly what she’s done. She put aside her own dreams and took the first job offered to her outside of college. Taking the job meant a reliable paycheck which would be able to fund her younger sister’s college tuition. If Beth couldn’t live out her dream, she would make damn sure her little sister would be able to.
Aside from being an amazing big sister and kick ass DEA agent, she somewhat lacks in the social department. She doesn’t have many friends and her love life is a joke…Until she meets Armando Torres.
Torres is ex-military and 100% bad ass. His childhood had been somewhat troublesome when his two older brothers decided to join a street gang called The Zetas which ultimately caused their death. He promised himself he would never disappoint his mother the way his brothers did.
So why is his now the leader of The Zetas?
He’s hell-bent on revenge of course.
And Beth Thomson offered him the perfect opportunity for it.
While the two needed one another for their own agendas, they couldn’t ignore the romantic spark that ignited between them while working together. Beth continued to be rationale about the blooming attraction by reminding herself, "If you date a bad boy, you end up with a bad boyfriend, and then a bad husband, and then a bad father for your children, simple as that."
Yet here she is sweating over the badest boy of all, Armando Torres.
But Torres isn't so much a bad guy but rather an honorable man put in a hard situation. In other words he was pretending to be a bad guy to infiltrate the Mexican drug cartel. In a world where nothing is normal, Torres finds solace in Beth’s normalcy. It’s what attracts him to her. But will it be enough?
I was drawn to this book from page one. It was a fast paced, action packed novel with a perfect balance of romance. I can’t wait to see where book 2 will lead!
Aside from being an amazing big sister and kick ass DEA agent, she somewhat lacks in the social department. She doesn’t have many friends and her love life is a joke…Until she meets Armando Torres.
Torres is ex-military and 100% bad ass. His childhood had been somewhat troublesome when his two older brothers decided to join a street gang called The Zetas which ultimately caused their death. He promised himself he would never disappoint his mother the way his brothers did.
So why is his now the leader of The Zetas?
He’s hell-bent on revenge of course.
And Beth Thomson offered him the perfect opportunity for it.
While the two needed one another for their own agendas, they couldn’t ignore the romantic spark that ignited between them while working together. Beth continued to be rationale about the blooming attraction by reminding herself, "If you date a bad boy, you end up with a bad boyfriend, and then a bad husband, and then a bad father for your children, simple as that."
Yet here she is sweating over the badest boy of all, Armando Torres.
But Torres isn't so much a bad guy but rather an honorable man put in a hard situation. In other words he was pretending to be a bad guy to infiltrate the Mexican drug cartel. In a world where nothing is normal, Torres finds solace in Beth’s normalcy. It’s what attracts him to her. But will it be enough?
I was drawn to this book from page one. It was a fast paced, action packed novel with a perfect balance of romance. I can’t wait to see where book 2 will lead!
October 22, 2014
Firstly thank you to Carina for approving me for a copy of this via NetGalley. This is the first book I’ve read by Kierney Scott and I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of The Firing Line series!
The story is all about DEA agent Beth and her undercover agent Torres as the infiltrate Mexico’s biggest drug gang.
The story starts with a burst of adrenaline and edge of your seat reading as Beth finds herself in a less than perfect situation with the drug gang she’s trying to bust. I wasn’t expecting the story to start with such a highly dangerous and intense scene and it sets the tone for the entire story. We are also introduced to Beth’s undercover agent in this first scene as he comes to her rescue in his undercover guise.
I really liked the chemistry between the two characters, both the forced and natural chemistry that flowed freely between them. I loved that Beth tried hard to be unaffected by Torres. His gentle teasing manner was completely at odds with his thuggish and scary exterior which was fun to read.
The adrenaline continues throughout the story as Beth and Torres find themselves having to be more covert than ever before. At this point you are sort of taken out of the eye of the storm where the drug cartel and all of the violence associated with that is concerned and the relationship between Torres and Beth comes to the fore.
It was obvious from the start that the plot would head in this direction in terms of their relationship but I really liked how dependant both characters were on the other. Their chemistry seems to explode between them and I really felt like they had a connection. Although the story with the drug cartel is still boiling in the background, family becomes much more important in the second half of the book.
The story is left on a cliff hanger which will have you eager to read the second book in the series as it did me – looking forward to it already.
The story is all about DEA agent Beth and her undercover agent Torres as the infiltrate Mexico’s biggest drug gang.
The story starts with a burst of adrenaline and edge of your seat reading as Beth finds herself in a less than perfect situation with the drug gang she’s trying to bust. I wasn’t expecting the story to start with such a highly dangerous and intense scene and it sets the tone for the entire story. We are also introduced to Beth’s undercover agent in this first scene as he comes to her rescue in his undercover guise.
I really liked the chemistry between the two characters, both the forced and natural chemistry that flowed freely between them. I loved that Beth tried hard to be unaffected by Torres. His gentle teasing manner was completely at odds with his thuggish and scary exterior which was fun to read.
The adrenaline continues throughout the story as Beth and Torres find themselves having to be more covert than ever before. At this point you are sort of taken out of the eye of the storm where the drug cartel and all of the violence associated with that is concerned and the relationship between Torres and Beth comes to the fore.
It was obvious from the start that the plot would head in this direction in terms of their relationship but I really liked how dependant both characters were on the other. Their chemistry seems to explode between them and I really felt like they had a connection. Although the story with the drug cartel is still boiling in the background, family becomes much more important in the second half of the book.
The story is left on a cliff hanger which will have you eager to read the second book in the series as it did me – looking forward to it already.
February 3, 2023
This is a very complicated relationship between Beth a DEA agent and Torres who is a DEA agent working undercover in a ruthless Mexican cartel Los Zetas. Beth's mission is to destroy the murderous leader El Escorpion who is leader of the cartel Los Treintas. Torres has gone undercover to avenge the murder of his best friend Archila at the hands of the cartels. Beth recruited Torres and trained him to work undercover and now he reports to her. For a romance book, it's different that, at first, Torres doesn't find Beth attractive. He doesn't even think she is pretty, and neither does she. But somehow, being thrown together to fight for a common cause you get to know each other in a deeper way you normally would.
I enjoyed the funny dialogue between them. There are other great characters too and some really good bad guys.
I don't usually purchase books but I'm going out on a limb for this series and will purchase the next books just to get the complete story. Hope I'm not disappointed.
I enjoyed the funny dialogue between them. There are other great characters too and some really good bad guys.
I don't usually purchase books but I'm going out on a limb for this series and will purchase the next books just to get the complete story. Hope I'm not disappointed.
December 31, 2015
This book introduces us to the seedy underworld of the DEA and its agents. The main female protagonist Beth is set in her ways and is totally devoted to her job.
She finds herself in too deep when it comes to her more recent assignment, and with one of the agents she has placed undercover.
What will this entanglement mean for Beth and Torres, her undercover agent? Will they both survive intact, or will those they seek to uncover seek their own revenge against them?
A great start to what promises to be a great trilogy.
She finds herself in too deep when it comes to her more recent assignment, and with one of the agents she has placed undercover.
What will this entanglement mean for Beth and Torres, her undercover agent? Will they both survive intact, or will those they seek to uncover seek their own revenge against them?
A great start to what promises to be a great trilogy.
April 1, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fast paced suspenseful read that was full of twists and turns. There were many surprises along the way and I loved the steamy scenes.
I liked both Beth and Torres's characters. This is the kind of story where you know the author really knows her characters as they were so well-developed. I liked Beth's character, she was strong but also had her flaws and weaknesses.
Torres was a true sexy alpha that is so unforgettable, I am immediately downloading book two, Holding the Line.
Grab this book if you want a thrilling romantic read!
I liked both Beth and Torres's characters. This is the kind of story where you know the author really knows her characters as they were so well-developed. I liked Beth's character, she was strong but also had her flaws and weaknesses.
Torres was a true sexy alpha that is so unforgettable, I am immediately downloading book two, Holding the Line.
Grab this book if you want a thrilling romantic read!
April 14, 2016
Simply a must read. I loved the characters, very relatable.
Kierney Scott has just become my favourite author. I'm looking forward reading more of her books.
Highly recommended
Kierney Scott has just become my favourite author. I'm looking forward reading more of her books.
Highly recommended
July 15, 2015
Brilliant! Prepare to be hooked into what promises to be a fantastic series that's edgy and hot!
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