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Behind Blue Lines #2

Searching for Love

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What’s sexier than a man in uniform? A whole precinct full of them...
Searching for Love is the second book in the Behind Blue Lines Series by Christine Zolendz.

What you're looking for might be right in front of you...

BROOKE FURY
Betrayed. Destroyed. Shattered.
But, I'm used to it.
After all, I'm a cop, and I've seen the worst.
I just never thought it would happen to me.
But it did.

Now, I can't trust anyone.
Not him.
Not myself.
Nobody.

RYAN CAGE
Determined. Loyal. Honest.
But she won't trust me,
Won't let me in.
Even though I'm a detective,
I can't solve the mystery.

No matter how hard I try,
She pushes me away.
What she doesn't realize,
Is I'm the one thing she can count on,
Forever.

173 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2017

18 people are currently reading
204 people want to read

About the author

Christine Zolendz

43 books2,688 followers
USA Today bestselling romance author. Mother. Coffee drinker. Unicorn believer. New Yorker.
Books and writing are my escape from reality.
Read Me Free Here:
bit.ly/ChrisZo

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5 stars
22 (18%)
4 stars
52 (44%)
3 stars
36 (31%)
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5 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews362 followers
July 4, 2017
☆☆☆☆
~ Ali

Searching for Love picks up right where Resisting Love left off. Brooke is a young police officer who is desperate for love and looking in all the wrong places. Personally I did not really like Brookes character and felt she came across as dumb and whiney and hard to relate to. Ryan is her brothers partner and another officer. First impressions were set in the first book that Ryan was a bit of a womanizing jerk but during this story we find out there is so much more to him. We see a softer, protective, human side that makes us fall for him. Searching for Love is a very quick read that deals with some heavy topics, domestic violence and mental illness. Zolendz seemed to bring some closure for loose ends in the first story and left us with a happy ever after for Brooke and Ryan.
Profile Image for AJ.
3,256 reviews1,072 followers
June 1, 2017
4 stars!

I loved this book. A gorgeous love story that is sweet and sexy with a bit of drama and lots of heart. It’s the second book in Christine Zolendz’s Behind Blue Lines series (and in my opinion, is stronger than the first), and could technically be read as a standalone, but be aware that there is build up to this story in the first book, Resisting Love, so this one lands you straight into an already strong attraction with a bit of character background already developed.

Ryan Cage is a detective who has recently been transferred to a new job. He is loud-mouthed and completely filterless with a history as a bit of a player, but he took one look at his new partner’s younger sister and was instantly smitten. Brooke is also in the police force. She is strong and dedicated to her job, but a relationship turned bad has left her damaged and vulnerable. We saw them meet in the first book, there was great chemistry and lots of flirting, but Brooke wasn’t in a position to explore anything.

Brooke’s last relationship was a disaster which ended badly. There were hints of it in the last book, but here we get all of the details, and my heart broke for her. She is very self aware – acknowledging that she always falls for the bad boy, and she always falls too fast, but she remains desperate for love, even though she no longer trusts her own judgement. Added to the drama, her ex refuses to let her go. There's also a forbidden element which makes her situation even more complex. And then there’s Ryan…

Ryan has made himself a bit of a fixture in Brooke’s life. Of course they see each other at work, but he also goes out of his way to flirt and banter with her, desperate for his shot. And the more he sees her, the more he recognises what’s actually going on with her, and he becomes a shoulder for her to lean on – offering support and comfort becoming a rock.

“First time I saw you, I thought you were the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen. And when you’re standing up for yourself, you’re fucking unstoppable, and you take my breath away.” She looked down, her blush traveling down her neck and probably burning down to her toes. “After all this is over, whatever man you end up giving your heart to is going to be the luckiest man alive.”

I completely fell for Ryan in this book. On our first introduction to him he seemed like a loud-mouthed jerk, but I loved seeing his softer side come out as we get to know him – seeing him with his family, and also with Brooke, he's got the sweetest heart, and I loved his protective, supportive nature.
“You deserve so much more. Never let anyone in this world put you down. No one has the right to make you feel less than you are. Let no one change who you are.”

Their relationship is a friends-who-are-attracted-to-lovers situation, and it’s really beautifully done. There’s a lot of emotion between them, and a bit of back and forth as they figure themselves out and work out what they really want, but it’s well done and doesn’t get too angsty or irritating. It’s a really nice journey, sweet, natural, passionate and swoony, and I could feel it as they fell hard for each other.

“God knows I’ve wanted to, but I can’t stop thinking about how much I want you.”

There is external drama which adds a great side-story, tying in really well with Ryan and Brooke’s story and providing some added depth, and the questions that I was left with after finishing the first book were all answered as the story builds to its exciting climax. It all ends in a great place, with an epilogue which finishes everything off really nicely, and a hint dropped for the next book which I can’t wait to get my hands on.

I loved it – 4 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Maddy's Reading.
437 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2017
Brooke Fury is in a bit of a pickle. She has a stalker of an ex who is making her miserable. The only bright light in her life is her brother's best friend Ryan Cage who's also a detective in her squad. She loves her job but feels like she might have to leave very soon.
This book deals with lot of strong subjects and I appreciated the way it was written. Along with these, we also had the chemistry between Ryan and Brooke. I like led the two of them together, their banter and the sizzle was hot!!
I loved the fact that the author stuck to the theme of the story and while this is a love story, that was not all that there was.
I highly recommend it for all thrill loving readers.
*~*~*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange of an honest review *~*~*
Profile Image for Em.
1,667 reviews15 followers
March 10, 2018
DISCLAIMER TO MY FELLOW GOODREADER
This review is my personal opinion and may contain: spoilers, quotes, rants and swearing.

25 year old Brooke Fury has been keeping a big secret from her family and best friend. She recently had a short relationship with someone that turned horribly wrong. With nothing but shame and embarrassment, she decides to keep things to herself. When her ex begins to stalk her with increasing encounters, she has no choice but to let someone in.

“I was starving for love. I always had been, and probably always will be. All I ever wanted was someone to come home to-something my parents had-still have. Something honest and pure, something passionate and breathtaking, something real.”

30 year old Ryan Cage transferred to a new precinct recently. He joined a detective squad after they tragically lost one of their own. His easy going flirtatious behavior usually works on the opposite sex. But the woman he craves wants nothing to do with him. When she suddenly finds herself in a dangerous situation, Ryan decides he will be her safe place.

“And then my lips were against hers. Tasting something I knew I would instantly never get enough of. Backing her up against the wall, feeling something I have never felt before. Some new emotion that I never knew-never thought possible-something intangible and unimaginable. A sensation that breaks open your chest and steals your breath and makes you think that every other pair of lips you’d ever touched before were but shadows of these. Every one one of them wrong compared to this kiss.”

Begins two months after book #1. Events continue and we finally find out what Brooke has been hiding. It was a little rough how her self loathing unfolded. She was strong badass cop with low self esteem in her personal life. Really liked the hero.

Cliffhanger - no (book #2 of series)
POV - Brooke & Ryan
Profile Image for Angela.
386 reviews5 followers
June 12, 2017
3.5 Stars

Love is suppose to be wonderful and amazing. It is not suppose to be painful and dangerous. Brooke Fury fell in love and learned the hard lesson that sometimes it is not to be. But the damage to her own confidence and self-worth is the hardest hit that she is having to deal with. Being around this person almost every day has made her job hard, but because she is a cop she needs to be put that aside to do her job. The only problem is that she works with other cops and they are trained to be observant and notice deviances of behavior. And that is exactly what Ryan Cage has seen.

Ryan Cage always thought that Brooke was beautiful and strong, but there is something damaged lurking behind her eyes. And bruises appearing on her skin. Finding out the truth is hard, but it is a truth that she needs to know. But the pain and betrayal in front of her is not the only danger that is lurks in the shadows. There is a killer on the loose and now that this new information has come to light, it seems that Brooke is surrounded by something even darker than a broken heart. Now it looks like she could be the next victim, and Ryan will protect her anyway he can.

I had a bit of a hard time relating to Brooke. I really didn’t like her. It had nothing to do with the writing of the story, which was very good, but with the character herself. I did like the idea of the story and there was a lot of chemistry and drama with the characters. The story starts with a shocker of a scene, but it does a good bit of fizzle between the main characters as it goes on. But, the chemistry between the rest of the characters, good and bad, continues throughout the pages. I did enjoy the end and the comeuppance that one of the characters received. All in all, a nice story and a nice read.

eARC through Enticing Journey Book Promotions
Profile Image for Booked  Every Night.
484 reviews25 followers
June 12, 2017
Searching for Love is the 2nd book in this author’s series Behind Blue Lines. This book focuses on Brooke and Ryan. We get to see more of Dean and Liv but we dive further into Brooke’s troubles.

Brooke’s character is one I truly liked. The author wrote her so that any women can relate to her. She showed that it doesn’t matter who you are or what you do for a living but all of us can be lied to and deceived. Brooke fell for the wrong person, she was naïve but she was also vulnerable and was taken advantage of by someone that should have had her back. I felt sorry for Brooke when she found out the truth but when she gained her backbone again I felt proud of her. I love that she was able to eventually open her heart again and not let her past control her future. She is a strong character that grew throughout the book. I love characters that I can see change and growth in.

Ryan is a determined man who won’t let even Brooke get in the way of what he wants. He is willing to risk everything to prove to Brooke that she is stronger than she thinks. He guided her but didn’t force her into what he thought she needed to do. I loved how flirty he was, I loved the name he had Brooke under in his phone. I loved that he was cocky but when he knew when it was too much and he needed help. He took in his brother just so his Mom could have a vacation. There were so many sides of Ryan and I really liked how the author showed all of them to the reader.

This book was well written and flowed smoothly from the first book and even into the next book. I can’t wait to get Callie’s story and see more of the characters I have grown found of.
Profile Image for Brandy Roberts.
2,082 reviews63 followers
May 20, 2017
This was a really good read a lot better then resisting love had the answers that were left unsaid in the first book and had me hanging on the edge of my seat waiting see what was going to happen and what a surprising ending . Brooke and Ryan share a electric pool that that the heroine tries to fight because she doesn't want to see the hero get hurt . Brooke is going through so much and when we find out who the guy that she was hiding I understood why she was so hesitant to tell anyone . Ryan was wow in the first book I really didn't think I was going to like him but he grew on me real fast for the things that he does for the heroine . I'm excited to see what going to be next I highly recommend reading the first story in the behind blue lines before reading this you will be a little lost .
copy provided for honest review 
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hero = 9 heroine = 9 secondary characters = 9
Chemistry = 9 steam = 3 romance = 4 humor = 3
darkness level =7 enjoyment = 8
angst = 7 action =7 story line = 8 mystery = 8
character development = 9 pacing =9 POV= dual
Plot = 8 cover = 10 stars = 4 author = 8
would I recommend this book =
would I re read this book =
would I read future books by this author =
Profile Image for Brittany *** A Beautiful Book Obsession**.
234 reviews12 followers
June 13, 2017
4.5 Stars!!
Where do I even begin, I was a little hesitant with starting this book because I had loved the first so much and wanted more of the characters. I wasn’t quite ready to move onto Brooke’s story just yet, however I am so happy I did. Now I can confidently say that I am sad to leave their story, that I would absolutely love to read more of Brooke and Ryan. I loved this book so much!!!

Searching for Love is Raw, heartbreaking, intense, & beautiful! I don’t want to give any spoilers away for those who have yet to have the chance to read it, but brace yourselves. This isn’t your regular fall in love and live happily ever after love story, their is so much more to Ryan and Brookes story. Brooke has to overcome so much with herself, work, & her love life.

I wish I could just go on about this book, but am afraid I will spoil it and I just don’t want to do that. I will say that I love Christine Zolendz’s writing, I love how her characters always have one another’s backs, that we never fully know what to expect. I love her knowledge that she puts within the pages. This book truly hit home for me, and touched my heart. Ryan’s brother is also so very special to me, to not spoil it for you I will just say that I understand and relate to this book in so many ways. I hope that everyone can love it as much as I have!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews256 followers
June 12, 2017
This is the second book in this amazing series, and where I was left a tad confused in the 1st book, this one answered a lot of unanswered questions. Ryan and Brooke have great chemistry between them, but Brooke is broken and damaged from a past relationship. Will Ryan be able to heal Brooke, and help her overcome her past issues?
This is a sweet, passionate, and emotional storyline, which had me hooked and intrigued throughout. Looking forward to reading more of this authors work.
Profile Image for Christina.
365 reviews
June 12, 2017
The second book is way better then The first. Was full of mystery and suspense as well as the romance! Great book!
Profile Image for Indie Wish List.
250 reviews3 followers
June 29, 2017
This second book was definitely my favorite. Ryan Cage was a fun and loving character. Brooke Fury, however, was a mess. I wanted to cry right along with her.

A lot of what goes on in the first book carries over to this one. The unsolved crimes, domestic abuse, and even some of the questions I had pertaining to just Liv and Dean from the first book are answered in this one.

Again, this book is drama-filled. The unsolved crimes that led to Brooke’s doorstep, I’m proud to say I figured out early in the book. This girl just had so much piling up on top of her. I was gripping my kindle, my heart breaking for her. When she held back her tears and frustration, I let it go. Brooke is really a stronger character than she or anyone else gave her credit for. I don’t know how she went through everything she did without losing her mind and wreaking havoc upon everything she could touch. I would have lost it. She was in a situation that no outcome looked good. Thank God for Ryan Cage. He took charge of the situation and helped immensely.

I absolutely adored Christine Zolendz’s Mad World series and am glad I finally read more of her books, something I have been meaning to do for a while now (I just reread Mad World a month ago after not reading it for years). My only big complaint is that I wish these books would have been a bit longer and that some of the scenes that are glossed over or referred to were written out.

4 Stars
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
June 12, 2017
Searching For Love is the second book in the Behind Blue Lines series, and while it can be read as a standalone, it will be a better experience after reading Resisting Love in my opinion. Brooke Fury is a cop who constantly sees betrayal, and destruction in her job, she just never thought that it would happen in her own life. It shattered her, and now she refuses to trust anyone, as she vowed that she'll never be hurt like that again. Detective Ryan Cage, is loyal, honest, with determination that borders on a huge in it to win it obsession. When he wants something, he doesn't stop until he succeeds. But Brooke is seriously proving to be a harder task than he's ever faced, as she won't stop pushing him away. Will he ever be able to prove to her that he's the one thing that she can count on? I really liked Christine Zolendz's writing in Resisting Love, but her talented writing style evolved in huge ways with Searching For Love. First of all, both Brooke, and Ryan had such a chemistry that the sparks became an unbreakable pull, that it was so strongly palable, that I though I was going to be shocked. Next, they were complicated, flawed, frustrating, and yet, so awesome that I want them as my own friends irl. The suspense for days kept my heart racing cover to cover, while f-bombs dropped loud and proud all over the place! At the beginning I talked about the first book not necessarily being a prerequisite to read, but I did, and still had questions left floating around, and even though they are different couples, the storylines intertwine in ways that reading them in order will make it better, but my point is that my left over questions were answered in this story. Okay, I'm done now, and don't want to end up with spoiler douchery exploding out of me, so without further ado, I HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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