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Dividing Line #1
Dividing Line
When Rachel marries Danny Maguire, younger son of the most powerful criminal family in Manchester, she thinks she can cope with his way of life. After all, he's the legitimate face of the family, isn't he?
When war breaks out between the Maguires and their deadly rivals, the Law family, Rachel is dragged into the criminal underworld and she must turn her back on her old life and embrace this new, dangerous one if she is to survive.
The Maguires also find themselves the target of The Coalition, a shadowy group made up of the city's premiere citizens who are tired of the Maguires' rule and will stop at nothing to see them fall. The Coalition's interference stirs up suspicion and paranoia within the family and Rachel is no longer sure who she can trust. When sides are taken, she finds herself facing off against those closest to her and who are also the most formidable criminals in the city.
As the war increases in ferocity, Rachel discovers another woman inside herself, a strong, ruthless one who will stop at nothing to root out the traitors in the family's ranks and protect those she loves.
Contains strong language, sex and violence.
When war breaks out between the Maguires and their deadly rivals, the Law family, Rachel is dragged into the criminal underworld and she must turn her back on her old life and embrace this new, dangerous one if she is to survive.
The Maguires also find themselves the target of The Coalition, a shadowy group made up of the city's premiere citizens who are tired of the Maguires' rule and will stop at nothing to see them fall. The Coalition's interference stirs up suspicion and paranoia within the family and Rachel is no longer sure who she can trust. When sides are taken, she finds herself facing off against those closest to her and who are also the most formidable criminals in the city.
As the war increases in ferocity, Rachel discovers another woman inside herself, a strong, ruthless one who will stop at nothing to root out the traitors in the family's ranks and protect those she loves.
Contains strong language, sex and violence.
- GenresCrime
568 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2013
About the author
Heather Atkinson
109 books184 followers**HONOUR (BLOODY MACGREGORS #3) WILL BE PUBLISHED BY BOLDWOOD BOOKS ON 7TH OCTOBER 2026**
**MY NEXT SELF PUBLISHED BOOK, SURVIVOR (BLAGGER'S CODE SERIES #8) WILL BE RELEASED ON 1ST SEPTEMBER 2026 ONLY ON AMAZON KINDLE. THIS IS A FIERCE GANGLAND SERIES SET IN BLACKPOOL**
Author of over eighty books so far. Living on the beautiful west coast of Scotland with my husband, twin daughters and a cat called Mavis, although I am originally from Lancashire in the north of England.
My tastes in all things are eclectic, which extends to my writing. Although I primarily write crime books - especially gangland thrillers - I also write gothic historical romance and fantasy. I publish on Amazon Kindle and some of my novels are available in paperback too. I also have a traditional publishing contract with Boldwood Books.
When I'm not writing - which isn't very often - I enjoy reading Daphne Du Maurier, Edgar Allan Poe, Shirley Jackson, MR James and the Brontes, among many others. I also enjoy swimming, walking and spending time with my family.
**MY NEXT SELF PUBLISHED BOOK, SURVIVOR (BLAGGER'S CODE SERIES #8) WILL BE RELEASED ON 1ST SEPTEMBER 2026 ONLY ON AMAZON KINDLE. THIS IS A FIERCE GANGLAND SERIES SET IN BLACKPOOL**
Author of over eighty books so far. Living on the beautiful west coast of Scotland with my husband, twin daughters and a cat called Mavis, although I am originally from Lancashire in the north of England.
My tastes in all things are eclectic, which extends to my writing. Although I primarily write crime books - especially gangland thrillers - I also write gothic historical romance and fantasy. I publish on Amazon Kindle and some of my novels are available in paperback too. I also have a traditional publishing contract with Boldwood Books.
When I'm not writing - which isn't very often - I enjoy reading Daphne Du Maurier, Edgar Allan Poe, Shirley Jackson, MR James and the Brontes, among many others. I also enjoy swimming, walking and spending time with my family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 3, 2014
Dividing Line (Dividing Line Book #1)
Heather Atkinson
June 19
Just read for a second time and just as good.
Contains strong language, sex and violence.
first time i have read one of heather's books fantastic story line I just couldn't put it down, i had to keep reading a few more pages at every opportunity.
I love it when I find an author who's books I enjoy but have not read them all yet, as it means i get a good few weeks out of reading them all.
The characters were interesting and at different points I found myself loving and hating the main characters, which is always a good sign and the story was action packed. Without giving away the plot, the twists and there is plenty of them lull you into thinking that the ending will be different to how it was. A few times I kept thinking I know where this is going. But each time I was Wrong.
The book is set in Manchester and focuses on two rival gangs the Maguires and Laws.
Rachel falls for a Danny who is part of the Maguire family, even though she is from the area run by the Law family.
This is where the trouble starts and to be honest it never stops. I had never heard of Heather Atkinson, but a few of my reading friends had kept mentioning how good her books were so i thought i would give them a go, I am so glad I did.
An absolute must if you like Martina Cole style books.
Book description..
When Rachel marries Danny Maguire, younger son of the most powerful criminal family in Manchester she thinks she can cope with his way of life. After all, he's the legitimate face of the family, isn't he?
However, when war breaks out between the Maguires and their deadly rivals, the Law family, Rachel is dragged into the criminal underworld and she must turn her back on her old way of life and embrace this new, dangerous one if she is to survive.
The Maguires also find themselves the target of The Coalition, a shadowy group made up of the city's premiere citizens who are tired of the Maguires' rule and will stop at nothing to see them fall. The Coalition's interference stirs up suspicion and paranoia within the family and Rachel is no longer sure who she can trust. When sides are taken, she finds herself facing off against those closest to her and who are also the most formidable criminals in the city.
As the war increases in ferocity, Rachel discovers another woman inside herself, a strong, ruthless one who will stop at nothing to root out the traitors in the family's ranks and protect those she loves.
Heather Atkinson
June 19
Just read for a second time and just as good.
Contains strong language, sex and violence.
first time i have read one of heather's books fantastic story line I just couldn't put it down, i had to keep reading a few more pages at every opportunity.
I love it when I find an author who's books I enjoy but have not read them all yet, as it means i get a good few weeks out of reading them all.
The characters were interesting and at different points I found myself loving and hating the main characters, which is always a good sign and the story was action packed. Without giving away the plot, the twists and there is plenty of them lull you into thinking that the ending will be different to how it was. A few times I kept thinking I know where this is going. But each time I was Wrong.
The book is set in Manchester and focuses on two rival gangs the Maguires and Laws.
Rachel falls for a Danny who is part of the Maguire family, even though she is from the area run by the Law family.
This is where the trouble starts and to be honest it never stops. I had never heard of Heather Atkinson, but a few of my reading friends had kept mentioning how good her books were so i thought i would give them a go, I am so glad I did.
An absolute must if you like Martina Cole style books.
Book description..
When Rachel marries Danny Maguire, younger son of the most powerful criminal family in Manchester she thinks she can cope with his way of life. After all, he's the legitimate face of the family, isn't he?
However, when war breaks out between the Maguires and their deadly rivals, the Law family, Rachel is dragged into the criminal underworld and she must turn her back on her old way of life and embrace this new, dangerous one if she is to survive.
The Maguires also find themselves the target of The Coalition, a shadowy group made up of the city's premiere citizens who are tired of the Maguires' rule and will stop at nothing to see them fall. The Coalition's interference stirs up suspicion and paranoia within the family and Rachel is no longer sure who she can trust. When sides are taken, she finds herself facing off against those closest to her and who are also the most formidable criminals in the city.
As the war increases in ferocity, Rachel discovers another woman inside herself, a strong, ruthless one who will stop at nothing to root out the traitors in the family's ranks and protect those she loves.
November 6, 2018
Brilliant. This is the first book I have read by Heather Atkinson and I thoroughly enjoyed it, so much so that as soon as I finished it I downloaded the second one in the series and I'm thoroughly enjoying that too
April 9, 2019
Great read, if you enjoy Martina Cole books this is just as good. I'm straight onto second in series.
November 22, 2020
We start the story in
Manchester .
Danny is the son of Frank Maguire.
They are the most powerful criminal family in Manchester.
Then we meet Rachel and Beth. They head to the club where Danny is.
Rachel is looking at him, but Beth
reminds Rachel to keep away from him.
They don’t live in the same block of flats.
I enjoyed watching this story move on.
The club would have been my first place to go, if there was a Danny at the bar.
But things don’t always go as you wish.
Thank you for your review.
Manchester .
Danny is the son of Frank Maguire.
They are the most powerful criminal family in Manchester.
Then we meet Rachel and Beth. They head to the club where Danny is.
Rachel is looking at him, but Beth
reminds Rachel to keep away from him.
They don’t live in the same block of flats.
I enjoyed watching this story move on.
The club would have been my first place to go, if there was a Danny at the bar.
But things don’t always go as you wish.
Thank you for your review.
October 15, 2022
What an opening blinding read to a new series!
I'm a huge Kimberly Chambers ( plus many more) fan and I love this genre but I'm impressed with this book! The characters are fantastic and so vividly are they painted, you can visual every one. It really was a great start to a series.
Rachel is feisty & gutsy and bolder \ or braver than the men put together.
What a great read. It's got everything you'd want from love to heartbreak, murder, deceit, loss, torture and clever planning. I
Book2 now downloaded! Can't wait to see what happens next!
I'm a huge Kimberly Chambers ( plus many more) fan and I love this genre but I'm impressed with this book! The characters are fantastic and so vividly are they painted, you can visual every one. It really was a great start to a series.
Rachel is feisty & gutsy and bolder \ or braver than the men put together.
What a great read. It's got everything you'd want from love to heartbreak, murder, deceit, loss, torture and clever planning. I
Book2 now downloaded! Can't wait to see what happens next!
December 1, 2019
A good read
First book I've read by this talented author and I loved it. Danny sees Rachel and it's love at first sight and so the story begins. From different sides of the track, her a nurse and him from the gangster family. This book is brutal, has you hating to put it down, full of twists to keep you on your toes and I for one can't wait to read the next one. If it's anything like this one I'm in for a treat. I would highly recommend this book to all.
First book I've read by this talented author and I loved it. Danny sees Rachel and it's love at first sight and so the story begins. From different sides of the track, her a nurse and him from the gangster family. This book is brutal, has you hating to put it down, full of twists to keep you on your toes and I for one can't wait to read the next one. If it's anything like this one I'm in for a treat. I would highly recommend this book to all.
May 25, 2022
Not as fast pace as I personally like.
After having this author recommend to me, I was excited to try her books, but it not a book I want to keep picking up.
I would of perfer more twists. On the plus side there is lots of action and a good introduction into the characters 😀
I personally won't be reading the next book in the series.
After having this author recommend to me, I was excited to try her books, but it not a book I want to keep picking up.
I would of perfer more twists. On the plus side there is lots of action and a good introduction into the characters 😀
I personally won't be reading the next book in the series.
January 24, 2025
Totally far fetched and implausible, yet I couldn't stop reading it, no idea what decade it was set in either? Also who uses the sentences "She acquiesces and does as he's bid" these days?? Anyway, will I read more....would have done although someone on here didn't highlight they had a spoiler! This not only ruins it for reader but also for the author!!!!
September 12, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book by Heather first time her work was impressed good pace and unexpected outcome characters are well presented felt lost into the story on next in the series hope the pace keeps up .
September 24, 2019
I have read every single Martina Cole book and this is up there!! Absolutely loved it. Was gutted when so finished it and realised I hadn’t downloaded the next one (I was on holiday with no WiFi). Can’t wait to read the next one.
February 12, 2021
Fantastic
Wow what a read stumbled across this author from a review and a real excellent page turrner from start to finish. Recommend to anyone to read looking forward to reading more of this series.
Wow what a read stumbled across this author from a review and a real excellent page turrner from start to finish. Recommend to anyone to read looking forward to reading more of this series.
July 7, 2021
Loved it I am working my way through the whole series, unfortunate I read the last book in it first, so I have an idea what happens but don't care as its like putting a puzzle together and saying now I know how that happened. Brilliant Author and I will read all the amazing books she has wrote
January 24, 2019
A jolly gangster romp
Far fetched and fast paced fun. A good introduction to a number of novels in the same series.
Easy reading
Far fetched and fast paced fun. A good introduction to a number of novels in the same series.
Easy reading
February 21, 2019
Loved this book! A definite page turner & hard to put down. I hadn’t read any of Heather Atkinson’s books before this one but currently on book 5 of this series
June 7, 2019
Of my bloody hell !!!!! I can't cope! I'm now addicted to Heather Atkinsons books. What a bloody corner these are
November 8, 2019
I love this author, I invested in the characters thanks to the descriptive language and I enjoyed the plot.
April 22, 2020
Absolutely loved this book. Purchased feeling a bit sceptical-no need, it was such a great read I couldn’t put it down -not even 24 hours have passed and I am on book 2!
April 23, 2020
Excellent
A very good and gripping read I am looking forward to getting to grips with the other books in the series
A very good and gripping read I am looking forward to getting to grips with the other books in the series
October 28, 2020
Wow, what a fabulous read. It's a while since I've read anything so gripping and enjoyable. Can't wait to start the next in the series.
September 11, 2021
Outstanding
Second time reading this series and its great to refresh with all the characters. Can't wait to start the second book again.
Second time reading this series and its great to refresh with all the characters. Can't wait to start the second book again.
January 20, 2022
absolutely brill
Brilliant as usual
Well written can’t wait to read the next one hopefully as good as this one
Well done
Brilliant as usual
Well written can’t wait to read the next one hopefully as good as this one
Well done
February 3, 2024
I am on the last book of this series and I have loved them, they have got a good measure of everything you need to escape into gangland and they are not trashy or repetitive.
April 28, 2024
Great start to the series between two neighbour gang warfare ,great characters and plot
January 8, 2025
Fantastic series of books must read
February 9, 2025
Action packed, full of surprising twists with some steamy romance involved. Great read.
April 25, 2026
Brilliant read
Hard hitting read loved every minute of it can't wait for the next book in this series . Definitely recommend this book.
Hard hitting read loved every minute of it can't wait for the next book in this series . Definitely recommend this book.
July 5, 2026
compelling read
I liked the plots twists and turns. I didn’t like the writing style at first but as I got into the story I got used to it.
I liked the plots twists and turns. I didn’t like the writing style at first but as I got into the story I got used to it.
March 24, 2019
Love these books
January 6, 2017
A great story but writing is 2d needs to be broken down into feeling because it feels like the story is being read in a monotone.
He said
She said
Narrator said!
Could be a 5 star and be compared to J.J. Mcavoy but it's lets its self down.
Example
Danny watches Rachel limp to a table with a petite blonde.
What it should have been...
I watch as the most beautiful creature limps to a table to my right where a petite blonde sit.
"He doesn't know who she is!!!!"
Needs to be 3d!
He said
She said
Narrator said!
Could be a 5 star and be compared to J.J. Mcavoy but it's lets its self down.
Example
Danny watches Rachel limp to a table with a petite blonde.
What it should have been...
I watch as the most beautiful creature limps to a table to my right where a petite blonde sit.
"He doesn't know who she is!!!!"
Needs to be 3d!
April 29, 2013
I think its only fair that if I rate a book 2 stars I explain why. I am not a fussy reader and its very rare I offer any criticism. The first thing to say is that the reason I finished it is because the plot is very good and interesting, I really did want to know what happened next. Unfortunately however there were 3 things that really detracted from the plot. I'm sorry to be harsh but I hope its also constructive.
1) Its a fairytale - everything always goes to plan and has the best possible outcome, the sex is always amazing. I thought this was a going to be a tough gangland story, but it seemed more like I imagine a Mills & Boon book would be.
2) The characters are shallow, unformed and not believable - they are made out to be all really nice, logical people, who forgive at the drop of a hat and who occasionally *do* something bad. I've never met a gangster, but I've met people worse than these guys. Going back to point 1, I really couldn't identify with them because real people aren't like that. And they were all so similar. Real people have issues, struggle with making choices, are unable to do the logical, find it hard to forgive etc. In this book the characters are defined by what they do, not who they are which leaves them unformed. In a book with real characters one is often frustrated by their inability to do what is logical, but that frustration is part of what makes a good read.
3) There is way too much detail, things are described and explained to such detail that nothing is left to the reader to add. I'd never thought of how essential this is until now. But as a reader you don't want everything spelled out. Also again going back to point 1, its a fairytale, the perfect wedding dress was found first time, the best surgeon on the city was in attendance, it was love at first sight etc etc.
1) Its a fairytale - everything always goes to plan and has the best possible outcome, the sex is always amazing. I thought this was a going to be a tough gangland story, but it seemed more like I imagine a Mills & Boon book would be.
2) The characters are shallow, unformed and not believable - they are made out to be all really nice, logical people, who forgive at the drop of a hat and who occasionally *do* something bad. I've never met a gangster, but I've met people worse than these guys. Going back to point 1, I really couldn't identify with them because real people aren't like that. And they were all so similar. Real people have issues, struggle with making choices, are unable to do the logical, find it hard to forgive etc. In this book the characters are defined by what they do, not who they are which leaves them unformed. In a book with real characters one is often frustrated by their inability to do what is logical, but that frustration is part of what makes a good read.
3) There is way too much detail, things are described and explained to such detail that nothing is left to the reader to add. I'd never thought of how essential this is until now. But as a reader you don't want everything spelled out. Also again going back to point 1, its a fairytale, the perfect wedding dress was found first time, the best surgeon on the city was in attendance, it was love at first sight etc etc.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews