Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Crossing the Line #4

Raw Redemption

Rate this book
Disgraced cop Henrik Vance is having a shit year. Banished to a derelict undercover squad, he’s been tasked with hunting down the daughter of Chicago’s most dangerous criminal. His obsession with saving the beautiful girl destroyed his career. And this time, it might cost his life.

Ailish O’Kelly doesn’t need a hero. She’ll save herself from her father’s violent criminal dynasty, thank you very much. Unfortunately, the sexy as sin cop who crashes her hideout isn’t hearing reason—especially not after the kiss that becomes much more.

His boss wants her as an informant. Ailish wants Henrik to keep whispering filthy things against her skin. But she knows too well the evil they’re up against, and when it comes down to protecting the man who owns her body and soul, she only has one choice...

Each book in the Crossing the Lines series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series Order:
Book 1: Risking it All
Book 2: Up In Smoke
Book 3: Boiling Point
Book 4: Raw Redemption

304 pages, Paperback

First published June 13, 2016

142 people are currently reading
3867 people want to read

About the author

Tessa Bailey

111 books67.3k followers
New York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
523 (28%)
4 stars
632 (34%)
3 stars
482 (26%)
2 stars
144 (7%)
1 star
34 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,043 reviews25.3k followers
February 27, 2023


Raw Redemption is book four in the Crossing the Line series by Tessa Bailey. This can easily be read as a stand alone. I haven’t read any of the previous books in this series. I won this book quite some time ago in a paperback giveaway!



Ailish O’Kelly is the daughter of a notorious Chicago crime boss. Her father keeps her pretty much under lock and key for what she can contribute to his business. Her mother left years ago and she has no one. All she wants is to be free. Free of the guilt for what her father does to people, and free to live her life. So she decides to run. Only one very sexy ex-cop gets in her way.

Henrik Vance made a choice to protect a woman he had met only once for about two minutes. Who had only said a hand full of words to him. And he would do it all over again. Because of his choice, he has lost his position with the Chicago PD and now works for an undercover group of people, all misfits in one way or another, trying to help their Captain bring down the man who has evaded them for years, Caine O’Kelly.



When Henrik is tasked with bringing in Ailish after she runs, he can’t believe he will actually see her face to face instead of in his head where all the fantasies have been running ever since he first saw her. He is determined to remain professional and keep his pants zipped. He has to do this right. But as soon as she touched him, it was all over.

I think Henrik is one of the filthiest talkers I have ever read! This man never stopped telling Ailish all the things that were going on in his head. And believe me when I say, they acted out most of the things he said! These two were scorching. With everything that Ailish had been through, though, trust was difficult. She wanted so badly to trust Henrik but he was keeping secrets.



This is a nail biter most definitely as Henrik and Ailish try to stay safe and figure out what to do. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I think the only issue I had with this is that while I understand the pull between these two was more than they knew what to do with, they chose some pretty crazy times to act on their needs! Like, times when I was thinking, YOU NEED TO GET GOING! This isn’t a soft and squishy romance by any means. It’s a tough, aggressive, I’m going to do very dirty things to you, romance. This is only my second book by Tessa and I have several more lined up to read soon. I don’t seem to be able to get enough of her.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews127 followers
June 28, 2016
A thrilling story !


Raw Redemption is book 4 and final installment in the Crossing The Line series. And what a perfect conclusion !!! Once again Tessa Bailey delivered a solid, exciting and well crafted story. Loved it!

This tale is about disgraced cop Henrik Vance and Ailish O’Kelly, daughter of Chicago’s ruthless crime boss Caine O’Kelley. I was pulled into their story right of the bat.

Thinking her world is crumbling around her and desperate to escape the mob, Ailish is on the run. After being released from any further questioning by the police, she went on hiding in Wisconsin knowing that her father would go after her. She wants to live free, making money the right way and keeping in mind the one very important lesson she learnt from her father, to trust no one.

It took one sentence, a mere then words spoken by Ailish during a single and brief encounter, to make Henrik throw his career as a police officer away. Unable to watch the gorgeous redhead taking the fall, he’d burned anything that could put her behind bars losing his badge in the process, his livelihood and even the respect of his family and friends. Given the option of prison time or joining an undercover squad of ex-convits formed by his Captain Dereck Tyler (the original dirty talker from the Line Of Duty Series) to stop crime from the inside, Henrik signed his soul away to that group.

Thanks to the skill set of his new teammates, Henrik is now in possession of Ailish’s location. For his Captain and team, Ailish is still a precious asset in the case against her father. Henrik is then ordered to bring her back to Chicago. This is a chance to redeem himself and to be reinstated as an officer. But Henrik’s priority is not on his own sake. His reason alienated by the memory of Ailish’s beauty and the initial impact she had on him, henrik is more determined than ever to track her down and to protect her from her criminal father. He’s now a man possessed, the object of his lust being in danger is a recipe for disaster in his restless state, but he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.


I loved Henrik’s alpha hotness ! He’s a force to be reckoned with. Perfect in every way. And I did love his filthy mouth !! While Henrik stole the book for me, Ailish also crept into my heart. I liked her strenght, her resilience and courage. Henrik and Ailish were pretty wonderful together. Their connection was intense and explosive, their chemistry off the charts, and the sex between them scorching HOT! And what they did for one another made this book even more enjoyable.

Raw Redemption is possibly one of Tessa’s finest books to date and the proverbial cherry on top of all her goodness. If you like your males hot, protective and demanding this series is for you.
Profile Image for Gi's Spot Reviews.
1,144 reviews1,365 followers
June 14, 2016
5 'Primal Love' Stars

What an amazing conclusion to the Crossing the Line series!

Raw Redemption is now my all-time-favorite book by Tessa Bailey!
Such a fantastic story and extraordinary MCs are so hard to find, and here they are! I LOVED Henrik and Ailish together, and most of all I loved I Henrik fell so hard for her, after just a short chance meeting! He sacrificed everything for her and couldn't be more devoted to her, is faith in her and her importance was beyond incredible. Their love was indeed what fairytales are made of!!!
Of course he's one of Tessa Bailey's dirty-talkers, and the scorching sex scenes are also there to satisfy our TB craving, but his/their LOVE really stole the show for me!!!

PERFECT conclusion to the series!
Profile Image for Alyssa.
1,069 reviews856 followers
June 14, 2016
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Raw Redemption by Tessa Bailey
Book Four of the Crossing the Line series
Publisher: Entangled Select
Publication Date: June 3, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

Disgraced cop Henrik Vance is having a shit year. Banished to a derelict undercover squad, he’s been tasked with hunting down the daughter of Chicago’s most dangerous criminal. His obsession with saving the beautiful girl destroyed his career. And this time, it might cost his life.

Ailish O’Kelly doesn’t need a hero. She’ll save herself from her father’s violent criminal dynasty, thank you very much. Unfortunately, the sexy as sin cop who crashes her hideout isn’t hearing reason—especially not after the kiss that becomes much more.

His boss wants her as an informant. Ailish wants Henrik to keep whispering filthy things against her skin. But she knows too well the evil they’re up against, and when it comes down to protecting the man who owns her body and soul, she only has one choice…

What I Liked:

I've read two books from this series - His Risk to Take (a novella), and Boiling Point (book three). I didn't really love either, so I wasn't sure if pursuing this third book would be worth it. I haven't read books one or two, though I may give book one a shot (it's currently on sale for $0.99 - but this won't last long!). I'm pleased to say that I liked Raw Redemption a lot!

We're introduced to Henrik in Boiling Point (book three), when he joins the squad. He used to be a cop, but he lost his badge after destroying evidence that would send Ailish O'Kelly to jail. Fast forward to the present - Derek (the captain) sends Henrik to find Ailish and bring her back to Chicago, after she runs away from her father. Her father has put quite the price on her head to bring her back, but Derek wants her back in order to take done mafia boss Caine O'Kelly. Henrik wants Ailish to be free, and safe, and far away from her father. But he also wants so much more from her. His obsession with her takes a physical, heated turn when he realizes that she wants him just as much as he wants her. But keeping her safe may mean deceiving her, a risk that Henrik may have to take.

These are full-length novels (except His Risk to Take, a novella), well over three hundred pages. I honestly LOVE this; often times, I find Entangled books entirely too short (especially from their Brazen line). These Entangled Select novels are fantastic! Full-length and SUPER steamy. Well, Tessa Bailey's books are always steamy, no matter what she's writing about.

I liked Henrik in Boiling Point, but I adored him in this book. He's loyal and overprotective and a sweetheart. At first I thought it was SO weird that he is still obsessing over a girl he helped briefly, but it's clear that she made an impression on him back then, even if they never touched or interacted a lot. Henrik is every inch an alpha male, but a sweet and fiercely overprotective one. He would do anything for Ailish, and is willing to protect her in every way. I love how devoted he is to her; at first it seemed weird, but it became so endearing and powerful.

Ailish is young, the only child of Caine O'Kelly, who makes big money on betting and bookkeeping. Ailish has always lived in a gilded cage, never allowed to leave free and follow her heart and her dreams. She's only had sex one time, years ago, and no man was every allowed to touch her again. Ailish is a bit of a tease, but not in a physical sense. I LOVE how she teases Henrik - but then, he dishes it right back sometimes. I like that Ailish is headstrong and defiant, but not in an annoying way. I like how, in the end, she takes a stand against her father.

Ahhh, the chemistry between these two! Bailey's books seem to get steamier and more creative as they come. There are some seriously intense and sizzling scenes in this book, and none of them seem repetitive. You'd think, given the amount of books Bailey has written, that sexy scenes would start to repeat and blur together, even between series. But nope, somehow all of Bailey's books are so incredibly unique, creative, and hooooot. *fans self*

I also liked seeing the evolution of Ailish and Henrik's relationship. They have to learn how to trust each other and work with each other. They begin to feel like a team, with each other on the other's side. Both of them have to make difficult decisions, some that they regret, some that were necessary, some that hurt. I liked seeing them claw their way through pain and hurt and flaws and come out strong and perfect together.

Henrik and Ailish's relationship develops solidly, but so does the series in general. This is the last book in the series, and I love how things wrap up for everyone. We get a sneak peek into Sera and Bowen's life, as well as Connor and Erin's. I don't think we get any hints about Austin and Polly's, but one can only guess, with those two. And Derek! I like Derek - I really need to read his book!

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was fiery and intense and steamy and very engrossing. While I mostly talked about Henrik and Ailish and the romance, I really liked the crime story behind this book, and the resolution is very satisfying. It was an intense, thrilling ride, and I loved reading it through the eyes of Henrik and Ailish. I'm glad I gave this one a chance!

What I Did Not Like:

I think you'll only understand this if you actually read the book - Ms. Bailey, you practically promised us a no-sheets scene in this book! It was totally set up in the story, for that to be one of the closing or epilogue scenes! *cough*

Would I Recommend It:

While I can't say anything about the series in general (I haven't read half of it), I'd recommend this book as a standalone. You don't need to read any of the previous books in the series to read this one, and this one stands well on its own. So, if you're a fan of adult romance novels, this is one to look out for. Or the author in general!

Rating:

4 stars. I'm a little sad to see this series end! I think I'll pick up Bowen and Sera's story, and see how it all started. I can count on Tessa Bailey to deliver a suuuper steamy romance novel with a strong female protagonist, swoony alpha male, and a wonderful story!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
375 reviews624 followers
July 26, 2017
4.5 Seriously-Tessa-with-ALL-the-Dirty-Words Stars!!!!

Hi. I’m Tessa Bailey, and I write the dirtiest words you’ll ever read….ever.



You don’t even know….unless you know…if you’ve read my books. You should read this book I wrote, and Henrik is going to tell you why.

à la Mode St. » fashion

“My fingers are a lot bigger than yours. It would be more of a fucking than a fingering if I put my middle one down the front of your underwear. You could ride it just like a dick.”

à la Mode St. » fashion



à la Mode St. » fashion

“You think I won’t put you on your knees in that Disney Princess T-shirt, baby?” he breathed in her ear before licking along the rim. “You’re wrong. I’ll even use it to wipe your chin afterward.”

à la Mode St. » fashion

Oh, Henrik, you say the sweetest things! *swoony giggles



These two GET….IT….AWN pretty much the entire book and it doesn’t get old. I would say it’s the hottest book in the series. I love Henrik almost as much as I love Connor (ok, I love all my heroes).

And I just rolled up my sleeves and went to town on this book.



Now go forth and Read this book. You will flove it.

 bow gene wilder willy wonka willy wonka and the chocolate factory bowing GIF

And if you don’t…



Disclaimer: The author of this review is not actually Tessa Bailey….but she wishes she were.

Find me on

Follow me on facebook Follow Me on Twitter blog
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,103 reviews1,416 followers
June 12, 2016
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

 photo ab9db23e5f1702129bce018c18f6b8_zpsmuiqebpj.gif

Ahhhhh…. I can’t believe this is the last installment to the Crossing the Line Series. It truly is a bittersweet feeling to say goodbye to these cast of undercover misfits that Tessa Bailey has created. And in her final installment, Tessa Bailey sends her readers on one final suspenseful epic journey where a disgraced cop falls hard for a criminal’s daughter and together they find redemption, love, and a second chance at life.

 photo ed941e303bad6a374cb10beadb3152_zpsf8rvjwea.gif “This girl. She was either going to be his reason for living or the reason he died. It was all right there, shining in front of him like a spotlight.”

In Raw Redemption, Tessa Bailey introduces readers to Henrik Vance, a disgraced cop who ruined his career when he got rid of evidence that would put Ailish O’Kelly behind bars. And so in order to protect Ailish and redeem himself, Henrik must take it upon himself to be part of this secret undercover unit where a bunch of misfits and criminals are put together to take down criminals. And in this specific case regarding Ailish O’Kelly, Henrik makes it his mission to protect the girl from her criminal father even if it means breaking the law and killing.

Who is Ailish O’Kelly? Ailish is not only the daughter of a ruthless criminal but she is also a prisoner of her father. Forced to do his dirty dealings, Ailish had enough of that life that kept her captive. And so when Ailish ran away from her father, a bounty was on her head for her return. Well it didn’t take long till her father’s lackeys discovered where she was hiding and so she was forced to run and hide again. But this time, Ailish didn’t count on Henrik showing up on her doorstep.

 photo ed941e303bad6a374cb10beadb3152_zpsf8rvjwea.gif “This girl really did love acting the temptation, and maybe that should have irritated him. Or made him worry for the future of his sanity. Right now, it only turned him the fuck on. She was his naughty girl to endure. Bring it on.”

When Henrik shows up, Ailish is taken aback by his presence. She doesn’t know what to make of Henrik and his domineering and gentle personality. She is well aware that they both are sexually attracted to each other and it was only a matter of time till their raw sexual tension could no longer be contained.

#RawRedemptionTessa

Henrik knows without a doubt that Ailish is unlike any other woman that he has met. Her beauty, strong personality, and intelligence was driving him mad with lust and it continued to get stronger each time they spent with one another. But with danger threatening the safety of Ailish, Henrik will do what is needed in order to protect the woman that has gotten under his skin and heart.

 photo ed941e303bad6a374cb10beadb3152_zpsf8rvjwea.gif “This is trust. The weight of the metal cuffs had only been transferred to her heart. She never wanted to be separated from the man holding her so tightly. And she knew —without a single doubt— letting her go would hurt him just as much as leaving would pain her. But he’d do it.”

Ailish wants a fresh start. A new start in life where she doesn’t have to be defined on what she did for her father and his criminal activities. How far will Ailish go to redeem herself? Will it mean sacrificing herself to protect Henrik?

 photo ed941e303bad6a374cb10beadb3152_zpsf8rvjwea.gif “I want to go harder. I need to. Need to make that pussy sore, then soothe it with some hot come. Need to make you a slave to this dick. You want that, Lish?”

Raw Redemption is a great final conclusion to this series. Yes, it is a bittersweet feeling to say goodbye to this beloved cast of criminal misfits but in the end they each played an important element as to why Crossing The Lines Series is one of my favorites series by Tessa Bailey. In this last farewell to the crew, Tessa Bailey will remind us once again that even criminals and disgraced cops can redeem themselves if they want to. And for Henrik and Ailish, they not only were able to get their second chance at life but they were also able to heat up the pages of our e-readers. So if you are looking for a story that intertwines steam, suspense, romance, heat, passion, and second chances then look no further than Raw Redemption and the Crossing The Lines Series. And if that doesn’t persuade you in reading then you are truly missing out on a great series by Tessa Bailey.

 photo c9ec795bc06327c687953738cfc23a_zpscmcdchse.gif

Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Tessa Bailey
Profile Image for Jo.
957 reviews242 followers
December 17, 2022
Now here he was. A man aching for one woman, unable to have her. But kind of hoping she’d show him a little more of that teasing nonetheless. The verdict was in—he’d lost his fucking mind.

A few months ago Henrik Vance briefly spoke to Ailish O’Kelly for the first time and his life changed in ways he never thought it would. It didn’t matter to him that he was a cop and she was the daughter of Chicago’s most dangerous criminal. All he knew was that he needed to protect her, and that’s what he did, but it cost him his badge. With a choice between going to prison or joining the criminal squad under Captain Derek Tyler, Henrik chose the squad. For months he’s been fantasising about Ailish and trying to find her before her father does. And he knows once he finds her, he’ll do whatever he has to keep her safe.

This girl. She was either going to be his reason for living or the reason he died.

I loved the huge and sexy Henrik. His obsession with Ailish was very sexy, how he only wanted her since the first moment he saw her. And the way he risked everything to keep her safe made my heart melt.

The man’s torso was like a rock-climbing wall. Muscles so defined, they swelled out, like they were waiting to be used as footholds. Arms like cannons. But holy hell, his butt took the mother-loving cake. The very top curved above the back waistband of his jeans, like two ski slopes made of solid male muscle. She had the sudden urge to slap his backside.
How rude was that when she’d already shot him?

Ailish is used to being a prisoner, a prisoner of her father and his criminal life. She’s never experienced freedom, no matter how many times she tried to run away, because they always found her. Until the day the cops interrogated her and instead of locking her up, they let her go, giving her the opportunity to finally run for freedom. But she knows her father won’t just let her be and when Henrik finds her hiding place she’s afraid to trust in the sexy ex-cop. But there’s no denying the sizzling chemistry between them, the things he make her feel.

Was she brave enough to go back to Chicago and face her demons if it meant being with Henrik when it was all over?
Yes. Yes…she’d always been brave enough. But now she had something to fight for.

I loved Ailish and her blend of innocence and wicked teasing. I could totally understand her craving for independence and her wariness in trusting Henrik when she’s never had anyone she could trust before.

“I couldn’t let them take you away from me, Ailish. I was already in love with you. I was already your man in the park. And they wanted to put you away. No. No. I wouldn’t…I couldn’t ever let it happen, baby. I need you.”

I loved the romance, how these two couldn’t keep their hands off each other. And with Henrik’s delicious dominant side, the sexy times were SCORCHING. Tessa Bailey sure knows how to write panty-melting scenes ;-)

The plot was suspenseful with Henrik trying to keep Ailish safe, her father determined to get her back, and the criminal squad trying to put him behind bars. And of course I loved all the secondary characters, seeing how happy all the different couples were, especially Bowen and Sera. Bowen is still my favorite!

This series is awesome and it just cemented the author’s status as one of my favorite authors. Her steamy romances are so addictive and a must read for all romance fans.

Profile Image for Misha.
305 reviews176 followers
February 22, 2022
So, I’ve been comfort-reading Tessa Bailey’s backlist because I’m in the mood for familiar! and reliable!

I love her. Even on the rare occasions when it’s bad, it’s still good-bad.

With that said, I hated this book lmao. It was just bad. I felt zero connection to or investment in our main characters. I didn’t feel their chemistry and I thought they were both cringey morons. Ailish had horse girl energy and Henrik had JROTC weirdo energy.

I have nothing good to say. I’m also still Tessa Bailey’s #1 fan.
Profile Image for rj.
740 reviews344 followers
June 16, 2016
Ehh didn't really enjoy it. I just can't deal with these romantic suspense books where the H/h have to get it on during the most inappropriate times. And I didn't really feel the love between them either, more lust than anything.
Profile Image for Erin.
394 reviews57 followers
June 23, 2016
Very disappointed and sad.

First of all, sad for the series to have ended.

Disappointed because this book did not live up to the previous ones, IMO.

While I liked both characters, the insta-love, alphaness, obsessiveness, and sex, this story lacked the strong connection that was present in the prior books. This book was very much focused on the sex and lacked the love until the end.

I don't know. I'm still a fan of Tessa Baileys and will keep reading her work.
Profile Image for Lacey (laceybooklovers).
2,144 reviews12k followers
July 20, 2017
description

Originally posted at Booklovers For Life

4.5 STARS

Calling all Tessa Bailey fans!! Henrik Vance is going to be your new upcoming favorite dirty-talking alpha hero! Gah, I totally adored him. I don’t know how the author does it, but with every book, she’s able to write such a fabulous romance with the HOTTEST dirty talk and steamy scenes ever! I loved Raw Redemption, but I am sad that the Crossing the Line series is now over. I’ve loved this series since Bowen was first introduced in Risking It All, and I’ve fallen in love more and more with every misfit character introduced. Thankfully, Tessa Bailey ends the series with a bang – Raw Redemption is a romantic, suspenseful, enchanting read I couldn’t put down. It’s a fantastic romance between a fallen-from-grace cop and and a mafia boss’s daughter – what could be better than that!?

We were first introduced to Henrik in Boiling Point, and I’d honestly never been so excited for a character to get his story! Love at first sight has nothing on Henrik Vance. If you’re not a fan of instalove, this probably won’t be for you, but if you have no problem with it, Henrik is your man. Here, we have a disgraced cop who ruined his career on purpose by getting rid of evidence that would put his woman in jail. Nothing and nobody touches Ailish O’Kelly… except for Henrik, of course. Now, an ex-cop, he’s forced to join an undercover unit of criminals who use their skills for good. A new case pops up that involves Ailish – and now nothing’s going to stop him from going after her, protecting her, and claiming her.

The landscape of his insides shifted, like two fault lines parting and relocating after an earthquake. This girl. She was either going to be his reason for living or the reason he died. It was all right there, shining in front of him like a spotlight.


Ailish may be the daughter of a criminal, but she wants nothing to do with the underworld of crime. Her father kept her in a metaphorical prison, never allowing her to do anything she wanted. She’s now escaped from that life, and she’ll do whatever it takes to survive even as her father is looking for her. What she doesn’t expect is a gorgeous, alpha, protective man to show up at her doorstep, get under her skin, and into her heart.

“I passed need weeks ago. Need is just a word. I am my starvation for you, Ailish. It rules me.”


Raw Redemption is instalove at its finest. I totally LOVE when alpha heroes go head-over-heels for their woman, and you don’t get any better than Tessa Bailey’s heroes. Henrik is absolutely heart-melting, and Ailish is perfect for him. I adored them together, and the chemistry between them? Over-the-roof hot. The suspense plot of the story wasn’t quite as good as the romance or as memorable, but I really had no problem with that, because I loved Henrik and Ailish too much. Raw Redemption is an incredible conclusion to this unique, sexy series. I’m sad to see it end, but also glad I got to experience it. If you haven’t read the Crossing the Line series, you are missing out! It’s one of Tessa Bailey’s best series, and if you love sexy, dirty reads with some suspense mixed it, you definitely need to start it!

Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.

Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.

Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1MnojB8
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/1PJxltA

Liked this review? Subscribe to Booklovers For Life for more!
Profile Image for Elle aka Leftie aka Shoebelle.
707 reviews124 followers
July 4, 2016
*ARC received from publisher via IndieSage PR as part of blog tour*

4.5 ★

The final book in this series, this is Henrik’s turn and how Henrik and Ailish came to be. While I don’t remember when exactly Henrik’s character was introduced, I remember him alright in the 3rd book. He really was quite the strong silent type even then.

Interestingly enough, Henrik’s feelings for Ailish started out from one mere contact with Ailish, and I guess that’s all it took for him. Did I believe it? Interestingly enough, yes. Although Ailish is one worthy h, the highlight for me here was Henrik. Dang, dude is intense! Then add dirty-talking to that?! Whoosh! He is so into her and so protective too, how can I not fall for him! Ailish could’ve done anything and he would’ve made it work, I’m pretty sure. Sigh… I did appreciate that Ailish is quirky without being silly. She may be stubborn but not stupid, luckily. But again, Henrik… talk about alpha!

And seeing this is Tessa, you know where those dirty talk leads to- um, yah, hot smoking smexy times! And seeing this is the last book in the series, it was definitely nice to see the MC’s from the previous ones. At the end, it all wrapped up nicely, indeed.
Profile Image for *CJ*.
5,106 reviews626 followers
February 13, 2017
Henrik and Ailish's tale was a fast paced story of a police officers love at first sight and how his whole life ends up revolving around her.
Ailish is the daughter of local mafia. When she escapes the clutches of her father, she lands into the hands of disgraced cop Henrik whos obsessed with her.
This had insta love, super duper hot sex and a devoted hero who was totally lovable.
That being said, this was my least favorite in this series- probably why it took me four days to read it bit by bit.
I loved the chemistry and I'm so so so sad to see this series end.
Safe
3.5/5
Profile Image for Maria Rose.
2,635 reviews266 followers
June 14, 2016
This last story of the Crossing the Line series, a spin-off of Tessa Bailey’s very successful Line of Duty series, is a scorchingly hot and suspenseful tale of a disgraced cop and the mafia princess he’s intent on saving. Henrik Vance threw away his career to save the skin of one Ailish O’Kelly, daughter of a mafia kingpin. After their one and only meeting in a park, he threw away the evidence that would have convicted her of crimes she had no choice but to commit and was kicked off the force. He has a chance to redeem himself, though, as part of Derek Tyler’s elite group of criminal misfits working undercover to solve some of Chicago’s tougher cases. And when that chance comes in the form of rescuing Ailish who has escaped her father’s prison but is being relentlessly pursued by his men, there is no way in hell he’s going to let her go again. When he tracks her down with the help of his undercover team, he must convince Ailish that he can be her safe place – she just needs to trust him. But trust is hard to come by for a woman who has lived a life of fear. Her body wants him more than anything, but will her mind and heart go along for the ride?

Trust Ms. Bailey to end her series with a bang! From the first page to the last, I found this to be a very exciting, super sexy, and surprisingly suspenseful story. While it may have some classic tropes to it – a woman on the run, a man willing to do anything to save her – there are enough twists and turns to make it unique and a stand out story in this series. While each book in the series has featured a unique couple, Ailish and Henrik have a chemistry and compatibility that leap off the page.

Ailish may have the persona on the outside of being a spoiled mafia princess, but she’s really a smart young woman who has been a prisoner all these years under her father’s thumb. Her father used her mathematical abilities to his advantage, making Ailish his oddsmaker and indirectly making her responsible for the ruination of men who gambled with her father and lost. To atone for these sins, she tried to turn over evidence to the police, knowing she’d go to jail – only it never happened. Faced with the knowledge that she’d have to get out on her own, she found a chance to escape and took it, knowing her father would go after her but trying to keep one step ahead of him. When Henrik shows up at her hotel room, she instinctively believes that she can trust him, even if he isn’t telling her the whole truth. But more importantly, his body speaks to hers. Having never had the chance to have a normal teenage life with friends and boyfriends, Ailish developed a teasing personality, her form of sexual rebellion. Finally, she’s found a man who can take that teasing and turn it into something that will benefit them both. Henrik’s obvious attraction to her, and his difficulty in keeping his hands off of her is something she relishes, and before long they are doing the down and dirty in classic Bailey style. Their scenes are some of the hottest I’ve read, yet at the same time, believable for this couple. Henrik and Ailish push each other to the limit.

Henrik was a dedicated police officer with a single-minded focus on his job – until Ailish blew his composure out the window and he sacrificed that job for her well being. Given the chance to make up for it, his work as an undercover cop for Derek is one he’s willing to engage in only because he knows it will give him an advantage in keeping tabs on Ailish. And when she disappears, he relies on his teammates to find her and get him to her. Henrik is a large, physically present man, and while his size might intimidate the bad guys, Ailish isn’t scared of him one bit. With her, he alternates between being her protector and being her lover, playing any games she wants so long as she ends up with him. But the problem is one of trust. Henrik can’t tell Ailish everything about his operation, and Ailish doesn’t want to put her faith in someone who wants to keep the truth from her. It’s a constant battle of wills between them with neither really gaining the upper hand. Instead, they must find a way to compromise. But the clock is ticking, and it’s only a matter of time before it’s going to run out.

There are some great scenes involving the rest of the undercover team – Connor and Erin are tasked with aiding Henrik so we see more of them, and also a little of Bowen and Sera, and Austin and Polly. Best of all we get some more of Derek too, whose story Protecting What’s His started off the Line of Duty series and it’s only fitting that he close this series off too. I’ve really enjoyed this unconventional group of characters with all their quirks and flaws and really unique stories. The Crossing the Line series ends fittingly with Raw Redemption, and will be on my permanent re-read pile, right up there with the Line of Duty series.

Henrik kicked the door shut and walked Ailish farther into the cabin. “Hands on the dresser.” As she followed his instructions, Henrik pulled her hair aside to attack her neck with bites. “You want to tease me, you do it right.”
He could see her reflection in the bathroom mirror, just a couple yards away. There was no trepidation or indecision on her face, just the fading of relief..the beginnings of bliss. This girl really did love acting the temptation, and maybe that should have irritated him. Or made him worry for the future of his sanity. Right now, it only turned him the fuck on. She was his naughty girl to endure. Bring it on.


Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.

This review appears as a blog post at: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
Profile Image for Laura.
2,593 reviews113 followers
June 20, 2016
***ARC Provided by the Publisher and NetGalley***

Review Originally Published on I'm A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore:
http://www.imasweetandsassybookwhore....

I am, as is Tessa Bailey, sad to see the Crossing the Line and Line of Duty series ending. Raw Redemption is the final book and not only see Henrik and Ailish’s story, but we also get a little bit of “where are they now” closure for the other books and characters in the series.

Henrik and Ailish are an insta-love couple, which is usually something that annoys me, and actually had me a little frustrated at the beginning of the book, as I was hoping to see their relationship develop. However, as you read through the story, the way the plot is constructed makes it clear that the insta-love was necessary at the beginning in order for the rest of the story to be able to develop.

Henrik is a little rough around the edges, he is tough physically, imposing, gruff and a dirty talker. So, he is a lot of fun. He has a past that he is partly ashamed of but admits he would do the same thing again if given the choice. Ailish is young and sheltered (in some ways) as the daughter of a mob boss. But in other ways, she has already lived a tough life. There are instant sparks and heat between them, but there are also trust issues.

The story revolves around the group of criminals who are working for the police, in the same way that the other Crossing the Line books do, with them as the center and the reason for the action but with each couple acting fairly independently. The plot line of the story is easily spoiled, as is the resolution of it, so I will say that this is a good final chapter in the series. The characters are left where they should be, on the precipice of being ok with the lives they are now living, and moving on in ways that work for each of them.

The writing in this is strong, as is the characterization and plot. The story moves well, and while it is a little slow in the middle, it is not bad enough to distract from the story.

I do recommend reading the other books in the series as this one takes place away from the central group, so the ties of the characters and who they are is developed more in previous books than in this one. That said, as a standalone, this would work. You don’t need to know the backstories of each character to be able to read Raw Redemption.
Profile Image for Beanimous.
1,025 reviews15 followers
August 2, 2017
Updated review 2 August 2017

I did finished the book. I skip and skim, I read the ending and then back track, I did all the things a good reader shouldn't do, but I finally finish the book.

The revised star is 2 stars instead of 1. I still don't like this book very much, but I must admit it is a decently written book that is entertaining to read. And Tessa is still the 'Queen of Dirty Talks', hands down.

I was unable to develop any attachment towards any of the characters, and many scenes bored me.

I have read other books by this author that is very enjoyable, fingers cross on my next book with Tessa.
_____________________________________

Original Review
31 July 2017

DNF 19%.

Instant lust, instant alpha jealousy (that reminds me of stalkers), illogical lusty hookup at insane moments when they should be running for their life, missing details which I really like to know the answer.

It didn't help that I don't follow the series and find it very hard to remember the numerous characters appears throughout this book. I have a very small brain, and I am easily confused. Readers with more brain power than I do, please just go ahead and ignore me.

Unlikable annoying shallow heroine, unlikable horn-dog unprofessional hero. I mean, maybe I am a prude, but who dry hump a complete stranger in the bathroom and necking each other, when 5 min ago the heroine thought the hero is an intruder and shot him with a gun......seriously, who does that....I know, porn does....this is another porn-like book again.....

I don't get how a fully grown attractive young man will be totally obsessed with a girl for months, whom they only met briefly once and whom only had a one-sentence conversation with. I am not convinced of their affection towards each other, it did't feel like 'love', it felt like teenage lust.....and porn...here we go again......

Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with porn, but I am simply not expecting it, that's all....
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
May 29, 2016
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
'Raw Redemption' by Tessa Bailey is book 4 in the "Crossing the Line" series. I have not read the other books yet so for me this was a standalone book.
This is the story of Henrik Vance and Ailish O’Kelly.
Henrik was a cop when he met Ailish who is the daughter of Chicago’s most dangerous criminal. There was evidence that Henrik destroyed that implicated Ailish in someway. After meeting Ailish just that once he become obsessed with her and did not want her hurt or in trouble. Destroying the evidence that was connected to Ailish caused him to loose his job as a cop but they did put him on a undercover section where he is supposed to find Ailish and bring her in to be a informant. Henrik just knows he wants her and wants to keep her safe. Ailish doesn't need a hero or anything else to save her from her father. Ailish thinks she can do so herself... but she it attracted to Henrik.
I did enjoy Henrik and how much he wanted Ailish... he was a great Alpha type male. Great exciting read!

Please follow more reviews at the below sites:
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1... http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
http://booklikes.com/
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.pinterest.com/u2soapsrus/
Author 3 books31 followers
June 16, 2016
Wow. Can't believe I'm saying this, as I'm a huge fan of Tessa's, but I did not like this book at all. I found the hero, Henrik, way too coarse to be sexy, and I didn't buy how he was in love with the heroine before they'd ever even spoken. I disliked the heroine, Ailish, even more--she was simultaneously the world's biggest tease, a brat, and incredibly naive. Even the characters' names annoyed me. I didn't feel any love here--just lust. The couple's first time together--the where and how--was a complete turn-off for me. And the mob storyline lacked originality, so I couldn't fall back on a good plot. Oh well. I'll still read her next book. One thing you can count on from Tessa is scorching dirty talk, so two stars for that.
Profile Image for CC.
1,781 reviews238 followers
July 22, 2017
Welp that one was HAWT!

Henrik was a dream Tessa Bailey hero. So OTT and yummy! Ailish was refreshing. She had a tough childhood, but was pretty well grounded.

This was classic Tessa Bailey. The story was good, but the chemistry was off the charts. Loved catching up on the other couples from the series. Sweet ending.

safety gang
Profile Image for Shayna.
1,812 reviews615 followers
June 12, 2016
OH MY HELL! Tessa Bailey just KILLED in the final installment of the absolutely SCORCHING HOT Crossing The Line series! It was just so damn SEXY! I'm so sad that one of my favorite series has come to an end, but Bailey sure sends us off with a BANG! RAW REDEMPTION brings us Henrik Vance's story. Disgraced cop who risked his badge after setting his eyes on mob daughter, Ailish O'Kelly. Instantly, he knew he needed to protect her in any way he could. After throwing his career away, Ailish went into hiding. Vance recently came into possession of her whereabouts, and he is more determined than ever to track her down and see to it that she stays safe...from her father AND from him. Sparks and insults FLY when these two meet up again. There is heat. There is passion. There is resistance and there is redemption. Vance can tell himself that he is doing this to get his badge back, but really, he wants Ailish in his arms, where NO ONE can hurt her.

"I want to cut down everything in your goddamn path. And then I want to take you to bed knowing I earned it."

The sexual chemistry between Henrik and Ailish was OFF THE FREAKING CHARTS! But then again, this is a Tessa Bailey book, so why am I surprised? Sassy, stubborn heroine...gorgeous, protective ALPHA hero - that is one HELL of a combo! The sexiness that comes out of Henrik's mouth...HOT DAMN folks! I can't EVEN! It will make you tingle, make you blush, and make you SWOON until you can't swoon no more. In every Bailey romance, I highlight pretty much the entire book. So many sexy quotes to read over and over again. I have SO ENJOYED spending time with this sexy and ridiculous group of misfits. I'll miss them all dearly. But not for long, because every single book in this series, will be re-reads FOR SURE!

Oh, you want a taste of Henrik Vance's filthy and goddamn SEXY mouth? You GOT it! You're welcome ladies...

"You like having your mouth fucked, baby?"

"Can you tell how much I love fucking it, you cock-hungry girl? I'm going to bust like a motherfucker and it's all your fault. So greedy and hot and tight. Suck it harder."


Oh yeah! See what I mean? This is only a tiny taste of what's to come when you pick up the final book in Tessa's Crossing The Line series. GET. ON. IT. You will love these characters! You will love the sex! You will love the suspense! You will LOVE everything about these stories!

Desire And Temptation.

*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,402 reviews622 followers
July 13, 2018
OKAY, so as a cop, Henrik Vance did a very bad thing. A very illegal thing. And now he's part of an undercover squad who take on the real tough cases of Chicago (if you watch ANY television at all, this premise should sound real familiar. And it is because of this show that I jumped on this book without hesitation.) I love the concept of a squad made up of really good cops/investigators that maybe slipped in the past for the better good. Because sometimes, life is not black and white. It's actually mostly gray. And this team of individuals are the gray. Anyhoooo, I digress lol back to the book.

So it's a year later and Vince is up against the very same woman he saved and lost his job over, Mafia princess Ailish O’Kelly. This time, he has to save her from not only her father's violent world, but also from herself. She thinks she can out-run, out-smart and even turn her back on her father's world all on her own with the help of no one. Seriously, HA! lol This is the Mafia world. No one is safe, blood or otherwise!

I gotta tell you, even jumping in at this point in the series without reading back was no hardship. This really can be read as a standalone, but I will definitely be going back to read the rest of the team very soon. The story was engaging and exciting and it keeps you turning the pages. The events themselves may have had some predictability to them but this was far from predictable. Henrik and Ailish made it unique. They had real chemistry and they were relatable (in that world, of course). Even the suspense was unpredictable. The story really keeps you on your toes!

If you've never read Tessa Bailey start with this book or any other, but start. I regret not doing so until now but I WILL remedy that soon!

Copy provided for blog tour review
Profile Image for Sherry L.
541 reviews2 followers
March 6, 2018
Book graciously given via NetGalley in exchange for an HONEST review.
4 PLEASE Baby stars

What a gritty,intense end to another amazing series by Tessa Bailey. She has a way of saving the very best hero for last in the best possible way. Each book builds in intensity and this one is NO exception.

We meet the seriously dominant and possessive, alpha bad-ass hero who's need to protect this one woman dominates all other things. Meet Henrick Vance. A disgraced cop who's very need to own a piece of the soul of the woman, who will be both his redemption and salvation, Ailish O'Kelly.

Ailish is the very reason Henrick is now part of the undercover squad of criminals and cons working for Chicago PD and Capitan Derek Tyler. He will do whatever is necessary to keep this woman safe and free, even risking his shot at getting his badge back.

This couple has the most ELECTRIC chemistry and instant lustful attraction I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The intense, magnetic, sexy trysts between these two were so very powerful. Laced with the most effective dirty talk ever graced on the written page. This has to be the most physically attracted couple, yet with souls that are intertwined from the very first glance.

Can Henrick save Ailish while still keeping himself in the favor of the squad? Will he be able to give her the thing she needs most while protecting her? Can they find the trust needed to share a future together however they can manage it? Souls fated to crash into each other with hopes of remaining whole. What an intoxicating end to this series.

