Crossing the Line

by J.J. Arias

It was supposed to be a one night stand . . . fate had other plans.

Newly-appointed judge Jordan Blake is done with romance. But on a rare night out, she becomes captivated by Sierra - a woman half her age. Unable to resist her charms, the usually cautious Jordan gives in to a reckless night of passion.

Law student Sierra Fuentes doesn’t expect to see Jordan again. Pleasantly surprised when she ends up her intern, Sierra sees an opportunity to continue their steamy affair. If only Jordan would stop caring about the rules.

With Sierra in her chambers, Jordan vows to keep their relationship strictly professional. . . even if she can’t stop thinking about that night. Forced together, the women struggle to keep their desires, and burgeoning feelings, under control.

With her heart and career on the line, will Jordan risk it all for a chance at love, or will her fears keep her from leaping head first into her happily ever after?

Find out whether love and lust are worth the consequences in this addictively steamy, age gap, workplace romance.

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, LGBT, Queer, Contemporary, Lesbian Fiction, Adult

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2022

About the author

Hello! And thank you for finding me!

I am an independent author writing about fictional lesbians of all varieties.

My writing journey began with fan faction, and as much as I LOVED being part of a community of super fans, I got tired of working with other people’s characters to tell my stories. I started asking myself: Why should we string together pieces of subtext when our community deserves well-developed main-text about LBGT people and those who love them! So, that is what I aim to deliver.

If you want to know a little more about me personally, J.J. Arias is my pen name. I do have a day job, and due to the industry I’m in, I can’t write under my given name. Although who knows, maybe one day I can write full-time and come out of the … office? I am a Scorpio woman (I know, I know, but I’m a nice one I PROMISE) happily married to a uniquely wonderful Cancer lady. Together we have several fur babies of the feline and canine varieties.

So, here I am, and I hope you enjoy my writing! I’m very open to thoughts, comments, critiques, and knock-knock jokes, so please feel free to message me with any of the above – or anything else you would like to say!

Reviews

[pipsqueakreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legally romantic.

I'm a fan of J.J. Arias, having recently downloaded a couple of the author's books from KU and loving them all, but this one is by far my favourite. In fact, I have to say that this one is the best and the hottest book I've come across in a long time. And when I say hottest, I don't just mean the sex. The sex was steamy and passionate, of course, and I didn't wait long to get a taste of it because the story begins with a one night stand between the main characters. But beyond that, I also meant the storyline and chemistry as well. The feelings growing in the Judge's Chambers between the Honourable Judge and her intern, and their longing and pining fed my fantasies for an age-gap, forbidden workplace romance and the sexual tension was through the roof (in my opinion, at least).

I'm in love with the characters too. Sierra is an open book, young and forward in her pursuit of Jordan, while Jordan is just the opposite. But Jordan and Sierra are both very likable characters so it was so easy to fall in love with them.

So love this!

[Sapphic Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What more was there left to say between them other than everything?"

J.J. Arias truly deserves the title of Queen of the Age Gap Trope!

By the end of the story, Jordan and Sierra have blossomed into a well-matched and endearing couple. While Sierra starts off as an immature intern, her character development is impressive, and it was satisfying to watch her journey unfold. And Jordan embodied everything I love in a character—she was genuine, patient, and unwavering in her convictions.

Plus the epilogue is one of the sweetest chapters I’ve ever read.

[Anna Avian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the chemistry between Jordan and Sierra. Even though there was plenty of angst it didn't end up being annoying and overwhelming thanks to their connection over their professional lives and their very well rounded, strong characters.

[Rain G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!
It has been a long time since I enjoyed a book that much!

-Chemistry from the beginning (I love it).
-Solid writing style.
-Two great and strong Main Characters.
-The kind of sence of humor that make me smile and even laugh.
-Lawyer/Court environment: perfect setup !
-Interesting power balance between the main characters.

I'm not a fan of age gap romances,  but in this case it felt suitable for the story.

Very entertaining!
5 stars

[currentlyreadingbynat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a forbidden romance and as soon as I saw that this book featured a judge and their law intern I immediately knew I needed to read it. 🔥🔥🔥

I absolutely love J.J. Arias' books as she manages to always nail the slow burn between her two main characters. This was a great way to feel the chemistry between Jordan and Sierra - it was pouring off the pages. Although they hook up at the beginning of the book, once they are in their professional roles any relationship is off-limits. You could absolutely feel the pining between both characters and I loved the resolution at the end. It felt really organic and realistic, especially because they have a 20 year age gap.

Outside of the romance, both Jordan and Sierra are well-rounded characters. Although Jordan is a newly-minted judge, she's still so down to earth and lovely. Sierra is initially a bit of a playgirl at 24, but throughout the novel she develops into a more mature version of herself. Both characters completely won me over and I loved getting to know them individually but also as a couple.

I highly recommend a read.

Many thanks to J.J. Arias for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew boy. This one was harder for me to get into. The age gap is 20 years. On top of that it’s a new judge and her intern. While nothing actually happens while she’s an intern it was still kinda uncomfortable.

Sierra was also really hard for me to like. She was immature and had “player” vibes. While this is intentional it was still a lot to have to deal with before she realized she needed to grow up a bit.

[Ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy hell talk about heat!! This was def one of the steamiest books I’ve read by J.J. and I was not disappointed. I found my eyes kind of bulging more than a few times when I read some scenes and each time internally I was like “niceeee”.

I loved this. I’m not typically into age gaps but this one stole me immediately. I loved the characters; Sierra is a bombshell and I loved her from the moment she appears and Jordan was a fun surprise. I was expecting a hard ice queen who has a wall a million miles thick, but I was pleasantly surprised to read that she has a huge heart and she does have feelings. It also makes me feel great that this story does have a HEA. Great, fun, spicy book this one was and I recommend it highly!

[Jo Ben-What · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story but I may be partial because i have a thing for judges. Lol.
I liked everything from the dialogues, the chemistry and characters developpment. Would recommend 💯

[Netgyrl (Laura) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars - started slow, finished strong

It took me a bit to get into it but when they decide to be together for real I just had a giant smile on my face for the rest of the book. Lovely.

[Amy Marsden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't quite know how to rate this, as I both liked it and didn't like some of it. I'll go with 3.5 rounded up.

What I liked:
It was very well written, as I'm coming to expect the more I read from J J Arias. She can somehow make being a lawyer sound interesting, lol.

I liked all the characters. I liked Sierra's little maturity journey, and while Jordan didn't undergo the same kind of growth, I liked her too. I kind of wish they'd gone down the forbidden affair route, but I get why they didn't.

I've noticed a distinct lack of men in a few of Arias's book, and I really like it. More like this please!

What I didn't like:
I feel like a broken record lol, but I'm not the biggest fan of age gaps. I've read a lot of them lately. They're everywhere! I liked that they discussed their 20 year age gap in this, and I agreed with all Jordan's points on why they shouldn't date lol, but in the end they disregard them and go ahead anyway. I just don't like it. Personal preference.

While I felt a sexual chemistry between them, I wasn't quite sold on romantic chemistry. I don't really know why tbh, I can't point to anything in the book that was lacking wrt that *shrugs*


I'm slowly but surely making my way through Arias's books! I wonder what I'll read next.

[Vita L. Licari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful age gap love story. Jordan is a newly minted Judge and has a one night stand with Sierra. Only to find out that Sierra is her intern. Though she left Jordan in the morning without getting her number, Sierra hasn't stopped thinking about her. Except for their one night stand, this is a slow burn story. And lovely! 5 stars!

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 out of 5 stars - "Crossing the Line" is such a fantastic introduction to J.J. Arias's novels for me. The book strikes a perfect balance between romance and humor, and it captivates me with its riveting dose of angst. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it as it features a compelling age-gap romance between Jordan, a judge, and Sierra, her intern who's about to be a lawyer.

However, I must admit that it took me some time to fully immerse myself in the story. Initially, Sierra, a twenty-four-year-old woman, annoyed me to no end. My first impression of her was that she was arrogant and fit the mold of a “typical” young person who is carefree and impulsive. I was on the verge of giving up on the book because of that. It wasn't until the second third of the book that Sierra began to change my perception of her. And I appreciate how well-executed her character development unfolds before my eyes. Gradually, I transformed from a dubious spectator into a fervent supporter, rooting for Sierra's further success in all her endeavors.

Moreover, the romantic chemistry between Sierra and Jordan became truly captivating, drawing me deeper into the narrative. I thought the age gap between Sierra and Jordan, which is 20 years, was handled aptly in the story. I genuinely appreciate how the author explores this gap from more than one perspective—adding depth and nuance to their relationship. The presence of well-developed secondary characters also further enriches the overall narrative, providing additional layers to the story.

In conclusion, I had a broad, satisfied smile on my face as I reached the end of this book. I even found myself shedding a few tears while reading the bonus epilogue. I'm just thrilled to have finally dipped my toes into J.J. Arias’s novels. I eagerly look forward to delving into more of her works and exploring the worlds she creates.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a while to warm up to Crossing the Line and warm up I did…finally. Possibly because I don’t have that warm and fuzzy feeling when it comes to Sierra Fuentes. There’s just something about her that just didn’t sit well with me….initially. Perhaps her character came on a bit too strong and I didn’t like it…. A 20+ y/o intern and a 40+ y/o judge, a big age-gap mind you and that’s possibly why Sierra, a player no less, had no qualms chasing after Jordan. But alas Sierra falls hard and when one falls hard for another, they ‘grow’ up and stop chasing skirts (or whatever ladies normally wear) around.

Not that Jordan is all Ms. Perfect, she has her own hung up… 1) of her power over Sierra given the working relationship between them (which I totally get and respect) and 2) the 20 age gap between them when pt. 1 above is no longer an issue… ok I get it as well but it gets lame when this is all that she thinks about. Eventually both Sierra and Jordan reach their destination and it’s quite heartening to see their characters develop over time…or one might say that they both ‘grow up’…finally! 😁

Nicely done… 4 ⭐

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Bárbara Sousa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Age-gap that involves a judge and an intern/soon to be lawyer?! YAS! Sign me up hehe
This story was very beautiful and sexy and a bit angsty at times, but everything fit perfectly. I really enjoyed this book and its characters and I especially enjoyed watching them evolve and finally come together to live happily ever after 🥰

[talktoalana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars because i *LOVE* age gap romances, but this book...

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMFG. The build-up in the book is INSANE after the first steamy scene!

I usually want to give up on slow-burn type reads quite quickly, but I held on for dear life with this one because it was written so well.

And IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! 😳🤌 The long-awaited steamy moments were so worth it. 🔥 I read them over and over to make sure it finally happened lmao. I didn't know lawyers and judges could be so sexy. Not only for the steamy scenes, I thoroughly enjoyed the progression of their relationship and getting to know each other. It gave me lumps in my throat at times and butterflies at others.

I love JJ Arias' work so far and am excited to read all of them!! 9.5/10

[LEAH · Rating 4 out of 5]

They banged once and pine for each other. In a nutshell. 😝

Objectively, there is no gut wrenching, emotional connection for us to understand why they pine for each other in the way that they do but whatever, the story was sweet.

A super cute, slow burn, angsty, age gap (20yrs), one night to forever. Intern x Lawyer. Steamy.

Crayden worked her magic on the audio, I must say!

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy!

A steamy age gap from Arias, it starts as a one night stand and continues as a professional relationship once the 2 MCs must work together. A good read, maybe don't read it in public but definitely worth the read.

[Tory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughly Enjoyable

I enjoyed this book very much. I liked the characters and the setting. The writing is fantastic and I cheered for a happy ending. I like books about lawyers and judges and this book didn’t let me down.

[Celina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one had me contemplating some of my life ideas. That break-up scene made me really nervous. I was literally shaking, because I could understand Jordan's point, but fuck.

[Giorgia Gnech · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this with the one and only purpose of looking for something with characters with good chemistry and it did not disappoint.

I was surprised that there was also quite a but of story behind, when a book opens with a random hookup it is not a given lol.

Yet, I am not always a fan of age gap romances, they are often uncomfortable and awkward when power plays come into the mix. This did not happen in a toxic way, actually the older person (Jordan) was trying to keep distance and professionalism, well, more or less, it is still a romance novel.

I appreciated the energy and resolution of Sierra, she had bit Reagan energy from the Haley Cass universe, and I do like a fun but unwavering woman that knows what she wants.

It was all fun and games until the end when the judicial robe came into play (if yk, yk), that did not sit well with me but hey.

Overall a fun book, with a good amount of tension, longing and spice.

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars

Ahhh! I loved this. Age gap romances are growing on me more and more!! I also love a one night to forever trope! I guess I’m just a sucker for two people hooking up one night and then trying everything possible to “not” fall for each other, while actually falling for each other 🤣
What? Sometimes it’s just that simple. And I love it.
Plus, JJ just never misses! I’ve loved all their books so this one was no different. I tandem read with audio, Abby Craden narrating an age gap romance!?? Yes, please 🫠

Written in third person with 2x POV’s. Forced proximity. Forbidden romance. Age gap (20 years). Workplace romance. Femme/Femme. One night to Forever. 3x spicy scenes.

[Teddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly good. This one took me a minute to get into. It starts with a very detailed and long one-night stand that leads unexpectedly to an employer/employee relationship, which leads to a slowwww burn romance. There’s a large age-gap between the characters that I was very happy to see them discuss realistically. Most importantly, these women have so much chemistry! JJ does a great job writing sexy women. I did wonder if Sierra was fulfilling some mommy issues in maybe not the best way but the story overcomes that. There is a fair amount of angst that’s appropriate to the story and the ending is very rewarding.

Good line: “The choice was simple, even if it wasn’t easy.”

Short summary: Jordan has just been made a judge and doesn’t want to screw it up. Especially not with her 20 years younger intern who she accidentally screwed last weekend. But sexy Sierra is hard to resist, even more so when she turns out to be smart too. Will Jordan put her reputation on the line for Sierra or can she resist temptation?

[Catalina · Rating 4 out of 5]

GO LESBIANS GO!!!!

con esa portada, no esperaba que fuera tan bueno y estuviera todo tan bien ejecutado, a lovely surprise.

[Kafui · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

[MissAlice · Rating 4 out of 5]

A judge and a law student with a side of age-gap happiness. This book had me from the synopsis alone. I haven't read an Arias book that wasn't steamy wonderfulness, but this one is just adorable with the double epilogue.

The will they, won't they is palpable. I've never read characters or met humans with this much control- it's spellbinding. I enjoyed how they both had growing to do and it was a gentle nod to therapy for assisting a strong woman on her journey. The legalese and courtroom appearances were as informative as they were entertaining. The dialogue is effortless and the ending is worth the 80% tumult. Can't wait to read more books by this author.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

La verdad esperaba un poco más, este libro tiene una gran premisa que sin duda sabe atraer, el problema que yo vi, es que no hay balance entre las protagonistas, más allá de la diferencia de edad, Jordan es una protagonista fuerte, centrada, con miedos y emociones válidos. Sierra por otro lado se la paso más de medio libro siendo odiosa y sin ningún punto fuerte a mencionar, para el momento que comenzaba a tomar impulso el libro estaba a dos o tres capítulos de terminar.

Otra cosa que vi, mejor dicho que pensé, sería que el libro se desarrollaría justo en lo que dice la sinopsis, trabajar con la persona con la que te has acostado sin sin saber que terminarías conviviendo bajo una gran tensión sexual detrás...el problema es que eso fueron a penas unos capítulos así que me sentí un poco timada.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jordan Blake goes to a lesbian club for one last wild night before she becomes a judge. There she’s seduced by a confident young woman, Sierra Fuentes. They have one perfect night and part ways… only to find that Sierra is Jordan’s new intern.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and not just because it’s spicy. This has to be one of the most delicious lesfic novels I’ve ever read. There was a portion where it lagged, when Jordan and Sierra didn’t spend much time together on the page, which was something I’d learned in a writing workshop but hadn’t felt the truth as a reader until now.

That being said, it’s an excellent story with searing chemistry. And I liked that J.J. Arias showed the love between Jordan and Sierra build slowly over a prolonged period of time — the novel lasts 3 years from start to finish, which we don’t always get with romance, and it added authenticity.

[A Shrimp · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a subjective thing: I hate it when the characters in a romance sleep with other people after they've already met. Sierra sleeps with like 3 random people throughout the book, and it gets incredibly old very quickly. She is insanely arrogant, has no character whatsoever, apart from being a generic "player", and her constant smirking made her really unlikable to me. Sierra constantly coming on to her boss, who very explicitly tells her to knock it off all the time, also gives me some bad sexual harassment vibes.

"But she secretly wants it" isn't a valid argument to keep harassing somebody. She's way too creepy.

I wouldn't call this a romance. It's more like long-winded erotica.