REVIEW: Crossing the Line by Alison Packard

Crossing the Line by Alison Packard: Attraction and passion immediately ignite between Sloane Westbrook and Jared Hunter, but nothing can ever come from it. Not when he’s the close confidant and security expert for the local crime boss and Sloane’s the town’s new Assistant District Attorney.

But when Jared’s matchmaking sister and new friend of Sloane keeps putting them in situations together, including one where they become snowbound together in a freak storm for several days, neither can resist the sparks flying between for long. Even though they know nothing can come of it, a shot affair springs up, one where their attraction becomes something so much more.

But Jared is stuck, owing loyalty and having no way out, and Sloane cannot compromise herself or her job, not when she may be the one eventually putting him and his associates behind bars.

Hunter stared at her. From this distance she couldn’t read his expression yet she could feel his gaze boring into hers. Sloane’s heart pounded and she silently cursed herself for being so affected by him. She executed a quick about-face and began to retrace her steps. Every instinct inside of her screamed that this man was trouble. She needed to get out of the garden. Now.
“Running away, Ms. Westbrook?”

I just really liked this idea of the mob man and the ADA. It felt silly, but fun and certainly a strong conflict. Given the length of the story, much of it did feel rushed, but even so I liked how Packard made sure to develop the emotional alongside the physical attraction. Both Sloane and Jared had decent arcs, even if they did feel a little rushed at the close.

Both Sloane and Jared were likable, and I would have liked to have gotten to know them more and for longer. Both had a passion I appreciated, and the story had an overall theme of reunion and coming together that I found really sweet.

Overall, Crossing the Line was a fun, pretty sexy, and cute story. Although the writing didn’t feel smooth enough, I had a bit of a difficult time getting drawn into the story. But for those who like the criminal element and a strong passion, I recommend Packard’s Crossing the Line.
 

Book Info:

Publication: December 12, 2016 | Alison Packard |

Sloane Westbrook is passionate about the law, and when she signs on to fight crime as the new Assistant District Attorney in Piedmont, Pennsylvania, she fearlessly takes on the prosecution of an evil, serial rapist. But her continued encounters with powerful, sexy Jared Hunter bring a different kind of danger. Jared is the known associate of a local crime boss, which makes her attraction to him tantamount to career suicide…so why can’t she stop thinking about him?

Jared Hunter owes his life to the crime boss who took him in when tragedy struck, and his family turned their backs. Jared’s loyalty led him to the role of trusted confidant and security expert, which means he’s in way too deep to back out now. Even for a beautiful, intelligent, bundle of curves like the new ADA. But every encounter with Sloane makes him want her more—and when they’re snowbound together by a freak storm, his resistance shatters. How will he walk away?

Locked in a secret, fiery affair, both Sloane and Jared long for the life they could have together in the light. But to get there, can Jared break free of the darkness surrounding him? And can Sloane find the courage to make a decision that will either free them both, or shatter their lives forever?