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michalice's review
3.0
Blurred Lines is the fifth book in the Out of Line series, and is one that I somehow skipped, and found myself jumping straight into book 5.5 when I received it for review. After realising my mistake it was too late to stop reading and go back, so Blurred Lines just sat and waited to be read. This one was a book I did initially struggle to read, I think because the previous books I already had a connection with the characters, so going into this was like starting a new series. Once I was a few chapters into the book that was when I became invested in the characters. There were moment in the book that I thought the characters were crazy, that they jumped into things far too fast and it was far too rushed, only really learning about the other person after everything was said and done, which obviously revealed family secrets and drama. I did enjoy reading Blurred Lines, and by the end of the book I did like the characters, but for me personally the characters relationship was very rushed and hurried.
caseroo7's review
5.0
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
I can honestly say that I have been waiting for Riley's story since his character was introduced! While he wasn't meant for Carrie, I absolutely loved him and needed to know him better! Jen McLaughlin did such a fantastic job with Riley's story in Blurred Lines, that I honestly think that this might be my favorite in the entire series! While I loved Finn and Carrie, Riley is just such a special character. If you haven't read any of this series yet, you can still read Blurred Lines since it is a standalone story. However, I would definitely recommend reading the rest of the books because they are great and because you really get to see more of how Riley got to this point.
Riley Stapleton has never been lucky in love. His ex cheated on him, he just found his fiance naked on his couch with her ex boyfriend, and the one girl he really loved is married to the love of her life and is only his best friend. So Riley goes to a bar to drown his sorrows of his latest failure of a relationship and ends up meeting Noelle Brandt. With no place to stay, she takes him in and the two feel an immediate connection. The more they learn of each other, the more they like. But Riley has always done what was expected of him, and he knows that Noelle will never be the woman his mother approves of. After all, his father is running for vice president with Carrie's dad, and Noelle writes romance books for a living. For once though, Riley decides to live in the moment and take what he wants rather than worrying about what everyone else thinks. But Noelle and Riley are both keeping secrets from each other that could destroy everything if the truth came out.
I love Riley so much. In the past he didn't always do things that I liked, especially when it came to Carrie, and yet there was just something about his character that made me fall hard for him. I felt so badly for him and all that he had been through, he was so unlucky and had been treated horribly. But he was immediately different with Noelle, and I found that I loved him even more for it. He was so fun and carefree with her, and I loved seeing him finally begin to really loosen up. He wanted Noelle, and he was determined to have her. It was really fun seeing him pursue her and wear her down. Noelle had also been through a lot, and she needed Riley just as badly as he needed her. I thought it was great that she was a romance writer and she wasn't afraid to keep going after she had lost so much. She was fun and flirty with Riley, and these two just seemed to bring out the best in one another. Riley helped Noelle to see that she was able to move forward with her life, and I liked that he let her know just what he thought of her. She was so shy and didn't really believe his compliments at first, so I was glad that he took the time to really show her he meant everything that he said. These two were so much more than just that though, their chemistry was off the charts.
Overall, I really loved this story from start to finish. Noelle and Riley were so cute together, and their relationship was easy and natural. I usually am not a fan of insta-love stories, because I never really believe them. Usually they seem rushed or unrealistic, but that wasn't the case here. Jen McLaughlin proved to me with Blurred Lines that sometimes there is no set time frame for love and it can happen with one look. Riley and Noelle worked, and I found myself believing in their relationship from the very start. I knew these two were meant to be together and that they were the perfect match for one another. I would highly recommend this series to contemporary and NA fans, but to me Blurred Lines was the best one yet. Jen McLaughlin continues to deliver stories that are heartfelt and captivating and give the reader all the feels. I cannot wait to read more from her in the future, and I have to say that I would love to get more of the characters from this series in whatever capacity she is willing to give them. I love this series, and I am not sure I will ever be ready to let it go.
**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**
I can honestly say that I have been waiting for Riley's story since his character was introduced! While he wasn't meant for Carrie, I absolutely loved him and needed to know him better! Jen McLaughlin did such a fantastic job with Riley's story in Blurred Lines, that I honestly think that this might be my favorite in the entire series! While I loved Finn and Carrie, Riley is just such a special character. If you haven't read any of this series yet, you can still read Blurred Lines since it is a standalone story. However, I would definitely recommend reading the rest of the books because they are great and because you really get to see more of how Riley got to this point.
Riley Stapleton has never been lucky in love. His ex cheated on him, he just found his fiance naked on his couch with her ex boyfriend, and the one girl he really loved is married to the love of her life and is only his best friend. So Riley goes to a bar to drown his sorrows of his latest failure of a relationship and ends up meeting Noelle Brandt. With no place to stay, she takes him in and the two feel an immediate connection. The more they learn of each other, the more they like. But Riley has always done what was expected of him, and he knows that Noelle will never be the woman his mother approves of. After all, his father is running for vice president with Carrie's dad, and Noelle writes romance books for a living. For once though, Riley decides to live in the moment and take what he wants rather than worrying about what everyone else thinks. But Noelle and Riley are both keeping secrets from each other that could destroy everything if the truth came out.
I love Riley so much. In the past he didn't always do things that I liked, especially when it came to Carrie, and yet there was just something about his character that made me fall hard for him. I felt so badly for him and all that he had been through, he was so unlucky and had been treated horribly. But he was immediately different with Noelle, and I found that I loved him even more for it. He was so fun and carefree with her, and I loved seeing him finally begin to really loosen up. He wanted Noelle, and he was determined to have her. It was really fun seeing him pursue her and wear her down. Noelle had also been through a lot, and she needed Riley just as badly as he needed her. I thought it was great that she was a romance writer and she wasn't afraid to keep going after she had lost so much. She was fun and flirty with Riley, and these two just seemed to bring out the best in one another. Riley helped Noelle to see that she was able to move forward with her life, and I liked that he let her know just what he thought of her. She was so shy and didn't really believe his compliments at first, so I was glad that he took the time to really show her he meant everything that he said. These two were so much more than just that though, their chemistry was off the charts.
Overall, I really loved this story from start to finish. Noelle and Riley were so cute together, and their relationship was easy and natural. I usually am not a fan of insta-love stories, because I never really believe them. Usually they seem rushed or unrealistic, but that wasn't the case here. Jen McLaughlin proved to me with Blurred Lines that sometimes there is no set time frame for love and it can happen with one look. Riley and Noelle worked, and I found myself believing in their relationship from the very start. I knew these two were meant to be together and that they were the perfect match for one another. I would highly recommend this series to contemporary and NA fans, but to me Blurred Lines was the best one yet. Jen McLaughlin continues to deliver stories that are heartfelt and captivating and give the reader all the feels. I cannot wait to read more from her in the future, and I have to say that I would love to get more of the characters from this series in whatever capacity she is willing to give them. I love this series, and I am not sure I will ever be ready to let it go.
**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review
4.0
Blurred Lines by Jen McLaughlin is the fifth installment of the Out of Line Series. I absolutely loved the opener of this book. Riley Stapleton is the only child of a senator. He's in his 30s, a successful lawyer, and engaged to be married. Riley pulls up to his house and he knows his fiancee Sarah is inside with another man on his custom couch after they just mailed out their wedding invites. Riley is furious but resigned. He thought Sarah was a safe choice..clearly not. They were set up by Riley's mother and their families were socially similar. He didn't love Sarah but was hoping it would grow in time. He's bummed out that his planned life has been destroyed, leaves his house, and heads to a bar.
Enter Noelle Brandt. Noelle is an erotic romance author visiting San Diego for a writer's conference and can't take her eyes off the sexy man (Riley) pounding whiskey at the bar. Noelle's backstory is beyond sad and downright traumatic...most recently she lost the love of her life. Noelle finds the sloppy-drunk Riley lingering by the elevator. They start up a conversation and Noelle learns that he can't book a room--the hotel is full. Well, she invites Riley to sleep on the empty bed in her room, rather than have him crash in his car. This behavior completely being out of the ordinary for Noelle but she feels like Riley is safe. Not sure how smart this move is but hey, I am reading a romance novel.
They both swear that nothing's going to happen when they get back to the room. They are both a bit drunk and begin to share some intimate details about each other....one thing leads to another and they end up in bed. Without ruining what happens, Riley does the unthinkable and Noelle is enraged. The banter between the two is absolutely comical.
had what was probably the best two chapter introductions from any book that this reader has read. This book has the most sizzling smexy scenes - By. Far. And the sweetest, smexiest, devilish characters you could ever want to read about!
You could be forgiven for getting absolutely and totally absorbed in this book from the first page. This reader sympathises. ;) Right from the beginning chapter the drama, tension and shenanigans of Riley's chaotic introduction were just laugh out loud, heartbreakingly brilliantly written. Add to the mix Noelle and their first meeting and succeeding interludes and dramas has Blurred Lines being just off the charts astounding reading!
Their hookups are sizzling, their attraction undeniable and seeminly genuine. Both of these characters are easy to love and you understand where both are coming from. The drama that unfolds hooks you in to the end.
I haven't met a Jen McLaughlin book I haven't enjoyed. This one hit the spot.
