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Blurred Lines
My life isn’t exactly easy. My dad has anger issues, and my mom drinks too much. When I’m at home, I spend most of my time locked in my room, trying to avoid the toxic environment. I have two things that help me escape. My art, and Colt— our college basketball teams best shooting guard and my best friend with the emotional depth of a tree.
He cares for nothing but basketball, his dad…and me. We’ve been best friends for years. If he’s not climbing through my bedroom window at night, I’m climbing through his. It’s a habit that started the day his mom died, and we haven’t spent a night apart since.
But we’re just friends. Nothing more.
Our dating relationships are equally disastrous. Colt’s tendency to say inappropriate things, and my inability to trust makes dating other people hard and exhausting. The truth is there’s only one person I trust, one person I’m comfortable with. And that’s Colt. No one else.
He’s been my first everything. My first friend. My first hug. My first date. My first kiss. But then the lines blur and we become more than friends.
Will I find my happily ever after…or will I lose my best friend?
He cares for nothing but basketball, his dad…and me. We’ve been best friends for years. If he’s not climbing through my bedroom window at night, I’m climbing through his. It’s a habit that started the day his mom died, and we haven’t spent a night apart since.
But we’re just friends. Nothing more.
Our dating relationships are equally disastrous. Colt’s tendency to say inappropriate things, and my inability to trust makes dating other people hard and exhausting. The truth is there’s only one person I trust, one person I’m comfortable with. And that’s Colt. No one else.
He’s been my first everything. My first friend. My first hug. My first date. My first kiss. But then the lines blur and we become more than friends.
Will I find my happily ever after…or will I lose my best friend?
248 pages, ebook
First published March 20, 2020
90 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 9, 2021
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This is a tough one to rate tbh. I actually really liked their odd dynamic, but I’m sure others will have issues with it especially because I can see where the H can be misunderstood. They are completely codependent and probably in a borderline unhealthy way, but that has been how it’s been since Emerson was 5 and Colt was 7 — so to them, it is the only way. They don’t get jealous in the typical way as they don’t see each other in a romantic light for majority of the book. I had quite a few literal laugh out loud moments and that was a fun surprise! The sexy times got to be a little too much for me, and the ending frankly sucked. So...I’m really not sure! I’m going with more than ‘just okay’ because it was.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Emerson and Colton’s story. They’re next door neighbors that develop an interesting dynamic of codependency based on Emerson’s abusive home life and Colt’s quirks at a young age. They are everything to each other and Emerson cannot sleep without Colt and Colt needs Emerson whenever he starts ‘spiraling’. As they get older, their relationship matures and they start ‘practicing’ with each other physically and the lines start to blur. There are some laugh out loud scenes, some sad moments, and a good bit of sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Emerson and Colton’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the very end where it ends abruptly. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove:No, they’ve known each other for many years.
H (Hero) rating: 4.5 stars. Colton. I really liked him. He was a rough character to get and I’m sure many readers won’t like him, but I feel as though he was an Aspie (which I love). I personally found him hilarious with his bluntness and distractibility!
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Emerson. I liked her but I also didn’t like how she wouldn’t just communicate at the end and played games with Austen instead.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes. I’d say this was a lot of scenes and close to crossing that border into what I consider erotica (sex first then story) vs erotic romance (story first with sex)
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes
Cheating: No
Separation: No. They are never technically together to have a separation and they are always at least physically together.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends super abruptly with little closure and what I would call a HFN ending. Frustrating.
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: This is a tough one to rate tbh. I actually really liked their odd dynamic, but I’m sure others will have issues with it especially because I can see where the H can be misunderstood. They are completely codependent and probably in a borderline unhealthy way, but that has been how it’s been since Emerson was 5 and Colt was 7 — so to them, it is the only way. They don’t get jealous in the typical way as they don’t see each other in a romantic light for majority of the book. I had quite a few literal laugh out loud moments and that was a fun surprise! The sexy times got to be a little too much for me, and the ending frankly sucked. So...I’m really not sure! I’m going with more than ‘just okay’ because it was.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Emerson and Colton’s story. They’re next door neighbors that develop an interesting dynamic of codependency based on Emerson’s abusive home life and Colt’s quirks at a young age. They are everything to each other and Emerson cannot sleep without Colt and Colt needs Emerson whenever he starts ‘spiraling’. As they get older, their relationship matures and they start ‘practicing’ with each other physically and the lines start to blur. There are some laugh out loud scenes, some sad moments, and a good bit of sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Emerson and Colton’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the very end where it ends abruptly. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove:No, they’ve known each other for many years.
