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Alpha Ops #2
Over the Line
The last time James Walker saw Beth Garcia, he was carrying her off the battlefield. A year later, he runs into her as she’s completing her last physical therapy appointment before she can be deployed again. She’s still sexy as hell, but just as prickly and hard-headed as she was when they first met.
An arranged rock climbing weekend together quickly turns into a nightmare family wedding after a panicked phone call from his sister about mysterious and ominous emails she’s been receiving.
Beth, thinking she’s going rock climbing for the weekend, is surprised when she realizes the biggest rock she’ll be facing is the one James needs her to wear. And while trying to protect James’s sister, she’ll also have to lie to James’s father, the Director of the CIA, about who she is, jeopardizing her carefully planned career. And while she does owe James her life, he’s in for a wild ride if he thinks he can get away with this deception unscathed…
An arranged rock climbing weekend together quickly turns into a nightmare family wedding after a panicked phone call from his sister about mysterious and ominous emails she’s been receiving.
Beth, thinking she’s going rock climbing for the weekend, is surprised when she realizes the biggest rock she’ll be facing is the one James needs her to wear. And while trying to protect James’s sister, she’ll also have to lie to James’s father, the Director of the CIA, about who she is, jeopardizing her carefully planned career. And while she does owe James her life, he’s in for a wild ride if he thinks he can get away with this deception unscathed…
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
23 people are currently reading
1036 people want to read
About the author
Emmy Curtis
28 books175 followersEmmy Curtis is a Romance author. An ex-pat Brit, she quells her homesickness with Cadbury Flakes and Fray Bentos pies. She's lived in London, Paris and New York, and has settled for the time being, in Tokyo. When not writing, Emmy loves to travel with her military husband and take long walks with their dogs. All things considered, her life is chock full of hoot, just a little bit of nanny. And if you get that reference...well, she already considers you kin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
October 6, 2014
3.5 - "I love the smell of gunpowder at lunchtime." Stars.
Over the Line is the first full length book of the Alpha ops series. I absolutely loved the prequel novella Dangerous Territory and I was interested to see where Emmy Curtis would take the series.
One hell of a soldier. One hell of a woman.
Beth Garcia and James Walker featured in Dangerous Territory but more as secondary characters, and after being injured while on that operation, Beth is back stateside, awaiting re-up orders after being declared ‘Medically Fit’ again for active service, 9 months later. This book is wholly theirs, and it is at this point where she bumps into James again, and agrees to a weekend climbing date with him.
Things don’t quite go to plan, and a weekend climbing in the Appalachians, actually turns into a weekend with James’ family for his older sister’s wedding.
All she needed in life was work, getting deployed, and landing her dream job in the CIA.
I liked this book, but I didn’t love it. It turns out that James comes from an extremely wealthy and highly politically orientated family, with the Walker roots firmly established in Washington, this book and the storyline is mainly focused in that area, and not in the theatre of war, which is where my expectations were based after reading the novella, and that being the main thing Beth and James have in common. I found all the political intrigue, the side-plots and James’ totally abhorrent family a little too much at points, and it wasn’t too hard to work out who the ‘Villains’ of the piece were, as the story developed.
”What happens in D.C. stays in D.C.”
The main thing that stands out for me with this book is that Emmy Curtis is an extremely skilled writer. Even though the storyline wasn’t quite what I was expecting, and the time-frame (3 days) that the main bulk of the action takes place a little speedy, I found the writing and the story development easy to get absorbed in, as well as James and Beth themselves really likeable characters. The absolutely stellar epilogue gets a star all on its own.
Harry and Matt are up next in the Alpha Ops series, inPushing the Limit which is due early November 14. I am looking forward to getting down and dirty with them in a hostile environment, and seeing what sort of adventure that Emmy has written for them!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Over the Line is the first full length book of the Alpha ops series. I absolutely loved the prequel novella Dangerous Territory and I was interested to see where Emmy Curtis would take the series.
