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Crossing the Line
A patch of black ice is all it takes for Ryan “Preach” Armstrong’s perfectly planned future to skid out of control. The car crash shatters his hockey dreams…and injures Woodhaven’s newest student, Grace Milner. As much as this feisty track phenom gets under Preach’s skin in all the best and worst ways, she might just be his path to redemption…
Grace can’t believe that all it took was seriously bad timing and a hot but prickly hockey player to threaten her lifelong dream of joining the Air Force. Now, instead of prepping for the track season and upcoming start of basic training, she has to complete community service with the absolute last person she would ever want to be stuck with—the guy who shattered her future.
When two fierce competitors collide this hard, the only result is heartbreak…or an epic victory as they cross the finish line together.
Grace can’t believe that all it took was seriously bad timing and a hot but prickly hockey player to threaten her lifelong dream of joining the Air Force. Now, instead of prepping for the track season and upcoming start of basic training, she has to complete community service with the absolute last person she would ever want to be stuck with—the guy who shattered her future.
When two fierce competitors collide this hard, the only result is heartbreak…or an epic victory as they cross the finish line together.
336 pages, Paperback
Published September 6, 2022
9 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Rush
38 books915 followersNew York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author, Lynn Rush, is a full-time writer, wife, and trail runner living in the Sonoran Desert, despite her fear of rattlesnakes. Known as #TheRunningWriter, Lynn can’t resist snapping epic sunrise pictures while running in the desert with her trail sisters, even if she has to occasionally hop a scorpion.
When she’s not running or writing, she’s watching movies that fuel her everlasting love of superheroes, vampires, and all things Supernatural. The books she reads usually carry the same theme, but this former college athlete loves reading sweet sports romances as well.
She’s madly in love with her Ironman husband of 20+ years who is the inspiration for what true love is. You can find her on social media as @LynnRushWrites and her website is: www.lynnrush.com
When she’s not running or writing, she’s watching movies that fuel her everlasting love of superheroes, vampires, and all things Supernatural. The books she reads usually carry the same theme, but this former college athlete loves reading sweet sports romances as well.
She’s madly in love with her Ironman husband of 20+ years who is the inspiration for what true love is. You can find her on social media as @LynnRushWrites and her website is: www.lynnrush.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
September 5, 2022
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I really enjoyed this book! I really enjoyed In the Penalty Box by this writing pair so when I found out that this book was a sequel to that story I knew that I needed to read it. This story could definitely stand on its own but it was nice to see the characters from the first book again. I thought that this was a very well-done romance and I had a hard time putting it down once I started reading.
I loved these characters! This was a really nice romance and I loved the chemistry between Preach and Grace. They met when he crashed his car into her and they both blamed each other for a lot of the things that went wrong in their lives as a result. I thought that this would be a hockey romance but it was really more of a track romance which was just as fun. Both of these characters lost a lot and were working to move on with their lives.
Preach and Grace were really good together. I thought that they did a wonderful job in supporting each other through some pretty difficult situations. They weren’t perfect and didn’t always make the most mature decisions but I thought that was realistic since they are high school students. I liked the secondary characters and thought that they added a lot to the story. I was really eager to see this pair figure out a way to make things work.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a wonderful story with great characters and a lot of chemistry. I hope that we see more stories featuring this group of teens someday soon.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Entangled Teen.
Initial Thoughts
I loved these characters! This was a really nice romance and I loved the chemistry between Preach and Grace. They met when he crashed his car into her and they both blamed each other for a lot of the things that went wrong in their lives as a result. I thought that this would be a hockey romance but it was really more of a track romance which was just as fun. Both of these characters lost a lot and were working to move on with their lives. I will definitely be recommending this one to others.
I really enjoyed this book! I really enjoyed In the Penalty Box by this writing pair so when I found out that this book was a sequel to that story I knew that I needed to read it. This story could definitely stand on its own but it was nice to see the characters from the first book again. I thought that this was a very well-done romance and I had a hard time putting it down once I started reading.
I loved these characters! This was a really nice romance and I loved the chemistry between Preach and Grace. They met when he crashed his car into her and they both blamed each other for a lot of the things that went wrong in their lives as a result. I thought that this would be a hockey romance but it was really more of a track romance which was just as fun. Both of these characters lost a lot and were working to move on with their lives.
Preach and Grace were really good together. I thought that they did a wonderful job in supporting each other through some pretty difficult situations. They weren’t perfect and didn’t always make the most mature decisions but I thought that was realistic since they are high school students. I liked the secondary characters and thought that they added a lot to the story. I was really eager to see this pair figure out a way to make things work.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a wonderful story with great characters and a lot of chemistry. I hope that we see more stories featuring this group of teens someday soon.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Entangled Teen.
Initial Thoughts
I loved these characters! This was a really nice romance and I loved the chemistry between Preach and Grace. They met when he crashed his car into her and they both blamed each other for a lot of the things that went wrong in their lives as a result. I thought that this would be a hockey romance but it was really more of a track romance which was just as fun. Both of these characters lost a lot and were working to move on with their lives. I will definitely be recommending this one to others.
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June 21, 2022Your favorite characters are coming back in this sequel to In the Penalty Box and maybe a new one, too!!
***The cover was revealed today. It's it BEAUTIFUL??***
Also, it's up for pre-order on Amazon. Purchase today for automatic download on release day (September 6th, 2022)!
***The cover was revealed today. It's it BEAUTIFUL??***
Also, it's up for pre-order on Amazon. Purchase today for automatic download on release day (September 6th, 2022)!
