What do you think?
Rate this book
The One Line I Crossed: A Best Friend’s Sister College Football Romance
550 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2026
1 person want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 14, 2026
Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy for free! I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Tropes: YA College Sports Romance, Insta Love, Best Friend’s Sister/Brother’s Best Friend, Forbidden Love, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn, Mutual Yearning, Dual POV, Miscommunication
First of all, the cover is so cute and anime-inspired. I am also a sucker for college sports romance novels, since they step a little outside the YA genre, but not quite. I loved that this was dual POV. It was definitely needed for this type of book. I wanted to put “Age Gap” as a trope, but it did not feel totally right since there is only about a 3 to 4 year difference. However, Olivia is just so young that the age difference feels larger. Zach is a senior in college and Olivia is just starting her freshman year.
Let’s start with Zach. He is a popular football star and a known playboy, but he is open and honest about it. However, when he sees Olivia for the first time in their shared class, his whole life basically changes. It was very “insta love” for both of them, which is not a bad thing. But it felt very classic “bad boy turns good for the right girl,” which, to be honest, I am a sucker for. He is so down bad for her. Like immediately.
Olivia is a brand new freshman hoping to make a name for herself at this school and get out from under her brother’s shadow. She wants to be more than “Dylan’s little sister.” I loved her relationship with her best friend Maya. They were so cute, loyal, and supportive of each other. Olivia is a bit insecure, especially when Zach takes an interest in her. But I also liked that she was smart, tough, witty, and does not take shit from anyone.
The romance in this book is filled with so much slow burn tension. There was minimal spice, but the tension was off the charts. I almost would rather read about the “almost touch” moments with all the tension than the actual thing. It was done so well in this book.
There is a bit of a conflict in the middle of the book, and Zach kind of has to grovel for a while. However, they of course make up since it is an HEA. The conflict did seem legitimate and not like a typical third act breakup situation. It helped them both grow in their feelings and improve the communication they desperately needed. I did feel like the relationship went from 0 to 1000 in about three pages toward the end. I did feel how intensely they loved each other, so it kind of made sense. But at the end of the book I was like, “Wait, but she is like 18 years old.” It felt like a slightly rushed ending for a college romance.
Overall, this was a fun college sports romance read that felt very nostalgic, but was also filled with delicious tension and mutual yearning that I was living for.
Tropes: YA College Sports Romance, Insta Love, Best Friend’s Sister/Brother’s Best Friend, Forbidden Love, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn, Mutual Yearning, Dual POV, Miscommunication
First of all, the cover is so cute and anime-inspired. I am also a sucker for college sports romance novels, since they step a little outside the YA genre, but not quite. I loved that this was dual POV. It was definitely needed for this type of book. I wanted to put “Age Gap” as a trope, but it did not feel totally right since there is only about a 3 to 4 year difference. However, Olivia is just so young that the age difference feels larger. Zach is a senior in college and Olivia is just starting her freshman year.
Let’s start with Zach. He is a popular football star and a known playboy, but he is open and honest about it. However, when he sees Olivia for the first time in their shared class, his whole life basically changes. It was very “insta love” for both of them, which is not a bad thing. But it felt very classic “bad boy turns good for the right girl,” which, to be honest, I am a sucker for. He is so down bad for her. Like immediately.
Olivia is a brand new freshman hoping to make a name for herself at this school and get out from under her brother’s shadow. She wants to be more than “Dylan’s little sister.” I loved her relationship with her best friend Maya. They were so cute, loyal, and supportive of each other. Olivia is a bit insecure, especially when Zach takes an interest in her. But I also liked that she was smart, tough, witty, and does not take shit from anyone.
The romance in this book is filled with so much slow burn tension. There was minimal spice, but the tension was off the charts. I almost would rather read about the “almost touch” moments with all the tension than the actual thing. It was done so well in this book.
There is a bit of a conflict in the middle of the book, and Zach kind of has to grovel for a while. However, they of course make up since it is an HEA. The conflict did seem legitimate and not like a typical third act breakup situation. It helped them both grow in their feelings and improve the communication they desperately needed. I did feel like the relationship went from 0 to 1000 in about three pages toward the end. I did feel how intensely they loved each other, so it kind of made sense. But at the end of the book I was like, “Wait, but she is like 18 years old.” It felt like a slightly rushed ending for a college romance.
Overall, this was a fun college sports romance read that felt very nostalgic, but was also filled with delicious tension and mutual yearning that I was living for.