H (Hero) rating: 4.5 stars. Colton. I really liked him. He was a rough character to get and I’m sure many readers won’t like him, but I feel as though he was an Aspie (which I love). I personally found him hilarious with his bluntness and distractibility!
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Emerson. I liked her but I also didn’t like how she wouldn’t just communicate at the end and played games with Austen instead.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes. I’d say this was a lot of scenes and close to crossing that border into what I consider erotica (sex first then story) vs erotic romance (story first with sex)
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes
Cheating: No
Separation: No. They are never technically together to have a separation and they are always at least physically together.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends super abruptly with little closure and what I would call a HFN ending. Frustrating.
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
March 19, 2020
A great friends to lovers story.
Colt and Emerson have been neighbours forever. They’ve also never spent a night apart since they were kids. No one understands Colt’s overactive energy like Em, and he makes her feel safe in a world where her parents treat her like garbage.
Watching these two feel their way through everything was awesome. Their friendship is like no other, and when they’re together, it’s nothing short of hot!
Colt and Emerson have been neighbours forever. They’ve also never spent a night apart since they were kids. No one understands Colt’s overactive energy like Em, and he makes her feel safe in a world where her parents treat her like garbage.
Watching these two feel their way through everything was awesome. Their friendship is like no other, and when they’re together, it’s nothing short of hot!
September 28, 2022
I have never loathed a book or a man in a book more. Good grief.
March 22, 2020
I'm grinning like an idiot.
This book was just freaking amazing.
Funny, sexy and just plain fun.
Colt and Em have the absolute best friendship EVER.
So much happens in this book but I keep coming back to how damn cute they are.
Gah... so much swoon.
This book was just freaking amazing.
Funny, sexy and just plain fun.
Colt and Em have the absolute best friendship EVER.
So much happens in this book but I keep coming back to how damn cute they are.
Gah... so much swoon.
March 24, 2020
Wow what a story. I devoured this book, these charaters stuck with me. Very much recommend this story
March 25, 2020
I’d not even know where to start with this review i will say absolutely loved it this was an amazing Friends to Lovers story and one of my favourites now.
I love how both Colt and Emerson being best friends of course it’s tragic but they both have this in common but what i loved about both of them were they were both so awkward it made them sweet and even though Colt was popular but he didn’t really care it made this story for me feel a little bit different.
Emerson found it hard to trust anyways so when Colt became her friend he really became her family and when tradgey hit Colt and his dad Emerson became their family so when things start to go a certain way it made me laugh. I really don’t know how to explain Emerson and Colt but they were both so innocent but they were both so inquisitive and their banter was so funny. These two would have to be some of my favourite characters.
While reading this book it really made me feel like we were growing and learning with these two with their relationship as friends and then working out they could have been more then friends they were so reliant on eachother especially Colt as he had such a different personality and i loved how Emerson grounded him but also knew how to handle him.
Absolutely loved this friends to loved , sports romance that was so sweet but oh so steamy and funny and loving and heartwarming, if your looking for an amazing book this is the one for you
I love how both Colt and Emerson being best friends of course it’s tragic but they both have this in common but what i loved about both of them were they were both so awkward it made them sweet and even though Colt was popular but he didn’t really care it made this story for me feel a little bit different.
Emerson found it hard to trust anyways so when Colt became her friend he really became her family and when tradgey hit Colt and his dad Emerson became their family so when things start to go a certain way it made me laugh. I really don’t know how to explain Emerson and Colt but they were both so innocent but they were both so inquisitive and their banter was so funny. These two would have to be some of my favourite characters.
While reading this book it really made me feel like we were growing and learning with these two with their relationship as friends and then working out they could have been more then friends they were so reliant on eachother especially Colt as he had such a different personality and i loved how Emerson grounded him but also knew how to handle him.
Absolutely loved this friends to loved , sports romance that was so sweet but oh so steamy and funny and loving and heartwarming, if your looking for an amazing book this is the one for you
April 4, 2020
Mackenzie Lane did a great job on Blurred Lines. I enjoyed the story. The plot and characters were strong, the story was written well.
Colt and Emerson's journey goes way back when they were young, they have always been close, their friendship was strong. They completed each other.
Overtime, their friendship tried into something so much more and it was the best thing that could have happened because these two were perfect for each other. Their connection was strong and the chemistry between them was sexy and sweet. They were great together. I enjoyed Emerson and Colt's journey.