Happy Reading~ Sherry


Review Requests: http://www.jezabellgirlandfriends.com...

Email: jezabellgirlandfriends@gmail.com

Web: http://jezabellgirl.com

FB: http://facebook.com/jezabellgirlandfr...

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Jezabell_girl

Google+: http://google.com/+JezabellGirl

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/JezabellGirl
Profile Image for 100sweet.
1,602 reviews
April 16, 2017
DNF @ 30%.

The h is on the run from her mafia father and barely escapes a recent incident. She is hiding out in a cabin when the H shows up. She immediately feels horny looking at him and so she starts teasing him. She admits that she enjoys teasing men and would do it all the time to the bodyguards when she was at home. For example, she would eat a popsicle in a certain way so the men would become uncomfortable. She enjoyed turning them on and knowing they couldn't have her. Does this sound like a h you want to read about? Then she will only do things if the H said "please." If he asked her to do something she would immediately say, you didn't say "please." I was rooting for the bad guys to find her.
Profile Image for Timitra.
1,754 reviews10 followers
June 23, 2016
Fitting End

I hate to see this series end because I'm really going to miss these characters especially Derek Tyler. He was my first Tessa Bailey hero so he holds a very special place in my heart. While I'm sad that it has ended I could not have asked for a more fitting ending to an awesome series. I truly enjoyed going on this journey with Henrik and Ailish. I'm not going to lie I swooned every time Henrik called her Lish. The sexy times and dirty talk were as hot as I've come to expect from this author.

Although a tad bittersweet I cannot complain because I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Ginny Rose.
556 reviews30 followers
June 26, 2017
I didn't cry at the end of the book. (I totally did.)

I'm not going to miss these characters... (Derek, Bowen, Sera, Connor, Erin, Austin, Polly, Henrik.... Ailish....don't go. Stay!! Stay with me!!)

Once the fog of parting with friends that have been in my heart for over a year clears, I will review this book properly. Until then, this book IS amazing. The conclusion to this EPIC series is best described as a gift:
You want to see how it ends. Unwrap it. You need this. This is what you wanted... Tessa signed it, sealed it... she delivered it.
Profile Image for Nikki.
972 reviews257 followers
June 23, 2016
I LOVE Tessa Bailey, I LOVE the Crossing the Line series, and I LOVED this book!

The Queen of dirty talk strikes again!

Bowen is and always will be my #1, however, Henrik gave him a run for his money! I loved everything, the beginning, the middle and especially the end. The epilogue was bittersweet, as we said goodbye to the gang. But Mrs. Bailey did a wonderful job wrapping up everyone's Hea!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Neal.
1,794 reviews147 followers
June 15, 2016
**Disclaimer: This bookworm couldn't help but be sad while reading this book due to the fact it's the last in the series. It was so wonderful to revisit Derek Tyler (swoon), previous Crossing the Line characters, while meeting Henrik and Ailish. Now it's time to say good-bye all over again and I doubt, regardless of how much I wish differently, that we'll be lucky enough to see these beloved characters again.**

"Hell, he'd taken sick pleasure in the fact. Protecting her. Even if she'd never know it." - Henrik

There's power behind words, and for Henrik, all it took was ten of them from Ailish to irrevocably change his path, his career, his everything, forever. However, Ailish has no idea of the power she wields over Henrik. As a cop, he's sworn to uphold the law, follow the evidence, and ensure that justice is served. Yet, seeing her, hearing her, caused him to gleefully throw it all away, because he wanted to, needed to, protect her. He refused to let her go to prison....not while there was breath in his body. So he did what he believed was necessary to protect her...he destroyed evidence. Henrik was given an ultimatum, prison or work under Captain Derek Tyler with his new squad of former criminals, the Tarnished Justice League, that use their skills to help fight crime. *capes not included*

"She could finally break free." - Ailish

Ailish, daughter of dangerous crime boss, Caine O'Kelly, is experiencing freedom, true freedom, for the first time in her life. No one is guarding her, no one is telling her what to do or how to act, she can finally just be...Ailish, not Caine's daughter. And with her newfound freedom, she does something that's unheard of in her family...making money the legal way, with a job, and she couldn't be happier.  Unfortunately, she knows she'll never be able to truly stop looking over her shoulder because her Dad won't let her go. As evidenced when men are sent after her.

Henrik, having just missed Ailish, is regrouping with the Misfits, needing more information on how to find her, as he's against any other outcome. But, the Captain knows Ailish could come in handy in regards to taking down her father. Since both will result in Henrik having Ailish, he agrees, as long as Ailish is safe and he's the one to retrieve her.

When Henrik and Ailish finally come face to face, it doesn't exactly go as Henrik had planned, or hoped. But, unbeknownst to him, one of his fantasies is happening right before his eyes as Ailish is feeling a connection, the same one he's felt since day one. And though she can't currently place from where, she does know she's seen him before. As for Henrik, he now knows the answer to whether or not he imagined the appeal Ailish held for him from just a glance and a few words.

"She actually had the nerve to be better than his memory." - Henrik

How will Ailish react upon learning Henrik has been ordered to use his talents to gain an audience with her Dad? Will she understand that Henrik is doing what he needs to do to keep her safe? That it's his number one priority above all else? Will Ailish grant Henrik with her full trust? What happens when Henrik learns a truth about Ailish he never expected? Will it change how he feels about her, how he views her? How will this revelation impact their future? Can they still have a future?

One-click now to find out all the details, both dirty and sexy, between Henrik and Ailish. Revisit characters from previous Crossing the Line stories, as well as Derek (Protecting What's His and Protecting What's Theirs) from the Line of Duty series. I do highly recommend reading the Crossing the Line books in order, and while not required to enjoy this series, I do also suggest reading the Line of Duty series prior to starting this one as it's the series that started it all, leading to the spinoff of these stories.

**I received a copy of this book from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.