Spotlight & Giveaway: CROSSING THE LINE by Lynn Rush and Kelly Anne Blount

Posted September 5th, 2022 by in Blog, Spotlight / 67 comments

Today it is my pleasure to Welcome authors Lynn Rush and Kelly Anne Blount to HJ!
Spotlight&Giveaway

Hi KELLY & LYNN and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, CROSSING THE LINE!

 
HELLO HJ! Thanks for celebrating our new book release with us. We’re super stoked to be here.
 

Please summarize the book a la Twitter style for the readers here:

CROSSING THE LINE is a young adult romance about coming face-to-face with devastating circumstances, finding love, and the importance of forgiveness.
 

Please share the opening lines of this book:

“Watch out!” My friend Jessa’s scream sliced through my consciousness like a blade of glass. Her fingernails dug into my shoulder.
A girl stood in the middle of the road.
It all happened so fast—yet so slow. And yes, my life did flash before my eyes. It wasn’t an old wives’ tale. It really did happen.

 

Please share a few Fun facts about this book…

  • The community service scenes in CROSSING THE LINE were inspired by the staple-removing scene in the movie Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.
  • In regards to Preach’s storyline, when it rains, it pours.
  • Pax is still the character we love to hate, but there are glimmers of redemption.
  • The city of Woodhaven was created as a mashup of some of Lynn and Kelly Anne’s favorite small midwestern towns.
  • There are several cameos from characters featured in the first three Twin River High books!

 

What first attracts your main characters to each other?

A car wreck!
 

Using just 5 words, how would you describe your main characters”love affair?

Enemies to lovers, forced proximity.
 

The First Kiss…

It’s a little surprising and very unexpected, and it registers on the Richter scale.
 

Without revealing too much, what is your favorite scene in the book?

Kelly here! I absolutely love the scene when Preach and Brodie are driving to Grace’s house to pick her up for her first day of school. Preach has added Grace’s contact info to his phone as Dream Crusher and it’s a combination of heartbreaking and hilarious.

SNIPPET:
“Arrived at Dream Crushers,” Siri said.
Wind looked at me with wide eyes. “Dream Crusher?”
“If the name fits…”
“Um…I don’t think—”
“Do not finish that sentence, Wind,” I said, the anger that had been bubbling to life since the accident nearly spilling over. “Don’t even go there!”
He was probably going to remind me that it was all an accident. That we were lucky it wasn’t worse. That I could have died. I didn’t want to hear it, though, because the only thing that mattered was the fact that I might be done with hockey.

 

If your book was optioned for a movie, what scene would be absolutely crucial to include?

Hockey was my life! Not track.
I spun and rammed my fist into the wall. Heat seared through my knuckles and up my forearm. I jumped back and kicked the bricks.
Memories of the state tourney flew through my mind. Images of my parents and Brodie’s little brother cheering us on, the respect and recognition I’d get all around town because I was on the hockey team.
And then images of my drunken night last night with Pax filtered in. I was drinking. Laughing. Falling down. I might have even kissed a girl last night. I didn’t remember.
I didn’t do shit like that. This wasn’t me.
“Damn it!” I yelled so loud my throat stung. “It’s not fucking fair!”
Grace pushed through the door and locked eyes with me, then with an even tone she stated, “I didn’t take you for someone who threw tantrums.”
“Excuse me?”
“And here I thought I’d seen it all, Preach. I mean, I know you can’t drive worth a damn.” She chuckled. “But punching walls and acting like a baby…that’s new.”
“You don’t know anything about anything,” I snapped.
“I know more than you think.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Preach this. Preach that. Preach’s perfect. Preach, Preach, Preach! You have so much going for you. But the first time life throws some shitty circumstances at you, you fall off the rails and you act like your entire world has been destroyed.”
“My entire life has been destroyed!”
She didn’t know shit. Her mom hadn’t gambled her college money away. She hadn’t lost her ticket to college. I pushed off the wall. She squared her shoulders, not backing down one bit.
Dang, she was tough. I hated how much I noticed that. And how sexy it was.

 

Readers should read this book …

If you love inspiring stories of overcoming heartache and finding your new path in life.

 

What are you currently working on? What other releases do you have planned?

Lynn Rush: I have several solo projects releasing in the coming months, specifically next month, a contemporary fantasy novel that fans of HUSH HUSH and THE QUEEN’S ASSASSIN will enjoy.
Kelly Anne: I’ve been working on a new dark gritty young adult thriller and a sweet young adult rom-com. Lynn and I also have a new release, HOMECOMING & HOOKUPS, which will be available for pre-order soon!

 

Thanks for blogging at HJ!

 

Giveaway: GIVEAWAY TIME! $20 Amazon gift card. We’ll pick two winners to receive swag packs! Winners randomly selected. Open internationally.

 

To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: Have you ever faced a devastating event that forced you to question everything, including your future?

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
 

Excerpt from CROSSING THE LINE:

“It’s not like Ryan to be late.” Hana’s voice floated through the air.
Ryan as in Ryan “Preach” Armstrong?
“I’m worried about him,” a man said. “Maybe I should give Willow a call? Ask if she or Brodie have seen him?”
Of course he’d be volunteering here today or at least, by the sound of it, he was supposed to be.
“Good idea,” Hana said.
Walking through the doorway, I found Hana and an older man standing near the stove. “Thanks again for the towels and the clothes. I’ll wash everything and bring them back tomorrow, but could I borrow or, I mean, have a plastic bag for these?” I held up the towels and my wet clothing.
“Oh, you can leave the towels here and return the clothes whenever. We always have extras here at Helping Hands. And you’re very welcome, my dear.”
“I’ve heard of this place,” I said.
“Yes, this is Woodhaven’s homeless shelter. We’re here for whoever might need us.”
“I’m Mr. Covington,” the older gentleman said, holding out his hand. He was short and bald and had striking blue eyes.
Covington… This had to be Willow’s grandfather.
“I’m Grace,” I said, returning the gesture with my good hand. It was so weird shaking people’s hands with my left hand.
“It’s very nice to meet you,” he said.
“All right, Grace, the kettle is nearly boiled. I’ll have a nice hot mug of tea ready for you in just a minute. In the meantime, you can use the phone.”
“Thank you.” I turned toward the cordless phone mounted to the wall. I didn’t think anyone even had these anymore. So weird.
“Miss Hana, can I have some hot chocolate?” I spun around, my gaze landing on a small boy with disheveled blond hair and green eyes. He had a smattering of freckles across his nose and cheeks.
“Of course, William. I’ll make a big batch. Can you gather everyone in the family room?”
“Sure,” he said with a big grin. Before leaving the kitchen, he stole a glance at me. “What happened to you?”
“I got caught out in the rain and my phone battery died. Luckily, I saw this place and Miss Hana let me come in and dry off and she’s going to let me use her phone to call my parents.”
“You should put it in a container with rice.” His eyes got big. “That fixed my mom’s phone. It got wet the last time we had to sleep outside.”
My heart pinged as he smiled again and then skipped off.
As Hana started pouring hot water into mugs, I grabbed the phone from the wall and dialed my mom’s cell phone number. Her voicemail picked up after eight rings.
Sighing, I dialed my dad. No answer on his end, either. I left a quick message, letting them know I was okay and where I was, then hung up the phone.
“Would it be okay if I stayed here until the rain ended?” I asked Hana. “My parents aren’t picking up.”
“Of course, dear.” She handed me a piping-hot mug of tea. “If you need a ride, I could give you one after the hot chocolate is ready.”
“No, that’s okay. I can wait out the rain. I need to get some more miles in today anyway. Thank you for the offer, though.”
“You’re welcome, dear,” she said with a kind smile.
Mr. Covington looked down at his cell phone. It was one of those old flip phones that was probably older than my twin sisters.
“Brodie and Willow haven’t seen Ryan today. They said he isn’t answering his phone.” There was an edge of concern in his voice. Hana frowned. “Maybe we should call his parents?” The older man nodded. “I think that’s a good idea.”
“Excuse me,” I asked hesitantly, “are you looking for Preach?”
“Yes. He didn’t show up for his regular shift, and we’re a little worried,” Mr. Covington said. “Do you know him?”
“A little better than I want to, sir.” I held up my braced wrist.
“Oh…you’re the girl,” Hana said, her gaze shifting to my hand. “Just came in from Alaska.”
“Boy, this really is a small town,” I said as I eased onto a wooden chair before the kitchen table.
Hana chuckled as she stirred some chocolate powder into one of the eight cups she’d filled with hot water. “That it is.”
So Preach was a no-show for volunteering today? He’d been really upset yesterday during our blow up at the Taste of Rome, but I thought he would have calmed down by now.
“How’s your hand?” Mr. Covington asked while he set a pile of chocolate chip cookies onto a plate on the counter opposite from Hana.
It was so sweet, seeing them feeding the kids cookies and hot cocoa on such a cold, rainy day.
“Are you okay, dear?” Hana asked.
“Oh, sorry?”
“Does your hand hurt?” she asked.
“Not any more than normal, ma’am.” I sighed, sipping my drink again.
“You remind me of my Willow, working out no matter what the weather.” Mr. Covington grinned. “She always says it’s her time to think things through, solve problems, stuff like that.”
“Not sure it solved much today, but running usually helps to process things…at least, for the most part.”
“Is that what you were doing today in this dreadful weather?” Hana asked, topping off my cup with some hot water. “Trying to process something?”
I shrugged. “Kind of, but more like I needed to run off some frustrations.”
“Let me guess,” Hana said. “One of those frustrations is our Ryan Preach Armstrong.”
That’d be a hard yes.

Excerpts. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
 
 

Book Info:

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.
Book Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Goodreads |
 
 

Meet the Author:

New 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, she can’t resist posting epic sunrise pictures while running in the desert with her trail sisters, even if she has to occasionally hop over a scorpion. When she’s not running, writing, or reading, she and her Ironman husband are watching movies that fuel her undying love of superheroes, vampires, and all things Supernatural. Find her on social media: @LynnRushWrites Sign-up for her newsletter: http://bit.ly/LRNewsletter

Hi! Kelly Anne Blount a.k.a. Lynn Rush’s co-author checking in! Lynn and I have written six books together, including our latest release, CROSSING THE LINE. When I’m not writing with Lynn or working on my solo YA romance and dark thriller novels, you can find me snuggled up watching my favorite movies, reading, or hanging out with my sweet family and friends! You can find me everywhere @KellyAnneBlount!
Website | Facebook | Twitter | | Instagram |

 
 
 

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67 Responses to “Spotlight & Giveaway: CROSSING THE LINE by Lynn Rush and Kelly Anne Blount”

  6. Diana Tidlund

    I had 4 big and over 100 small strokes. Woke after 2 weeks in a coma . Had to relearn everything (walking and talking) and everyone (including hubby and my kids ) . Became legally disabled. Reading and sleeping are 90% of my life since. Only good thing is I now have “chauffeurs” that drive me instead of me driving them. And all my friends and family keep blankets and stuff in their cars for me to be able to lay down if I’m feeling tired

  20. Sue G.

    Yes, my brother passed away at 38 yrs old. It makes you realize a lot of things in life are not as important anymore.

  23. Laurie Gommermann

    events that shaped me:

    1) The guy I was dating in college was in a serious car accident requiring months of physical therapy. I learned to appreciate all the little things we take for granted like walking and moving your body without pain.

    2) I lost my BIL age 38 to cancer.

    3) My BF from HS lost her 36 yo husband to cancer leaving her with 2yo and 4yo daughter’s. She developed ovarian cancer 6 months later. She was given a terrible prognosis. I believe her faith and people’s prayers turned her situation around. She received so much support from her church family with meals and babysitting and driving her to doctor’s appointments and chemo treatments. She recently turned 68 and has 2 wonderful grandchildren 2 and 1 month old.

  24. Daniel M

    yes, and still going through it, don’t know what i’m going to do

  29. Eva Millien

    I am very luck that I have not experienced that!

    Crossing the Line sounds like a great book, congratulations on your release and good luck with your book!

    Have a spectacular week!

  32. Amy R

    Have you ever faced a devastating event that forced you to question everything, including your future? thankfully no

  36. Jonathan W

    I have, and it’s still ongoing. I have several major health conditions, one of which started out of the blue one day and definitely forced me to reevaluate everything in my life. It’s been very difficult.

  37. Susan Smith

    Yes, my husband is going through some health problems now that has changed the plans we had for our future.

  39. [email protected]

    Yes I found out I was pregnant at 15 and I was in shock as well as my family. I did get married to the dad but my mom and dad fought about it everyday because he blamed her.Three weeks after my daughter was born my mom shot and killed herself because he was blaming her and she found out he had a secret family for 3 years .He married the woman 5 months later and she died with cancer a year ago .He’s 91 and we have made peace with each other a long time ago.I have 2 children ,2 grandchildren ,and 3 great granddaughters now.I had one son that was born sick and he only lived 36 days .I was diagnosed with kidney disease .We’ve been married 49 years and I completed school with my ged. I didn’t know if we would get through all of that but with gods help we did.

  42. Marisela Zuniga

    Thankfully I haven’t had anything devastating happen to me

  43. Jeanna Massman

    My husband recently broke vertebrae in his back and had a long surgery. He was in care facilities for 2 months. We had just moved so I needed to step up and make decisions on my own.

  47. Irma Jurejevčič

    Yes, I have. It’s a bit personal otherwise I’d share it.

  49. Nina Lewis

    Yes. It turned out well in the end but it took a while and a lot of changes for me.

  52. Bonnie

    When I was a teenager, my father died of a heart attack at a young age.

    • Lynn Rush

      Oh my goodness. I lost my father in law (who I actually called Dad because we were so close) very suddenly like that. Messed me up for a long while. Thanks for sharing.

  53. Lynn Rush

    You guys are all so amazing. Thanks for sharing your stories. Stay strong, my friends. I’m glad you stopped by to celebrate our new release and share a bit of your story. ❤️