March 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️
I had someone tell me once “reading YA is having the chance to remember falling in love for the first time” and I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. When an author is able to capture those feelings of that young, innocent, and sweet it creates an amazing story. Brooke Monroe brings this to life within the pages of The One Line I Crossed, book 1 in her The One series. Her MCs are vulnerable, deep, and complex, while welcoming you into their story with open arms.
College senior, football star Zach has enjoyed college so far. He is a playboy, but he owns that title. His whole world is turned upside down though when he sees Olivia in class. His best friend’s little sister has grown up. Brooke made our boy absolutely head over heels for Olivia and constantly wanted to show her. His development throughout the book was incredible to read. He’s met the woman who makes him want to change and he is going to do it.
Olivia wants college to be the time where she becomes more than just “Dylan’s little sister”. She wants to build her own identity. She was amazing to watch grow. I loved watching her grow more confident in herself, accepting love that she deserves, and becoming the woman she wants to be. While she starts out shy and insecure when Zach begins to get to know her, she grows into a very confident person.
Brooke was able to capture young love so well. I was engaged the entire time reading and invested in watching Zach and Olivia grow into an amazing love story. The pacing of the story was well written and moved effortlessly. Brooke did an amazing job building their relationship, going from friends to more, while building the tension until it exploded. I am looking forward to Brooke’s next book and reading more of her stories.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏈YA/NA Romance
💘Football Romance
🏈Insta Love
💘Reformed Playboy MMC
🏈Best Friend’s Sister
💘Forbidden Love
🏈Forced Proximity
💘Mutual Yearning
I had someone tell me once “reading YA is having the chance to remember falling in love for the first time” and I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. When an author is able to capture those feelings of that young, innocent, and sweet it creates an amazing story. Brooke Monroe brings this to life within the pages of The One Line I Crossed, book 1 in her The One series. Her MCs are vulnerable, deep, and complex, while welcoming you into their story with open arms.
College senior, football star Zach has enjoyed college so far. He is a playboy, but he owns that title. His whole world is turned upside down though when he sees Olivia in class. His best friend’s little sister has grown up. Brooke made our boy absolutely head over heels for Olivia and constantly wanted to show her. His development throughout the book was incredible to read. He’s met the woman who makes him want to change and he is going to do it.
Olivia wants college to be the time where she becomes more than just “Dylan’s little sister”. She wants to build her own identity. She was amazing to watch grow. I loved watching her grow more confident in herself, accepting love that she deserves, and becoming the woman she wants to be. While she starts out shy and insecure when Zach begins to get to know her, she grows into a very confident person.
Brooke was able to capture young love so well. I was engaged the entire time reading and invested in watching Zach and Olivia grow into an amazing love story. The pacing of the story was well written and moved effortlessly. Brooke did an amazing job building their relationship, going from friends to more, while building the tension until it exploded. I am looking forward to Brooke’s next book and reading more of her stories.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏈YA/NA Romance
💘Football Romance
🏈Insta Love
💘Reformed Playboy MMC
🏈Best Friend’s Sister
💘Forbidden Love
🏈Forced Proximity
💘Mutual Yearning
March 26, 2026
The One Line I Crossed is a well written college sports romance with engaging characters that I like from the beginning to the end! Oliva is a freshman attending the same college as her older brother's best friend, Zach. As expected, older brother calls Zach to ask a favor that he readily agrees to do. Olivia has no idea what her brother did, and this promise begins to complicate their growing friendship as they work together on a class assigned partner project. From there, readers are treated to a beautiful story of a friendship that grows in respect and appreciation leading to deeper feelings of attraction. Their story is different than many because Brooke Monroe takes the time to build the relationship slowly with instances of gentle heated touches, meaningful conversations and the expected nervousness on both their parts. Olivia and Zach both want to be seen for more than what they appear on the surface. She wants to be more than the little sister of an NFL star and he would like others to see more than their narrow expectations of a college football star. In the end, by seeing and acknowledging each other is what helps them find their way through the maze of misunderstandings and confusing feelings.
I did notice a few typos that I am sure will be shaken out before publication but it wasn't enough to bother me. The story is solid and I really read late into the night trying to finish just one more chapter.
Brooke Monroe has a new fan and I am looking forward to reading her next book.
I received an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review based solely on my reading experience
I did notice a few typos that I am sure will be shaken out before publication but it wasn't enough to bother me. The story is solid and I really read late into the night trying to finish just one more chapter.
Brooke Monroe has a new fan and I am looking forward to reading her next book.
I received an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review based solely on my reading experience
March 26, 2026
This book was really cute and sweet. And had me invested in the story of Zach and Liv from the very start. These two characters had me wising the very best for them both from the first line to the last. Olivia is an independent, takes no bull individual who just wants to be seen as her own person away from her brother’s image. She’s so loyal and supportive to her people, but pretty stand offish with others. And is ridiculously smart and witty, definitely has a sharp tongue for banter. Zach is the definition of a popular playboy. But for Liv he’s a golden retriever who just wants her to be happy and to be good enough for her. The connection and chemistry they share is undeniable. It’s intense and full of tension. The almost moments they lived in had me on the edge of my seat for them to finally give in to the feelings they both try so hard to deny. The way they both grow as individuals and in their relationship with each other is endearing. And it was so refreshing to see them learn to communicate better and express themselves more fully. Plus the groveling was perfection. Once the love hit and was out there’s no putting out that fire. I loved every second.
Review of advance copy
This was a fulfilling romance novel based on college students. Olivia is Zach's best friends little sister….but she's all grown up now! There was a lot of angst involved, perhaps a bit too much, but it was a fun read nevertheless. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a cute college romance, and the characters were likeable. For me, there was a bit TOO much yearning, and after all that there was very little payoff and getting to see them together as a couple. They finally work out their issues and then it's the epilogue. I would have liked to see them together a bit longer as a functional couple for the epilogue to feel deserved.
There were also a few inconsistencies that for me took me out of the story a bit, though they might not be a problem for others. An example is both characters live in off campus housing that has to be driven to, but then in later chapters they're described as looking across the campus quad, or can walk to each other's housing from campus.
Overall, this story was cute and sweet and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a comfy romance or a quick, enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There were also a few inconsistencies that for me took me out of the story a bit, though they might not be a problem for others. An example is both characters live in off campus housing that has to be driven to, but then in later chapters they're described as looking across the campus quad, or can walk to each other's housing from campus.
Overall, this story was cute and sweet and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a comfy romance or a quick, enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
4⭐️ — Emotional, Tension-Filled, and Trope-Delivering (with Minor Editing Slips)
This was a genuinely compelling college sports romance that absolutely delivered on emotional payoff and tension. The chemistry between Olivia and Zach is built through layered moments — subtle touches, charged eye contact, public claims, and restrained vulnerability — and when the payoff hits, it lands. The jersey scene, the stadium reunion, the quiet confession moments… all beautifully written and emotionally earned.
What stood out most was the author’s ability to balance physical closeness with emotional restraint. The flirting feels intentional and strategic rather than rushed, and Zach’s protectiveness never crosses into caricature. The pacing of their push-and-pull made the relationship feel real rather than manufactured.
That said, there were some noticeable continuity and copyediting issues. A few spatial inconsistencies and grammatical slips pulled me out of the story briefly — especially in high-impact emotional scenes where precision matters most. None of them were story-breaking, but they were frequent enough to be noticeable.
Overall, though, the emotional immersion won out. When the writing shines, it truly shines — and by the midpoint, I was far more invested in the characters than in keeping score of minor technical flaws.
If you love:
College football romance
Public claim / jersey tropes
Protective but emotionally vulnerable MMCs
Slow-burn tension with strong payoff
This one is worth picking up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a genuinely compelling college sports romance that absolutely delivered on emotional payoff and tension. The chemistry between Olivia and Zach is built through layered moments — subtle touches, charged eye contact, public claims, and restrained vulnerability — and when the payoff hits, it lands. The jersey scene, the stadium reunion, the quiet confession moments… all beautifully written and emotionally earned.
What stood out most was the author’s ability to balance physical closeness with emotional restraint. The flirting feels intentional and strategic rather than rushed, and Zach’s protectiveness never crosses into caricature. The pacing of their push-and-pull made the relationship feel real rather than manufactured.
That said, there were some noticeable continuity and copyediting issues. A few spatial inconsistencies and grammatical slips pulled me out of the story briefly — especially in high-impact emotional scenes where precision matters most. None of them were story-breaking, but they were frequent enough to be noticeable.
Overall, though, the emotional immersion won out. When the writing shines, it truly shines — and by the midpoint, I was far more invested in the characters than in keeping score of minor technical flaws.
If you love:
College football romance
Public claim / jersey tropes
Protective but emotionally vulnerable MMCs
Slow-burn tension with strong payoff
This one is worth picking up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews