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Blurred Lines
Blurred Lines is a standalone contemporary romance.
River Jacobs-my first love.
My first kiss.
My first heartbreak.
The man I can’t let go of.
We crash into each other's lives—on fire when we’re together, our flames relentless—smoldering ash with each goodbye.
When River comes back into my life after years of being apart, my best friend calls it fate; I call it terrible timing. I try to resist, but River's pull is magnetic. I can't help but fall head over heels for my first love all over again, and even though I know it’s dangerous territory, we dive straight back into the swing of things, as we always did; pretending time hasn't passed at all.
But the thing is...
Time is cruel. It changes things. It changes us, too.
When River gets a phone call that alters everything we thought we knew about our future, we are forced to choose to either fight for our love…or fight against it.
And with River and I...
The lines are always blurred.
************************************************
You'll like this one if you enjoy:
-Second Chance Romance
-Allllll The Angst
-Hot Hot Steam
-No Cheating
-No Love Triangles
River Jacobs-my first love.
My first kiss.
My first heartbreak.
The man I can’t let go of.
We crash into each other's lives—on fire when we’re together, our flames relentless—smoldering ash with each goodbye.
When River comes back into my life after years of being apart, my best friend calls it fate; I call it terrible timing. I try to resist, but River's pull is magnetic. I can't help but fall head over heels for my first love all over again, and even though I know it’s dangerous territory, we dive straight back into the swing of things, as we always did; pretending time hasn't passed at all.
But the thing is...
Time is cruel. It changes things. It changes us, too.
When River gets a phone call that alters everything we thought we knew about our future, we are forced to choose to either fight for our love…or fight against it.
And with River and I...
The lines are always blurred.
************************************************
You'll like this one if you enjoy:
-Second Chance Romance
-Allllll The Angst
-Hot Hot Steam
-No Cheating
-No Love Triangles
240 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2020
12 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Ellis
34 books459 followersThis author is also published under the pen name Eve Parrish.
Victoria Ellis (V.K. Ellis) is a multi-genre author that publishes Psychological Thrillers, Suspense, and Romance novels. She is also the author of two poetry collections.
Victoria is the founder of Cruel Ink Publishing, LLC.
She resides near Chicago, Illinois with her husband, newborn daughter, and an abundance of animals.
Victoria Ellis (V.K. Ellis) is a multi-genre author that publishes Psychological Thrillers, Suspense, and Romance novels. She is also the author of two poetry collections.
Victoria is the founder of Cruel Ink Publishing, LLC.
She resides near Chicago, Illinois with her husband, newborn daughter, and an abundance of animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 10, 2020
This was a pleasant surprise. To be honest as I went into this read, I had expected this to be a full blown second chance romance filled with cliches and a predictable storyline (some scenes were) but with the authors writing style, I was able to feel the raw emotions of the characters alongside the realistic approach on cancer, autism, and relationships in general. For those reasons alone, I would recommend readers to pick this up. It's real, it's raw, and everything you would want in a second chance romance.
July 11, 2020
OK, this one pulled me in from the first page. Maybe a little cheesy, but that kind of meet cute that just makes me want to read more. When Bob Seger, The Doors, and Black Sabbath all make it in the first couple of pages, along with the record-store owning pierced and tattoo’d septuagenarian sporting a hot pink mohawk, I have to keep reading. This book started with so many elements that just call to me, and I knew it was something I was going to devour.
I love a story where the main characters meet as teenagers. Isn’t this the dream? Meet someone young before you really start out in the world, and then pine after them for years? Seriously though, Ava and River are so adorable and precious and sweet and perfect from the get-go – I was rooting for them to end up together as adults even before they had to separate because River was headed to California to chase his dreams of being a professional musician, and Ava had another year left of high school. Even their names, Ava Keyes and River Jacobs, are perfect.
I am not going to give away the whole story, but this book wavers back and forth between sweet romance and something a little more mature. The focus is on the feelings and emotions, and the characters are very believable at the 5 year jump, as being 23-24, and wondering if they can recover what they gave up as teenagers.
Overall, this was a fun read. It’s quick, it has super short chapters, and has lots of good music. There are some predictable elements, but they don’t make the book any less fun. If you are looking for a breezy summer read that hovers between young adult and contemporary romance, this is a great book to read at the beach, the pool, or just during a relaxing afternoon. It’s not going to become a literary classic, but that’s not what the author is going for. There were a few points in the books that I wanted to see more character development, especially with Ava, but overall, I am very happy with this new-to-me author! I recommend this one!
This is a sweet second chance teenagers-to-young adult second chance romance with no cheating and a happily ever after!
I love a story where the main characters meet as teenagers. Isn’t this the dream? Meet someone young before you really start out in the world, and then pine after them for years? Seriously though, Ava and River are so adorable and precious and sweet and perfect from the get-go – I was rooting for them to end up together as adults even before they had to separate because River was headed to California to chase his dreams of being a professional musician, and Ava had another year left of high school. Even their names, Ava Keyes and River Jacobs, are perfect.
I am not going to give away the whole story, but this book wavers back and forth between sweet romance and something a little more mature. The focus is on the feelings and emotions, and the characters are very believable at the 5 year jump, as being 23-24, and wondering if they can recover what they gave up as teenagers.
Overall, this was a fun read. It’s quick, it has super short chapters, and has lots of good music. There are some predictable elements, but they don’t make the book any less fun. If you are looking for a breezy summer read that hovers between young adult and contemporary romance, this is a great book to read at the beach, the pool, or just during a relaxing afternoon. It’s not going to become a literary classic, but that’s not what the author is going for. There were a few points in the books that I wanted to see more character development, especially with Ava, but overall, I am very happy with this new-to-me author! I recommend this one!
This is a sweet second chance teenagers-to-young adult second chance romance with no cheating and a happily ever after!
July 13, 2020
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Blurred lines is a Standalone Second-chance Romance written by Victoria Ellis. Told in dual perspectives , this book broke my heart in the most enjoyable of ways!!
This was my first book by this author and I loved it very much. I have always been addicted to a good second chance romance and this was one of that category. It was sweet in all the right parts and had me laughing and swooning so much!
Here we get to meet Ava and River . Both of them were just perfect for each other , and everyone around them knew that from the moment they met each other when they were teenagers. I was rooting for them to end up together forever. But their relationship had to be put on hold , as River had to leave for California to complete his musician career and Ava still had one year of high school left.
Fast forward a few years and they both reconnect , and now it is all about deciding whether they can pick off where they left. This book was a smooth breezy ride for me. There was nothing much complex in this book and it was a good contemporary read for all the romance lovers out there!
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July 13, 2020
3.5 stars
Blurred Lines by Victoria Ellis was a second chance romance that fell a bit short for me. Ava and River meet in a record store when they're 17 and 18 years old. They start a relationship that quickly becomes serious in the short 5 months they have together. River always planned on going to California for college and to try to make it big with his band, and while Ava and him know this, it is hard when it's time for him to leave. Fast forward 5 years, Ava is a successful writer and has a chance encounter with River when they bump into each other at a bar. They spend the night together, both of them unable to forget how strongly they felt for the other. But Ava has just come out of a relationship and isn't ready to jump into another one. Ava and River then surprisingly start talking on a dating app, and start to see each other again. But will their relationship finally stick after all of these failed attempts? This book was so fast-paced. It starts when they're teens, but there are so many time jumps. Even just a few weeks, or a few months, there would be a time jump, and I felt like the flow wasn't great because of it. I didn't like how there were small scenes with Ava and River together, but they would get cut off and the chapter would end. There were definitely some cute scenes, however, and I felt like you could see the connection between Ava and River to some extent. There was a lot of telling, of the characters saying how much they liked someone and how scared they were to get together again and how blank made them feel. I didn't like the lack of communication even all the years later. When they were teenagers, it was a little more realistic, but then they still couldn't just talk things out, and that was the cause of why they had so much time apart. It made them seem immature and it felt as if they never grew. Another issue was the fact that there was so much happening, it was almost too much. There was the main relationship with Ava and River, then Ava's father, Ava's brother and his autism, Ava's friend Hailee and her life, Rivr’s family issues, and River's ex and everything that happened because of her. I just thought it was almost too much to read about. Overall, this wasn't a bad book, but I wish the plot lines and side stories were tightened up a bit and there wasn't so much going on with their relationship so that I could've gotten a better feel of who they were and how they were destined to be together.
TW: family member's death
3.5 stars
Blurred Lines by Victoria Ellis was a second chance romance that fell a bit short for me. Ava and River meet in a record store when they're 17 and 18 years old. They start a relationship that quickly becomes serious in the short 5 months they have together. River always planned on going to California for college and to try to make it big with his band, and while Ava and him know this, it is hard when it's time for him to leave. Fast forward 5 years, Ava is a successful writer and has a chance encounter with River when they bump into each other at a bar. They spend the night together, both of them unable to forget how strongly they felt for the other. But Ava has just come out of a relationship and isn't ready to jump into another one. Ava and River then surprisingly start talking on a dating app, and start to see each other again. But will their relationship finally stick after all of these failed attempts? This book was so fast-paced. It starts when they're teens, but there are so many time jumps. Even just a few weeks, or a few months, there would be a time jump, and I felt like the flow wasn't great because of it. I didn't like how there were small scenes with Ava and River together, but they would get cut off and the chapter would end. There were definitely some cute scenes, however, and I felt like you could see the connection between Ava and River to some extent. There was a lot of telling, of the characters saying how much they liked someone and how scared they were to get together again and how blank made them feel. I didn't like the lack of communication even all the years later. When they were teenagers, it was a little more realistic, but then they still couldn't just talk things out, and that was the cause of why they had so much time apart. It made them seem immature and it felt as if they never grew. Another issue was the fact that there was so much happening, it was almost too much. There was the main relationship with Ava and River, then Ava's father, Ava's brother and his autism, Ava's friend Hailee and her life, Rivr’s family issues, and River's ex and everything that happened because of her. I just thought it was almost too much to read about. Overall, this wasn't a bad book, but I wish the plot lines and side stories were tightened up a bit and there wasn't so much going on with their relationship so that I could've gotten a better feel of who they were and how they were destined to be together.
TW: family member's death
3.5 stars
July 12, 2020
***ARC Provided by the Author***
2.5 Stars
Initially, I was really drawn to Ava and River. I really liked their story, the way they started out, even thought they were 17 and 18 and I am not always drawn to the YA/NA genre. However, I went into this one knowing that it started with them young and then there was going to be a time jump of at least a few years.
And there was. But unfortunately, I didn't actually find they were better characters as they got older. I actually liked them less, and I believed in their connection less when they were older.
I guess what this one comes down to is in the aging of them to make the story more believable, I think they lost some of the reasons that they were together. Yes, they did find them again at the end...but the parts in the middle just didn't work for me...and if I hadn't been as invested as I was in the first part of the book, I don't think I would have finished this title.
