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Blackstone House #1
Hard Lines
Violet Miller never wanted to be a star, but fate conspired against her when she won the lead role in Hidden Intent, the latest experiment from acclaimed director David Jackson.
Part movie and part reality show, the production takes over Violet’s life. She’s soon battling against a jealous co-star, a horrific script, and an A-lister who thinks the world revolves around him. Then the anonymous gifts start arriving…
As the torment continues, the studio grudgingly hires bargain-basement bodyguard Dawson Masters, a man with his own secrets. Which will catch up with them first—Violet’s stalker or Dawson’s murky past?
Hard Lines is a standalone romantic suspense novel in the Blackstone House series.
Part movie and part reality show, the production takes over Violet’s life. She’s soon battling against a jealous co-star, a horrific script, and an A-lister who thinks the world revolves around him. Then the anonymous gifts start arriving…
As the torment continues, the studio grudgingly hires bargain-basement bodyguard Dawson Masters, a man with his own secrets. Which will catch up with them first—Violet’s stalker or Dawson’s murky past?
Hard Lines is a standalone romantic suspense novel in the Blackstone House series.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2022
155 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Elise Noble
88 books735 followersElise Noble is an English rose with a few thorns who loves chocolate, sleep, and well-defined abs. Not hers, unfortunately. She lives near London with a horse who eats all her money and three dogs who eat everything else.
Elise writes real, gutsy heroines and flawed but swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix mystery and mayhem, humour and happily-ever-afters.
You can get find her current freebies HERE.
Elise writes real, gutsy heroines and flawed but swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix mystery and mayhem, humour and happily-ever-afters.
You can get find her current freebies HERE.
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November 1, 2022When accidental star Violet hits the big time with new movie Hidden Intent, she soon finds that the road to fame is full of potholes. Can bargain-basement bodyguard Dawson smooth the way?
Hard Lines is out now!
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Hard Lines is out now!
Amazon
Apple Books
Kobo
Barnes & Noble
Google Play
October 31, 2022
Another Excellent Book By Ms. Noble!
Even when I'm hesitant about a book Elise still makes it fantastic! Admittedly I don't tend to prefer books that involve actors, but this was the excellence I have grown to expect from Elise Noble.
Violet is a sweet girl who works hard for what she wants. But this time she seems to have gotten in a bit over her head. She's not sure who she can trust.
As always this author writes in such a way that you hate when you have to set the book down for any reason. I am excited to see what she comes up with next in this series!
Even when I'm hesitant about a book Elise still makes it fantastic! Admittedly I don't tend to prefer books that involve actors, but this was the excellence I have grown to expect from Elise Noble.
Violet is a sweet girl who works hard for what she wants. But this time she seems to have gotten in a bit over her head. She's not sure who she can trust.
As always this author writes in such a way that you hate when you have to set the book down for any reason. I am excited to see what she comes up with next in this series!
November 2, 2022
Another commendable start to a new series by my favourite author. Vi reminds me a bit of Blackwood UK’s Olivia, Nye’s lady. Heheh.
Cannot wait to read the next instalment to see what the Blackstone Nine are up to!
Cannot wait to read the next instalment to see what the Blackstone Nine are up to!
November 3, 2022
Entertaining and engaging
No plot spoilers
No real potential triggers although there is a kidnap with a sexual element insinuated.
I don't recall any swearing.
There is one sex scene lightly written.
The characterisation is good but I will admit that I struggled to find a connection with the characters.
The plotline is interesting, but slow. I think I got to 65% before it all started to click into place. For me there are too many characters, especially with four of them having alter egos.
In effect the reader is tracking thirteen or fourteen characters at any one time and for me, in places, it was a bit much.
Plus, I just wanted to shake Violet and tell her to grow a backbone, but that's because I am more used to the author writing strong female leads and for me Violet is too passive.
There are no errors.
I totally enjoyed the scene set in the Dark!
As the scene opener for a new series the book had a lot of world building and backstory to set up, and I will be purchasing the next book in the series because I really want to see the backstory play out.
Romance? Yes, Dawson provides it in spades. Intrigue? Yes, although I thought the clues were a bit clunky.
There is no reason why I haven't awarded 5 stars, other than I struggled with the first half of the book.
I adore just about everything Elise Noble has written and I have no problem recommending her books. Maybe it's my frame of mind at the moment, but I can't give more than 4 stars, I do urge fans of the genre to read it though.
No plot spoilers
No real potential triggers although there is a kidnap with a sexual element insinuated.
I don't recall any swearing.
There is one sex scene lightly written.
The characterisation is good but I will admit that I struggled to find a connection with the characters.
The plotline is interesting, but slow. I think I got to 65% before it all started to click into place. For me there are too many characters, especially with four of them having alter egos.
In effect the reader is tracking thirteen or fourteen characters at any one time and for me, in places, it was a bit much.
Plus, I just wanted to shake Violet and tell her to grow a backbone, but that's because I am more used to the author writing strong female leads and for me Violet is too passive.
There are no errors.
I totally enjoyed the scene set in the Dark!
As the scene opener for a new series the book had a lot of world building and backstory to set up, and I will be purchasing the next book in the series because I really want to see the backstory play out.
Romance? Yes, Dawson provides it in spades. Intrigue? Yes, although I thought the clues were a bit clunky.
There is no reason why I haven't awarded 5 stars, other than I struggled with the first half of the book.
I adore just about everything Elise Noble has written and I have no problem recommending her books. Maybe it's my frame of mind at the moment, but I can't give more than 4 stars, I do urge fans of the genre to read it though.
November 9, 2022
In her closing notes, Ms. Noble writes that Hard Lines has been ready and on hold for a few years. I'm thrilled that she finally decided to publish it!
The book's theme is a classic that many authors and filmmakers have explored. In Ms. Nobles's interpretation, Violet, the female protagonist, is presented as an "accidental actress." She is a generous and kind soul who landed, mainly by chance, in the glimmers of Hollywood, leaving behind a simple life in her small hometown in Kansas. As the story evolves, she becomes more self-conscious, revealing an intelligent, resourceful, and hard-working human persona.
Dawson is an ex-Seal, who has spent several years working as a mercenary. His career takes a turn when he is hired as Violet's bodyguard when she starts receiving sinister gifts. Soon, things get complicated, prompting his old roommates at Blackstone House, team extraordinaire, to come to the rescue.
The story's rhythm picks up when they come into play, and a rollercoaster of events morphs into a fast-paced, intriguing, and always entertaining plot.
Two compelling female figures stand out in the rich and vivid cast of characters: Alexa and Storm; the first is a mysterious, bright, and incredibly skilled hacker, while the second is a military test pilot whose cameo appearance suggests future involvements.
Violet's story is emotional, vivid, and captivating. At the same time, the Blackstone team promises fun and adventure for the next installments, and I look forward to hearing more about them soon.
The book's theme is a classic that many authors and filmmakers have explored. In Ms. Nobles's interpretation, Violet, the female protagonist, is presented as an "accidental actress." She is a generous and kind soul who landed, mainly by chance, in the glimmers of Hollywood, leaving behind a simple life in her small hometown in Kansas. As the story evolves, she becomes more self-conscious, revealing an intelligent, resourceful, and hard-working human persona.
Dawson is an ex-Seal, who has spent several years working as a mercenary. His career takes a turn when he is hired as Violet's bodyguard when she starts receiving sinister gifts. Soon, things get complicated, prompting his old roommates at Blackstone House, team extraordinaire, to come to the rescue.
The story's rhythm picks up when they come into play, and a rollercoaster of events morphs into a fast-paced, intriguing, and always entertaining plot.
Two compelling female figures stand out in the rich and vivid cast of characters: Alexa and Storm; the first is a mysterious, bright, and incredibly skilled hacker, while the second is a military test pilot whose cameo appearance suggests future involvements.
Violet's story is emotional, vivid, and captivating. At the same time, the Blackstone team promises fun and adventure for the next installments, and I look forward to hearing more about them soon.
May 1, 2023
Wtaf did I just read? More importantly, how is none of this mentioned in the blurb??? Am I supposed to just know this is based around memebers of a sex club??
Spoilers ahead...
So the writing is okayish but some things are not explained well enough. Basically, it sounds like this girl wwnt to California and got roped into a contract to make soft core porn. She doesn't want to. She hates it. But it's a mix of reality and script so what she wants doesn't matter (?) And I can't really get past the nonconsensual parts that they call "acting" because she seems so disgusted but still goes along with it.
Then she needs to get "experience" for her reality TV/porn day job so she goes to a sex club.
The FMC is a Mary Sue type and I suffered through over 100 pages of her inner dialogue about how much of a Mary Sue she really is. Then... BOOM... sex club and gaining experience. Fuck no. Just... no. I read those books, I understand what they entail but I don't like to be surprised by it.
Spoilers ahead...
