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Small towns were made for second chances--even if it’s your best friend’s sister.

Skylar Rae
I’m getting by just fine on my own when the boy who stole my heart and ran away twelve years ago shows up in town again. He’s a big shot baseball player now, needing my help to rehab his knee. If he’d just lay off the flirting and the dimples he throws with each grin, I might be able to do my job. Good thing I’m not dumb enough to fall for him a second time.

Max
I promised my best friend I would never make a move on his little sister. I kept that promise—if you don’t count that one kiss senior year—but now that we’re adults and I’m moving back home, all bets are off. Skylar Rae isn’t the same person I knew twelve years ago and neither am I. It’ll take a lot more healing than I expected to see if she and I can cross that line again.

190 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 19, 2020

43 people are currently reading
249 people want to read

About the author

Marika Ray

87 books1,425 followers
Marika is a USA Today bestselling author writing steamy RomComs to make your heart explode and bring a smile to your face. She lives by the beach and posts a delightful number of hot lifeguard pictures.

Drop your email to be notified when each book releases: http://bit.ly/MarikaRayNews

Be sure to add my new releases to your TBR Today!

Hellman Brothers Series

Grumpy As Hell (Hellman Brothers #1) by Marika Ray Bro Code Hell (Hellman Brothers #2) by Marika Ray Friend Zone Hell (Hellman Brothers #3) by Marika Ray Cougar From Hell (Hellman Brothers #4) by Marika Ray Falling First Hell (Hellman Brothers Book 5) by Marika Ray

Sisters From Hell Series

Ridin' Solo by Marika Ray One Night Bride (Sisters From Hell Book 2) by Marika Ray Smarty Pants (Sisters From Hell Book 3) by Marika Ray
Ex Best Thing (Sisters From Hell, #4) by Marika Ray

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy Jo.
776 reviews142 followers
July 19, 2020
Wow! Where do I even begin with my review?! Let's start of with...

*dreamy sigh*

From the moment I picked up this book I knew I was going to love it. There's just something about small town, second chance romance that draws me in. Add in a strong, independent heroine and mischievous, easy going hero and you have this girl hooked. I had the hardest time putting this book down.

I absolutely adored Skylar Rae and Max! They were such great characters and perfect for each other. I think one of the things I loved the most is how real they were. They were flawed and had past/present issues that they needed to overcome both as individuals as well as a couple. Watching their relationship develop, watching them heal and seeing their fears melt away was beautiful.

One of my favorite things about reading is going on that emotional roller coaster with the characters. For me, feeling all the feels makes for a perfect read. I love the emotion and depth of this book. It dealt with some tough topics but, in my opinion, it was beautifully written.

I don't feel like I'm doing this book justice with my review. I'm having a hard time putting all my thoughts and feelings into words. What it boils down to is this... I loved this book! I wanted to devour it because I just had to know how everything worked out, but then I wanted to savor every minute I had with Skylar Rae and Max. It was just SO good! I highly recommend it to readers who love small town, second chance romance.

Lines We Cross is a great start to what I'm sure is going to be an amazing series! I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the Nickle Bay Brothers books.

I love finding new to me authors. This is the first book I have ever read by Ms. Ray and I can already tell you it won't be my last! I'm looking forward to reading her other sweet romance books. I have a feeling she's going to quickly become one of my autobuy authors.

And of course we can't forget my casting. This one was definitely fun. What do you think?

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Profile Image for Leisa Ann.
788 reviews11 followers
March 15, 2020
I loved this sweet romance by Marika Ray. I was intrigued by the story and it did not disappoint. All of the characters in this book are relatable and leave you wondering if they too will get a book (I sure hope so). Max and Skyler Rae have a past and lots of chemistry and although there are no “bedroom scenes” there is plenty of passion and heat. I’m already looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Michelle Claypot_Reads.
2,513 reviews61 followers
March 19, 2020
This was just the change of pace my heart needed! Max & Skylar Rae gave me everything I love in a small town romance.

I got sweet, some heat & a dose of real emotions to make it feel genuine. It’s a great read & I am looking forward to more stories from this group of characters.

I received an arc of this book.
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,072 reviews298 followers
May 5, 2020
So Much To Like

It took me a quick minute to settle in with this author's writing style but once I did, I really enjoyed myself. I liked the alternating voices, the small town setting and the second chance at love theme. The characters were fun and I love the idea of this band of brothers coming back together after years apart.
This book is my first time reading this author and I know she writes both steamy and sweet romances. I'm looking forward to reading more of her sweet romances.
Profile Image for Deanna.
1,083 reviews19 followers
March 20, 2020
Wow, what do I say about this book that is not a recap of it. For I don’t want to give anything away.

It was so, so good. Had all the feels and angst of past hurt that had not been gotten over. But with time and honest and frank conversation they are able to move past these and to heal.

But will Skylar’s trust and abandonment issues stop her from her HEA?

Will Max, an alpha male, baseball playing star allow the bro-code (no dating your mates sister) stop him from getting the girl he has always loved? He pulls out all stops, in the most heartwarming ways to show Skylar just how much she means to him.

The characters were fantastically written, the friends which were such a huge part of how good this story became. Oh and as a side note have some tissues ready, there are s some truly heartwarming issues discussed that will require them, for me at least.

I received this as a complimentary copy and I am giving my honest review voluntarily
Profile Image for BP34.
6,290 reviews46 followers
March 6, 2020
This is the first book in the Nickel Brothers Series and starts the series off with a bang. If you like small town and second chance romances, this book is for you. The story of Skylar Rae and Max will warm your heart. There's definitely some chemistry there but she was off limits as she was his best friend's little sister. A story of misunderstandings and heartbreak. Full of emotion and guaranteed to get your heart pumping. Tears of joy and tears of sadness. Max might just be my latest book boyfriend. I really enjoyed this book and know you will. I read an arc and voluntarily chose to review.
Profile Image for Gladys.
14k reviews162 followers
March 15, 2020
This was a really delightful read. This book just checked so many boxes for me. Charming small town romance✔ Likable characters that are easy to root for✔ Second chance at love ✔ Heaps & heaps of emotion✔ A dash of the forbidden ✔ Lots of sweetness & humor ✔Great writing ✔ A fun story that pulls you in and keeps you engaged ✔ Some drama, tension and pain ✔ An awesome cast of characters that provide tons of potential for future entries in this series ✔✔✔ This was just a simply wonderful romance that brighten your day with smiles and laughter while making your heart melt at the same time. I loved it and am already eager to return to Nickel Bay as soon as I can. This is my frank, freely posted review.
Profile Image for Cindy Fong.
2,041 reviews
March 16, 2020
The "Nickel Heads" are home. Nickel Bay, the type of small town where everyone knows everyone. Max and Skylar's (Rae) story lays the foundation for the series.

Max is home to rehab his leg. Rae just happens to be his PT therapist but she is also his best friends sister that he always had a torch for. Rae has built her business in Nickel Bay and held her heart firmly in her hand after one kiss from Max 12 years ago.

This was a layered story with all the feels. For all of Max's success he is a sweet, romantic small town boy who will do anything for Rae. I loved this beginning of a new series by Marika Ray.
Profile Image for Margaret Yelton.
2,138 reviews44 followers
March 16, 2020
This is the first book in the Nickel Brothers Series, and it was a fantastic start to say the least. A beautiful and sweet second chance storyline, that draws you in from the beginning. As always Marika Ray tugs at the heartstrings, and I look forward to many more trips to Nickel Bay. I would definitely recommend this book to those that enjoy second chance romances. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of the book from the author, and this is my fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Diane Edwards.
55 reviews
March 31, 2020
Great book

I loved this sweet town romance book about skylar and max who come together after misunderstandings and miscommunication. They have great friends and wonderful meddling mums to help them on their way
Profile Image for Mick C.
1,670 reviews
March 7, 2020
Such a beautiful story of love, loss and life. The characters were great. Can't wait to read more about this group of friends.
Profile Image for Christy.
127 reviews
March 25, 2020
As an avid reader, it's hard for me to fall in love with authors - but there's just something about the way Marika Ray writes that makes me think we could be friends in real life!

"Lines We Cross (Nickel Bay Brothers Book 1)" introduces us to Skylar Rae and Max, two people who find themselves trying to resolve some issues from their past teen lives while also trying to move forward and become friends as adults.

Skylar is a physical therapist who isn't suffering in the beauty department. She could probably have any man she sets her sights on, but no one seems to have really ever captured her interest - not since a one-time kiss from her brother's best friend on his graduation night.

Max has spent the last 12 years playing MLB and left small town Nickel Bay the day after he graduated high school. He broke the "bro-code" by kissing his best friend's younger sister that night, but after leaving home to follow his dreams of becoming a professional baseball player, he never returned to his home town until his friend's funeral - who also happened to be Skylar's older brother.

