Wednesday, August 20, 2014

[Kame's Review]: "Across the Line"

Across the Line by Kate Willoughby
Publisher: Carina Press (August 11, 2014)
Series: In the Zone, 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Calder Griffin needs to get back in shape. Sidelined last season by a knee injury, he's determined to return to the San Diego Barracudas and play the best hockey of his career. This might even be the year he gets out of his talented older brother's shadow.

For months, Becca Chen has poured her energy into Cups, the restaurant she owns, desperate to prove to her parents that she can succeed in the career of her choice, not theirs. But after she spends a five-hour plane ride flirting with charming, magic-on-the-ice Calder, she tells herself she needs a fling.

Becca and Calder can't keep their hands off each other, but they know the relationship can't last. They live on opposite coasts, and they're both too devoted to their careers. All they have to do is prevent their feelings from crossing the line from lust to love…

See how Calder's teammate Tim found love in On the Surface.



Where to Buy*:
More Info:

Reviews of Willoughby's Previous Books:

On the Surface (#1) -- Kame


Kame's Review:


A great second book in the "In The Zone" series


Calder's hockey season did not end the way he would have liked and now he is faced with an off season filled with rehab. On a trip home to see his parents he has a chance meeting with a girl from his past; one that may now be his future.


Calder's character was wrapped around my heart within the first few pages of the book; he acknowledges he is an emotional eater and one who is partial to sweets.  A man after my own heart! Then on top of that connection he is a hunky hockey player who has emotional depth and a heart of gold. Becca is not your traditional heroine; going against cultural norms and her parents wishes she left medical school to follow her dream of opening her own restaurant. I liked her independence and her spunk, and I also liked her emotional growth. They found each other by chance and fought hard for an HEA. I truly enjoyed the progression of their relationship; it was not an instant romance and their conflicts were very plausible and something a lot of readers can relate to.


The plot was easy to follow and I found myself not wanting to put down the book. I read it in less than 24 hours (lately with two teenagers, husband and a house to keep on track that is an accomplishment for me). There is a subplot involving Calder's brother Hart; I can only describe it as courageous. It elevated this book to one that will stay with me. That subplot took this book from a good one to a great one! I don't want to say too much but there is a scene where Calder and his brother Hart clear the air - it was just sooo right.


The appearances of characters from On the Surface was expected but their involvement in the story line was integral and gave it depth. New readers to the series should not be discouraged there are no real plot points that are dependent on reading the first book. Honestly you should read it though - this series is about a lot more than hockey. I read a few hockey books before I started this series but it is this series that has peaked my interest in the sport.



Since this book just came out I know I have a wait until book 3 is released; but I really wish I could start it right now.


4 1/2 STARS! 

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Kame received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for her honest opinion.

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Thanks for the review, Kame! :)

Have you come across a series that peaked your interest in something you have previous not been interested in (ie, sports)?




Enjoy!


Until Next Time,


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2 comments :

Janie said...

I really enjoyed the first book in the series, so I'm looking forward to reading Calder's story.

KAMEBookReview said...

Thank you for stopping by Janie - I hope you enjoy it!