So the writing is okayish but some things are not explained well enough. Basically, it sounds like this girl wwnt to California and got roped into a contract to make soft core porn. She doesn't want to. She hates it. But it's a mix of reality and script so what she wants doesn't matter (?) And I can't really get past the nonconsensual parts that they call "acting" because she seems so disgusted but still goes along with it.
Then she needs to get "experience" for her reality TV/porn day job so she goes to a sex club.
The FMC is a Mary Sue type and I suffered through over 100 pages of her inner dialogue about how much of a Mary Sue she really is. Then... BOOM... sex club and gaining experience. Fuck no. Just... no. I read those books, I understand what they entail but I don't like to be surprised by it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2022
Once again, an attention-grabbing novel that I enjoyed from start to finish. To find out what it is about, read the description instead of me repeating it here. Suffice it to say, there is some mystery, humour, and romance with a bit of spice. A gamut of human emotions runs through this book. The colourful characters are so well written that you really would like to either shake them, punch them or hug them! As with all Ms Noble's books, once I started reading, it was so hard to put down until I had finished. The books draw you in so much. Very highly recommended, not only as a stand-alone but as the first in the Blackstone House series. I look forward to reading the next edition of this new series.
I you are familiar with this author's other books, you may notice the occasional tie-in with the Blackwood series with a familiar name or two popping up.
I received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I you are familiar with this author's other books, you may notice the occasional tie-in with the Blackwood series with a familiar name or two popping up.
I received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 30, 2022
A tale set mostly around a pretty seedy film set that develops into a mystery and romance with an interesting cast of characters. Elise Noble's writing and storytelling are engaging as always, the only reasons I haven't given this book 5 stars is that it's a little slow to start and Violet is a drip in the beginning. This is a new story style for Elise, but as the story developed I became caught up in it and am looking forward to learning more about the former residents of Blackstone House.
November 3, 2022
I loved this book it has twists and turns and you can never guess who is involved in the Stalking of Violet. I love the way she falls for Mr Grande after one night of hot mind blowing sex. And also the little tidbits we are given about the characters who lived in Blackstone House can’t wait to read all their stories. Elise you always knock it out of the park with your books this one is no different!!!!!
October 28, 2022
This seems to be the start of a new leg of series. The start was a bit slow but it heated up in typical Elise Noble fashion. A little bit of dirty romance mixed with some mystery and suspense. Im very curious to see where the story leads in the overall arc. Interesting characters and surprising twists to follow will keep you entranced.
November 3, 2022
Once again Ms Noble starts a new series with a bang. An intriguing and compelling story with twists and turns you won’t see coming. Lots of new faces as well to keep you entertained all the way thro from start to finish. I love the way this author crafts her stories. She draws you in to their world and you just have to keep going. Can’t wait for more from this series
November 4, 2022
Great start to a new series
Loved this book, although I’m biased as I love all books by Elise. I have a feeling that this is going to be as addictive as the Blackwood Security series and I can’t wait. So many twists and turns and I never suspected the actual culprit.
Highly recommend this book
Please hurry with the next book
1 click now you will not be disappointed.
Loved this book, although I’m biased as I love all books by Elise. I have a feeling that this is going to be as addictive as the Blackwood Security series and I can’t wait. So many twists and turns and I never suspected the actual culprit.
Highly recommend this book
Please hurry with the next book
1 click now you will not be disappointed.
June 22, 2025
romantic suspense
For the first few chapters, I wasn’t sure if I’d even continue with the book. Then Violet started receiving threats at work and attended Nyx and from there I was hooked. A great mystery I did not see coming, a romance I did. Apparently ties into other books of Noble and now I’m curious about Blackstone House so I’ll have to add those to my TBR
For the first few chapters, I wasn’t sure if I’d even continue with the book. Then Violet started receiving threats at work and attended Nyx and from there I was hooked. A great mystery I did not see coming, a romance I did. Apparently ties into other books of Noble and now I’m curious about Blackstone House so I’ll have to add those to my TBR
November 8, 2022
Hard Lines by Elise Nobel kept me interested until the very end. The characters were well developed, which is important to me, so it was easy to get involved in the story! No murders, but lots of action. I will for sure read the next book in the series when it comes out.
November 13, 2022
The first book in a new series is always approached with some trepidation. In this case I needn’t have worried, as the calibre is just as high as each other series by Elise. Loved the new characters, and can’t wait to read more!
December 23, 2022
Absolutely loved the book...the twist went on and on and was revealed near the very end of the book...i really enjoyed reading it..the story evolved in so many ways as it progressed...thank you so much, Elise for the great read....
March 4, 2023
As the second book read from this author, I really enjoyed it, yet again! Easy to get into and kept entertained by the characters, some great laugh out loud moments as well as suspense and mystery.
One petty thing, I don't feel the cover portrays the characters as they are described
One petty thing, I don't feel the cover portrays the characters as they are described
May 12, 2023
No body writes the “DAMSEL IN DISTRESS” romantic thrillers better than Ms. Nobel!
This book is another example of Ms. Nobel’s unique plot design and writing talent that kept me on the edge of my seat, beginning to end!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
This book is another example of Ms. Nobel’s unique plot design and writing talent that kept me on the edge of my seat, beginning to end!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
December 14, 2025
I am Unable to Finish This
Ugh. I think there are maybe three books I haven't finished in my life. Now there are four. Perhaps it is because I'm old, but this isn't my cup of tea. The language is inconsistent, the plot is all over the place. I don't want to waste my time.
Ugh. I think there are maybe three books I haven't finished in my life. Now there are four. Perhaps it is because I'm old, but this isn't my cup of tea. The language is inconsistent, the plot is all over the place. I don't want to waste my time.
March 9, 2023
Elise Noble never disappoints! I'm getting my hands on the next installment right now...
November 16, 2024
great read
WOW, what a wonderful storyline. Never a dull moment and nothing is as it seems…. I really think you will enjoy this one!!
WOW, what a wonderful storyline. Never a dull moment and nothing is as it seems…. I really think you will enjoy this one!!
December 31, 2025
A story without coherence, without logic, with more holes than a fishing net; I read it to the end out of sheer stubbornness. Inconsistent. Never again from this author.
January 4, 2026
Brilliant storyline, there were so many twists. I am looking forward to reading more books about Blackstone House.
October 27, 2022
I love this book. Violet is a sweet girl living the life of a movie star. She has a stalker and Dawson shows up. He is her body guard plus a little more! This book is a must read.
December 29, 2022
Whew when I say this is Elise Nobles spiciest book , I mean like acid reflex spicy! 🌶🌶🌶
With Dawson and violets love story unfolding there is every emotion possible being used. I laughed, cried, sweat, lol. This is truly one of my alltime favorite books by Elise Noble. (And I've read most of them.)
Even though this is a book in a series there is no cliff hanger and is a stand alone book. However like all Nobles books, they are amazing so you'll want to read them all.
This is a definite must read!
*I was given an ARC by the author for my honest opinion. *
Merged review:
Whew when I say this is Elise Nobles spiciest book , I mean like acid reflex spicy! 🌶🌶🌶
With Dawson and violets love story unfolding there is every emotion possible being used. I laughed, cried, sweat, lol. This is truly one of my alltime favorite books by Elise Noble. (And I've read most of them.)
Even though this is a book in a series there is no cliff hanger and is a stand alone book. However like all Nobles books, they are amazing so you'll want to read them all.
This is a definite must read!
*I was given an ARC by the author for my honest opinion. *
With Dawson and violets love story unfolding there is every emotion possible being used. I laughed, cried, sweat, lol. This is truly one of my alltime favorite books by Elise Noble. (And I've read most of them.)
Even though this is a book in a series there is no cliff hanger and is a stand alone book. However like all Nobles books, they are amazing so you'll want to read them all.
This is a definite must read!
*I was given an ARC by the author for my honest opinion. *
Merged review:
Whew when I say this is Elise Nobles spiciest book , I mean like acid reflex spicy! 🌶🌶🌶
With Dawson and violets love story unfolding there is every emotion possible being used. I laughed, cried, sweat, lol. This is truly one of my alltime favorite books by Elise Noble. (And I've read most of them.)
Even though this is a book in a series there is no cliff hanger and is a stand alone book. However like all Nobles books, they are amazing so you'll want to read them all.
This is a definite must read!
*I was given an ARC by the author for my honest opinion. *
March 30, 2025
A Stalker, drama and mayhem!
Reviewed in Australia on 26 October 2022
Hard Lines by Elise Noble
Elise has done it again! A fantastic start to her new series Blackstone House. As with her Blackwood Security series Elise weaves an amazing storyline around a few central characters. Each character is exceptionally well developed with Elise building in great back stories that are only set to intrigue you.
Hard Lines centers around Violet Miller, her problematic life and a would be stalker. You’re thrown into drama, mayhem, secrets and some raunchy ‘panty wetting’ moments.
You can’t help but appreciate the male characters in Elise’s books as her descriptive capabilities are so on point that she has you drooling over make believe men.
Elise is also able to portray strong women in her books, yes there are damsels in distress but they are also counteracted by kickass female roles.
I look forward to the next installment in this series and to getting to know in greater detail other characters within Blackstone House.
Reviewed in Australia on 26 October 2022
Hard Lines by Elise Noble
Elise has done it again! A fantastic start to her new series Blackstone House. As with her Blackwood Security series Elise weaves an amazing storyline around a few central characters. Each character is exceptionally well developed with Elise building in great back stories that are only set to intrigue you.
Hard Lines centers around Violet Miller, her problematic life and a would be stalker. You’re thrown into drama, mayhem, secrets and some raunchy ‘panty wetting’ moments.
You can’t help but appreciate the male characters in Elise’s books as her descriptive capabilities are so on point that she has you drooling over make believe men.
Elise is also able to portray strong women in her books, yes there are damsels in distress but they are also counteracted by kickass female roles.
I look forward to the next installment in this series and to getting to know in greater detail other characters within Blackstone House.
October 26, 2022
Hard Lines is the start of a new series from Elise. It can be read as a stand alone but you are certainly left feeling curious about a back story from Dawson's past.
Violet is a typically naive country girl who stumbled into being an actor, she's struggling with the reality of acting (especially the sex scenes when she has no experience to draw on) and the intense 'reality tv' situation her agent put her into.
Dawson is hired as there appears to be a threat towards Violet. With her attraction to Dawson Violet is forced to reevaluate herself and what she has always thought she wanted.
Elise is very good at her craft and the world building and character development is well done. I would view this book as a good introduction to her work and hopefully could be the chance to introduce new readers to Elise's writing.
Violet is a typically naive country girl who stumbled into being an actor, she's struggling with the reality of acting (especially the sex scenes when she has no experience to draw on) and the intense 'reality tv' situation her agent put her into.
Dawson is hired as there appears to be a threat towards Violet. With her attraction to Dawson Violet is forced to reevaluate herself and what she has always thought she wanted.
Elise is very good at her craft and the world building and character development is well done. I would view this book as a good introduction to her work and hopefully could be the chance to introduce new readers to Elise's writing.
November 2, 2022
Violet is not living the Hollywood dream. Living with your co-stars in a reality TV setup should have been the worst she had to endure while shooting her new movie. While growing increasingly uncomfortable with the nudity and sexual situations of her character, Violet is ready to leave Hollywood for good. That desire escalates when creepy gifts start arriving on set.
Dawson is a former Navy Seal trying to peice together a life after a series of loses. His first executive protection job is on a movie set where no one takes threats seriously.
This is the first stand alone novel in the Blackstone House series. Mystery, romance, and a back story that will keep you guessing.
Dawson is a former Navy Seal trying to peice together a life after a series of loses. His first executive protection job is on a movie set where no one takes threats seriously.
This is the first stand alone novel in the Blackstone House series. Mystery, romance, and a back story that will keep you guessing.
December 30, 2022
Elise always writes great characters, and this book is no exception. Violet is sweet, but tenacious. Our male main character is more than meets the eye. As Violet is thrust into a world she is wholly unprepared for, one she doesn’t even know if she wants anymore, the drama increases both on and off the screen in the show for which she has been cast. The question is – who should she trust? Who will ultimately be on her side and who has other plans?
This story also sets the scene for sooo many future books, each one focused on a character mentioned here. The ties to the Blackwood series are subtle, but present.
This story also sets the scene for sooo many future books, each one focused on a character mentioned here. The ties to the Blackwood series are subtle, but present.
December 19, 2022
The new Blackstone House Series from Elise Noble.
My expectations was sky high as usual - more than if I pick up a book by an author I haven’t read before. And for once it was a bit of a slow start for me, but the story did pick up and sucked me in before I got impatient and put it down (and yes, I’m the type of reader who has a library collection called “not finishing” for all the books that didn’t manage to pull me in).
So as the story progresses it does become a great story with great plot twists that keeps you guessing and turning pages.
I’m already looking forward to the next books in the series and to learn more about the Blackstone House mystery.
My expectations was sky high as usual - more than if I pick up a book by an author I haven’t read before. And for once it was a bit of a slow start for me, but the story did pick up and sucked me in before I got impatient and put it down (and yes, I’m the type of reader who has a library collection called “not finishing” for all the books that didn’t manage to pull me in).
So as the story progresses it does become a great story with great plot twists that keeps you guessing and turning pages.
I’m already looking forward to the next books in the series and to learn more about the Blackstone House mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews