Scan barcode
mischievous_monkey's review against another edition
4.0
Update for 2/8/23 audiobook experience:
Since the audiobook edition is not an option yet here on GR I am going to put my thoughts on it here where it doesn't belong but where I can consult it later if I am pondering a re-listen. In short, don't re-listen but enjoy the book in the written form. The narrator did not work for me.
7/18/20
Jessica L. Webb excels at building relationships and is a master of unusual and interesting premises.
Since the audiobook edition is not an option yet here on GR I am going to put my thoughts on it here where it doesn't belong but where I can consult it later if I am pondering a re-listen. In short, don't re-listen but enjoy the book in the written form. The narrator did not work for me.
7/18/20
Jessica L. Webb excels at building relationships and is a master of unusual and interesting premises.
hsinjulit's review against another edition
4.0
Constable Bridget "Marley" Marlowe has trouble following rules. After visiting Aimee, the eight-year-old daughter of drug kingpin Randolph West she secretly decided to take care of, Marley ends up knifed in the wrong side of town. Dr. Devon Wolfe, a psychologist on leave due to mental burnout, finds the injured Marley in a dark alley in the rain. This unplanned encounter leads Devon into West's drug chaos. But with Marley by her side, Devon is finally able to feel herself again, and everything is going to be okay.
A thunderstorm started as I was nearing the end of the book, and it was a perfect addition to my reading experience.
The main character of Storm Lines is probably neither Marley nor Devon, but Aimee. She is a mature eight-year-old with heavy burdens and selective mutism. Aimee's relationship with her grandmother Carla is also sweet, despite not knowing each other that well. With both Marley and Devon trying to keep the pair safe, the four of them form somewhat of a family and I really enjoyed their home dynamics.
I love how Marley and Devon are both so in tuned with each other. A lot of the small interactions between them remain unspoken, but they pick up on all non-verbal cues. Though their romantic relationship is not the main storyline, Marley and Devon have been supporting each other through the stressful times of cracking the drug case. I think their time together during dire times has strengthened their bond significantly. Perfect timing also plays a part as Marley needs help while physically recovering from the attack and Devon is trying to work her way out of her mental burnout.
While Storm Lines did not tug on me emotionally, I felt especially connected with Devon. I have to constantly remind myself not to drain my own energy in social encounters, too. This Webb book is a great romance intrigue and highly entertaining. I am definitely interested in checking out other works by Webb as well.
I received an e-ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A thunderstorm started as I was nearing the end of the book, and it was a perfect addition to my reading experience.
The main character of Storm Lines is probably neither Marley nor Devon, but Aimee. She is a mature eight-year-old with heavy burdens and selective mutism. Aimee's relationship with her grandmother Carla is also sweet, despite not knowing each other that well. With both Marley and Devon trying to keep the pair safe, the four of them form somewhat of a family and I really enjoyed their home dynamics.
I love how Marley and Devon are both so in tuned with each other. A lot of the small interactions between them remain unspoken, but they pick up on all non-verbal cues. Though their romantic relationship is not the main storyline, Marley and Devon have been supporting each other through the stressful times of cracking the drug case. I think their time together during dire times has strengthened their bond significantly. Perfect timing also plays a part as Marley needs help while physically recovering from the attack and Devon is trying to work her way out of her mental burnout.
While Storm Lines did not tug on me emotionally, I felt especially connected with Devon. I have to constantly remind myself not to drain my own energy in social encounters, too. This Webb book is a great romance intrigue and highly entertaining. I am definitely interested in checking out other works by Webb as well.
I received an e-ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
woolfian's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
liezlk9's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book and struggled to put it down. Jessica is one of the best writers in this genre in my opinion and this book stands out in her already impressive body of work. I found it interesting that she reversed the roles of the leads a bit. I expected the cop to be the androgynous character. The story is catchy and not predictable. The characters in this book are so well rounded and realistic, especially Devon and Marley. Both these characters are on a journey of discovery. Very few authors can get the reader to understand a character's emotional state this well. Little Aimee just broke my heart but I totally adored her. The romance between Devon and Marley felt real and the timing felt right (something that doesn't happen that often in this genre). The police procedural part of the book was interesting but not too complicated and boring to lose my attention. I appreciated the fact that the main character actually remained quite ill for a while after the stabbing and didn't miraculously recover in a day. The pace and the balance of the book are perfect. I would highly recommend this title and vote for another Devon and Marley book!
liezlk's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book and struggled to put it down. Jessica is one of the best writers in this genre in my opinion and this book stands out in her already impressive body of work. I found it interesting that she reversed the roles of the leads a bit. I expected the cop to be the androgynous character. The story is catchy and not predictable. The characters in this book are so well rounded and realistic, especially Devon and Marley. Both these characters are on a journey of discovery. Very few authors can get the reader to understand a character's emotional state this well. Little Aimee just broke my heart but I totally adored her. The romance between Devon and Marley felt real and the timing felt right (something that doesn't happen that often in this genre). The police procedural part of the book was interesting but not too complicated and boring to lose my attention. I appreciated the fact that the main character actually remained quite ill for a while after the stabbing and didn't miraculously recover in a day. The pace and the balance of the book are perfect. I would highly recommend this title and vote for another Devon and Marley book!
claire60's review against another edition
4.0
Jessica L. Webb writes engaging, well thought out, plot driven lesbian novels which happen to have a romance in it. Storm Lines is mostly about Aimee West an 8 year old who was rescued from her drug dealing father by Constable Bridget 'Marley' Marlowe a tough butch police officer with Canadian police. Dr Devon Wolfe a psychologist on stress leave finds Marley bleeding in an alley they become friends as Devon takes over in looking after Aimee and her Grandmother Carla, whilst Marley is recovering. So many interesting plot strands in this book, the ongoing criminal investigation, the difficulties of being a psychologist for busy city hospital trauma department, science of developing a drug to create customers for life (that interacts with a virus, crikes!), the homophobia that Marley contends with as an out Police officer, the delicate slow work or supporting a child so traumatised that she refuses to speak, all of these are explored with care, intellect and make for a gripping read. I found the story of Aimee touching and intriguing, especially as these various women tried to keep her safe. The romance between Marley and Devon is built credibly, slowly and is part of their lives rather than the whole focus which is refreshing. I also enjoyed reading a book set on Canada for a pleasant change.
With thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
With thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
judeinthestars's review against another edition
5.0
Devon Wolfe, a burnt-out psychologist, is on her way to a meeting when she stumbles onto a wounded cop. Bridget “Marley” Marlowe was knifed because she cares about people. At the moment, the people she cares about are Aimee, a young girl caught in a drug ring, and her grandmother Carla.
I can’t get enough of Jessica L. Webb’s writing. Despite their many differences, there’s something in her books that reminds me of [a:Cari Hunter|4826521|Cari Hunter|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1337455635p2/4826521.jpg]'s, in that they’re equally dark and heartwarming. They tell the darkest stories, dive deep into the abyss of the most sinister parts of the human soul, yet they do this with the best characters, people you can imagine meeting and very easily getting attached to. I wouldn’t say they’re easy to love, however, but they are definitely worth the effort.
Love. There’s a lot of love in this story. Devon and Marley’s falling in love follows a very untraditional path. If you’re looking for hot and heavy, you’ll be disappointed. The romance is extremely slow burn yet intense. Fate brought these two together, they both feel it and neither wants to rush it. There’s no need to rush anything when it’s as obviously meant to be and there’s so much chemistry. Webb manages to tell that story without it being boring for even one second. It’s incredibly satisfying because it’s slow, not despite being slow.
The second love story centres around Aimee, who has already seen too much in her young life, but who is lucky enough to have found her grandmother, Marley and Devon. The four of them become a family of sorts, closer and stronger than many biological families.
As usual with Webb, the gritty arc is excellent but what’s even better is how the characters react to it, how hardship brings out the best in them. In Storm Lines even more than in her other books, at least the ones I’ve read (I still have [b:Shadowboxer|41813992|Shadowboxer|Jessica L. Webb|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1536784280l/41813992._SY75_.jpg|64364044] on my list), the characters’ strength stems from their vulnerability. Devon is overcoming a mental breakdown while Marley is recovering from more physical injuries. Neither allows her own trouble to prevent her from getting invested fully in saving Aimee and Carla, even if it means breaking some rules, something Marley is a lot more comfortable with than Devon. Storm Lines is very plausible as a thriller but what I will remember, I’m sure, is the people and how they come together in the face of danger.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I can’t get enough of Jessica L. Webb’s writing. Despite their many differences, there’s something in her books that reminds me of [a:Cari Hunter|4826521|Cari Hunter|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1337455635p2/4826521.jpg]'s, in that they’re equally dark and heartwarming. They tell the darkest stories, dive deep into the abyss of the most sinister parts of the human soul, yet they do this with the best characters, people you can imagine meeting and very easily getting attached to. I wouldn’t say they’re easy to love, however, but they are definitely worth the effort.
Love. There’s a lot of love in this story. Devon and Marley’s falling in love follows a very untraditional path. If you’re looking for hot and heavy, you’ll be disappointed. The romance is extremely slow burn yet intense. Fate brought these two together, they both feel it and neither wants to rush it. There’s no need to rush anything when it’s as obviously meant to be and there’s so much chemistry. Webb manages to tell that story without it being boring for even one second. It’s incredibly satisfying because it’s slow, not despite being slow.
The second love story centres around Aimee, who has already seen too much in her young life, but who is lucky enough to have found her grandmother, Marley and Devon. The four of them become a family of sorts, closer and stronger than many biological families.
As usual with Webb, the gritty arc is excellent but what’s even better is how the characters react to it, how hardship brings out the best in them. In Storm Lines even more than in her other books, at least the ones I’ve read (I still have [b:Shadowboxer|41813992|Shadowboxer|Jessica L. Webb|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1536784280l/41813992._SY75_.jpg|64364044] on my list), the characters’ strength stems from their vulnerability. Devon is overcoming a mental breakdown while Marley is recovering from more physical injuries. Neither allows her own trouble to prevent her from getting invested fully in saving Aimee and Carla, even if it means breaking some rules, something Marley is a lot more comfortable with than Devon. Storm Lines is very plausible as a thriller but what I will remember, I’m sure, is the people and how they come together in the face of danger.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
elvang's review against another edition
4.0
Psychologist Dr. Devon Wolfe is on medical leave from the hospital where she works in the Emergency department, helping the staff manage their anxiety and stress. Caring for others has left her reeling and doubting her skills along with the program she has designed to help others. She is heading to her hospital’s HR department hoping to extend her sick leave when she stumbles upon a woman bleeding in an alley. From this chance meeting, the lives of Devon and Constable Bridget “Marley” Marlowe intertwine as they race to protect a young girl and her grandmother in danger from the girl's drug lord dad.
This story starts off in thriller fashion and the reader is hooked from the first page. We watch as Devon and Marley try to protect this damaged child and her worried grandmother. Devon’s skills at working with victims of trauma help her communicate with young Aimee while Marley tries to hunt down the bad guys. I liked how Aimee coming out of her shell parallels Devon’s reawakening of her skills as a psychologist.
Webb has a way of drawing you into the lives of these ordinary people under extraordinary circumstances. I find reading her books almost voyeuristic. She captures the human condition and reveals it slowly and with care. I also appreciate how her settings set the tone for her books. This dark and brooding story filled with danger is mirrored in the gritty steel city of Hamilton at the height of summer heat and humidity. Working class people going about their average lives with the criminal element and of course drugs, waiting to grab the innocent along with the guilty. There are romantic elements and sparks are there between Marley and Devon but the focus is on their growing love for this little girl and their desire to protect her at all cost.
A great read and solid addition to Ms. Webb’s stellar catalogue of books.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
This story starts off in thriller fashion and the reader is hooked from the first page. We watch as Devon and Marley try to protect this damaged child and her worried grandmother. Devon’s skills at working with victims of trauma help her communicate with young Aimee while Marley tries to hunt down the bad guys. I liked how Aimee coming out of her shell parallels Devon’s reawakening of her skills as a psychologist.
Webb has a way of drawing you into the lives of these ordinary people under extraordinary circumstances. I find reading her books almost voyeuristic. She captures the human condition and reveals it slowly and with care. I also appreciate how her settings set the tone for her books. This dark and brooding story filled with danger is mirrored in the gritty steel city of Hamilton at the height of summer heat and humidity. Working class people going about their average lives with the criminal element and of course drugs, waiting to grab the innocent along with the guilty. There are romantic elements and sparks are there between Marley and Devon but the focus is on their growing love for this little girl and their desire to protect her at all cost.
A great read and solid addition to Ms. Webb’s stellar catalogue of books.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
fionabond's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book in many ways. The characters were interesting, especially little Aimee. I feel like the story as a whole was enjoyable, the writing style was good, and it was well paced. I feel like the initial meeting of the two leading characters was a bit coincidental, and wish it had been more a little more realistic. I also felt that the culmination of the case was a little melodramatic. I would have liked the story to have gone down a less obvious route. But all in all I really enjoyed reading this book and found it to be very easy to read. Definitely one for anyone wanting some good female LGBT+ fiction.
gmzzn's review against another edition
3.0
While I was very excited to read this, it failed to live up to my expectations of romance and of mystery. The romance, supposed to be a slow burn, actually ended up feeling too fast - they go through taking care of a child (and her grandmother) and trying to figure out who is putting drugs in the city, and then suddenly they're in love?
This book is very well written, though. If I had picked it up wanting like a police mystery thing, investigating crimes and figuring out new clues, perhaps I would've enjoyed it more. But overall it felt like a lot of drama (though quite realistic, with the way trauma messed up with Aimee) and very slow paced, to the point halfway through I was really bored. The pace picked up on the last 30% of the book, maybe, but the big reveal still felt kinda anticlimatic.
It was enjoyable enough, I guess, despite letting me down on the romance...
(I got a free digital copy of this book through Netgalley!)
This book is very well written, though. If I had picked it up wanting like a police mystery thing, investigating crimes and figuring out new clues, perhaps I would've enjoyed it more. But overall it felt like a lot of drama (though quite realistic, with the way trauma messed up with Aimee) and very slow paced, to the point halfway through I was really bored. The pace picked up on the last 30% of the book, maybe, but the big reveal still felt kinda anticlimatic.
Spoiler
Like, so the dad isn't all that, just this random woman that showed up suddenly in the plot? And her big threat is fake bombs? She doesn't even have a gun or anything to threaten the people she's meeting up with?It was enjoyable enough, I guess, despite letting me down on the romance...
(I got a free digital copy of this book through Netgalley!)