Reviewed by Candace for Cocktails and Books
Enter Noelle Brandt. Noelle is an erotic romance author visiting San Diego for a writer's conference and can't take her eyes off the sexy man (Riley) pounding whiskey at the bar. Noelle's backstory is beyond sad and downright traumatic...most recently she lost the love of her life. Noelle finds the sloppy-drunk Riley lingering by the elevator. They start up a conversation and Noelle learns that he can't book a room--the hotel is full. Well, she invites Riley to sleep on the empty bed in her room, rather than have him crash in his car. This behavior completely being out of the ordinary for Noelle but she feels like Riley is safe. Not sure how smart this move is but hey, I am reading a romance novel.
They both swear that nothing's going to happen when they get back to the room. They are both a bit drunk and begin to share some intimate details about each other....one thing leads to another and they end up in bed. Without ruining what happens, Riley does the unthinkable and Noelle is enraged. The banter between the two is absolutely comical.
had what was probably the best two chapter introductions from any book that this reader has read. This book has the most sizzling smexy scenes - By. Far. And the sweetest, smexiest, devilish characters you could ever want to read about!
You could be forgiven for getting absolutely and totally absorbed in this book from the first page. This reader sympathises. ;) Right from the beginning chapter the drama, tension and shenanigans of Riley's chaotic introduction were just laugh out loud, heartbreakingly brilliantly written. Add to the mix Noelle and their first meeting and succeeding interludes and dramas has Blurred Lines being just off the charts astounding reading!
Their hookups are sizzling, their attraction undeniable and seeminly genuine. Both of these characters are easy to love and you understand where both are coming from. The drama that unfolds hooks you in to the end.
I haven't met a Jen McLaughlin book I haven't enjoyed. This one hit the spot.
Reviewed by Candace for Cocktails and Books
tinaq's review
1.0
This book has caused me to lose a little faith in the world of publishing. The back cover was a far better read than the book itself, which is extremely disappointing. The writing felt juvenile, there was more telling than showing and the sex scenes where described with words like beautiful, huge, Oh My God and The F word. I haven't even finished yet and I'm writing a review on how disappointing and ridiculous it was. I had every intention of reading her other books. That won't happen now. I won't waist the time. I'd rather read Fifty Shades.
elylibrarysec's review
5.0
I received this book for review from InkSlinger PR and from the author. I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review.
Riley gets quite the surprise when he gets home. Noelle Brandt knows how to relax and have a good time. Their first meeting is quite interesting. And from then on be prepared to get comfortable because this is a read that will be hard to put down.
You will notice that they both seem to have a certain amount of vulnerability that makes them relatable to the reader. One thing you will notice is that Ryder has a way with words but in certain situations those words seem to get lost. If you’re going to love one character, you might want to watch out for Emily – she’s sassy and exactly the person Noelle needs in her life.
Another interesting thing I found, while reading, was Noelle’s choice of career. It had me wondering what our author used for inspiration. The author also takes the time to sneak in a life lesson about going after what you want to make you happy. She also knows the right combination that will make you laugh.
This is a story that shows the reader that it’s ok to move on after losing someone special. They will always be in your heart no matter how much time has passed by but you have so much living to do – and wouldn’t it be nice to share it with someone? There are some people that feel that they don’t deserve it – but they do. I found this is one of those books where I listened to the words – they speak volumes. With the right narrator, I bet this would be a great audiobook (just sayin’).
This can be read as a stand-alone or you can use it as a great incentive to go back and read the rest of the series (if you haven’t already). I think this would be a perfect book to read for Valentine’s Day but it can be read at any time of the year. You may also find that you will want to read it more then once. You cannot go wrong by adding this book to your library.
Riley gets quite the surprise when he gets home. Noelle Brandt knows how to relax and have a good time. Their first meeting is quite interesting. And from then on be prepared to get comfortable because this is a read that will be hard to put down.
You will notice that they both seem to have a certain amount of vulnerability that makes them relatable to the reader. One thing you will notice is that Ryder has a way with words but in certain situations those words seem to get lost. If you’re going to love one character, you might want to watch out for Emily – she’s sassy and exactly the person Noelle needs in her life.
Another interesting thing I found, while reading, was Noelle’s choice of career. It had me wondering what our author used for inspiration. The author also takes the time to sneak in a life lesson about going after what you want to make you happy. She also knows the right combination that will make you laugh.
This is a story that shows the reader that it’s ok to move on after losing someone special. They will always be in your heart no matter how much time has passed by but you have so much living to do – and wouldn’t it be nice to share it with someone? There are some people that feel that they don’t deserve it – but they do. I found this is one of those books where I listened to the words – they speak volumes. With the right narrator, I bet this would be a great audiobook (just sayin’).
This can be read as a stand-alone or you can use it as a great incentive to go back and read the rest of the series (if you haven’t already). I think this would be a perfect book to read for Valentine’s Day but it can be read at any time of the year. You may also find that you will want to read it more then once. You cannot go wrong by adding this book to your library.
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