August 20, 2022
Kelly Anne Blount and Lynn Rush deliver a compelling tale once more in the depths of this YA Sports Romance, packed full of emotion and hardship.
Both Grace and Ryan were equally fierce and driven, matched by their strong wills and their determination to follow through with their dreams after graduation. But, when everything they’ve worked for is ripped away by an unforgiving night on the icy roads of Woodhaven, it seems the only thing they share is the belief the other was to blame.
While this was a relatively light and uplifting YA read, the authors have not shied away from the weight or complexities of grief and the anger that bled between the lines, the heavy emotions both Grace and Ryan having worked through at times destructive and debilitating.
Blount and Rush write with pain and heartache, taking the tender and broken dreams left in the wreckage of a car accident and breathe life into that pain, hope into the grief that plagued both Grace and Ryan. Both characters were rich in detail, their backstory, battles, and individual growths well portrayed as these enemies turned lovers found hope in new dreams, and after a while, one another. I enjoyed watching these two grow, individually and together, and appreciated the mature way in which it was all crafted.
Overall, this was a sweet, vulnerable tale of healing and hope, littered with all the classic movie references and an endearing narrative of love blooming in the unexpected, and I loved every second and emotion inspired as I read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the advanced copy. 4.5⭐️
Both Grace and Ryan were equally fierce and driven, matched by their strong wills and their determination to follow through with their dreams after graduation. But, when everything they’ve worked for is ripped away by an unforgiving night on the icy roads of Woodhaven, it seems the only thing they share is the belief the other was to blame.
While this was a relatively light and uplifting YA read, the authors have not shied away from the weight or complexities of grief and the anger that bled between the lines, the heavy emotions both Grace and Ryan having worked through at times destructive and debilitating.
Blount and Rush write with pain and heartache, taking the tender and broken dreams left in the wreckage of a car accident and breathe life into that pain, hope into the grief that plagued both Grace and Ryan. Both characters were rich in detail, their backstory, battles, and individual growths well portrayed as these enemies turned lovers found hope in new dreams, and after a while, one another. I enjoyed watching these two grow, individually and together, and appreciated the mature way in which it was all crafted.
Overall, this was a sweet, vulnerable tale of healing and hope, littered with all the classic movie references and an endearing narrative of love blooming in the unexpected, and I loved every second and emotion inspired as I read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the advanced copy. 4.5⭐️
June 25, 2022
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book, provided by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved In the Penalty Box, and had zero clue that Lynn and Kelly were working on a companion for the character of Preach (real name Ryan), who is one of the best characters ever in teen lit, imo. This book hit me in the feels way more than I thought it would - the injuries Grace sustains in the accident are very close to the injuries I have from a horrific accident 16 years ago. The detail of which the authors REALLY researched and got everything right.
Ryan "Preach" Armstrong, faithful hockey phenom, is being a do-gooder and helping a friend in need. However, he's doing it after town curfew and ends up in an accident. Hitting a patch of black ice, he literally crashes into Grace Milner, who is in the road saving a dog. Now Preach's hockey future and Grace's Air Force future are both shattered, and they each blame the other.
Due to the curfew issue, both Preach and Grace are assigned community service together. But first, Preach spirals. Big time. He's no longer Good Guy Preach. As they slowly get to know each other, they work through their issues, and they realize they have more in common than they think. But will they be able to put aside their issues, hurt and blame to be together?
I felt all of Grace's meltdowns. I had them. Reading this was so real. So emotional. Watching both Preach and Grace lose what they thought their futures held was so sad. Watching them grieve and take it out on each other was heartbreaking. But seeing them figure out they are better helping each other was so sweet. When I was in high school there were no guys like Preach and Brodie, I'm telling you. haha!
I loved In the Penalty Box, and had zero clue that Lynn and Kelly were working on a companion for the character of Preach (real name Ryan), who is one of the best characters ever in teen lit, imo. This book hit me in the feels way more than I thought it would - the injuries Grace sustains in the accident are very close to the injuries I have from a horrific accident 16 years ago. The detail of which the authors REALLY researched and got everything right.
Ryan "Preach" Armstrong, faithful hockey phenom, is being a do-gooder and helping a friend in need. However, he's doing it after town curfew and ends up in an accident. Hitting a patch of black ice, he literally crashes into Grace Milner, who is in the road saving a dog. Now Preach's hockey future and Grace's Air Force future are both shattered, and they each blame the other.
Due to the curfew issue, both Preach and Grace are assigned community service together. But first, Preach spirals. Big time. He's no longer Good Guy Preach. As they slowly get to know each other, they work through their issues, and they realize they have more in common than they think. But will they be able to put aside their issues, hurt and blame to be together?
I felt all of Grace's meltdowns. I had them. Reading this was so real. So emotional. Watching both Preach and Grace lose what they thought their futures held was so sad. Watching them grieve and take it out on each other was heartbreaking. But seeing them figure out they are better helping each other was so sweet. When I was in high school there were no guys like Preach and Brodie, I'm telling you. haha!
July 1, 2022
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When I read the description for Crossing the Line by Lynn Rush and K.A. Blount, I knew I had to read it. This is the second book, in a standalone series. However, I recommend reading the first book in the series, In the Penalty Box, because if you don’t, you’re going to miss out on Willow and Brodie’s story, which is super cute. Crossing the Line did not disappoint. I loved getting to know Preach and Grace. Both characters are stubborn, but they both have amazing hearts. They both have dreams they are chasing, and it was fun to watch them go through the journey. It’s a great coming of age love story, and I really enjoyed getting to see Willow and Brodie again as well. This is definitively not a book to be missed.
When I read the description for Crossing the Line by Lynn Rush and K.A. Blount, I knew I had to read it. This is the second book, in a standalone series. However, I recommend reading the first book in the series, In the Penalty Box, because if you don’t, you’re going to miss out on Willow and Brodie’s story, which is super cute. Crossing the Line did not disappoint. I loved getting to know Preach and Grace. Both characters are stubborn, but they both have amazing hearts. They both have dreams they are chasing, and it was fun to watch them go through the journey. It’s a great coming of age love story, and I really enjoyed getting to see Willow and Brodie again as well. This is definitively not a book to be missed.
September 10, 2022
Crossing the Line by L. Rush and K.A. Blount, published by Entangled Publishung LLC, is the second stand-alone in this series. The previous book is In the Penalty Box. This sports romance is a beautiful, heart-wrenching, emotional read that had me in tears more than one time.
Both characters are strong willed, blame each other. But first lets start at the beginning. Ryan is a hockey player, Grace a new student at Woodland with dreams od joining the Air Force. That is changed for both when Ryan hits a patch of black ice after curfew. So both are out of luck, injured, their dreams are shattered and they have to attend community service. Did I mention they blame each other? They do.
A well written, highly entertainig read that I greatly enjoyed. 5 stars.
Both characters are strong willed, blame each other. But first lets start at the beginning. Ryan is a hockey player, Grace a new student at Woodland with dreams od joining the Air Force. That is changed for both when Ryan hits a patch of black ice after curfew. So both are out of luck, injured, their dreams are shattered and they have to attend community service. Did I mention they blame each other? They do.
A well written, highly entertainig read that I greatly enjoyed. 5 stars.
July 10, 2022
I received a complimentary copy from Entangled Publishing and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Oh wow! I did not expect to stay up all night reading this delightful book but I did and I loved it. The book follows hockey star and overall good student Ryan affectionately known as Preach whose life is one night turned upside down when a car crash shatters his hockey dreams…and injures Woodhaven’s newest student, Grace Milner. It's and an emotional read on grief, survival and loss as the two find a way towards healing and new beginnings. The characters are strong willed , witty and I particularly liked how Preach was quick to acknowledge where he stumbled occasionally and how he remained true to his convictions.
Oh wow! I did not expect to stay up all night reading this delightful book but I did and I loved it. The book follows hockey star and overall good student Ryan affectionately known as Preach whose life is one night turned upside down when a car crash shatters his hockey dreams…and injures Woodhaven’s newest student, Grace Milner. It's and an emotional read on grief, survival and loss as the two find a way towards healing and new beginnings. The characters are strong willed , witty and I particularly liked how Preach was quick to acknowledge where he stumbled occasionally and how he remained true to his convictions.
June 29, 2022
I love, love, LOVED this book! I read the first one “In the Penalty Box” a while back and seriously loved every page of it. When I found out there was a second one following a new set of characters, I could not wait to get my hands on it. And believe me, it did not disappoint! I read this book in two days and I am a very slow reader. I did not want to put this book down. I said this about “In the Penalty Box” and I’m going to say it about “Crossing the Line”- Everyone should be running to read this book! It will not disappoint!
July 1, 2022
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is the second in the series and it can be read as a stand-alone but if you read Plenty box first you’ll get Williow and Brodies story… This book is Preach’s and Grace’s story and it’s amazing… I love how you can really feel the characters and their emotions and watching them grieve was heartbreaking but seeing them heal and help each other was so sweet… this is a great book.
September 16, 2022
Grace and Ryan, aka Preach meet in an unfortunate way. A slip on black ice sends these two into each others orbits. Grace a new kid in town, Preach, a hockey player, both are injured in this accident. Both motivated in their lives to succeed, they have hopes and dreams but will this put a halt to everything they planned for their future?
This book is following a group of high school hockey guys, In the Penalty Box is the first in the series. This was a bit different than I expected from the first. The characters are high school kiddos who were trying to figure out their life after an unexpected occurrence which threw a wrench in their plans. I liked the book, Grace was a bit tough to like, Preach was a nice character to read. I enjoyed seeing their change in growth when they finally realized they needed each other to get through their inner battles with one another. Interesting to see where else this series is going to lead.
This book is following a group of high school hockey guys, In the Penalty Box is the first in the series. This was a bit different than I expected from the first. The characters are high school kiddos who were trying to figure out their life after an unexpected occurrence which threw a wrench in their plans. I liked the book, Grace was a bit tough to like, Preach was a nice character to read. I enjoyed seeing their change in growth when they finally realized they needed each other to get through their inner battles with one another. Interesting to see where else this series is going to lead.
July 22, 2022
First thing first I need to say that I lOVED Grace! She is an absolute badass that doesn't take anyone's BS but it does make her a bit brazen at times but even then she is also the kind of person that keeps to herself cause of everything she has been through which is why I love her so much cause that's how I am. Anyway, now that we got that out of the way let's talk about the story! This is a story about how to cope after terrible life-altering events that affect the plans you had for the future but in the end, might make your life better. Preach (or Peach like my mind insisted on calling him😂) and Grace's story is so impactful! All the tragedies they went through throughout the story and the way they handled it was AMAZING! It really showed how you can't handle grief and pain alone and that you need someone to help you through the bad times so you don't lose yourself in the chasm of grief and sorrow. So kudos to Lynn and Kelly for displaying this so well! And on that note, everyone check this book out on Sept. 6th, 2022!!
Thank You Entangled Teen and Netgalley for the eARC!!!
Thank You Entangled Teen and Netgalley for the eARC!!!
October 11, 2022
Where were all the guys like Preacher when I was in High School? This story is about pain, loss, forgiveness and finding love in the mix becoming an adult. I thought each character was relatable, when your dreams are perfectly set then in just a few minutes all that changes? How do you move on and discover new dream?
Preacher and Grace's love story is complex as Preacher hits Grace with his car, that leaves them gripping with realization of what their future holds.
Is their love strong enough to move past the pain? This story kept me engaged the whole time, hoping there will be a second book about what is next for these two and their incredible friends.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for a copy of this book for my honest review.
Preacher and Grace's love story is complex as Preacher hits Grace with his car, that leaves them gripping with realization of what their future holds.
Is their love strong enough to move past the pain? This story kept me engaged the whole time, hoping there will be a second book about what is next for these two and their incredible friends.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for a copy of this book for my honest review.
August 29, 2022
I enjoyed the first book, In the Penalty Box, a lot so had high hopes for this. Overall it’s a quick, enjoyable YA romance read. I enjoyed the change to track as a sports instead of focusing on the typical hockey or baseball I normally read.
While I enjoyed the characters, it felt like there was more telling than showing and there were several plot points I felt should have been fleshed out further, particularly with Preach’s POV.
I will definitely give these authors another shot since the book was an overall decent read!
While I enjoyed the characters, it felt like there was more telling than showing and there were several plot points I felt should have been fleshed out further, particularly with Preach’s POV.
I will definitely give these authors another shot since the book was an overall decent read!
July 10, 2022
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ryan “Preach” Armstrong is set for Alabama to play hockey on a scholarship after high school. Fresh off a State Hockey win, Preach is feeling unstoppable. Grace Milner is an Air Force legacy and is set to join after high school ends.
That is, until a patch of black ice and an accident destroys both their future plans. Now they’re stuck doing community service with each other.
I loved Preach’s friendship with Brodie in In the Penalty Box and was so excited when I learned there was a spin off about him. It was so great to see Brodie and Willow thriving as well in this story.
I connected a lot with Preach during this book. He spent his high school career doing everything right— volunteering, great grades, playing hockey, running track, and avoiding drinking and drugs— but now it all feels like a waste. The deep hurt he went through losing his first love to an injury was something I could relate to. While I never would have gone on to play in college, I quit basketball due to concussions and other injuries. It is so heartbreaking to lose a sport that was your whole life.
Grace is such a fighter. She refused to give up on her dream of enlisting in the Air Force, even when everything was stacked against her. The amount of hurt she has been through—both physically and emotionally— would break most people, but she remains standing.
I loved seeing the two of them grow together through this book, as well as grow individually. I felt more connected to these characters than I have in a while while reading. I’m excited to read more in the Woodhaven universe going forward!
Plus it’s a sports romance— who doesn’t love those? 😍
Ryan “Preach” Armstrong is set for Alabama to play hockey on a scholarship after high school. Fresh off a State Hockey win, Preach is feeling unstoppable. Grace Milner is an Air Force legacy and is set to join after high school ends.
That is, until a patch of black ice and an accident destroys both their future plans. Now they’re stuck doing community service with each other.
I loved Preach’s friendship with Brodie in In the Penalty Box and was so excited when I learned there was a spin off about him. It was so great to see Brodie and Willow thriving as well in this story.
I connected a lot with Preach during this book. He spent his high school career doing everything right— volunteering, great grades, playing hockey, running track, and avoiding drinking and drugs— but now it all feels like a waste. The deep hurt he went through losing his first love to an injury was something I could relate to. While I never would have gone on to play in college, I quit basketball due to concussions and other injuries. It is so heartbreaking to lose a sport that was your whole life.
Grace is such a fighter. She refused to give up on her dream of enlisting in the Air Force, even when everything was stacked against her. The amount of hurt she has been through—both physically and emotionally— would break most people, but she remains standing.
I loved seeing the two of them grow together through this book, as well as grow individually. I felt more connected to these characters than I have in a while while reading. I’m excited to read more in the Woodhaven universe going forward!
Plus it’s a sports romance— who doesn’t love those? 😍
August 28, 2022
Amazing young adult romance!
Both Ryan “Preach” Armstrong and Grace Milner have their bright futures all planned out with Preach going to college to play hockey and Grace joining the Air Force. Things changed when an accident on icy roads changes all of their plans for the future when they are both injured with community service at school while they heal. They blame each other for the loss of their dreams but could they work together for their community service?
Crossing the Line is a young adult sport romance with a lot of heavy emotion that Preach and Grace have to work through figuring out their futures with the help from their families and friends.
Now I have to read In the Penalty Box about Willow and Brodie!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Both Ryan “Preach” Armstrong and Grace Milner have their bright futures all planned out with Preach going to college to play hockey and Grace joining the Air Force. Things changed when an accident on icy roads changes all of their plans for the future when they are both injured with community service at school while they heal. They blame each other for the loss of their dreams but could they work together for their community service?
Crossing the Line is a young adult sport romance with a lot of heavy emotion that Preach and Grace have to work through figuring out their futures with the help from their families and friends.