This was a great story. I'd suggest reading it.
Thank you, Mackenzie Lane. Great work :)
Colt and Emerson's journey goes way back when they were young, they have always been close, their friendship was strong. They completed each other.
Overtime, their friendship tried into something so much more and it was the best thing that could have happened because these two were perfect for each other. Their connection was strong and the chemistry between them was sexy and sweet. They were great together. I enjoyed Emerson and Colt's journey.
This was a great story. I'd suggest reading it.
Thank you, Mackenzie Lane. Great work :)
March 23, 2020
Couldn’t put it down. Colt is so not your average hero, but he’s one of the best. I loved this story and all the twists and turns that come outta nowhere. Colt and Emerson are endgame and friendship goals!
March 29, 2020
The book is a good romantic comedy read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.The story is an enjoyable, sexy, funny, and romance that is a fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2020
This was a crazy and unique story about growing up as best friends and protectors. So many layers of love and understanding.
April 2, 2020
The push and pull between Em and Colt has me wanting to reach into the book and shake them but man did I cheer when they FINALLY got together.
December 12, 2020
This book was so fun! Colt and Em were everything I never knew I needed.
April 13, 2020
This was an amazing read and a great debut novel from this authors pen name.
I loved the connection Colt and Em had right from the start. They both seemed to stumble through growing up and exploring adult life together, each just as awkward as the other without even realising it. I enjoyed seeing them grow throughout the book, Em making friends with Austin, and in turn allowing Colt to develop stronger connections to his fellow basketball team. Adding the chickens in was comedy gold. I can’t wait for more of this series.
I loved the connection Colt and Em had right from the start. They both seemed to stumble through growing up and exploring adult life together, each just as awkward as the other without even realising it. I enjoyed seeing them grow throughout the book, Em making friends with Austin, and in turn allowing Colt to develop stronger connections to his fellow basketball team. Adding the chickens in was comedy gold. I can’t wait for more of this series.
April 25, 2020
This romance story was an excitement filled love story with tons of action and a fast moving plot line.
This was a great heart pounding read. The story was very well written with great characters. The story was very well written with great characters. It drew me in and I had it finished in one sitting. I would highly recommend this read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a great heart pounding read. The story was very well written with great characters. The story was very well written with great characters. It drew me in and I had it finished in one sitting. I would highly recommend this read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 29, 2024
i hate him. if i could give it 0 stars i would. i only finished it so i could add another book to my goal. i hate him i hate him i hate him. and i have no idea what Emerson looks like because we don’t get any information about her like at all.
April 5, 2020
This was my first read from this author. This story tugged at my heart since the very first line. I will definitely read more in this series, giving how this one is labeled book 1. Incredibly heartwrenching story. 5 stars. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2020
I loved this book it’s full of so much growth spanning 10 years of friendship an the end results is a love that is true. Colt and Em have been friends forever and are each other’s best friends in everything. The characters are well developed and engaging and the storyline has a smooth flow to it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Mackenzie Lane; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Want to read
February 15, 2021🎁FREE on Amazon & on Apple Books today (11/17/2020)!🎁
February 15, 2025
Honestly, it's the worst book I've read in 2025 thus far. There was no depth, so many plot holes, the ML basically only thought with his d**k. Thought her birth control was vitamins?? How uneducated can you be? The entire book was basically a means to write smut, and if that's the case, it should at least be interesting to read, but nope. Colt was like a pubescent boy in a man's body. FL had no depth either. You'd think she would considering her back story, but nope. And the chickens?? It's not relevant to the plot at all.
There were so many things that were irrelevant to the plot, whereas those pages could've actually been used to give the story depth. It was so flat, and you could find a wattpad story written by a 13 year old better than what this was.
There were so many things that were irrelevant to the plot, whereas those pages could've actually been used to give the story depth. It was so flat, and you could find a wattpad story written by a 13 year old better than what this was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2025
Em and Colt
Colt 4.5 ⭐️his bluntness is hilarious
Em 3.5 ⭐️
Childhood friends that are codependent on each other. They are neighbors that have always climbed into each other’s bed and spend every night together in a non romantic way. She has a horrible family that neglects her. He is her escape and he feeds her. The book starts off with Colt taking off a condom after messing around with another girl. He tries to have sex with other girls but can never get into it. He practices with Em and is only able to get hard for her. Eventually they have sex and figure out they love each other. This book is more funny than anything else. Not much jealousy or angst, just an easy quirky read.
