My thoughts: There are not enough words to describe my love for this book! I loved it the first time i read it, and somehow i love it even more the second time I read it! Kayce and Wrenley are so amazing! I love them so much and i love how impactful their story is. It’s so beautiful how much they grow, change and mature throughout this book. I love how respectful Kayce is towards Wrenley, even when he didn’t believe in God. Seeing him grow closer to the Lord throughout this book was so beautiful. Wrenley’s growth was so impactful and such an amazing lesson. I’ve mentioned to Jordan multiple times that this is my favorite book because i can relate to Wrenley so much. Wrenley’s story is honestly so encouraging to me and such a role model for me. Everything about this is perfect in its own imperfect way. I fully believe that the real and gritty parts of this story are what make it so good! I cannot recommend this book enough and it will forever hold a very special place in my heart!
Tropes: 🌲forbidden love 🌲sinner x saint 🌲3rd act breakup 🌲faith themes 🌲second chance 🌲small town 🌲waiting for marriage 🌲truck bed dates
Content: - 6☆ - spice: 🌶️.5* (heavy kissing. Talk of and mentions of s3x. Innuendos. Multiple fade to black scenes between married couple) - language: 🗣️🗣️ (no f-words) - TW/CW: underage drinking. Cheating. Teenage crime. Breakup + heartbreak. Mild alcoholic abuse.
Thank you Jordan for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I am going to give a more general review first, and then I will go more in-depth with a little bit of spoilers so if you are a fan of spoilers keep reading if not stop whenever I indicate it.
For reference, I have only read the revised and edited edition of this book so all of my review is going to be based off of the knowledge of the revised and edited edition.
I truly loved this book. I literally devoured the entire thing in 24 hours. I’ve always loved the trope of good girl X bad boy. I think these characters are so well written because even though Kayce is seen as a “bad boy“ he doesn’t sit in that persona for the rest of his life. He actually has growth throughout the book and you can see that growth go up and down throughout his relationship with Wren. I think this is so raw for an author to write a character like this because it shows the true struggle of trying to get past our addictions and issues that have affected us in our life. Progress is not always one line it’s up and down. We have failures, but we also have success. I think Jordan does an amazing job of showing the growth of both characters after the time gap. I relate with Wrenley a lot. The way she was written was done so well in showing her raw insecurities.
Overall, I loved the biblical themes integrated into the narrative without it being super in your face. I also love that Jordan integrates this series with the Jennings family (Kayce Warren performed at Addison and Wesley’s wedding). I think this is a great romance for anyone who loves fade-to-black, closed door, Christian romance. Highly recommend! Thanks for the ARC read Jordan!!
SPOILERS AHEAD:
OK, the reason that I rated this a four out of five instead of a five out of five is because there were a couple spots in the book that caught my attention that I immediately marked and questioned. Now, I am a very observant person when it comes to books, so this may not bother some people and it didn’t necessarily bother me. It was just something that stuck out to me. I also noted a few things that I loved and that really stuck out to me in a positive way.
First, in the very first chapter Wrenley initially agrees to meet up with Kayce after she gets off of work at 11. She ends up leaving work early and they hang out at the lake but then later on in the chapter she freaks out because her curfew is 11:15 and it’s 11:07 so she has to get home super quick. My issue with this is that if she knew her curfew was 11:15 why would she initially agree to meet up with Kayce knowing she gets off of work at 11. Luckily her boss let her go early so she was able to hang out with him, but if her boss had not let her go, then she would not have been to actually go hang out with him after she got off work, knowing that her curfew was at 11:15.
Second, in chapter 4, she is at Kayce’s again on a Saturday night and she decides to leave at 11. Now, this would make sense if her curfew was stated that it was later on a weekend but as a reader, I only know that her curfew is 11:15 and actually later on in the book when she goes out with Ryan, she mentions that her curfew is 11:15 and it always has been no exceptions. This moment was just a little weird for me because it made me question if I was reading things correctly or not.
Third, in chapter 8, Wrenley is heavily questioning who she is and questioning her faith over the fact that Kayce lives a different lifestyle. I find the struggle to be so raw and so connective to readers. Sometimes it can be so hard for us to remember to put our faith first and instead we end up compromising our faith for somebody that we love because we want to do what we think is right by them instead of putting God first. I think the struggle is so well written without it being super in your face and it’s something that I highly connect with.
Fourth, in chapter 23 I’m not sure what happened, but the spacing of the whole chapter was so off and staggered, and it looked really weird for me to read.
Fifth, this is my biggest issue with the book that I found. In chapter 28 Kayce goes to church with Wrenley. As they find their seats Kayce shakes all of Wrenley‘s family’s hand and it is mentioned that Blake is there with Sierra. It actually states that Kayce shakes Sierra’s hand personally. However, in chapter 29 Wrenley is debriefing her day to Sierra and Sierra actually acts surprised that Kayce was at church. Obviously my issue with this is Sierra would’ve already known that Kayce was there at church and had come to surprise Wrenley because in the previous chapter, it actually states that they shook hands.
Finally, somewhere in the beginning of the book, Wrenley mentions to Kayce that she does not like cursing. We see moments where Kayce says holy, and it is actually cut off by Wrenley speaking or Kayce cutting himself off. In chapter 38, when Kayce wins his award, he finally finishes the phrase and says “holy crap”. I think that the small inclusion of phrasing shows how much he’s grown as a person and acts sort of symbolic of his relationship with God, because usually the first thing to come to his mind would be cursing. It shows a lot of character development.
Like I said before these are really nit-picky notes but this is everything I highlighted and noted throughout my read!! I hope y’all love it as much as I do 🫶🏼
I read this book in a day and a half it was that good! First and foremost thank you to Jordan Riley for letting me read this ARC. You hit it out of the park.
TW: Alcohol/Alcoholism Weed Fighting A character drinks spiked lemonade unknowingly Jealous/Possessive Characters Slight sl*t shaming by an authority figure
🤍 The character growth and development: Oh my goodness these characters grow SO much in Love on the Line. True growth that is sometimes heavy and painful. The kind that makes you want to cry and through your kindle across the room because it’s the only good kind of frustrating a good book can bring. Wren, a fantastic example of quiet and determined strength, even before her and Kayce became truly serious. I didn’t like that the pastor’s daughter was working in a tavern, but I am not from a small country church/town. Her arc is beautiful and I love that she finds herself for herself. Kayce: *cues Hamilton “forgiveness, can you imagine?”* oof. Kayce, I didn’t want to like you for the majority of the book because your head was in the sand, but he really changed and showed up for Wrenley in a way that you don’t see in modern romcoms. He gave up drinking for her 🥹 (and himself in the end)
I won’t mention all of the side characters because I don’t want this is be a 10 page essay, but I do want to briefly mention Pastor Miller. I had a hard time with Pastor Miller (Probably because my pastor is amazing). I do think he grew when Kayce and Wren’s relationship became more serious, but some of the comments he made made me question his theological beliefs on second chances, grace, and forgiveness in the beginning/middle of the book. I’m not at all saying he needed to be perfect, but I did question why some of his responses were what they were. It’s giving Footloose, cut loose, Doug. Mallory was lovely tho. Queen.
🤍 The main plot Okay I can’t say too much without giving spoilers, but this book will make you cry and laugh within the same chapter. The story starts when Wrenley and Kayce meet at the bar she works at. They’re both young, naive in their own ways, and jealous (Ryan needs his own love story because he was so cutie and respectful). Kayce has major life/career choices and Wrenley feels left behind. This is a fun story, but not really a “light story”. Trauma, regret, major issues do pop up in this book and it can feel heavy in some places. And some parts of the distrust/problems were a tad repetitive, But at the end of the day, it is a HEA. Period.
🤍 God I like how God was woven through this book. It wasn’t preachy or cringe. It was done in a way that made you think. A few Bible verses are in here, but it feels natural for the setting and characters.
🤍 Quoties: “Patience isn’t passive,” “It’s not just waiting. It’s trusting the timing while you wait.”
“I’m lying awake wondering how someone can feel so right and still feel so complicated.”
“He’s always come back to me. So why does my fear keep acting like it knows something my heart doesn’t?” 😭😭😭
“We can plan all we want, Kayce. We can map out every year and every month and every detail. But God’s timing doesn’t work on our schedule. It never has.” 🤏🏻🤏🏻🤏🏻
All in all, I adored this book and its characters. I fear that I may need book two to be released immediately or I will personally picket by the publishing house. Thank you, Jordan Riley for trusting me with your work.
Wrenley Miller is the pastor's daughter of a small town in Georgia. She's graduated from high school, working as a bartender, and catching the eye of Kayce Warren - the boy her parents warned her about.
Kayce has been places, done things, and lives a lifestyle contrasting Wrenley's modest one. But Wrenley sees more than Kayce's past actions. She sees his desire to change begin to build. After barely convincing her parent's for their approval, Wrenley and Kayce begin a relationship and must learn to grow together in the same lifestyle.
After posting a song cover online, Kayce goes viral. He's headed to Nashville to try out this new career under the spotlight and in front of mics. Bars, drinks, and lots of women test Kayce every night while he's away, and everything he has worked for with Wrenley is on the line.
❤️ Fade to black 🤠 Small Country Town 🎤 Singer x College Student ✌️ Second Chance 💒 Faith Based ⚠️ Alcohol, Violence, Minor Language
Jordan truly knows how to take real life problems and create beautiful, complex, and hopeful endings that are faith-filled and even funny! There isn't a wall or issue that doesn't go unresolved in this story. You will be swooned in southern, small-town charm through her writing style, local color, and vivid imagery!
Ugh, this book! I can say without a doubt that this is unlike any book I have read! Jordan writes such vulnerability and honesty that is unlike any other!
DISCLAIMER: In this review I talk about the main plot and personal development of the characters (which may be spoiling).
I loved the personal growth in both Wrenley and Kayce. The redemption arc of Kayce going from not knowing Christ, to surrendering his life to His will and plan was written so beautifully and so real. And, Wrenley’s growth from being jealous of Kayce’s with the other women involved, to letting him follow his dream with trust in him was so sweet. I absolutely relate to her so this was very encouraging for me!
I absolutely adored how Kayce was so respectful throughout the whole story, and how his love and adoration for Wrenley just kept growing! I truly think his commitment to her was very admirable. Also, Wrenley’s forgiveness of the mistakes Kayce has made was so sweet!
Most importantly, while God was not mentioned on every page, or even in every chapter. He was so prevalent in their story and in the character of Wrenley and then Kayce too!
Overall, loved this book! I highly recommend you read it!! 4.5/5⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved this book so much! Kayce and Wrenley were so sweet, and I was completely invested in their story from beginning to end 💕
My favorite part was definitely Kayce’s character development. Seeing how much he changed throughout the book was so sweet, and I loved watching him learn what real love looks like and the sacrifices he was willing to make for their relationship. Wrenley was such a sweetheart too. I loved how she always saw the best in people and could see the potential in Kayce even when others couldn’t.
One thing I personally struggled with was that Wrenley was a Christian and Kayce wasn’t. That’s usually not a relationship dynamic I enjoy reading, but I appreciated how the author handled it and how real their journey felt.
I normally hate third-act breakups, but this one was done perfectly. It fit the story so well, and I honestly loved seeing Kayce have to prove his love and fight for their relationship. It made the ending that much sweeter.
Such a sweet, emotional read with great character growth, and I loved every minute of their story 🫶🏻
I had the absolute honor of being an ARC reader for Love on the Line! I had previously read this book before Jordan Riley unpublished it and to see the improvements she made was amazing! One thing about Jordan Riley’s writing is that she always writes characters that feel real and Love on the Line is no exception. And I mean, a bad boy turned godly man who’s a country singer? That’ll get me every time! Before the revised and expanded version, I had a bit of a hard time loving Wrenley, but this time around, she was so relatable and sweet! Kayce and Wrenley are so easy to fall in love with because of the way they love one another, how relatable they are, and the way God works in their lives. I did not want this story to end!
“I always said you’d come before that, so this is me choosing you.” - Warren
Tropes: 💚 Forbidden love 💚 Faith themes 💚 Sinner X Saint 💚 Third act breakup 💚 Small town 💚 Second chance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I was given the opportunity to read this book as an ARC and I loved every second of it.
Wrenley and Kayce are total opposites as she’s the pastors daughter and Kayce loves to party but the two of them build a friendship and then fall in love. They each have their ups and downs and while I’m someone who doesn’t love third act breakups I felt like this one was needed for sure and helped them to be better and work together as a couple when they did get back together.
"Love on the Line" will be available on June 18th as a revised and expanded edition and I’m excited to continue on with the series!
“I want to prove it,” I say softly. “To you. To your parents. To everyone. I want to be good enough for you.” - Warren
Kayce and Wrenley 🥹🥹 even their names are perfect! Love on the Line is a bad boy x good girl romance that has second chance and Biblical themes. Kayce’s redemption ark is on of my favorite parts of this book! Him and Wren are adorable and watching their relationship grow was such a sweet experience. The only part I didn’t really love was Wrenley’s controlling parents. There is a fine line between honoring your parents and your parents having such a large hold over you as an adult especially. But even with that, the book was wonderful. Thank you Jordan for the ARC!
The prologue pulls you immediately and doesn’t let you go. I understand that her dad wants the best for her but he going about all wrong. I love how he gave her an engraved necklace before he left. I love how this book shows how imperfect life is but one thing for sure you can always can turn God no matter what. The part where Wrenley trying to change herself for Kayce and he tells her she is perfect the way is so heartwarming. Out of all the nicknames he calls her my favorite one is my love. I love how Wrenley defended Kayce’s character even though everyone talks about his reputation badly. This book brought so many emotions out of me. Y’all I was so excited about when Kayce announced his two year sobriety. The love that Kayce has for Wrenley is so special because he would give up his music career for her. After reading the whole book what I got from it was no matter who you are or your problems. God can help you through it and change you for the better.
I loved this one so much! I adored how real the characters were and how I could relate to their struggles. Wrenley and Kayce had to fight to be together and become their best selves. They truly loved each other and put their love first. This second chance/small town/opposites attract romance with faith themes was wonderful. I love how Jordan’s books feel so comforting and like home. Five stars
They both grow so much as a couple and as individuals. Kayce always tried to be respectful of Wrenley and her beliefs. I loved getting to see his character and faith growth through out the book. Wrenley done her best to make sure she stayed faithtul to God and I admire her ability to do so. Jordan's books are always relatable in some way! 10/10 recommend! 🫶🏼
Mrs. Jordan it was much better this time!!!!!!! I loved the way there was more showing in this one! I loved the characters and the way we got to see more depth and growth than last time. Overall, i quite like changed-man Kayce. 🫶🏻🫶🏻🤸🏼♀️🤸🏼♀️🥰🥰
And, as per usual, i did read this in approximately 24 hours. And what about it?😉
I absolutely love this book so much!! Good girl x Bad boy with a biblical perspective… a dream come true for me!!!!! ❤️❤️ I recommend this book to everyone I know who is looking for something new to read!