Now I have to read In the Penalty Box about Willow and Brodie!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 2, 2022
This happened to be the first book from this author I have read. It is very much a coming of age type book with the lesson that even the best laid plans can go off the rails but with the right group of friends and or guy its worth crossing the line for.
No its not a bad way if that's what your thinking. She's new to this small town and one cold wet and icy night not just her world changes but so does his. Together they move forward and get handed a new direction to take life.
Your going to want to read this one and see how this all unfolds and then how they come through it all together.
I hope to get to read more from this author in the future
No its not a bad way if that's what your thinking. She's new to this small town and one cold wet and icy night not just her world changes but so does his. Together they move forward and get handed a new direction to take life.
Your going to want to read this one and see how this all unfolds and then how they come through it all together.
I hope to get to read more from this author in the future
July 2, 2022
I kept reading Preach as Peach. That was me though! I loved reading from beginning to end. That way it started to the way it ended.
August 26, 2023
Title: Crossing the Line
Author: Lynn Rush & Kelly Anne Blount
Hero/Heroine: Preach & Grace
Tropes: Enemies to Friends to Lovers/Small Town Romance/Sports Romance
TW/CW: Death of a sibling (off page but is mentioned), mentions of addiction, life changing injuries,
THE GOOD 😀
I’ve not read anything by either of these authors before, so I was going in blind regarding their writing style and storytelling. I wasn’t disappointed. This was an incredibly sweet story about love, loss and dealing with change during that all important time between the end of school and starting college (university to us Brits).
Preach and Grace meet in the most unexpected way when he accidentally hits her with his car after skidding on black ice. Rescuing a dog that was in the middle of the road, Grace ends up with a crushed wrist for her troubles. Both having dreams beyond the small town they live in, these are called into question when the severity of their injuries are confirmed. Angry at each other and the fact that they have to complete community service together, Preach and Grace do not get off to the best of starts. I loved their snappy comebacks and the fact that Grace didn’t take any prisoners, letting Preach know exactly what she thought of him. Even though Preach didn’t deal with his change in circumstances in the best of ways, he was still an unbelievably sweet and caring hero, always considerate of Grace and her feelings. Dealing with immense grief after the death of a loved one, Grace was a strong heroine, with a hidden vulnerable side she only showed to a select few people.
This sweet and heartfelt story was an enjoyable read, and I loved the small town feel to it. Low angst and loads of heart, Crossing the Line gets a thumbs up from me.
THE BAD ☹️
I found myself taking a bit longer to warm up to Grace as I felt that she was placing blame on everyone else for her change in circumstances, rather than dealing with it head on. Although, people deal with change in different ways, so I could understand why she acted the way she did to an extent.
Thank you to the author and @valentine_pr for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: A sweet and swoon worthy low angst love story
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥(kissing)
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Lynn Rush & Kelly Anne Blount
Hero/Heroine: Preach & Grace
Tropes: Enemies to Friends to Lovers/Small Town Romance/Sports Romance
TW/CW: Death of a sibling (off page but is mentioned), mentions of addiction, life changing injuries,
THE GOOD 😀
I’ve not read anything by either of these authors before, so I was going in blind regarding their writing style and storytelling. I wasn’t disappointed. This was an incredibly sweet story about love, loss and dealing with change during that all important time between the end of school and starting college (university to us Brits).
Preach and Grace meet in the most unexpected way when he accidentally hits her with his car after skidding on black ice. Rescuing a dog that was in the middle of the road, Grace ends up with a crushed wrist for her troubles. Both having dreams beyond the small town they live in, these are called into question when the severity of their injuries are confirmed. Angry at each other and the fact that they have to complete community service together, Preach and Grace do not get off to the best of starts. I loved their snappy comebacks and the fact that Grace didn’t take any prisoners, letting Preach know exactly what she thought of him. Even though Preach didn’t deal with his change in circumstances in the best of ways, he was still an unbelievably sweet and caring hero, always considerate of Grace and her feelings. Dealing with immense grief after the death of a loved one, Grace was a strong heroine, with a hidden vulnerable side she only showed to a select few people.
This sweet and heartfelt story was an enjoyable read, and I loved the small town feel to it. Low angst and loads of heart, Crossing the Line gets a thumbs up from me.
THE BAD ☹️
I found myself taking a bit longer to warm up to Grace as I felt that she was placing blame on everyone else for her change in circumstances, rather than dealing with it head on. Although, people deal with change in different ways, so I could understand why she acted the way she did to an extent.
Thank you to the author and @valentine_pr for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: A sweet and swoon worthy low angst love story
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥(kissing)
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 6, 2022
Preach and Gracie did not I mean did not have a meet cute! Their first interaction was less than stellar and lead to events that derailed both their plans but also may have lead to more than ever imagined!!
Preach and Gracie and both very driven individuals. When they get thrown off course both have to decide how they will move forward! These two definitely had a lot to learn and grow through. They fought though for their futures, for themselves and for each other!
I loved seeing some familiar faces in this book but most of all I love this small town and how they rally around their own!!
Preach and Gracie and both very driven individuals. When they get thrown off course both have to decide how they will move forward! These two definitely had a lot to learn and grow through. They fought though for their futures, for themselves and for each other!
I loved seeing some familiar faces in this book but most of all I love this small town and how they rally around their own!!
September 4, 2022
This book was such a good representation of how you can do everything perfect and life will still slap you in the face. showing you can either flourish in the hands you’ve been dealt with, or succumb to the pain of the “what ifs” and “if onlys”. it’s a story about two people who had a set idea on what their future would like, what their career would be and in a matter of seconds, all of that changed. they had sooo much potential in their respective futures. there was resentment, anger, and sadness, but there was also healing, learning, and progress. it’s weird bc in a way this felt like an adult romance with the topics at hand and then you remembered they’re still in high school (seniors). i think I’ve read too many adult romances lately bc i was fully expecting spice and the tantrums Preach had in the beginning felt a bit childlike. but you couldn’t help but feel bad for both Preach and Grace over what they went through and we’re currently going through. overall, it was a cute read! it didn’t bring out a ton of emotions for me but i enjoyed the characters in general, especially Brodie & Willow!! i may need to read their book as well 🫶🏼
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, all thoughts and opinions are of my own. Thank you Lynn Rush & Kelly Anne Blount and Valentine PR & Literary Management for providing me with a copy of this book to read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, all thoughts and opinions are of my own. Thank you Lynn Rush & Kelly Anne Blount and Valentine PR & Literary Management for providing me with a copy of this book to read!
July 11, 2022
Thank you to netgalley and entangled publishing for this ARC!
This was a cute enemies-to-lovers story, and a quick read. It was light and fun and very enjoyable.
Summary:
A patch of black ice is all it takes for Ryan “Preach” Armstrong’s perfectly planned future to skid out of control. The car crash shatters his hockey dreams...and injures Woodhaven’s newest student, Grace Milner. As much as this feisty track phenom gets under Preach’s skin in all the best and worst ways, she might just be his path to redemption...
Grace can’t believe that all it took was seriously bad timing and a hot but prickly hockey player to threaten her lifelong dream of joining the Air Force. Now, instead of prepping for the track season and upcoming start of basic training, she has to complete community service with the absolute last person she would ever want to be stuck with—the guy who shattered her future.
When two fierce competitors collide this hard, the only result is heartbreak...or an epic victory as they cross the finish line together.
This was a cute enemies-to-lovers story, and a quick read. It was light and fun and very enjoyable.
Summary:
A patch of black ice is all it takes for Ryan “Preach” Armstrong’s perfectly planned future to skid out of control. The car crash shatters his hockey dreams...and injures Woodhaven’s newest student, Grace Milner. As much as this feisty track phenom gets under Preach’s skin in all the best and worst ways, she might just be his path to redemption...
Grace can’t believe that all it took was seriously bad timing and a hot but prickly hockey player to threaten her lifelong dream of joining the Air Force. Now, instead of prepping for the track season and upcoming start of basic training, she has to complete community service with the absolute last person she would ever want to be stuck with—the guy who shattered her future.
When two fierce competitors collide this hard, the only result is heartbreak...or an epic victory as they cross the finish line together.
July 31, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
““You owe it to yourself to try.”
Kelly and Lynn do it every time. They make me fall head over heels in love with their characters and their side characters. Preach and Grace met and were thrown together under less than favorable circumstances which sends both their lives into chaos. And they both deal with the fallout in different ways. I always enjoy the journey these authors take their readers on from the beginning to the middle to end. I laugh, I cry, and they hit all the feel good high school vibes while dealing with those issues no one ever wants to talk about. What happens when you have a parent whose gambled away your college money? They effectively have earned their way into being my auto buy authors. Seriously read in the penalty and crossing the line. You won’t regret it.
} v i b e s {
~ car accident
~ concussion/ broken wrist
~ everything has changed
~ Air Force Dreams
~ community service
~ Track team
~ stolen kisses
~ family secrets revealed
““You owe it to yourself to try.”
Kelly and Lynn do it every time. They make me fall head over heels in love with their characters and their side characters. Preach and Grace met and were thrown together under less than favorable circumstances which sends both their lives into chaos. And they both deal with the fallout in different ways. I always enjoy the journey these authors take their readers on from the beginning to the middle to end. I laugh, I cry, and they hit all the feel good high school vibes while dealing with those issues no one ever wants to talk about. What happens when you have a parent whose gambled away your college money? They effectively have earned their way into being my auto buy authors. Seriously read in the penalty and crossing the line. You won’t regret it.
} v i b e s {
~ car accident
~ concussion/ broken wrist
~ everything has changed
~ Air Force Dreams
~ community service
~ Track team
~ stolen kisses
~ family secrets revealed
July 14, 2022
A Five-star read that captures the moment perfectly. I have read a couple of stories by these authors, and they are all great, I love that they have little cameos pop up, but you don’t need to have read the other stories, as these are strong stories each and every one of them. Preach and Grace both have a moment that will change their lives so dramatically, and its how they both are mature enough to deal with that moment that astounds me. This may be a story about high schoolers, but they are so much more than that. This is a compelling story that you wont be able to put down, there are great characters in this story and it will sweep you up and have you running along with it.
September 4, 2022
I enjoyed this one and got through it in a couple of hours (enemies to lovers anyone?..). Both Ryan and Grace had heart breaking journeys in this book and the pain really comes across in the authors writing, but more than that, it was wonderful to see the healing that they both went through, separately and together. This is a sweet book that should be on your TBR lists, especially if you like a hockey romance.
Thank you to Entangled for sending me an e-arc of this book.
Thank you to Entangled for sending me an e-arc of this book.
June 22, 2022
I absolutely loved the first book in this world and it was exciting to be back in it. This story was way more emotional and you should probably bring a ton of tissues.
The MC's do a great job of showing what teens would actually feel like, emotionally and physically. The big feelings and the reactions. It felt real and I really wanted them both to pull through together.
The MC's do a great job of showing what teens would actually feel like, emotionally and physically. The big feelings and the reactions. It felt real and I really wanted them both to pull through together.
August 1, 2022
It’s a nice quick read and perfect for on the go!! A great enemy to lovers clean romance. Both Preach and Grace had lots of issues going on as well as navigating sr year. Strong female lead.
July 24, 2022
CROSSING THE LINE is a heartfelt YA contemporary about the curveballs life throws at you and finding a new path forward. After curfew one winter night, Preach sees someone in the middle of the road and though he tries to avoid them, the black ice spins his car out. Grace found a dog in the middle of the road and had gotten out of her car to save it when she saw Preach incoming. She blocked with her hand, but her wrist was crushed. Preach walks away with a concussion - but this has serious implications given that it is his third.
Hockey means everything to Preach, and now the doctors are saying he cannot play it anymore. Given it was also his ticket into college with a scholarship, his plans are thrown for more of a loop when his parents tell him that any money they had saved for his college was given to pay off his mother's gambling debt. Grace is passionate about joining the air force right after high school, and her crushed wrist means that may not be possible. Right now, she is able to delay it, which she is not happy about, while she tries to work on healing.
Since both were driving after curfew, they also find themselves with community service, served together. In a small town where avoiding each other is already impossible, they are practically living their lives on top of each other, alongside the person who had a role in destroying their dreams and plans.
What I loved: This was a slow build that really walks though the grieving process, as both Grace and Preach are dealing with their carefully laid plans being dismantled. As they spend so much time together, they have key conversations that help in this messy emotional healing process. The relationship between them builds equally slowly as they work through their own issues alongside each other, with that tension of rivals underlying their interactions. Life changes - and dreams must adjust - as each of them learns along the way.
These themes around grief and change are really powerful and will resonate with readers who likely have experience with dealing with these, even if on a smaller scale. The small town elements mean that others can also contribute, positively or negatively, to their outcomes. The power of athletics, teamwork, and friendship is a strong theme of this series, and fans of the first book will be happy to see their favorites from that make appearances here.
What left me wanting more: As a small thing, the book really draws some things out, and it felt like the reader goes down the rabbit hole with each of them a few times. The ending felt like it could have been a lot sooner, but there is space for each of them to handle the curveballs they have been thrown.
As an aside, Preach does get his name in part from being religious (Christian). While it occasionally mentions church, religion does not play much of a role in the story, except to occasionally explain some of his decisions (particularly with regards to waiting for marriage). This is just a heads up for people sensitive about such inclusions.
Final verdict: Overall, CROSSING THE LINE is a heartfelt YA contemporary about healing and grief. Readers do not need to have read the first book to enjoy this one.
Please note that I received an eARC. All opinions are my own.
Hockey means everything to Preach, and now the doctors are saying he cannot play it anymore. Given it was also his ticket into college with a scholarship, his plans are thrown for more of a loop when his parents tell him that any money they had saved for his college was given to pay off his mother's gambling debt. Grace is passionate about joining the air force right after high school, and her crushed wrist means that may not be possible. Right now, she is able to delay it, which she is not happy about, while she tries to work on healing.
Since both were driving after curfew, they also find themselves with community service, served together. In a small town where avoiding each other is already impossible, they are practically living their lives on top of each other, alongside the person who had a role in destroying their dreams and plans.
What I loved: This was a slow build that really walks though the grieving process, as both Grace and Preach are dealing with their carefully laid plans being dismantled. As they spend so much time together, they have key conversations that help in this messy emotional healing process. The relationship between them builds equally slowly as they work through their own issues alongside each other, with that tension of rivals underlying their interactions. Life changes - and dreams must adjust - as each of them learns along the way.
These themes around grief and change are really powerful and will resonate with readers who likely have experience with dealing with these, even if on a smaller scale. The small town elements mean that others can also contribute, positively or negatively, to their outcomes. The power of athletics, teamwork, and friendship is a strong theme of this series, and fans of the first book will be happy to see their favorites from that make appearances here.
What left me wanting more: As a small thing, the book really draws some things out, and it felt like the reader goes down the rabbit hole with each of them a few times. The ending felt like it could have been a lot sooner, but there is space for each of them to handle the curveballs they have been thrown.
As an aside, Preach does get his name in part from being religious (Christian). While it occasionally mentions church, religion does not play much of a role in the story, except to occasionally explain some of his decisions (particularly with regards to waiting for marriage). This is just a heads up for people sensitive about such inclusions.
Final verdict: Overall, CROSSING THE LINE is a heartfelt YA contemporary about healing and grief. Readers do not need to have read the first book to enjoy this one.
Please note that I received an eARC. All opinions are my own.
September 6, 2022
Sarcasm, frustration, and hard-feelings are chipped away as a budding romance brings along the light of new hope with a couple to cheer for.
Grace's family has just moved to the small town, and she's already had her life basically destroyed. In a few months, she's supposed to be heading off to basic training, but those dreams might be shot thanks to an idiot, who can't keep his car under control. Now, she'll be lucky if her wrist ever works properly again. At the same time, Preach, the guy who hit her thanks to black ice and her determination to 'save' a dog from the middle of the road, is watching his own future implode in front of his eyes. That accident meant his third concussion in a couple years...which also means that he's banned from the ice for good. His guaranteed hockey scholarships are swished down the drain, and the girl, who's responsible, refuses to realize it's her dumb fault.
This romance is written in first person from two points of view: Grace's and Preach's. Each chapter starts with the character's name at the beginning to keep confusion at bay. Still, for some unknown reason, I was convinced the first chapter's voice was the girl's (it did state Preach but my brain!) and this kept throwing me the whole way through...although I never figured out why.
Anyway, this is a wonderful, enemies-to-friends romance, in which tons of sparks fly. The opening scene with the accident, throwing both sides completely out of their life's games, starts everything out in a great upset. This allows the characters to let their nastiest sides shine, when interacting with each other, and the flood of insults and bickering begins. It's fun, it's even humorously grabbing, and when the first signs of interest between them spark, it's that much more exciting. Both sides are right. Both sides are wrong. And it works magically.
There are quite a few heavier moments in these pages as well. While Preach is working out his future and such, Grace has some deeper issues, which don't come to light right away. So, while there is romance...tons of that...character growth is also key. Both sides need to learn to step into new possibilities and find hope as well as peace. This gives them needed depth and makes them easier to relate to. And this is where the sport aspect filters in perfectly and gives even more reason to root for them and cheer until the very end.
I received a DRC and enjoyed the read quite a bit.
Grace's family has just moved to the small town, and she's already had her life basically destroyed. In a few months, she's supposed to be heading off to basic training, but those dreams might be shot thanks to an idiot, who can't keep his car under control. Now, she'll be lucky if her wrist ever works properly again. At the same time, Preach, the guy who hit her thanks to black ice and her determination to 'save' a dog from the middle of the road, is watching his own future implode in front of his eyes. That accident meant his third concussion in a couple years...which also means that he's banned from the ice for good. His guaranteed hockey scholarships are swished down the drain, and the girl, who's responsible, refuses to realize it's her dumb fault.
This romance is written in first person from two points of view: Grace's and Preach's. Each chapter starts with the character's name at the beginning to keep confusion at bay. Still, for some unknown reason, I was convinced the first chapter's voice was the girl's (it did state Preach but my brain!) and this kept throwing me the whole way through...although I never figured out why.
Anyway, this is a wonderful, enemies-to-friends romance, in which tons of sparks fly. The opening scene with the accident, throwing both sides completely out of their life's games, starts everything out in a great upset. This allows the characters to let their nastiest sides shine, when interacting with each other, and the flood of insults and bickering begins. It's fun, it's even humorously grabbing, and when the first signs of interest between them spark, it's that much more exciting. Both sides are right. Both sides are wrong. And it works magically.
There are quite a few heavier moments in these pages as well. While Preach is working out his future and such, Grace has some deeper issues, which don't come to light right away. So, while there is romance...tons of that...character growth is also key. Both sides need to learn to step into new possibilities and find hope as well as peace. This gives them needed depth and makes them easier to relate to. And this is where the sport aspect filters in perfectly and gives even more reason to root for them and cheer until the very end.
I received a DRC and enjoyed the read quite a bit.
September 8, 2022
This is within the same world of In the Penalty Box, this is Preach and Grace's story which is a sweet romance, with great characters and with an emotional side to the story that will have you reading it in no time. I love their relationship, how each character complemented the other, their story is not easy, but I loved how it was all written. A story that will have you dealing with all sorts of emotions. Looking forward to reading the next one.
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September 5, 2022
I didn’t realize this was the second book in the series until I started reading and recognized some characters. Preach always seemed perfect in the first book, so to see him fall and try to work through his life upheaval was kind of heartbreaking. Grace was new in town, and even though I understood her feelings, she irritated me for quite awhile.
They meet when he accidentally hits her with his car: she is in the middle of the road and he hits black ice. I understand that she was saving a puppy, but she puts all the blame on him for most of the book and you could tell they were high school aged by their actions. They have to complete community service at the school, together, since her hand isn’t useable.
As they spend time together, they actually start to open up to each other and realize that they are going through similar things. His college scholarship is rescinded due to not being able to play hockey anymore (the car accident caused another concussion) and she might not be able to go into the Air Force like she planned. She is also struggling with the death of her brother (which she hasn’t dealt with yet).
As time goes on, you start to see that these two people are great for each other, and their relationship is sweet, albeit steeped in pot holes they have to clear. Just when everything is looking good for them, devastating news is delivered and ends them. Can they find a way back to each other?
I really enjoyed this sweet YA romance. They had some pretty heavy and deep issues to work through and came out stronger individuals for it. I can’t wait to see how this series continues. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.
They meet when he accidentally hits her with his car: she is in the middle of the road and he hits black ice. I understand that she was saving a puppy, but she puts all the blame on him for most of the book and you could tell they were high school aged by their actions. They have to complete community service at the school, together, since her hand isn’t useable.
As they spend time together, they actually start to open up to each other and realize that they are going through similar things. His college scholarship is rescinded due to not being able to play hockey anymore (the car accident caused another concussion) and she might not be able to go into the Air Force like she planned. She is also struggling with the death of her brother (which she hasn’t dealt with yet).
As time goes on, you start to see that these two people are great for each other, and their relationship is sweet, albeit steeped in pot holes they have to clear. Just when everything is looking good for them, devastating news is delivered and ends them. Can they find a way back to each other?
I really enjoyed this sweet YA romance. They had some pretty heavy and deep issues to work through and came out stronger individuals for it. I can’t wait to see how this series continues. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.
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