Colt 4.5 ⭐️his bluntness is hilarious
Em 3.5 ⭐️
Childhood friends that are codependent on each other. They are neighbors that have always climbed into each other’s bed and spend every night together in a non romantic way. She has a horrible family that neglects her. He is her escape and he feeds her. The book starts off with Colt taking off a condom after messing around with another girl. He tries to have sex with other girls but can never get into it. He practices with Em and is only able to get hard for her. Eventually they have sex and figure out they love each other. This book is more funny than anything else. Not much jealousy or angst, just an easy quirky read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2025
It's not really a sports romance
This has very little sports in it. That said, it is a very steamy childhood best friends to lovers. I do have to say that their closeness was borderline codependent. As children, Colt was dealing with his grief over his mother's death, and Em's family was abusive and toxic. But once they left home and went to college, they could have put up some boundaries. If you want more spice than plot, this one's for you. I did devour it one day, so it was not all bad.
This has very little sports in it. That said, it is a very steamy childhood best friends to lovers. I do have to say that their closeness was borderline codependent. As children, Colt was dealing with his grief over his mother's death, and Em's family was abusive and toxic. But once they left home and went to college, they could have put up some boundaries. If you want more spice than plot, this one's for you. I did devour it one day, so it was not all bad.
March 29, 2025
The plot was basically this girl begging this man to kiss her. Colt wasnt it for me. Not even at the end. I loved Ems. I loved Austin. But Colt.. yah I couldve gone the rest of my life w out reading this and wouldnt b disappointed. Highkey wanted Ems and Austin.
May 12, 2025
Enjoyment: 2/5
Character Development: 1/5
Conflict: 1/5
Story: 1/5
Ending: 1/5
Worldbuilding: 1/5
Prose and Editing: 1/5
Delivery: 1/5
Rating: 1.1/5
Character Development: 1/5
Conflict: 1/5
Story: 1/5
Ending: 1/5
Worldbuilding: 1/5
Prose and Editing: 1/5
Delivery: 1/5
Rating: 1.1/5
January 20, 2025
some real codependency, still enjoyed it
March 29, 2020
An agonizingly SLOW burn!!!!!!! It was clear from the beginning that Colt and Emerson had a connection unlike any other youth. Their pasts forced them to rely on each other to survive. As time progressed, their relationship became co-dependent and unhealthy.
It was obvious that these two characters were in love with each other but in complete denial. They sabotaged relationships with every single prospect, for any reason they could make themselves believe. Spending every possible moment together, relying on each other to sleep, breathe, live.
I liked both characters as individuals. They had wonderful qualities and personalities. I appreciated the unique quirks of Cole and how brash he was. His drive and focus on basketball gave him an existence outside of Emerson.
The story was full of unnecessary manipulation and immature behavior, specifically the “fake” relationship between Em and Austin. Nothing good ever comes from trying to make someone else jealous with a pretend relationship.
The “kiss me” request was cute at first but became annoying and juvenile after the 10th or so time. The significance of Colt’s first kiss was obvious, but why it took so long for him to bend to Em’s request was excruciating. They’d already kissed once, what was the big deal?!?
I loved the ending of the story! That sigh of relief when they FINALLY see what everyone else has known all along. They last chapter was sweet and sizzling. Overall I really liked the story. A solid 3 stars!
It was obvious that these two characters were in love with each other but in complete denial. They sabotaged relationships with every single prospect, for any reason they could make themselves believe. Spending every possible moment together, relying on each other to sleep, breathe, live.
I liked both characters as individuals. They had wonderful qualities and personalities. I appreciated the unique quirks of Cole and how brash he was. His drive and focus on basketball gave him an existence outside of Emerson.
The story was full of unnecessary manipulation and immature behavior, specifically the “fake” relationship between Em and Austin. Nothing good ever comes from trying to make someone else jealous with a pretend relationship.
The “kiss me” request was cute at first but became annoying and juvenile after the 10th or so time. The significance of Colt’s first kiss was obvious, but why it took so long for him to bend to Em’s request was excruciating. They’d already kissed once, what was the big deal?!?
I loved the ending of the story! That sigh of relief when they FINALLY see what everyone else has known all along. They last chapter was sweet and sizzling. Overall I really liked the story. A solid 3 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2020
3 Stars
I was going back and forth on this book and how to rate it. The writing was done well. I enjoyed the characters for what they were but it felt like the Leading Lady was almost desperate for the Hero’s kisses. She asked over and over and over. I understand that was a big plot point. There was a reason why the author had her ask so often but at one point I felt like she should have just kissed other people. Had the experience and gone from there.
I wonder if the Hero was High-functioning autistic? That would explain his character quirks. I like reading about people who are leads in books who are autistic but I prefer the Author to address it in the book and explain in a little to those who may not have been around anyone with that condition before. It was addressed that he had a hard time feeling or having empathy but not WHY.
It was a nice sweet and easy sports romance. Warning the Hero is with other ladies and does discuss sexual encounters with them with the Leading Lady but it wasn’t offensive nor callous. I would have liked to see him on the court though… I always enjoy seeing the Hero’s play the sports they are so passionate about.
I was going back and forth on this book and how to rate it. The writing was done well. I enjoyed the characters for what they were but it felt like the Leading Lady was almost desperate for the Hero’s kisses. She asked over and over and over. I understand that was a big plot point. There was a reason why the author had her ask so often but at one point I felt like she should have just kissed other people. Had the experience and gone from there.
I wonder if the Hero was High-functioning autistic? That would explain his character quirks. I like reading about people who are leads in books who are autistic but I prefer the Author to address it in the book and explain in a little to those who may not have been around anyone with that condition before. It was addressed that he had a hard time feeling or having empathy but not WHY.
It was a nice sweet and easy sports romance. Warning the Hero is with other ladies and does discuss sexual encounters with them with the Leading Lady but it wasn’t offensive nor callous. I would have liked to see him on the court though… I always enjoy seeing the Hero’s play the sports they are so passionate about.
May 18, 2022
Unexpectedly endearing
Friends to lovers. But the codependency is real. Think Blue Lagoon except they never think of each other as siblings. He is an ass with hyperactivity and no social skills. She's got major trust issues when it comes to affection and touch. They don't balance each other because it's very much a his adventure with his sidekick story. But she's his, 0,0,0"0; the absolute center of his universe whose mere presence validates the rest of his world. Without her, there is no purpose to life. He loves three things in life her, basketball and his dad. She is said to love art but we never even get a glimpse of one of her paintings. She loves him and his dad. This is very much a not like other girls character who the authors forgot to flesh out because he's impetuous and dynamic. She's not. The reading an erotic story scene needs to re-read there's a stray pronoun that needs to be sorted.
Friends to lovers. But the codependency is real. Think Blue Lagoon except they never think of each other as siblings. He is an ass with hyperactivity and no social skills. She's got major trust issues when it comes to affection and touch. They don't balance each other because it's very much a his adventure with his sidekick story. But she's his, 0,0,0"0; the absolute center of his universe whose mere presence validates the rest of his world. Without her, there is no purpose to life. He loves three things in life her, basketball and his dad. She is said to love art but we never even get a glimpse of one of her paintings. She loves him and his dad. This is very much a not like other girls character who the authors forgot to flesh out because he's impetuous and dynamic. She's not. The reading an erotic story scene needs to re-read there's a stray pronoun that needs to be sorted.
March 28, 2021
I really enjoyed Blurred Lines. I absolutely adored Colton and Emerson’s friendship and couldn’t get enough of their interactions with each other. Their personalities fit together really well and I loved the peace and trust they brought to each other’s lives. Their chemistry is strong and they had both hot and heavy moments and really sweet intimate ones. They spend the majority of the book toeing the line of entering a relationship and this had me on the edge of my seat every time they got close to realising that they were perfect for and loved each other. I devoured this book and the characters are not ones I’ll forget anytime soon, I think Colton just made his way onto the book boyfriend list. Blurred Lines made for a fun and easy read that I think fans of the friends-to-lovers trope will love.
March 2, 2021
Great romance with more emotional depth then expected for a college sports romance.
Colt is an autistic man who struggles to connect emotionally with people but ever since his mother's passing Em has been his person.
Emerson has grown up in a very bad home, with physical and emotional abuse, Colt and his father are the only thing keeping her alive.
Then they go to college, together. Their relationship is unorthodox but it works for them, but then it gets stronger and other people are in play.
They are both damaged to the point that they don't see love when it's right in front of their face.
Colt is an autistic man who struggles to connect emotionally with people but ever since his mother's passing Em has been his person.
Emerson has grown up in a very bad home, with physical and emotional abuse, Colt and his father are the only thing keeping her alive.
Then they go to college, together. Their relationship is unorthodox but it works for them, but then it gets stronger and other people are in play.
They are both damaged to the point that they don't see love when it's right in front of their face.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews