Blurred Lines: A 3-part Military Romance

Point of Contact #1

by Callie Bardot

I didn't know how badly I needed to change until I met the sexy submariner I called Adonis. He got me into a mess of trouble that I'll have to deal with - later. But for now, I'm going to enjoy the moments I have with him to the fullest. Heading home will come soon enough.

When the beautiful, young, college art student, Tara Lynnes sets out for a weekend, summer romp with her long time boyfriend, the last thing she expects is to be stood up by him - he promised to treat her right, this time. It's not the first time he's bailed on being with her, but she's determined it will be the last.

A Navy soldier catches her eye on the Greyhound bus. He's tall, handsome as sin, oozing a sexuality so potent, it should be bottled and sold on the black market. And, it looks like he's available. So, with twenty four hours to experience to the fullest, Tara embarks on a journey that will brand her for the rest of her life.

Book 1 - The Beach: Navy seaman Zack Brannon's on shore leave, healing from a broken heart. Kentucky born Tara Lynne's on vacation, heading to San Diego...alone, thanks to her loathsome boyfriend bailing on her, crushing her dreams. When she spies the handsome soldier on the Greyhound bus, bearing a mysterious scar on his face and a limp to his stride, their worlds collide in a fiery summer explosion. Forbidden passions are explored. Scandalous lines are crossed. Dirty fantasies are created. A blurred reality forms in which neither one knows who the other is. The only thing they know is, for a scorching hot twenty-four hours, they can't stay away from one another. Will her brief encounters with the heartsick seaman be enough for Tara to make lasting change?

Book 2 - The Boardwalk: After a brief, scorching, surprising encounter with the Navy soldier she calls Adonis, Tara tries to play along with his cautious rules to stay away. She can't do it. She finds she craves more. He's awakened forbidden desires, while making it clear this is only an encounter. She's determined to make the best out of her twenty-four hours, regardless of the cowardly restrictions he tries to impose on her. She searches for him, finds him, and discovers new, scandalous passion in unexpected places.

Book 3 - The Hotel: Tara's been seduced by military Navy man twice in her twenty-four hour sojourn. He's told her no more. He's shown her the rules to extremely sexy, consensual games. He's shown her cautious restrictions in what he's willing or unwilling to give to her. He's shown her mind-blowing, sexual fulfillment. She wants more - she wants intimacy and deeper connection, and she intends to get it. Unwilling to be banned from his life, she chases after him on the streets of San Diego. As their time together grows short, she challenges him to let go of his assumptions of what's possible between them. She holds the reins at last - will Zack Brannon be man enough to yield to her desires?

Mature content for an audience of 18+.

90 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 19, 2015

About the author

Give me a gritty story, pushing through obstacles, followed by a chance at true love and I’m a happy woman. I fought for love, long and hard, and found it. Along the way, I had a lot of fun, figuring if something exists to be explored, I may as well explore it. How else can you figure out what you like?

My books have won awards like Romance Reviews Reader’s Choice New Adult Erotic (Blurred Lines) and have landed on the NY Times and USA Today Bestseller’s list (Sugar Baby, now titled Sugar Love).

If I’m not writing, you can find me under the water, scuba diving, or on land, hiking, saving lives as an EMT, or exploring my breathtaking surroundings in the Pacific Northwest, alongside my sexy, firefighting guy.

Like fantasy and sci-fi? Look for my books under the pen name Calinda B

Reviews

[Becki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aphrodite: I really enjoyed this short intro detailing how Aphrodite and Adonis meet. I could feel their sexual tension throughout the story. I look forward to reading the next installment.

Adonis: Aphrodite's boyfriend is controlling and neglectful. He deserved the stunt she and Adonis pulled on him. Aphrodite and Adonis need each other in ways neither one of them yet understand. I look forward to reading the final installment.

Adonis & Aphrodite: In this final part of the Blurred Lines trilogy, Tara and Zack (Aphrodite and Adonis) have a very satisfying sexual encounter. Although both characters were trying to believe that this was a one-time-only event, the story did end with the possibility of them re-connecting after Zack comes back from his deployment. My only regret is that it's over. Hopefully, sometime in the future, Calinda will revisit this series with another installment or two.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is three short stories of contemporary erotica. A girl on a bus and a submariner just dumped by his fiancee meet up at the beach. What starts as a revenge affair against their respective partners becomes more. They call each other Adonis and Aphrodite at first, a nice touch. The third tale is the longest and we get to know the backgrounds and motivations of the two, which does lift it above the ordinary single-dimensional erotica characters.

Strong language and mature scenes are featured. This will suit those looking for a quick read with all-American characters.

I was sent an e-ARC by the author via Instafreebie. I was not requested to review. This is an unbiased review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tara heads off for her romantic trip to San Diego as her boyfriend Justin decided he needed to participate in a track race rather than go with her. Zack is on leave from the Navy and has come home to find his fiancé has found someone else and that is not her only betrayal. They meet on the bus and this is the start to a sexy day and evening together before he needs to ship out. This is a quick sexy read about two people who have been hurt by their significant others and find comfort and friendship in each other. I liked how the author combined the three part serial together so that you can be more invested in the story and the characters however it does still have a cliffhanger. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a treat that this author gives you. It centers around Tara and Zack with a beginning,middle and end that each one is a treat upon itself. When they both cross each other the heat is turned on to the fullest with you burning if not careful. The one thing though in the second one is the tug of war that kinda goes with the emotions with you getting a little frustrated with him. The heat will just get hotter though. Then you get the showdown too when it seems that military men can be just that way. Do not think you get it all here though because you will get left in the hot seat.

[Mary Mutisya-Astin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot short story!

This was a great short story and introduction to Tara and Zack a.k.a. Aphrodite and Adonis.
One minute they are strangers on a bus both alone and pissed off. Tara for her boyfriend leaving her to go alone on their weekend away and Zack who has just been dumped in the worst possible after coming back home on leave from the Navy!
They are both seeking something else for the day but what they did my expect was the unexpected heat that came between the two of them.
This fun and sexy read will leave you wanting more.

I voluntarily read this book for an honest review

[Mel T · Rating 5 out of 5]

The temperature isn't the only thing that's hot in Southern California. Tara and Zach share a smoking hot interlude on a weekend getaway. Although their connection grows the more time they spend together, they part ways knowing they just had this weekend. This short can be read as an erotic standalone but there is a full length as the story continues. I can't wait to find out what's next for Aphrodite and Adonis!

[Book-Lovin-Momma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the sexy story of Adonis and Aphrodite! They started out anonymous, which was part of the lusty game they were playing. It was hot and steamy, and though they both came from different walks of life, they both were damaged in their own ways. I would love to see the conclusion of this story and find out how things pan out between them!

[Shelly Celli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zach and Tara have a lot going on in their lives at the moment and find one another in the process of dealing with everything. This sexy story shows the chemistry and fire between them that they cannot hold back from. I cannot wait for more! I’m voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

What was supposed to be a weekend getaway with her boyfriend ends up being a passion filled night with a military man who she calls Adonis. No names are exchanged but that does not mean these two did not get to know each other. With enjoyable characters and lots and lots of great sex scenes this was an enjoyable book.

[Darlene Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok you have to buy this book. A great storie by a great author. Ms Calinda just draws you in and does not let go! But this book is not for the faint of heart. It is a erotic story, I loved it you will too.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

her boyfriend has stood her up again, so she throws caution to the wind and he teaches her so much but what happens when he has to go back to his duty, a red hot read which will leave you wanting more

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOODNESS! This book, written by Calinda B, was excitement and passion from the start! Three shorts equal one hot solid hit! Excellent job Miss B. I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily gave my honest opinion.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story. Away from home and abandoned by their previous interests, Tara (Aphrodite) and Zack (Adonis) learn from each other their own need to grow. A little slow in the beginning, but ithe pace improves throughout.

Based on Kindle Unlimited version borrowed on 4 August 2018.

[Ife Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot and full of tension, but is it just motivated by revenge and hurt?
These two characters have some steamy moments but as they spend time together there's healing, bonding and new direction to their lives.

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zack and Tara Amazing journey rocked

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book 📚, it has a great storyline. Can't wait for more from this author. I received this book as a FREE ARC copy to read and voluntarily leave this review.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part one of three parts of a steamy military romance. A chance meeting brings two strangers together for 24-hours of pleasure. Very hot! This is my honest, voluntary review.

[Samantha Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it but I didn’t. I liked the story but I didn’t like the cliffhanger. I also thought it was a little short. I received an arc copy to review and this is my voluntary review.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily leaving a arc review for this book..

I read this book awhile back, so please bare with me.. I only read the 1st book, as far as I know I enjoyed reading it..

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

the story was ok, but I listened to it on Audible and the narration was HORRIBLE...kind of took away from the story a little bit for me

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tara's boyfriend is a useless piece of space, but she sticks with him. Until an unbelievable one-night stand with an absolutely stunning submariner called Zach. Such a fabulous story

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy steamy romances and are looking for a great way to spend the afternoon or evening then this book is certainly for you. Once I picked it up I just couldn't put it down.

Tara feels like her boyfriend Justin is always putting racing and other things ahead of her. They were supposed to be spending the weekend together at the beach but Justin no-showed. Tara is looking around on the bus, upset with Justin, and then spots Adonis. A great looking hot guy. She decides to see if she could attract his attention. And boy does she.

I really don't want to give you any spoilers so I won't tell anymore but would highly recommend the book. I was given an Advanced Readers Copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author for an honest review. I was not sure what I was getting into when I read this book. I have not read all that many military romances. I have had a couple here and there. This is a about Tara who wants to go on vacation with her boyfriend but he bails on her. So she gets on a bus to go because she is sick of being ignored. That is where she spots Zack. Zack is a Navy Seaman who has just had his heart-broken by a cheating girlfriend. They have a whirlwind 24 hours that they believe is a one time thing. Zack and Tara need each other to heal and come back from the heartbreak from their pasts. Will they get that or will it be too much to overcome?

[Kai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blurred Lines is about two strangers meeting on the bus and the changes in their lives that each has to make. Tara Lynne has always been taken for granted by her boyfriend. She was tired of being ignored. Zack Brannon, a seaman on offshore leave, was dealing being dumped by his girlfriend and her unfaithfulness.

Both are aware of each other on the bus and wasn't expecting to met or even introduced each other. When they see each other on the beach, Tara decided to flirt with Zack, which she labeled him as "Adonis" from afar. Nothing prepared them for the next 24 hours today of discovering their relationship sexually and making their changes in their life experience.

Tara and Zack needed each other to heal and to grow. Tara has depended on her boyfriend to be there for her but he has put his needs and wants ahead of her. Zack has opened a new world for her to be more independence. What started as a sexual fantasy starts to be their reality when each wanted more than a fantasy.

Zack doesn't want another relationship knowing that he is messed up inside from his last relationship. Tara was someone that was able to heal him as he decided that he could start anew with her except that he was at the end of his offshore leave. I expect that there is a sequel to this collection to see if Zack and Tara will get their HEA ending.

As I was listening to Blurred Lines, Tara and Zack were having fantasy about each other until Zack decided that Tara with her sexually innuendo was an invitation, I was able to detect from the narrator D Rumpling of the class status from the dialogue. Their dialogue implied that they came from a rural area without the sophistication of an urban "Joe Smoe." Zack has his own Naval dialogue which he used but fall also into a rural speech.

It is interesting to listen to their sexual bantering with each other. The seriousness starts when each gives a bit of their past to each other.

I received the audiobook from the author/narrator via Audiobook Blast in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated or influenced in any way for writing this review.

[Armenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Begging For More

Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.

Blurred Lines: The Complete Collection was a surprise. I was delighted to find a smartly written erotica short that had me rooting for these two complete strangers turned friends at the end of a brief encounter. Both are emotionally hurt from people they thought loved them and find solace with each other.

Tara finds herself alone and disappointed by Justin, her boyfriend when he ditches her and their getaway plans to be with friends. She decides to make the trip to San Diego, anyway. When Zack is unexpectedly dumped by his ex-fiance, he‘s alone on shore leave with nowhere to go. And that’s when it starts, the sexy banter between these two are steamy, and the sexcapades are hot! Not only does the author write with imagination but also includes the emotions of her characters. This resonates with me and satisfies the romance reader in me. They’ve nicknamed each other Adonis and Aphrodite to keep things light, and to guard their hearts.

I enjoyed reading the complete series in its entirety, and would have been tortured waiting for each installment. This way, I kept focused and fresh with the story. So glad I had the chance to experience Tara and Zack’s brief journey, but I hope Ms. Calinda B. would write their second chance at romance. I think there’s more chemistry with Aphrodite and her Adonis.


My rating: 4.5

[SiKReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.

Short Hot Read that has you begging for more!

This is my first review done for Reading Alley, and I have to say, if this book is any indication as to the book that will be available, I will be on there often.

Tara is in a dead end relationship. Justin is more into his bike than her. When he backs out last minute from a romantic rendezvous, Tara is hurt and annoyed. While on a disgusting bus, the only thing that could make it all better was the Adonis sitting a few rows ahead of her.

Zack just got his heart crushed. Home for a short leave, he doesn't know what to do, but the woman flirting with him gives him a few ideas.

When the two finally get together passion flies and inhibitions reign free. Together their problems seem to fade a way. Together, they learn more about themselves and find hope.

At the end of the third Novella, I found myself going to Calinda's website looking to see if there is a 4th Book. I didn't see one. Pleassssssssse Calinda I need more of Aphrodite and her Adonis!

[Jennifer Lessard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this collection of short stories. It was the perfect thing to read in between full length novels, series or even as a short read before bed. But be warned, if it's a bedtime read, not sure how much sleep you'll be getting after reading this series. It is definitely hot and steamy! Very descriptive story line and pretty well developed characters for such short stories. Only thing I would have liked would be a bit more about Zach and his situation. I felt a bit like I was left hanging where Zach's past was concerned, but I somewhat understand due to the length of the stories. But I think if a bit more attention was given to developing the past of the characters it would definitely add so much to the story. But overall, I thought it was a very entertaining read and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a short story series to read between series or when time is limited!

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Begging for more!!!
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
Blurred Lines: The Complete Collection was a complete surprise!
At first I wasn't sure how good the story was going to be due to being so short, but I was surprised how Calinda was able to convey such a amazing connection between Tara (Aphrodite) and Zack (Adonis). Calinda was also able to show us the pain both Tara and Zack where both going through.
As soon as I was done I went and bought Sassy Aphrodite and her Sweet Dirty Mouth (Blurred Lines Erotic Romances Book 4) from Amazon.
I cant wait to see what happens next

[Sophie Koufes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing 3-part short story series is about a young women named Tara who sets out for a weekend with her long time boyfriend, when she gets stood up by him. While on The Greyhound Bus a navy soldier catches her eye. So Tara embarks on a journey that will brand her for the rest of her life. This short book series is "OMG"!!! Hilarious! Funny! Sexy! Hot! Will leave you wanting more. The storyline is well written erotica short and characters are realistic and likeable. Looking forward to reading the 4th book Sassy Aphrodite and her Sweet Dirty Mouth. I was given a free copy in exchange for a honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Strange

Ok. You lost me when she referred to him early on as a hunk. Cheesy and so corny. A 24 hour rendezvous where they learn all about life from each other all while referring to each other as Greek mythological creatures. Give me a damn break. Nothing was hot it was weird. A condom on a dildo??? What? And then it just ended, literally wham, bam, thank you ma'am/sailor boy. Whatever floats your "boat" but I found it strange that ***spoiler***

he pretended to do her from behind but it was a dildo? Just odd.