Crossing the Line, #2
by Tessa Bailey
Release Date:
June 23rd, 2015
Publisher:
Entangled:Select
Source:
Publisher via Blog Tour Host
eARC received in exchange of honest review
Synopsis:
Never start a fire you can't control...
Connor Bannon is supposed to be dead. Dishonorably discharged from the Navy SEALs, he's spent the last two years working as a street enforcer in Brooklyn for his cousin's crime ring. Through a twist of fate, he's now in Chicago, working undercover to bust criminals. But when a cute little arsonist joins the team-all combat boots, tiny jean shorts, and hot-pink hair-Connor's notorious iron control slips.
Erin "she's getting away" O'Dea knows two things. She hates authority. And... Nope, that's it. When she's forced to operate on the "right" side of the law, her fear of being confined and controlled blazes to the surface. The last thing she expects is a control freak like Connor to soothe her when she needs it most. Worse, something behind the sexy ex-soldier's eyes ignites a dangerous inferno of desire. One that invites Erin to play with fire. And one that could get them both killed...
by Tessa Bailey
Release Date:
June 23rd, 2015
Publisher:
Entangled:Select
Source:
Publisher via Blog Tour Host
eARC received in exchange of honest review
Synopsis:
Never start a fire you can't control...
Connor Bannon is supposed to be dead. Dishonorably discharged from the Navy SEALs, he's spent the last two years working as a street enforcer in Brooklyn for his cousin's crime ring. Through a twist of fate, he's now in Chicago, working undercover to bust criminals. But when a cute little arsonist joins the team-all combat boots, tiny jean shorts, and hot-pink hair-Connor's notorious iron control slips.
Erin "she's getting away" O'Dea knows two things. She hates authority. And... Nope, that's it. When she's forced to operate on the "right" side of the law, her fear of being confined and controlled blazes to the surface. The last thing she expects is a control freak like Connor to soothe her when she needs it most. Worse, something behind the sexy ex-soldier's eyes ignites a dangerous inferno of desire. One that invites Erin to play with fire. And one that could get them both killed...
Lindy's Thoughts:
Rating:
Tessa Bailey brings us sexy as usual. Hot, dirty-talking, passionate alpha males are her specialty! I also love the way she effortlessly combines characters that compliment one another, and make you root for them. The Crossing the Line series has been a pleasure, and I love the way that Ms. Bailey continues her secondary characters stories in each new installment that she writes.
In Up in Smoke, we have Captain Derek Tyler recruit a unique and talented set of criminals in to a specialized task force. The key players of this undercover squad include Bowen and Sera, the main characters from Risking It All, Ex Navy Seal Connor Bannon, Escape Artist Erin O'Dea, Computer Hacker Polly Banks, and expert Con-Man Austin Shaw. This story's primary characters are Connor and Erin.
Connor and Erin are the first to arrive at the introductory meeting established by Derek. Both don't want to be a part of this task force, however they have their reasons for cooperating. Sparks fly, and a game of cat and mouse ensues when Connor and Erin lay eyes on one another. They are both intrigued by each other, and can't help but be drawn like a moth to a flame. Pretty quickly, these two become attached and overprotective of one another. However, they have major challenges to overcome. Connor always needs to be in control of every situation, and Erin needs to have her space and freedom. Also, danger lurks in multiple ways, and Connor and Erin need to stay on their toes, to avoid it.
I loved Connor and Erin. They both were the catalyst for character growth in one another. Connor taught Erin how to trust, feel safe, and take chances, while Erin taught Connor to let go of his control. They both brought love in to each other's lives which melted my heart, because they each had such painful and tragic pasts. Erin was never shown love, and Connor only had his mother to care about him. It was such a beautiful thing how they found a safe place, a family, home, and happiness together.
There was action, suspense and one assignment that the undercover squad worked on. I loved watching Derek, Sera, Bowen, Connor, Erin, Polly and Austin work together, as well as develop the strong bonds of friendship. They were all loners, but together they became a cohesive and loyal group. I would have liked to have more action, suspense, and undercover work. I found that aspect of the story fascinating, but it was minimal. The plot focused mostly on the romance between Connor and Erin. I enjoyed their emotional connection, and red hot sexcapades!
In Up in Smoke, we have Captain Derek Tyler recruit a unique and talented set of criminals in to a specialized task force. The key players of this undercover squad include Bowen and Sera, the main characters from Risking It All, Ex Navy Seal Connor Bannon, Escape Artist Erin O'Dea, Computer Hacker Polly Banks, and expert Con-Man Austin Shaw. This story's primary characters are Connor and Erin.
Connor and Erin are the first to arrive at the introductory meeting established by Derek. Both don't want to be a part of this task force, however they have their reasons for cooperating. Sparks fly, and a game of cat and mouse ensues when Connor and Erin lay eyes on one another. They are both intrigued by each other, and can't help but be drawn like a moth to a flame. Pretty quickly, these two become attached and overprotective of one another. However, they have major challenges to overcome. Connor always needs to be in control of every situation, and Erin needs to have her space and freedom. Also, danger lurks in multiple ways, and Connor and Erin need to stay on their toes, to avoid it.
I loved Connor and Erin. They both were the catalyst for character growth in one another. Connor taught Erin how to trust, feel safe, and take chances, while Erin taught Connor to let go of his control. They both brought love in to each other's lives which melted my heart, because they each had such painful and tragic pasts. Erin was never shown love, and Connor only had his mother to care about him. It was such a beautiful thing how they found a safe place, a family, home, and happiness together.
There was action, suspense and one assignment that the undercover squad worked on. I loved watching Derek, Sera, Bowen, Connor, Erin, Polly and Austin work together, as well as develop the strong bonds of friendship. They were all loners, but together they became a cohesive and loyal group. I would have liked to have more action, suspense, and undercover work. I found that aspect of the story fascinating, but it was minimal. The plot focused mostly on the romance between Connor and Erin. I enjoyed their emotional connection, and red hot sexcapades!
Rating:
I am looking forward to getting Austin and Polly's story! Austin is a con that speaks many languages, can fake any accent, and is a master of disguise. I hope that his story has him taking on many persona's, because I find his talent especially interesting. Polly likes to tell it like it is, and is a fun character as well. I can't wait to learn all of these two characters secrets, as well as get to continue to get more Derek, Sera, Bowen, Connor, and Erin. I give, Up in Smoke, by Tessa Bailey, 4 Sexy Kindred Spirits, Mending and Making Each Other Whole Filled Stars!!!
Mikki's Review:
Rating:
The Crossing the Line Series, by Tessa Bailey, is my absolute favorite series of hers! There is something so intoxicating and intriguing about the characters in this series. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of her characters and I am one of her biggest fans, but this series is explosive, unique and captivating! If you have not started this series, I highly recommend that you start by reading Risking It All, which is Bowen (My book husband … lol!) and Sera’s (She’s awesome! I love her!!) story. You can easily read Up in Smoke as a standalone, but trust me when I say that you don’t want to miss my BoVinci and his ladybug in action! ;)
Up in Smoke picks up where Risking It All left off. Bowen, Sera and Connor travel to Chicago to work with 3 other very talented people. The talent I’m talking about is not dancing, drawing or singing … Nope! These people have a special talent that Captain Derek Tyler (Line of Duty Series, #1) needs to close the case that he’s been working on. Connor Bannon is not very happy with the idea of working with all these ex-cons. Sera and Bowen are the only two people Connor trusts, until Erin O’Dea walks into the meeting and turns his world upside down. Erin is used to playing with fire, but the fire that Connor ignites in her is too much for her to handle. As days go by, Connor and Erin work close together and their feelings for each other are starting to grow into something more. Will the convicted arsonist and ex-navy seal be able to play with fire without getting burned?
Gah!!!!
Be still my beating heart!!!! Connor Bannon is one hell of an alpha male!!! Tessa Bailey creates the most amazing characters and makes them come alive by writing the most incredible stories! Connor surprised me. When he was first introduced in Risking It All, I knew that he was special. He was sweet and respectful with Sera and he helped Bowen with whatever was going on with them at that moment. What surprised me the most about him was how he took care of Erin. He was amazingly patient with her. The attraction between these two was incredibly hot and sexy! From the first moment they met, they got under each other’s skin. They worked together towards one goal and ended up getting more than what they had signed up for. They found each other. They are one hot couple! Each touch, kiss, sensual and steamy moment was intense. Make sure you have a couple of hours to read this book because you won’t be able to put it down!!! Erin and Connor will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end!
Can I just take a few minutes of your time to talk about Erin O’Dea? She is one intriguing heroine. I was really fascinated by her. Tessa Bailey did a fantastic job at writing both POV’s, but Erin’s POV totally left me breathless! Erin O’Dea needs a social media page so I can follow her exciting life!!! I’m her number one fan! She’s intense and she knows exactly what she wants! She's a breath of fresh air! Every reader has a place they call home. My home is wherever Tessa Bailey’s writing takes me. I highly recommend Up in Smoke and the Crossing the Line Series. You will not be disappointed!!
Disguised in Danger will be next in this series. This book will feature Polly and Austin, which were introduced in Up in Smoke. They worked well will all the other characters and I hope that in their book we will see more of the characters that I have come to love so much. Like always Tessa Bailey did a fantastic job at introducing us to her secondary characters, which are going to get their own book. She gives you just enough to make your want her next book ASAP.
Up in Smoke picks up where Risking It All left off. Bowen, Sera and Connor travel to Chicago to work with 3 other very talented people. The talent I’m talking about is not dancing, drawing or singing … Nope! These people have a special talent that Captain Derek Tyler (Line of Duty Series, #1) needs to close the case that he’s been working on. Connor Bannon is not very happy with the idea of working with all these ex-cons. Sera and Bowen are the only two people Connor trusts, until Erin O’Dea walks into the meeting and turns his world upside down. Erin is used to playing with fire, but the fire that Connor ignites in her is too much for her to handle. As days go by, Connor and Erin work close together and their feelings for each other are starting to grow into something more. Will the convicted arsonist and ex-navy seal be able to play with fire without getting burned?
Gah!!!!
Be still my beating heart!!!! Connor Bannon is one hell of an alpha male!!! Tessa Bailey creates the most amazing characters and makes them come alive by writing the most incredible stories! Connor surprised me. When he was first introduced in Risking It All, I knew that he was special. He was sweet and respectful with Sera and he helped Bowen with whatever was going on with them at that moment. What surprised me the most about him was how he took care of Erin. He was amazingly patient with her. The attraction between these two was incredibly hot and sexy! From the first moment they met, they got under each other’s skin. They worked together towards one goal and ended up getting more than what they had signed up for. They found each other. They are one hot couple! Each touch, kiss, sensual and steamy moment was intense. Make sure you have a couple of hours to read this book because you won’t be able to put it down!!! Erin and Connor will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end!
Can I just take a few minutes of your time to talk about Erin O’Dea? She is one intriguing heroine. I was really fascinated by her. Tessa Bailey did a fantastic job at writing both POV’s, but Erin’s POV totally left me breathless! Erin O’Dea needs a social media page so I can follow her exciting life!!! I’m her number one fan! She’s intense and she knows exactly what she wants! She's a breath of fresh air! Every reader has a place they call home. My home is wherever Tessa Bailey’s writing takes me. I highly recommend Up in Smoke and the Crossing the Line Series. You will not be disappointed!!
Disguised in Danger will be next in this series. This book will feature Polly and Austin, which were introduced in Up in Smoke. They worked well will all the other characters and I hope that in their book we will see more of the characters that I have come to love so much. Like always Tessa Bailey did a fantastic job at introducing us to her secondary characters, which are going to get their own book. She gives you just enough to make your want her next book ASAP.
Rating:
I give Up in Smoke, by Tessa Bailey, 5 seductive, exciting, explosive, hot, steamy stars!
Excerpt:
As if her thoughts had made him appear, Connor strode into the courthouse. Her pulse started beating double time, her stomach muscles tightening. Good Lord, the man was a fucking panty dropper. She’d only been away from him for a few hours and it felt like years since she’d experienced his presence. In jeans and a fitted gray T-shirt that molded to his muscles like her hands itched to do, he personified confidence and authority. Hot, rugged male. His gaze connected with hers immediately and darkened. She thought back to that morning when he’d dressed in the early morning light, his abs flexing as he pulled the shirt over his head. His erection barely contained by his boxers. She’d never been one to beg for anything, but she’d been seconds from offering him her mouth. Pleading for the privilege of sucking him off.
Conner shook his head at her with a sexy half smile on his face, as if he could read her thoughts across the room. He stopped at the metal detector and walked through after the security guard beckoned him forward. When the woman grabbed her wand and instructed him to raise his hands in the air, something ugly reared its head deep inside her. The detector hadn’t even beeped. There was no reason for the personal service. When the woman smiled at Connor and ran a hand down her ponytail, Erin propelled herself forward, boots echoing on the polished marble.
Erin hissed as she drew even with the guard. “If you’re done feeling up my boyfriend, I’d love a turn. We were in a rush this morning.”
The guard dropped the wand, letting it dangle near her thigh. “Did you just hiss at me?”
Erin hissed again.
“Okay.” Connor stepped between them, winking down at her. “We should go. Don’t want to keep the clerk waiting.”
Appreciation spread in her belly like honey. He hadn’t chided her for her behavior or apologized to the woman on her behalf. Instead he’d given the impression they were on their way to get married, appeasing her jealousy in one fell swoop. “That’s right.” She sauntered toward the elevator. “There’s vows to be exchanged. Rings to put on fingers. Sh*t like that.”
She glanced behind her to find Connor staring at her ass as she walked, so she put a little swing in her hips and savored his groan. Damn. She’d definitely never had this much fun at a courthouse.
A moment later, she and Connor stepped into an empty elevator. She hit the button for the top floor even though the clerk was on the first, and leaned back against the wall, looking up at him through her eyelashes. “How was your morning, baby? Was it worth leaving me in bed, all hot and bothered for you?”
“F*ck no, it wasn’t.” He crooked a big finger at her. “Climb on up here.”
As if her thoughts had made him appear, Connor strode into the courthouse. Her pulse started beating double time, her stomach muscles tightening. Good Lord, the man was a fucking panty dropper. She’d only been away from him for a few hours and it felt like years since she’d experienced his presence. In jeans and a fitted gray T-shirt that molded to his muscles like her hands itched to do, he personified confidence and authority. Hot, rugged male. His gaze connected with hers immediately and darkened. She thought back to that morning when he’d dressed in the early morning light, his abs flexing as he pulled the shirt over his head. His erection barely contained by his boxers. She’d never been one to beg for anything, but she’d been seconds from offering him her mouth. Pleading for the privilege of sucking him off.
Conner shook his head at her with a sexy half smile on his face, as if he could read her thoughts across the room. He stopped at the metal detector and walked through after the security guard beckoned him forward. When the woman grabbed her wand and instructed him to raise his hands in the air, something ugly reared its head deep inside her. The detector hadn’t even beeped. There was no reason for the personal service. When the woman smiled at Connor and ran a hand down her ponytail, Erin propelled herself forward, boots echoing on the polished marble.
Erin hissed as she drew even with the guard. “If you’re done feeling up my boyfriend, I’d love a turn. We were in a rush this morning.”
The guard dropped the wand, letting it dangle near her thigh. “Did you just hiss at me?”
Erin hissed again.
“Okay.” Connor stepped between them, winking down at her. “We should go. Don’t want to keep the clerk waiting.”
Appreciation spread in her belly like honey. He hadn’t chided her for her behavior or apologized to the woman on her behalf. Instead he’d given the impression they were on their way to get married, appeasing her jealousy in one fell swoop. “That’s right.” She sauntered toward the elevator. “There’s vows to be exchanged. Rings to put on fingers. Sh*t like that.”
She glanced behind her to find Connor staring at her ass as she walked, so she put a little swing in her hips and savored his groan. Damn. She’d definitely never had this much fun at a courthouse.
A moment later, she and Connor stepped into an empty elevator. She hit the button for the top floor even though the clerk was on the first, and leaned back against the wall, looking up at him through her eyelashes. “How was your morning, baby? Was it worth leaving me in bed, all hot and bothered for you?”
“F*ck no, it wasn’t.” He crooked a big finger at her. “Climb on up here.”
Teasers:
About the Author:
Thank you for your interest in my books! I'm Tessa and I live in the crazy, loud, overcrowded borough of Brooklyn, New York. I love it here. This city is a constant source of inspiration, which is why I've decided to set my most recent books in the Line of Duty Series here.
I moved to New York when I was eighteen, the day after I graduated high school. Threw my suitcase in the back of a Chevrolet Cavalier and drove across the country to find my adventure. I'm still finding it, little by little.Thank you for being a part of it.
I went straight to your conclusions because I'm reading it right now - and loving it !! Tessa Bailey is one of my favorite authors, she can deliver ^^
ReplyDeleteYes, we love Tessa Bailey too! I'm looking forward to Polly and Austin's story next!
DeleteLoners yet loyal- I can dig it. The blurb reminds me of the tv show Leverage. Glad you liked this read.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen Leverage, but if it was like this story, than I know I'd enjoy it :)
DeleteWell hell, that excerpt was yum! I love this author. So glad you guys enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteWe love her too! I hope you get to read this story :)
DeleteWell hello..this sounds hot and yum to sexy dirty talking alpha males.
ReplyDeleteIt sure was!
DeleteI just added this whole series to my TBR shelves, because romantic suspense is just awesome, especially if you add in a little dirty talk ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review, ladies!
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
Yay!!! Thanks for stopping by Lexx :)
DeleteWhy haven't I jumped on this series yet? I love this sort of plot and the characters are very compelling. Your reviews hooked me, ladies!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sophia! Yes, this is a very compelling series :)
DeleteSounds like I need to meet Connor! I see you both loved him. Great reviews Ladies!
ReplyDeleteNaomi @ Naomi’s Reading Palace
Oh yes! We loved Connor! Thanks Naomi :)
DeleteThe excerpt sounds really intriguing.. I'm so behind on romance books. I think the last New Adult book I read was about four months ago, I remember I binge read about 100 of them last year, and I barely look at them now :( I'm adding this to my TBR though, thank you for sharing.<3 Benish | Feminist Reflections
ReplyDeleteYou're Very Welcome :)
Delete