I am not able to recommend this book.
2.5 Stars
Initially, I was really drawn to Ava and River. I really liked their story, the way they started out, even thought they were 17 and 18 and I am not always drawn to the YA/NA genre. However, I went into this one knowing that it started with them young and then there was going to be a time jump of at least a few years.
And there was. But unfortunately, I didn't actually find they were better characters as they got older. I actually liked them less, and I believed in their connection less when they were older.
I guess what this one comes down to is in the aging of them to make the story more believable, I think they lost some of the reasons that they were together. Yes, they did find them again at the end...but the parts in the middle just didn't work for me...and if I hadn't been as invested as I was in the first part of the book, I don't think I would have finished this title.
I am not able to recommend this book.
July 7, 2020
Sweetly frustrating, a gorgeous escape that held a heartwarming young couple that just never seemed to get the timing down. The fierce attraction, and intense feelings were felt wholeheartedly, but at some spots it just felt disconnected. I think it was just a few times the characters reacted opposite of what I'd anticipated and just kind of wanted more angst, and maybe a few blow outs. But in all honesty, these two are incredibly well matched and really compliment each other, so I'll take the blame on it. There was one point where I contemplated throwing my Kindle across the room, and while I felt differently than I did before the bomb, it didn't erase how much they endeared themselves while I was reading. Romance was off the charts, hearts were breaking all over, I was blubbering in my reading chair at one point, so this Author pulled all the emotions out and left me with a smile. It was a journey well taken.
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
April 22, 2020
I beta read this lovely one by Ms. Victoria Ellis. I am a first time beta reader of hers and love contemporary romance in particular second chance books. This gave me so many feels the entire time I was reading and it isn't even the final draft. Really love Ava and River as individuals but also together. So glad they are getting a second chance because they are flippin swoon-worthy. Thanks Ms. Victoria for letting me read this one so early. Loved it, five stars from me! ~Geri
July 12, 2020
Contemporary Romance, Second Chance Romance, Young Adult/New Adult
First Person, Dual-POV
This book is a standalone with HEA.
I'm calling it Blurred Lines. Because all of this has shown me that, when you realize you love someone you can't have, it makes you do messy things. Things you regret because the lines are so blurred.
by Ava
This was a very emotional journey and I totally wasn't expecting that!
This book gave me all the feels: I was enchanted by young love, I was sad by necessary heartbreak, I was mad because of stupid fears, I was hot because of good smut, I was tense because of climatic conflict, I was crying because of loss and I was happy because of the promised HEA.
This was a journey from young adult to adulthood, filled with love, family, losses and laughs.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster that I would ride again and again and again.
Everlasting love!!!
33.5/35 STARS – 5 STARS (between 33.5 stars and 35 stars)
Addictiveness: 5 Character: 5 Cover: 4 Freshness: 4.5 Plot: 5 Romance: 5 Writing Style: 5
Action 0/5 Angst 3/5 Darkness 0/5 Humor 2/5 Romance 5/5 Suspense/Mystery 0/5
Would I recommend? Yes, for readers that like sweet love stories with a n emotional plot.
Would I re-read this book/series? Yes!
Would I read more from the author? Definitely!!!
Addictiveness: 5/5 This book hooked me from the moment it said The Doors and Black Sabbath. I loved the characters and the plot was sweet and cute. It was a one sitting read for me. As addictive as chocolate!!!
Character: hero 5/5, heroine 5/5, secondary characters 5/5, growth 5/5, real 5/5 Complex characters with great background stories and amazing personal growth.
Ava was an amazing heroine. It was refreshing to read about a character that was a good girl, but not boring. She was an amazing daughter, great sister, good girlfriend and nice friend. Oh yeah, she was a writer, how couldn't I love her?
River was a great hero, book boyfriend material. He was sweet and troubled. He was hot and nice. He had dreams and he had fears. He felt human and real.
Secondary characters Ava family was the best and they felt real believable. River family wasn't that good, that also was believable.
Villain/antagonists There wasn't any. Their problems were mostly created by life and their own choices.
They were all so easy to love, connect and understand!!!
Cover: art 4/5, title 5/5, color-font 5/5, subtitle 0/5, background 5/5 buy 5/5 I’m obsessed with book covers. I love to find snippets of the stories within the art. I always try to be true to myself, I buy so many books because of the cover and I have skipped many because of not very appealing art. Covers are part of the experience for me and I do like to understand them. This one was good, but a bit generic. The title was catchy but I missed something more personal on this art. I would buy this book by its cover but I would need to read the blurb!
Freshness: 4.5/5 Yes, there were some clichés that we find in all second chance romance. But there were also a couple unexpected twists that kept the story fresh and the book unique. As fresh as mint tea when you are dealing with a bad cold!
Plot: believable 5/5, conflict 5/5, dialogue 5/5, ending 5/5, enjoyment 5/5, opening 5/5, pace 5/5, setting 4/5, subplots 5/5, twists 5/5 Amazing opening with an incredible ending. Realistic plot, with great dialogues and good pace. Nice setting, a few really good subplots with unexpected twists. Highest level of enjoyment!
I loved how the author not only explored the romance but threw in a couple of important topics as subplots and made them relevant to the narrative.
Romance: 5/5 I love young love. It feels so emotional and intense. This love story was beautiful.Yes some may say a bit cheesy, but my favorite genre is romance, what is not cheesy about that? :) They became friends and mature nicely into their relationship. They were not unrealistic about their future and they explored their opportunities. They mature throughout the years and they learned from pain and losses. This love story was raw and potent and their love felt like the forever kind. Everlasting romance!!!
Writing Style: 5/5 This was my first book by the author and I can't wait to read more. My main goal as a reader is to be able to connect and feel along with the characters. Ms. Ellis offered me all that and more. Multidimensional characters, emotional plot, sweet romance, important topics, all tied up in a clean cohesive writing. Words of a wordsmith!!!!
Because I try to be very analytical and I don't really believe in perfection...
If I really have to mention something, I have to say a few clichés that we already knew what would happen and the extra cheesy teen romance. (Not that they really bother me, I still laughed and cried with them).
You MAY read this because you follow the author; you SHOULD read this because you like second chance romance; you MUST read this you are going to FEEL!!!!
Our love is one messy, strangely thrown together soundtrack, isn't it? ... But it's perfect because it's ours. We made it.
by Ava
July 14, 2020
From the moment Ava and River meet in a record store they are totally smitten and their feelings grow into a love that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately fate is always against them. Whenever Ava and River meet after years apart the chemistry is always there but the time is never right for them to be together. Instead of this being blurred lines it is more like blurred circles as they go around and around seeking happiness together.
Be prepared to ride an emotional roller coaster with this one but be cheered up by the awesome banter between father and daughter and the closeness of Ava's amazing family. I loved all the rock references, it definitely took me back!
It's a beautiful love story but a little frustrating as you hope that this time things will work out but it is never to be until maybe it could be and they will get their HEA. Victoria is a new author for me, I enjoyed my first read from her, and I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
Be prepared to ride an emotional roller coaster with this one but be cheered up by the awesome banter between father and daughter and the closeness of Ava's amazing family. I loved all the rock references, it definitely took me back!
It's a beautiful love story but a little frustrating as you hope that this time things will work out but it is never to be until maybe it could be and they will get their HEA. Victoria is a new author for me, I enjoyed my first read from her, and I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
June 28, 2020
OMG!!! This book was everything I could have imagined...but so much more!
My goodness, it was well written, the characters were phenomenal (I can’t decide who my fave was), the plot and storyline worked so well together and that ending...OMG!
Victoria is a writer that writes real and true words! While she may not have experienced anything that happened in the book, the way she told the story was as if any one of US could have experienced it!
I cried, I laughed, I prayed for the best and while all things can’t end well, they ended the best way possible. All story don’t need a HEA but when you get that after all that’s happened, my goodness it makes for one great story!
I recommend this book to EVERYONE I know! It needs to be read by others! I can hardly contain my tears of joy and sadness!
There’s going to be good days and bad days. You’ll have them both. It’s inevitable. But as long as you’ve had more good days than bad, you know you’re doing all right.” My favorite quote ever by Victoria Ellis
My goodness, it was well written, the characters were phenomenal (I can’t decide who my fave was), the plot and storyline worked so well together and that ending...OMG!
Victoria is a writer that writes real and true words! While she may not have experienced anything that happened in the book, the way she told the story was as if any one of US could have experienced it!
I cried, I laughed, I prayed for the best and while all things can’t end well, they ended the best way possible. All story don’t need a HEA but when you get that after all that’s happened, my goodness it makes for one great story!
I recommend this book to EVERYONE I know! It needs to be read by others! I can hardly contain my tears of joy and sadness!
There’s going to be good days and bad days. You’ll have them both. It’s inevitable. But as long as you’ve had more good days than bad, you know you’re doing all right.” My favorite quote ever by Victoria Ellis
June 28, 2020
'There are things know, and things unknown, and in between are the doors'
Victoria Ellis is a multi-genre author, but I must say she excels in romance. This second chance romance was absolutely amazing, full of intense highs and some very sad lows.
Ava and River are undeniably compatible, with everything except their families. This book has a major focus on music as a common interest for both characters, and I absolutely loved that there was a song for every chapter. That was extremely unique and not something I've seen before! It made every chapter extremely personal to the author.
As with all romance, things are never straightforward or easy, but when you're a match made in heaven, it's worth working through. Victoria not only showed the best parts of a relationship, but also the heartbreaking, harder parts of them too. This made it very easy to relate to the characters, and the story as a whole.
I loved every second of their journey, even if I did want to smack River at first😂.
Victoria Ellis is a multi-genre author, but I must say she excels in romance. This second chance romance was absolutely amazing, full of intense highs and some very sad lows.
Ava and River are undeniably compatible, with everything except their families. This book has a major focus on music as a common interest for both characters, and I absolutely loved that there was a song for every chapter. That was extremely unique and not something I've seen before! It made every chapter extremely personal to the author.
As with all romance, things are never straightforward or easy, but when you're a match made in heaven, it's worth working through. Victoria not only showed the best parts of a relationship, but also the heartbreaking, harder parts of them too. This made it very easy to relate to the characters, and the story as a whole.
I loved every second of their journey, even if I did want to smack River at first😂.
July 5, 2020
4.5*, Blurred Lines is a second chance romance with multiple layers.
Victoria touched of some very delicate subject matter in Blurred Lines. As an avid supporter of an Autism Charity myself, she hit the nail on the head with the misconception and stereotypes people sometimes have about Autism. How she brought this forth in the story was wonderful.
I will say this, you will root for both Ava and River, even when you want to slap them both upside their heads. I loved their chemistry, the push and pull, the will they, won’t they? It will keep you invested until the very end. This book will bring on all the feels, get ready for the rollercoaster of a ride you’re about to embark.
I love it when an author can write multi-genre, and Victoria did it splendidly stepping into Romance with Blurred Lines.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Victoria touched of some very delicate subject matter in Blurred Lines. As an avid supporter of an Autism Charity myself, she hit the nail on the head with the misconception and stereotypes people sometimes have about Autism. How she brought this forth in the story was wonderful.
I will say this, you will root for both Ava and River, even when you want to slap them both upside their heads. I loved their chemistry, the push and pull, the will they, won’t they? It will keep you invested until the very end. This book will bring on all the feels, get ready for the rollercoaster of a ride you’re about to embark.
I love it when an author can write multi-genre, and Victoria did it splendidly stepping into Romance with Blurred Lines.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
July 6, 2020
Ava Keyes knows one day she wants to be a writer but when she is in her favorite record store one day she gives a record recommendation to a cute stranger not knowing how her life will change.
River Jacobs has always dreamed of getting away to California with his band to make something of himself away from his family but he had no idea he would fall for someone before leaving.
When River leaves town, Ava knows it’s for the best and she vows to move on with her life. Yet when River pops in and out over the years she has to figure out if risking her heart for her first love is worth it or if her heart will once again end up broken.
This was a great book with so many twists and turns that left me wondering what was going to happen next and how the characters were going to deal with it all.
I loved the innocence of the beginning of River and Ava’s relationship and how close the two became. Their love was true but also knew that the chances of it surviving a long distance relationship was not going to be easy so they had to cut it short.
Ava’s relationship with her dad was beautiful and I loved how close the two of them were. He was such an important person in her growth and how she handled everything that she was up against. I loved his advice through the book and how much River respected him as well.
I understood why River had to leave to chase his own dream as that had always been his plan until he met Ava and although she meant the world to him, he couldn’t change the course of what he wanted.
I was shocked at what happened 5 years later and I was sad for River as he really held out hope that Ava would be there not knowing she already had a commitment.
I was super happy when time passed and the two found themselves talking again and realizing how much they both still loved each other and that it was time to really focus on them. Then OMG – huge bomb and I really hoped that Ava would be able to see past it all and support River.
I was so happy for River and Ava that they were able to work past everything that came into their path but I was breaking a little for everything that Ava’s dad was going through and I understood his final decision. I loved what River was able to pull off and it really showed what an amazing guy he was!
The end was awesome and I think I would have loved a little more of an epilogue 5 years down the road to see where they were at!
By Rebecca
River Jacobs has always dreamed of getting away to California with his band to make something of himself away from his family but he had no idea he would fall for someone before leaving.
When River leaves town, Ava knows it’s for the best and she vows to move on with her life. Yet when River pops in and out over the years she has to figure out if risking her heart for her first love is worth it or if her heart will once again end up broken.
This was a great book with so many twists and turns that left me wondering what was going to happen next and how the characters were going to deal with it all.
I loved the innocence of the beginning of River and Ava’s relationship and how close the two became. Their love was true but also knew that the chances of it surviving a long distance relationship was not going to be easy so they had to cut it short.
Ava’s relationship with her dad was beautiful and I loved how close the two of them were. He was such an important person in her growth and how she handled everything that she was up against. I loved his advice through the book and how much River respected him as well.
I understood why River had to leave to chase his own dream as that had always been his plan until he met Ava and although she meant the world to him, he couldn’t change the course of what he wanted.
I was shocked at what happened 5 years later and I was sad for River as he really held out hope that Ava would be there not knowing she already had a commitment.
I was super happy when time passed and the two found themselves talking again and realizing how much they both still loved each other and that it was time to really focus on them. Then OMG – huge bomb and I really hoped that Ava would be able to see past it all and support River.
I was so happy for River and Ava that they were able to work past everything that came into their path but I was breaking a little for everything that Ava’s dad was going through and I understood his final decision. I loved what River was able to pull off and it really showed what an amazing guy he was!
The end was awesome and I think I would have loved a little more of an epilogue 5 years down the road to see where they were at!
By Rebecca
June 28, 2020
'Blurred Lines' by Victoria Ellis is a book to remember that is etched with passion, authenticity and creativity. This book is the definition of a contemporary romance as it highlights relevant topics such as autism, drug overdose, divorce and pregnancy. Victoria truly captures and conveys the heart and soul of the protagonists' Ava Keyes & River Jacobs. Their journeys are full of many ups and downs as they navigate through life as adults, understanding the power of words and the consequences of their decisions. Both characters come from very different family backgrounds they both have one thing that they selflessly offer to each other - love. Their chemistry presented through their points of view is mesmerising and the passage of time flows very well with the overall plot shining a light on their wisdom and their maturity. There are moments where I had an inkling of what's going to happen but couldn't predict where these would appear, making this book a page-turner. There's so much of heart in this book that examines the power of conversation. The strength and vitality relationships between the Keyes & the Jacob family and supporting characters such as Hailee, Chris, and Oliver is distinctive and noteworthy. This book celebrates creative expression can be used to express pain and make something beautiful. Ava & River's story is one to behold, and it ignited a variety of emotions within me. A 4.5 star read!
Victoria Ellis is an exceptional writer who orchestrates words to tug your heartstrings, make you laugh out loud and shed some tears. I can't wait to read more of her work in the contemporary romance genre.
A big thank you to Victoria Ellis for giving me an ARC of this book. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Victoria Ellis is an exceptional writer who orchestrates words to tug your heartstrings, make you laugh out loud and shed some tears. I can't wait to read more of her work in the contemporary romance genre.