After sustaining what could be a career-ending injury, Max returns home to find that he was referred to Skylar to help strengthen his knee; Skylar isn't quite as excited as Max is about rekindling old feelings. She is hurt that Max never returned to Nickel Bay to be by her brother's side before his death. Feelings of anger and mistrust guide her as she strives to focus solely on his therapy appointments at her office.

This is a story of old friendships, misunderstandings and moving forward. Can they put the past behind them to find love, or are they forever going to be in the "Friend Zone" because, let's face it, no one really wants to go against the "bro-code."

There was so much I loved about this book. Being from a small town myself, I actually FELT this book! So many good scenes, it's as if Nickel Bay serves as its own character. I loved the way the author used such a strong supporting cast of characters, too. I found myself being able to mentally see so many scenes and laughed out loud a few times. It was a well rounded and well written book, and I can't wait to see how the characters evolve in Book 2 of the series.
Profile Image for Paulette.
736 reviews20 followers
March 6, 2020
I don’t know why but this book hit me deeply. I mean really deeply. Yes, it’s a sports romance but not really. It’s a second chance, but not really. To have a second chance you have to have had a first chance. As I’m writing this tears are filling up in my eyes thinking about it. All kinds of old songs popped into my mind as I was reading. I created a whole playlist!
Anyway, Max, omg, I want to wrap him up and cuddle him forever. He is a keeper. He’s so fine!
Skylark, has been through a lot and sometimes I wanted to throttle her. However, when you hear her side of of things, you get it.
This is a story of heartbreak, never ending sadness, misunderstandings, miscommunication, loyalty, promises, old friends that are forever friends, unrequited love, forgiveness, smiles, hope and love. All kinds of love; love of family, friends, places and the ONE!
Miscommunication or lack thereof is so common. With that comes preconceived ideas that we are all guilty of because of lack of communication and miscommunication. Sometimes we really think we’re mind readers and we’re not! Keeping promises that maybe you shoudln’t. Doing what you think is right even when it costs you. This story will hit you because it could happen. It’s real, it hits nerves and it sticks long after you’re done reading.
I’ve read this author before but this one really struck me as you can see. I read this book in one sitting well into the early morning hours. I can’t get it out of my head.
Aside from all this (as if that’s not enough) there are lots of other very interesting characters that I’m hoping we get to meet in future.
This is a book with all the feels. At times it made me so very happy and at others it made my brown eyes blue. This is a book that I love more today than even yesterday but I feel not as much as tomorrow. I’m sure this is book going to my reread list!
Profile Image for Susan Homan.
298 reviews5 followers
March 27, 2020
Lines We Cross

Lines We Cross (Nickel Bay Brothers Book 1)
Marika Ray

Lines We Cross is the first book in the new Nickel Bay Brothers Series by Marika Ray, and based on this one, she has another hit series on her hands. I absolutely loved this book and all of the characters in it, so much that I so wish the next book was ready for me to devour now. Book 1 is about Max and Skylar Rae or Gingersnap, as Max likes to call her. Max is back in town and goes to PT, and sees Skylar for the first time in years. He has already asked the rest of the Nickel Heads to come back to Nickel Bay. Max left town to pursue his dream of playing baseball, and left a heartbroken Skylar behind. Will Max be able to win Skylar over? Is the spark still there between them? You need to read this to find out for yourself. I can pretty much guarantee that you won't be sorry you picked this book up. I know I was not. I actually read it twice before reviewing it because I enjoyed it that much and wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything. If I could, I'd meet Max and keep him to myself, as he was hot, kind, loving and so much more. If anything you learn that communication really is key to everything. I so can't wait to read about the rest of the Nickel Bay brothers! I'm not sure how Marika keeps coming up with these amazingly awesome stories, but I am so glad she does. She is an author that I love to read, and don't want to miss out on any of her books.
Profile Image for Mary Brannian.
1,068 reviews19 followers
March 20, 2020
"I was only a boy when I left at eighteen, but I was coming home a man. And a broken one at that." - Max Duke

Coming home shouldn't be bittersweet, but it was for Max; perhaps, even, more bitter than sweet. At the top of his game, in the prime of his life, Max was brought low by a freak accident during a baseball game. Determined to undergo rehab and get back into the game, Max returns to Nickel Bay for therapy... But he wonders..."What kind of life could I have without baseball?" - Max

"I’d give him all the concern he’d shown my family the last ten years. In other words: zero." - Skylar Rae Mulholland

Skylar Rae was a consummate professional; she took pride in being considered one of the best in her chosen field of sports rehabilitation therapy. But her world stuttered to a stop when she saw "Max Duke" on her schedule. Max, the boy she'd had such a crush on; Max, her big brother's best friend.... Max, who had gifted her with a single kiss... then walked out of her life.

"She was the exact kind of woman I didn’t need right now. I needed someone to kiss my forehead and grab me a drink. Maybe put a pillow under my knee and be sweet while I was in pain." - Max

But somehow, Max just can't get Skylar out of his head. She consumes his thoughts waking and sleeping. Desperate to make a personal connection, Max resorts to a sneaky trick...

"Maybe this injury wasn’t the end of my life. Maybe it was the beginning of my new one." - Max

Will Max hit a home run with Skylar, or will he strike out with the only woman to ever hold his heart?
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,179 reviews71 followers
March 18, 2020
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much I did, but here I am, wishing that the rest of this series was already available. I’ll definitely be coming back for more from this author.

Max and Skylar used to be friends, but that all fell apart when he bailed without even saying goodbye. Now, he’s back, and he’s not going to let a second chance slip through his fingers. He just has to convince Skylar that he’s here for good this time. And that won’t be easy. Skylar has had more than her fair share of heartache and pain and she’s not sure that giving Max the time of day, much less anything else, is a good idea. But these two manage to find their way past old hurts and misunderstandings to friendship and more. But can Skylar let her walls fall completely, or is she just setting herself up for the ultimate heartbreak?

As much as I enjoyed Max and Skylar, I think I loved their friend even more. I laughed at how Max’s friends (and Skylar’s) didn’t pull any punches in ripping their heads out of some dark places after it all appears to fall apart. So much so that I can’t wait to see who falls for whom next!
Profile Image for Amanda Hash.
295 reviews14 followers
March 19, 2020
Marika Ray has (once again) reminded me why I love romance-- and why I love her books. With amazingly real, relatable characters, a perfect balance of laughter and tears, and so many moments that just took my breath away, this was easily one of my favorite reads of the year (so far.)

I adore second chance romances, as well as any story with a small-town vibe, so I knew without ever turning a page that I was going to love this book. What I didn't know was exactly how quickly I was going to fall for these characters, and this town, or how much I'd want to run in a Bigfoot forest race after reading it (Seriously, y'all, the whole race scene was EVERYTHING❤)

Lines We Cross is -- simply put -- phenomenal. Sweet, funny, emotional, romantic, and absolutely swoon-worthy. I can't wait to read about the other Nickel brothers and spend more time with these guys (but maybe I'll just pass the time by tracking down Sasquatch)
Profile Image for Frances Hernandez.
744 reviews5 followers
March 26, 2020
I received this a ARC ebook from the author, on the condition that I write an honest review.
This was a sweet story with only hints of hotness written in. The story is about a couple re-establishing a lost relationship. The main male character is Max, a famous baseball player, now on leave due to a sports ending injury. The female character is Rae, a very sad, withdrawn therapist, who has been dealt some rough cards in her life. They had known each other since children, since her late brother had been a close member of the Nickel heads. They had crushed on each other but had never acted on it., until right before Max left town to go play professional baseball. Twelve years later, Max returns, and begins to develop a real relationship with Rae, but because of his previous abrupt leaving, Rae finds it very hard to trust Max. Slowly he begins to break down those walls of distrust, and even through several misunderstandings, they eventually reach their HEA. I look forward to reading the stories of the rest of the Nickel heads and Rae’s best friends. Marina Ray is a new-to-me author and I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and plan to recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
260 reviews3 followers
March 7, 2020
This sweet second chance, brother’s best friend, small town romance has it all. Not only is it the first in a series but hit me right in the heart and I couldn’t put it down. I just had to keep reading to get to know all the characters.

Rae is grieving and coping by working hard and putting up a brave face. When her childhood crush suddenly is back in her life she has a hard time trusting him.

Max is the best book boyfriend I have met in a while. He’s like a clueless knight in shining armor and the sweetest guy imaginable.

The book left me shedding a few happy tears,
I’m excited and eagerly waiting for more.
Profile Image for Rachael.
983 reviews
March 15, 2020
I was lucky to receive an advanced reader copy of Lines We Cross and I throughly enjoyed this clean sweet romance. Max, a professional baseball player gets badly hurt and moves home to recover. Skylar becomes Max’s physical therapist. Max happened to be best friends with Skylar’s now deceased older brother. Skylar had a crush on Max growing up and never really got over him so there is a lot of unresolved feelings between the two.

I thought the author did a great job developing the characters. The pain both Skylar and Max are dealing with, because of the death of Skylar’s older brother is heartbreaking. It was an emotional, enjoyable book I would recommend to anyone that loves deep, clean, romance stories.
Profile Image for Jennifer Soppe.
2,251 reviews13 followers
March 23, 2020
An emotion filled romance read

Skylar Rae, a physical therapist, is scheduled to help Max, third baseman for a professional baseball team, rehabilitate his knee after surgery. As the story progresses buttons are pushed, the past is rehashed, and forgiveness is their only way forward. Marika ray’s Lines We Cross is an emotion filled romance read. In this book she added some sass similar to her Beach Squad series but poured on the sweet in this one.

I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
Profile Image for Sherry.
583 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2020
Another great romcom by Marika! Rae and Max’s story is so sweet! The small town romance is the best kind! They had feelings for each other at a young age but didn’t act on it. A sports injury brings Max back to town and he realizes his life has always been there. He commits himself to winning Rae’s heart for good. Excellent story line and easy to read. I can’t wait to read how the rest of the crew find their happy ending just like Max and Rae did!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
955 reviews
March 18, 2020
What a wonderful sweet, small town romance from Marika Ray. I loved everything about this read, the small town aspect, the brother's best friend and a group of friends being there for one and other. Marika Ray has delivered on all fronts with Max and Skylar's story. The love story and getting to know one another again just made this book so fun and will bring a smile to your face. Can't wait to read the other books in this series.
Profile Image for Shannon Stuckey.
717 reviews24 followers
March 19, 2020
Lines We Cross is just another perfect example of why Marika Ray is one of my go-to authors when I need to put a smile on my face. This book had me feeling all kinds of emotions, from laughing at the banter to fight back tears from the emotions the characters went through. Max and Skylar Rae might be one of my favorite couples of Marika Ray yet. I am loving this new series and can not wait to see what else Marika Ray has in store for us in the small town of Nickel Bay.
994 reviews
March 20, 2020
I loved this story; it was very touching. Skylar and Max have been holding in their feelings because of her brother being Max's best friend, so Max left when he was 18. Her brother, Emerson, died and Max is back. Can they get over the death of Emerson and share their love with each other? This story brings every emotion to the surface while reading, it is amazing. It is well written and developed.
I highly recommend it and I can't wait for the other Nickel Heads stories.
Profile Image for Jaime Reynolds.
1,945 reviews23 followers
March 8, 2020
A fantastic start to what is sure to be a must read series. A sweet romance with characters you instantly fall in love with. Max and Skylar are perfect for each other but of course there are obstacles that have the potential to get in the way. Love this story and cannot wait for the next book to come out.
Profile Image for Kim Gauger.
3,298 reviews6 followers
March 8, 2020
First book in this series and it is amazing! This book hits you in all the feels! It is a second chance sort of romance that draws you in. It gives you butterflies, makes you remember that childhood crush you had. I loved this! The characters draw you in and don’t let go. I loved everything about it. It’s a clean, sweet and I loved every bit of it.
Profile Image for Julie.
549 reviews4 followers
March 8, 2020
This was a beautiful and sweet second chance story. I loved the flashbacks into their past, growing up. It was a very touching read, as both Max and Rae suffered the loss of Rae's brother. Max's return to Nickel Bay, brought back the rest of the Nickel Heads. Can't wait to see who is next in the series.
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,905 reviews100 followers
March 17, 2020
"The ""Nickel Heads"" are home. Nickel Bay, the type of small town where everyone knows everyone. Max and Skylar's (Rae) story lays the foundation for the series.

Max is home to rehab his leg. Rae just happens to be his PT therapist but she is also his best friends sister that he always had a torch for. Rae has built her business in Nickel Bay and held her heart firmly in her hand after one kiss from Max 12 years ago.

This was a layered story with all the feels. For all of Max's success he is a sweet, romantic small town boy who will do anything for Rae. I loved this beginning of a new series by Marika Ray."
Profile Image for Jenn (YeahOrNeighReviews).
1,852 reviews46 followers
March 21, 2020
Lines We Cross is a home run in my heart! This brother's best friend romance has ALL the feels in it. Be prepared to laugh, cry and have your cheeks be sore days later from smiling so much. I loved watching the characters develop throughout the story, especially when their past isn't what it seems. A beautifully woven tale of love and loss, you can't help but lose your heart to this story.

Blog review - https://yeahorneighreviews.blogspot.c...
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