A big thank you to Victoria Ellis for giving me an ARC of this book. This honest review is left voluntarily.
July 25, 2020
This was a great book with so many twists and turns that left me wondering what was going to happen next and how the characters were going to deal with it all.
I loved the innocence of the beginning of River and Ava’s relationship and how close the two became. Their love was true but also knew that the chances of it surviving a long distance relationship was not going to be easy so they had to cut it short.
Ava’s relationship with her dad was beautiful and I loved how close the two of them were. He was such an important person in her growth and how she handled everything that she was up against. I loved his advice through the book and how much River respected him as well.
I understood why River had to leave to chase his own dream as that had always been his plan until he met Ava and although she meant the world to him, he couldn’t change the course of what he wanted.
I was shocked at what happened 5 years later and I was sad for River as he really held out hope that Ava would be there not knowing she already had a commitment.
I was super happy when time passed and the two found themselves talking again and realizing how much they both still loved each other and that it was time to really focus on them. Then OMG – huge bomb and I really hoped that Ava would be able to see past it all and support River.
I was so happy for River and Ava that they were able to work past everything that came into their path but I was breaking a little for everything that Ava’s dad was going through and I understood his final decision. I loved what River was able to pull off and it really showed what an amazing guy he was!
The end was awesome and I think I would have loved a little more of an epilogue 5 years down the road to see where they were at!
I loved the innocence of the beginning of River and Ava’s relationship and how close the two became. Their love was true but also knew that the chances of it surviving a long distance relationship was not going to be easy so they had to cut it short.
Ava’s relationship with her dad was beautiful and I loved how close the two of them were. He was such an important person in her growth and how she handled everything that she was up against. I loved his advice through the book and how much River respected him as well.
I understood why River had to leave to chase his own dream as that had always been his plan until he met Ava and although she meant the world to him, he couldn’t change the course of what he wanted.
I was shocked at what happened 5 years later and I was sad for River as he really held out hope that Ava would be there not knowing she already had a commitment.
I was super happy when time passed and the two found themselves talking again and realizing how much they both still loved each other and that it was time to really focus on them. Then OMG – huge bomb and I really hoped that Ava would be able to see past it all and support River.
I was so happy for River and Ava that they were able to work past everything that came into their path but I was breaking a little for everything that Ava’s dad was going through and I understood his final decision. I loved what River was able to pull off and it really showed what an amazing guy he was!
The end was awesome and I think I would have loved a little more of an epilogue 5 years down the road to see where they were at!
June 22, 2020
In a classic back-together romance, Victoria Ellis reunites former sweethearts after they've experienced life as adults. The book starts off in a younger tone, showing the history and heartbreak between barely-adult characters before any present day interactions. Once you get past the tears and disappointment their circumstances and choices bring about, the tone changes to a more adult focus and ends in a surprising and refreshing way.
Without giving away too many details of the story, I will say that I loved the premise, and I enjoyed the authenticity the author gave to some of the side plots. There's some really great insight in this book to real problems that families of autistic children deal with, as well as those families who are fighting cancer. These side plots felt real for me, not contrived as a vehicle to move the story forward, and I caught myself tearing up a lot toward the end, as I've experienced these myself and recognized the pain and feelings along with the main characters.
Some of the story I could see from miles away, but the ending was certainly a pleasant surprise. Ellis could have easily gone to the negative with a particular character in the story, but chose rather to show how each family is unique and can thrive when everyone has the right mindset for making their situation work.
All in all, the book was an easy read and I would recommend it for fans who enjoy HEA and seeing non-traditional families take the spotlight.
Without giving away too many details of the story, I will say that I loved the premise, and I enjoyed the authenticity the author gave to some of the side plots. There's some really great insight in this book to real problems that families of autistic children deal with, as well as those families who are fighting cancer. These side plots felt real for me, not contrived as a vehicle to move the story forward, and I caught myself tearing up a lot toward the end, as I've experienced these myself and recognized the pain and feelings along with the main characters.
Some of the story I could see from miles away, but the ending was certainly a pleasant surprise. Ellis could have easily gone to the negative with a particular character in the story, but chose rather to show how each family is unique and can thrive when everyone has the right mindset for making their situation work.
All in all, the book was an easy read and I would recommend it for fans who enjoy HEA and seeing non-traditional families take the spotlight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2020
This romance follows River Jacobs & Ava Keyes’s love story as it spans several years: beginning in high school when they first met at a record shop; continuing throughout their college and young adult lives pursuing their respective careers & other loves, and culminating with them bumping into each other at a Chicago bar. Instantly, feelings from all those years ago come flooding back. Do you ever really forget your first love? Do those feelings ever really go away?
I loved this book a lot more than I expected. This was my first book by Victoria Ellis, but it definitely won’t be my last. She is a really gifted author. Her story felt very natural, the dialogue was personal and realistic, and the characters were so awesome (and HOT @River). By the end of the novel, I felt like Ava’s family was my own: her father diagnosed with prostate cancer, her sweet brother with high functioning autism, and lovely, goofy mother. Being a daddy’s girl myself AND as someone who works in oncology, I related with Ava in so many ways, and may or may not have cried my damn eyes out in the final scene of the novel (no spoilers here — you gotta read it for yourself!)
Thank you so much Victoria Ellis for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I loved this book a lot more than I expected. This was my first book by Victoria Ellis, but it definitely won’t be my last. She is a really gifted author. Her story felt very natural, the dialogue was personal and realistic, and the characters were so awesome (and HOT @River). By the end of the novel, I felt like Ava’s family was my own: her father diagnosed with prostate cancer, her sweet brother with high functioning autism, and lovely, goofy mother. Being a daddy’s girl myself AND as someone who works in oncology, I related with Ava in so many ways, and may or may not have cried my damn eyes out in the final scene of the novel (no spoilers here — you gotta read it for yourself!)
Thank you so much Victoria Ellis for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 28, 2020
Blurred Lines, inaugural contemporary romance novel by Victoria Ellis, tells the story of found and lost love. Ava and River meet by chance in a small record store, not knowing that this chance encounter would impact the rest of their lives. What starts as a sweet summer high school romance leads to more than you’d ever expect.
The story line flips between Ava and River’s perspectives, which as the story progresses, allows for added depth and dimension to the story line. River’s dysfunctional family and Ava’s insecurities get in the way of several chance reunions. Multiple Blurred Lines, formed from life experiences and individual perception – and often times misperception – regularly interfere in their relationship, and leave the reader wondering what comes next.
Victoria Ellis novel will make you laugh, cry, and hope. Will Ava and River be able to see past their Blurred Lines and overcome the obstacles in their lives to live their own happily ever after, or will they be destined to just remember that first summer of love?
*I was provided an ARC of this novel in exchange for a review, and all opinions are my own.
The story line flips between Ava and River’s perspectives, which as the story progresses, allows for added depth and dimension to the story line. River’s dysfunctional family and Ava’s insecurities get in the way of several chance reunions. Multiple Blurred Lines, formed from life experiences and individual perception – and often times misperception – regularly interfere in their relationship, and leave the reader wondering what comes next.
Victoria Ellis novel will make you laugh, cry, and hope. Will Ava and River be able to see past their Blurred Lines and overcome the obstacles in their lives to live their own happily ever after, or will they be destined to just remember that first summer of love?
*I was provided an ARC of this novel in exchange for a review, and all opinions are my own.
May 10, 2020
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I predict this book being a top read of 2020 for readers!
This was Victoria Ellis first romance novel and honestly you would have never know it by reading Blurred Lines!
From the first page I was hooked and I couldn't put the book down. This is one of those books that you read in 24 hours because you just need to know how it ends!
Eva Keys and River Jacobs have a history. After high school they had to part ways. Years later their paths met up again but not without a little bit of doubt and drama.
Eva is afraid but River knows exactly what he wants but there are a few obstacles in
their way. Can they get past them?
Will they get their second chance at love?
I highly recommend reading this one to find out!
I also want to add that I loved the relationship between Eva and her best friend Hailee. Victoria really did an amazing job with her secondary characters!
I was given a early copy from the author for a fair and honest review.
I predict this book being a top read of 2020 for readers!
This was Victoria Ellis first romance novel and honestly you would have never know it by reading Blurred Lines!
From the first page I was hooked and I couldn't put the book down. This is one of those books that you read in 24 hours because you just need to know how it ends!
Eva Keys and River Jacobs have a history. After high school they had to part ways. Years later their paths met up again but not without a little bit of doubt and drama.
Eva is afraid but River knows exactly what he wants but there are a few obstacles in
their way. Can they get past them?
Will they get their second chance at love?
I highly recommend reading this one to find out!
I also want to add that I loved the relationship between Eva and her best friend Hailee. Victoria really did an amazing job with her secondary characters!
I was given a early copy from the author for a fair and honest review.
June 24, 2020
Get your heart ready!
I was hooked from the first chapter, literally. A book that combines music and love and passion and writing in this way, it was like undeniable the pull it had over me. The connection and love all the characters show had from the endearing best friend to the unbreakable family bonds, but what this story has most is the heartbreakingly beautiful story of the love between Ava and River.
We span years of their love, of bonds of loyalty being tested, of vulnerability, of growing up, of learning yourself and finally realizing what is most important, what is always there love. Victoria gives us everything, for me to shed tears, people, this book will hit you in the soul so hard.
It’s a definite must read! Be ready to believe, be ready to fall and be ready to see love in all forms.
I was hooked from the first chapter, literally. A book that combines music and love and passion and writing in this way, it was like undeniable the pull it had over me. The connection and love all the characters show had from the endearing best friend to the unbreakable family bonds, but what this story has most is the heartbreakingly beautiful story of the love between Ava and River.
We span years of their love, of bonds of loyalty being tested, of vulnerability, of growing up, of learning yourself and finally realizing what is most important, what is always there love. Victoria gives us everything, for me to shed tears, people, this book will hit you in the soul so hard.
It’s a definite must read! Be ready to believe, be ready to fall and be ready to see love in all forms.
June 25, 2020
***i received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
Wow. Wow. Wow. I need time to collect my thoughts. This is the first novel I have read by Ellis, I’m a huge fan of her poetry books and wanted to give this a try. She had me captive from the start with a promising storyline that does not disappoint. I do wish we got a little more of Ava and river when they were younger but I do understand the pacing. I looked forward every night to getting to read more of River and Ava’s story. It was beautifully written and holds you captive even when there are CLIFFHANGERS that drive you a little crazy because you need to go to bed but this book keeps you going. Overall I really loved it and would definitely recommend checking it out if you’re a romance fan.
Wow. Wow. Wow. I need time to collect my thoughts. This is the first novel I have read by Ellis, I’m a huge fan of her poetry books and wanted to give this a try. She had me captive from the start with a promising storyline that does not disappoint. I do wish we got a little more of Ava and river when they were younger but I do understand the pacing. I looked forward every night to getting to read more of River and Ava’s story. It was beautifully written and holds you captive even when there are CLIFFHANGERS that drive you a little crazy because you need to go to bed but this book keeps you going. Overall I really loved it and would definitely recommend checking it out if you’re a romance fan.
June 28, 2020
Two teenagers,
A music store,
Right place at the wrong time,
The cause of blurred lines.
Victoria Ellis brings this amazing contemporary romance focusing on this second chance love story which is passionate full of love but with added doubt and drama thrown along the way.
Ava and River, meet at the wrong circumstances causing a string of events, and focusing and highlighting on some major topics in the world including Autism anddrug misuse to name.
When Ava and River's paths' collide again smooth sailing is not on the cards, more like a tempestuous hurricane of relentless emotion is left to battle through.
After all this time, after everything that has happened can their blurred lines become unravelled?
A music store,
Right place at the wrong time,
The cause of blurred lines.
Victoria Ellis brings this amazing contemporary romance focusing on this second chance love story which is passionate full of love but with added doubt and drama thrown along the way.
Ava and River, meet at the wrong circumstances causing a string of events, and focusing and highlighting on some major topics in the world including Autism anddrug misuse to name.
When Ava and River's paths' collide again smooth sailing is not on the cards, more like a tempestuous hurricane of relentless emotion is left to battle through.
After all this time, after everything that has happened can their blurred lines become unravelled?
July 3, 2020
Everything about this book is just amazing! I honestly loved this book so much!! I'm not normally one to reread non fantasy books, but this will definitely be a reread. Victoria has given us the perfect characters in Blurred Lines. You're going to fall for River and Ava hard. How she writes about them and their chemistry is just perfect. She does such an amazing job at describing the details of all the scenes and characters that you're going to be sucked in. Putting the book down for real life was hard. I wanted to keep reading. The only complaint I have is that it ended so soon. Like I want more! I need more of Ava and Rice and crew! 5/5 stars. READDDD THIS BOOOOKKKK!!!
**I received Blurred Lines as an ARC in exchange for my honest review**
**I received Blurred Lines as an ARC in exchange for my honest review**
July 9, 2020
Blurred Lines was not only a phenomenal read but had a big side of fate in the pages. Eva Keys & River Jacobs were so perfect together back in the day, but when high school was over they parted ways, never really getting over each other. Fate does step in, as they come face to face for a new second chance, and River is determined to get her back, but Eva is still having some trust issues. It makes for a push & pull which hurts so good since there's drama & intense emotions in it all. As they go on, more obstacles come into their paths which had me about bawling because they were so emotional & realistic. Can these two soulmates get through it all for the future they should have had already?! Hit those one click buttons to find out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
July 10, 2020
Well I am kind of adamant about this book it was great written and the story was sweet, romantic, sad and made me furious quite a bit. But it is not the typical kind of book I would normally read.🤷♀️ I really loved the love at a young age, but the whole separation and other things(won't tell too much 😉) made me sad and then happy and so on. But heck I could not put it down🥰 It tug on my heartstrings and the characters were so well developed👍👍👍 Freaking loved it in the end. I totally recommend it if you don't only read safe books (no cheating here but well other persons in between 😉). It was a great book with many twist and turns but with a HEA as well.
I received this book as an ARC copy and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received this book as an ARC copy and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2020
I felt so many emotions reading Ava and River's story. At first their story starts off so sweet. A meet cute in a record store and all the feelings of first loves and being young and carefree but their story is not so simple and they find themselves going in different directions but always coming back to one another. The characters are mature and have so much depth to them. I loved the raw emotions that they displayed. One thing that was always clear was how much Ava and River cared for one another. I wasn't sure how their story was going to end, they had a lot of obstacles to overcome but was very happy with the outcome. Overall, this is a sweet read and I can't wait to check out more of this author's books.
July 8, 2020
I received this ARC book in return for my honest opinion. River and Ava are well written characters that makes them realistic and you feel like they could be actual people you know. This is their love story. What they feel, you feel. So be prepared to laugh, cry, and have your heartbroken! I appreciated, as a special needs mom, that her take on autism was realistic. I read this book in 2 days because I would put it down to do stuff and the moment I was finished I picked up the book again. It draws you in and when you finish the last sentence you wish it wasn’t over. I highly recommend this book.
June 22, 2020
Blurred Lines is an awesome debut into the romance world!! This is a story I could relate to from the beginning. Ava and River are the perfect young love. It's only supposed to be through the summer. When River leaves to pursue his dreams, Ava eventually stops responding to him. Years later they meet again by chance.
Ava has a lot of insecurities that are easily relatable. Watching Ava and River working through everything that keeps them apart is truly beautiful writing. I particularly love the chapter names with musical references!
Ava has a lot of insecurities that are easily relatable. Watching Ava and River working through everything that keeps them apart is truly beautiful writing. I particularly love the chapter names with musical references!
July 3, 2020
First, I want to say HOLY SMOKES. This is a book that will have you feeling sad and heartbroken all while falling in LOVE with this couple! Victoria did an amazing job building up the characters for us! This book touched on not only romance but pretty much every other relationship you may have! The characters are relatable and she made them so vivid their experiences will hopefully gut you like they did me. I stood in my kitchen ugly crying the end of this book it was THAT good. I was given an ARC from the author and all these opinions are my own! I highly recommend this book!
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