One hell of a soldier. One hell of a woman.
Beth Garcia and James Walker featured in Dangerous Territory but more as secondary characters, and after being injured while on that operation, Beth is back stateside, awaiting re-up orders after being declared ‘Medically Fit’ again for active service, 9 months later. This book is wholly theirs, and it is at this point where she bumps into James again, and agrees to a weekend climbing date with him.
Things don’t quite go to plan, and a weekend climbing in the Appalachians, actually turns into a weekend with James’ family for his older sister’s wedding.
All she needed in life was work, getting deployed, and landing her dream job in the CIA.
I liked this book, but I didn’t love it. It turns out that James comes from an extremely wealthy and highly politically orientated family, with the Walker roots firmly established in Washington, this book and the storyline is mainly focused in that area, and not in the theatre of war, which is where my expectations were based after reading the novella, and that being the main thing Beth and James have in common. I found all the political intrigue, the side-plots and James’ totally abhorrent family a little too much at points, and it wasn’t too hard to work out who the ‘Villains’ of the piece were, as the story developed.
”What happens in D.C. stays in D.C.”
The main thing that stands out for me with this book is that Emmy Curtis is an extremely skilled writer. Even though the storyline wasn’t quite what I was expecting, and the time-frame (3 days) that the main bulk of the action takes place a little speedy, I found the writing and the story development easy to get absorbed in, as well as James and Beth themselves really likeable characters. The absolutely stellar epilogue gets a star all on its own.
Harry and Matt are up next in the Alpha Ops series, inPushing the Limit which is due early November 14. I am looking forward to getting down and dirty with them in a hostile environment, and seeing what sort of adventure that Emmy has written for them!
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
March 14, 2016
Just Under the Line of a Great Read
This is my first read by Emmy Curtis. My love of military stories drew me to this book, which I think I purchased on a Book Bub deal. While it was well-written, I didn't quite feel connected to the characters or story.
On the battlefield in Afghanistan, soldier Beth gets shot but airman James carries her off the field to safety. It's a year later, when Beth is healed and eager to re-deploy, that she runs into James again. He was smitten with her then and smitten with her now, and he asks her to go rock-climbing with him. Fate intervenes to take them instead to his sister's wedding, where they have to fake being engaged to survive his family.
I did enjoy Beth's toughness:
Yup, scarier than him not finding her attractive would be to discover that yet another man wanted to be spanked for being a "bad boy". Unfortunately, she seemed to have that tough vibe about her. She was very, very tough in uniform, which in turn made the last three guys who had asked her out expect to be punished after dessert.
And James seems like an honorable guy. His territorial claim to his car made me laugh:
"I thought we'd take the Audi."
Beth grinned. "Can I drive?"
His face fell. He looked at his keys, and then again at Beth. "Well, I don't...it's just that I never..."
She burst out laughing. "It's okay. I didn't expect you to give up your baby that easily. You drive." The relief that flooded his face made her laugh harder. "Seriously? It's like I really asked you for your baby."
"You did," he replied weakly.
"Come on, let's go, you sad, sad person."
My image of James:
There are threats against James's sister that neither Beth nor James seem to take that seriously. At one point they hear a gunshot but it's not until the second gunshot that they decide to investigate. That puzzled me.
James's father is the director of the CIA, which also doesn't seem to be an authentic storyline. If the CIA director doesn't know the meaning of the word cojones, I think our national security is in major jeopardy!
This is my first read by Emmy Curtis. My love of military stories drew me to this book, which I think I purchased on a Book Bub deal. While it was well-written, I didn't quite feel connected to the characters or story.
On the battlefield in Afghanistan, soldier Beth gets shot but airman James carries her off the field to safety. It's a year later, when Beth is healed and eager to re-deploy, that she runs into James again. He was smitten with her then and smitten with her now, and he asks her to go rock-climbing with him. Fate intervenes to take them instead to his sister's wedding, where they have to fake being engaged to survive his family.
I did enjoy Beth's toughness:
Yup, scarier than him not finding her attractive would be to discover that yet another man wanted to be spanked for being a "bad boy". Unfortunately, she seemed to have that tough vibe about her. She was very, very tough in uniform, which in turn made the last three guys who had asked her out expect to be punished after dessert.
And James seems like an honorable guy. His territorial claim to his car made me laugh:
"I thought we'd take the Audi."
Beth grinned. "Can I drive?"
His face fell. He looked at his keys, and then again at Beth. "Well, I don't...it's just that I never..."
She burst out laughing. "It's okay. I didn't expect you to give up your baby that easily. You drive." The relief that flooded his face made her laugh harder. "Seriously? It's like I really asked you for your baby."
"You did," he replied weakly.
"Come on, let's go, you sad, sad person."
My image of James:
There are threats against James's sister that neither Beth nor James seem to take that seriously. At one point they hear a gunshot but it's not until the second gunshot that they decide to investigate. That puzzled me.
James's father is the director of the CIA, which also doesn't seem to be an authentic storyline. If the CIA director doesn't know the meaning of the word cojones, I think our national security is in major jeopardy!
October 27, 2014
I so love pretending stories. Two people who may not otherwise give each other a chance are put in a situation where they pretend to be a couple. Add to that some serious chemistry and you have yourself a story. This one adds some mystery and suspense that help get at least one of these two over some silly reasons why they can't be together. I loved it.
Sexy military guys are always a favorite. James is definitely that. He's a hero and a good guy. Drawn to Beth, he doesn't understand why she's afraid of giving them a chance. But when they end up at his sister's wedding pretending to be a couple, he sees his chance to change her mind.
Beth is bada$$. Saved in Afghanistan by James, she feels the need to re-pay him. So the least she can do is make his life a little easier at his sisters wedding by keeping his parents matchmaking tricks at bay. But she is so attracted to him and this close quarters thing is making it hard to resist him.
I read this in about a day. Not sure of the mystery kept the pages flying. The strong heat between these two helped speed things along as well. This is a great military romance with some hot soldiering and a side of pretending. If that's your thing, give this one a go.
Sexy military guys are always a favorite. James is definitely that. He's a hero and a good guy. Drawn to Beth, he doesn't understand why she's afraid of giving them a chance. But when they end up at his sister's wedding pretending to be a couple, he sees his chance to change her mind.
Beth is bada$$. Saved in Afghanistan by James, she feels the need to re-pay him. So the least she can do is make his life a little easier at his sisters wedding by keeping his parents matchmaking tricks at bay. But she is so attracted to him and this close quarters thing is making it hard to resist him.
I read this in about a day. Not sure of the mystery kept the pages flying. The strong heat between these two helped speed things along as well. This is a great military romance with some hot soldiering and a side of pretending. If that's your thing, give this one a go.
July 21, 2015
I liked it. The military action scene at the first sets the scene well for who the characters are. I didn't really have a problem with the woman being a spec ops warrior which I many times do because that has a tendency not to ring true. Don't know why it worked here maybe because it was short and maybe because it was written pretty straight forward without a lot of info dumpy superlatives. Well anyway most of the story was not about that but about a weekend a year later where the two pretend to be engaged at his sisters wedding. The chemistry between the two of them was was believable and pretty hot. There was a bit of fairly well done action and some relationship angst but it all worked out pretty believably in the end. I would be willing to read another in the series.
December 26, 2015
D'accord avec Trin, trop light et superficiel même si bien écrit.
February 23, 2015
James and Beth were introduced in the prequel novella - Dangerous Territory, in epically dramatic style. During a mission in Afghanistan, Special Forces Agent Beth was injured, and Air Force Sergeant James Walker came to her rescue, literally carrying her off the battlefield. At that stage his attraction to her was clear, and this book picks up from that exact moment when James goes off to save Beth, and from his POV, we REALLY get to see his attraction to her. It’s not until nine months later when James and Beth are unexpectedly reunited as she is finishing up her rehab that we discover that that attraction goes both ways.
Wanting to grab the opportunity to spend time with Beth before she is deployed again, he invites her away for a weekend for rock climbing. She agrees, but instead they get sucked into James’ family drama, and end up spending the weekend at his parents’ house in order to attend the high-profile wedding of James’ older sister – all while pretending to be an engaged couple.
It’s not exactly a unique set up, but there are extra elements at play which make this situation extra twisty. Not to mention that James’ parents are controlling assholes of the highest order, the bride is receiving threats, and Beth is threatening her future career by even being there. And most exciting of all is the mad chemistry between James and Beth.
Beth is a woman in a ‘man’s world’. She is strong, brave and fierce, dedicated to her career, and she has worked her ass off to get where she is. She hasn’t been with anybody in a long time because her job is hard, and demands a lot of her, and she wants a man who appreciates her strength, but isn’t intimidated by it, or expects her to be a dominatrix. With some great banter and teasing, and some very smooth moves, things between her and James get very heated very quickly, and his confidence and determination to have her only adds to the attraction.
The UST builds slowly, with both of them acknowledging that they want each other, but Beth doesn’t want a relationship, and James doesn’t want anything less. So there’s a bit of back and for before it all comes too much and then holy hotness! They are both dirty talkers, and with a pool house all to themselves, they get up to all kinds of sexiness.
The impending danger that they both sense coming adds to the intensity of their weekend and provides a bit of intrigue to the story, but while this is technically a military book, and James and Beth are both active in the military, it doesn’t really form much of a focus of the story. They’re both still on active duty and they do both get the opportunity to go a bit badass but, for me, it didn’t have the ‘feel’ that I was hoping for.
And then the misunderstandings, their reluctance to talk about a possible relationship, and James’ friend and family dramas got to be annoying. I mean, is his father really that stupid?
I also didn’t feel the romance as much as I would have liked. The chemistry was definitely there, but their lack of communication about how they were really feeling was frustrating, and it wasn’t until the very end that I actually felt like something was happening between them. But when it did happen, I was left with a huge smile on my face.
I loved the first book in this series, and have been really looking forward to the release of this book, and while I enjoyed it I was just expecting… more. But I am still looking forward to the next in the series featuring Matt and Harry (nope, it’s not m/m - Harry is a girl). We meet them both in this book, and I’m definitely interested in reading their story.
3 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wanting to grab the opportunity to spend time with Beth before she is deployed again, he invites her away for a weekend for rock climbing. She agrees, but instead they get sucked into James’ family drama, and end up spending the weekend at his parents’ house in order to attend the high-profile wedding of James’ older sister – all while pretending to be an engaged couple.
It’s not exactly a unique set up, but there are extra elements at play which make this situation extra twisty. Not to mention that James’ parents are controlling assholes of the highest order, the bride is receiving threats, and Beth is threatening her future career by even being there. And most exciting of all is the mad chemistry between James and Beth.
Beth is a woman in a ‘man’s world’. She is strong, brave and fierce, dedicated to her career, and she has worked her ass off to get where she is. She hasn’t been with anybody in a long time because her job is hard, and demands a lot of her, and she wants a man who appreciates her strength, but isn’t intimidated by it, or expects her to be a dominatrix. With some great banter and teasing, and some very smooth moves, things between her and James get very heated very quickly, and his confidence and determination to have her only adds to the attraction.
The UST builds slowly, with both of them acknowledging that they want each other, but Beth doesn’t want a relationship, and James doesn’t want anything less. So there’s a bit of back and for before it all comes too much and then holy hotness! They are both dirty talkers, and with a pool house all to themselves, they get up to all kinds of sexiness.
The impending danger that they both sense coming adds to the intensity of their weekend and provides a bit of intrigue to the story, but while this is technically a military book, and James and Beth are both active in the military, it doesn’t really form much of a focus of the story. They’re both still on active duty and they do both get the opportunity to go a bit badass but, for me, it didn’t have the ‘feel’ that I was hoping for.
And then the misunderstandings, their reluctance to talk about a possible relationship, and James’ friend and family dramas got to be annoying. I mean, is his father really that stupid?
I also didn’t feel the romance as much as I would have liked. The chemistry was definitely there, but their lack of communication about how they were really feeling was frustrating, and it wasn’t until the very end that I actually felt like something was happening between them. But when it did happen, I was left with a huge smile on my face.
“I only want you. I want to see if this can be anything.” He stepped closer and whispered, “Or everything. You get me?”
I loved the first book in this series, and have been really looking forward to the release of this book, and while I enjoyed it I was just expecting… more. But I am still looking forward to the next in the series featuring Matt and Harry (nope, it’s not m/m - Harry is a girl). We meet them both in this book, and I’m definitely interested in reading their story.
3 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2014
4 1/2 Stars
The last time James saw Beth she was being rushed away for treatment after he risked his life to save hers. He can't get her out of his head though, and not because of the harrowing experience. He dreams of her and those dreams don't take place on the battlefield they take place in a bed! Imagine his surprise when he bumps into her during his first weeks at his new assignment. What was suppose to be a easy date to go rock climbing turns into meeting his family.
Beth is strong and practical, she cares for her family strongly; and actually has more of a connection with her small family than James has with his large influential one. In their hearts Beth and James are a perfect match. I enjoyed them immensely. They had funny banter that was not filled with lots of loving platitudes. They sizzled the page and pulled at my heartstrings at the same time.
The plot was easy to follow with a slight suspense plot. Even though Beth and James are both active military this should not be classified as a military romance. My only complaint is that we did not seem glimpse at the couple from the prequel novella. This book was an amazing followup to the novella that gave us a glimpse at this couple.
Sometimes when you love a prequel to a new series it is hard for the next book to measure up; not in this case OH MY - this book is fantastic!
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.
My complete review - with quotes - will be on http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com/ 10/3/2014 .
The last time James saw Beth she was being rushed away for treatment after he risked his life to save hers. He can't get her out of his head though, and not because of the harrowing experience. He dreams of her and those dreams don't take place on the battlefield they take place in a bed! Imagine his surprise when he bumps into her during his first weeks at his new assignment. What was suppose to be a easy date to go rock climbing turns into meeting his family.
Beth is strong and practical, she cares for her family strongly; and actually has more of a connection with her small family than James has with his large influential one. In their hearts Beth and James are a perfect match. I enjoyed them immensely. They had funny banter that was not filled with lots of loving platitudes. They sizzled the page and pulled at my heartstrings at the same time.
The plot was easy to follow with a slight suspense plot. Even though Beth and James are both active military this should not be classified as a military romance. My only complaint is that we did not seem glimpse at the couple from the prequel novella. This book was an amazing followup to the novella that gave us a glimpse at this couple.
Sometimes when you love a prequel to a new series it is hard for the next book to measure up; not in this case OH MY - this book is fantastic!
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.
My complete review - with quotes - will be on http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com/ 10/3/2014 .
August 4, 2016
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***Received the ebook from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an honest review
The cover is definitely nice…man in a shower!
This is the 2nd book in the series. The first book was only a novella though, and this book is around 270ish pages. It is for adults only due to the steamy content. I don’t think you have to read them in order, but I know I am :)
You should know I’m not usually one for reading realistic fiction. I usually run the other way. I have fallen in love with Emmy’s work though. I was in the Air Force, and I have worked with TACPs when I was in stationed in Korea. Emmy’s stories make me miss my time with them. She gets it right which is why I think I love the books so much. I loved my time in the Air Force especially when I was stationed in Korea. I miss all of my Air Force buds.
James Walker is definitely an Alpha, and I wonder if I have met whoever inspired his character. Beth is an amazing and fierce woman warrior. I loved the story from start to finish. Plenty going on to keep my attention and make me miss the good old days as an airman in the Air Force.
I highly recommend this book to all those who love and support the armed forces especially the fantastic Air Force personnel all over the world!!
***Received the ebook from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an honest review
The cover is definitely nice…man in a shower!
This is the 2nd book in the series. The first book was only a novella though, and this book is around 270ish pages. It is for adults only due to the steamy content. I don’t think you have to read them in order, but I know I am :)
You should know I’m not usually one for reading realistic fiction. I usually run the other way. I have fallen in love with Emmy’s work though. I was in the Air Force, and I have worked with TACPs when I was in stationed in Korea. Emmy’s stories make me miss my time with them. She gets it right which is why I think I love the books so much. I loved my time in the Air Force especially when I was stationed in Korea. I miss all of my Air Force buds.
James Walker is definitely an Alpha, and I wonder if I have met whoever inspired his character. Beth is an amazing and fierce woman warrior. I loved the story from start to finish. Plenty going on to keep my attention and make me miss the good old days as an airman in the Air Force.
I highly recommend this book to all those who love and support the armed forces especially the fantastic Air Force personnel all over the world!!
October 23, 2014
I got my first glimpse of Sergeant Beth Garcia and Senior Master Sergeant James Walker in Curtis' awesome Alpha Ops novella, "Dangerous Territory." To say these two got thrown together in intense circumstances is an understatement! He saved her ass after she laid it on the line for her team. They were both so freaking amazing, I couldn't wait to see more of Beth and James.
"Over the Line" was totally worth the wait! I loved getting to know them better. They're heroic, but human too. They have their issues and baggage. Oh...and they have chemistry. Lots of chemistry. Better still, they have intense, evolving, often conflicting emotions to back it up.
Even though their story takes place stateside, don't let your guard down. There's plenty of threats, action and suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. There's also plenty of sexy tension and sexytimes to keep your pulse pounding. ;)
Curtis' clean, evocative writing delivers a tight story in a fast, compelling, highly readable package. I devoured this book!
"Over the Line" was totally worth the wait! I loved getting to know them better. They're heroic, but human too. They have their issues and baggage. Oh...and they have chemistry. Lots of chemistry. Better still, they have intense, evolving, often conflicting emotions to back it up.
Even though their story takes place stateside, don't let your guard down. There's plenty of threats, action and suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. There's also plenty of sexy tension and sexytimes to keep your pulse pounding. ;)
Curtis' clean, evocative writing delivers a tight story in a fast, compelling, highly readable package. I devoured this book!
November 12, 2014
I love a great Romantic Suspense book! Any book that has the words Alpha & Ops in the title, you know I am going to look at those first. I have read and loved the first book/novella in this series,Dangerous Territory, which sets the whole idea for the rest of the series, so when I had the opportunity to read & read book #2, Over The Line, I jumped at the chance!
Over The Line has all the super sexy hot man candy a girl can handle, and I think I handled it very well! There is also sizzling poolside sexy time and a sexual awareness between James & Beth that almost set my Kindle on fire! I love when a story that you are reading gets you emotionally involved and Over The line does just that. From the edge of your seat suspense to the sweltering scenes between James & Beth I am absolutely in love with this series and cannot wait for Emmy Curtis to produce more. The next book in this series is Pushing The Limit and is due out around 11/4/2014!
Over The Line has all the super sexy hot man candy a girl can handle, and I think I handled it very well! There is also sizzling poolside sexy time and a sexual awareness between James & Beth that almost set my Kindle on fire! I love when a story that you are reading gets you emotionally involved and Over The line does just that. From the edge of your seat suspense to the sweltering scenes between James & Beth I am absolutely in love with this series and cannot wait for Emmy Curtis to produce more. The next book in this series is Pushing The Limit and is due out around 11/4/2014!
February 10, 2017
Eight months after saving her life in Afghanistan, and finally home himself, James Walker feels it's time he made his move on Beth Garcia, the woman he's been salivating over while they were deployed together. A rock-climbing weekend is pretty harmless as far as seduction goes, but he'll be killing two birds with one stone—make a pass (or more) on Beth and avoid his sister's wedding.
Then a call from his younger sister comes, and James knows it's all over. He'll have to go to the wedding, and brave his parents...But maybe, if Beth tags along, say, as his fiancée, she could keep the vultures at bay, and he could still make a pass (or more).
This story starts with the ambush in Dangerous Territory when Beth is injured and James saves her life. But there any similarities between the books end. While the aforementioned first book in this series had everything going on for it—tight plot, great writing, good pacing, great characters, danger, nail-biting action...this one didn't.
I loved the first and last few chapters, but it was everything in between that dropped the ball. From the voice, the drop in pacing, and even the narrative style in some scenes, it looked like this book was written by two different authors. The beginning and the end were well-structured, well-paced, the characters were likeable and adult-like, while in the middle it all came apart at the seams.
Beth, the strong, confident, self-assured Army Sergeant of a heroine, apparently shed all that with her uniform the minute she stepped foot in James' parent's house, and started acting like a teenager, hiding things, doubting things, not asking questions and not talking (which seems to be the crucial thing in this story) to the hero, who also suffered a slight character transplant in the middle of the story.
The second biggest problem was, as mentioned before, the feel the majority of the chapters were written by someone else. In Dangerous Territory Emmy Curtis excelled in making her characters shine both individually and as a "couple" while under a stressful situation. It was the same in the first chapter of this book (still set in Afghanistan), but as the stress of a danger zone wore off and then disappeared all together with the change of setting, the great writing blinked off. And only reappeared in the end (once again set in Afghanistan only not under a stressful situation), where the two leads once more became their "true" characters from the beginning of the story. I loved those two chapters set in Afghanistan (the last one being my favorite, because it was just so sweeeet). I wanted more of such well-written chapters, damn it!
And the third problem, also as mentioned before, was the pacing. Any slower and it would've been going backwards. The book was rife with fillers. Dialogue, inner musing and dialogues, scenes...The sex scenes were particularly filler-ish. I admit I liked Beth and James better when in the throes of their unresolved sexual tension, poised on the precipice only to be interrupted (or as James so eloquently put it "cockblocked by his own sister"). As soon as they made the plunge (literally), their "love" scene became formulaic without much feeling, just two characters going through the motions. And it got from bad to worse. Once the sex scenes become dull and boring, and you end up skimming the pages or skipping them altogether just to get things moving a little faster, you know you're in trouble.
This story would definitely have worked better as a novella, by keeping the beginning and end, trimming the unnecessary fillers, tightening the plot (the mystery sub-plot was so diluted by the mundane going on around it, I almost forgot there was a mystery) and keeping the "original" characters.
Its length was this story's killer.
Then a call from his younger sister comes, and James knows it's all over. He'll have to go to the wedding, and brave his parents...But maybe, if Beth tags along, say, as his fiancée, she could keep the vultures at bay, and he could still make a pass (or more).
This story starts with the ambush in Dangerous Territory when Beth is injured and James saves her life. But there any similarities between the books end. While the aforementioned first book in this series had everything going on for it—tight plot, great writing, good pacing, great characters, danger, nail-biting action...this one didn't.
I loved the first and last few chapters, but it was everything in between that dropped the ball. From the voice, the drop in pacing, and even the narrative style in some scenes, it looked like this book was written by two different authors. The beginning and the end were well-structured, well-paced, the characters were likeable and adult-like, while in the middle it all came apart at the seams.
Beth, the strong, confident, self-assured Army Sergeant of a heroine, apparently shed all that with her uniform the minute she stepped foot in James' parent's house, and started acting like a teenager, hiding things, doubting things, not asking questions and not talking (which seems to be the crucial thing in this story) to the hero, who also suffered a slight character transplant in the middle of the story.
The second biggest problem was, as mentioned before, the feel the majority of the chapters were written by someone else. In Dangerous Territory Emmy Curtis excelled in making her characters shine both individually and as a "couple" while under a stressful situation. It was the same in the first chapter of this book (still set in Afghanistan), but as the stress of a danger zone wore off and then disappeared all together with the change of setting, the great writing blinked off. And only reappeared in the end (once again set in Afghanistan only not under a stressful situation), where the two leads once more became their "true" characters from the beginning of the story. I loved those two chapters set in Afghanistan (the last one being my favorite, because it was just so sweeeet). I wanted more of such well-written chapters, damn it!
And the third problem, also as mentioned before, was the pacing. Any slower and it would've been going backwards. The book was rife with fillers. Dialogue, inner musing and dialogues, scenes...The sex scenes were particularly filler-ish. I admit I liked Beth and James better when in the throes of their unresolved sexual tension, poised on the precipice only to be interrupted (or as James so eloquently put it "cockblocked by his own sister"). As soon as they made the plunge (literally), their "love" scene became formulaic without much feeling, just two characters going through the motions. And it got from bad to worse. Once the sex scenes become dull and boring, and you end up skimming the pages or skipping them altogether just to get things moving a little faster, you know you're in trouble.
This story would definitely have worked better as a novella, by keeping the beginning and end, trimming the unnecessary fillers, tightening the plot (the mystery sub-plot was so diluted by the mundane going on around it, I almost forgot there was a mystery) and keeping the "original" characters.
Its length was this story's killer.
January 18, 2024
J'ai bien aimé, bien que l'histoire soit légère.
October 7, 2014
My Review:
I read and enjoyed the novella that prefaced the official start of this series, but that in no way prepared me for just how good this book was. I loved this book. It was smart, suspenseful, filled with fun, and a couple of seriously kick-butt soldiers (or in James's case...airman.)
I'll admit I have a weakness for military themed books, but the fact this one features scenes where the author has obviously been on Fort Bragg/Pope makes it even better. We lived there for three years and it was so fun to "visit" the base even if Air Force housing has gone to the pits. But enough about my personal aside...back to the review.
This book was amazing.
Not only did this book have a great military premise, but it also had a great story that had nothing to do with the military, but instead focused on James's absolutely dysfunctional family.
James and Beth met in Afghanistan. He had a crush on her for months before he saved her life. The book takes place a year later when the two run across each other again in NC and James convinces Beth to spend a weekend rock-climbing with him. Although she has a pretty strict no-dating rule, she likes him a lot and gives in during a moment of weakness. On the way he gets a phone call and the two end up diverting to his parents house in DC for his sister's wedding...something he was working hard to avoid.
There are lots of books that use the fake girlfriend/fiancee as the basis for the story, but something about the way this one was written really set it apart. James's family is not the norm...his dad is Director of the CIA, where Beth hopes to someday work. Their presence is full of pretense and lies, but it's understandable the more James's parents talk and establish their expectations for their children.
But at the heart of the story and what made it so good were Beth and James. It went beyond them having chemistry. I liked them together. Even when they are just friends, they have a great chemistry and work off each other so well. The dialogue in the book flowed perfectly and felt just so right in what/how things were between the two of them. Yes, they have sexual chemistry too, but their personal chemistry was through the charts too. I could believe in their friendship and the fact that they absolutely could grow old and be happy together for the next 60 years...long after the sexual chemistry diminished. There aren't many books out there that work on that level for me.
And there is action in this book too. I did mention that both these characters are in the military, right? And they aren't just military...they are highly trained, spec ops grade military with all the skills and abilities that entails. And we do get to see them in action. I loved that and how tough they both are...I love the comparison of gunshots...LOL. And then the final scene in the book before the epilogue...PERFECTION. It brought tears to my eyes and I ended the book with a smile on my face. I loved it. Emmy Curtis has a new reader fangirl in me. I can' t wait to read the second full-length book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I read and enjoyed the novella that prefaced the official start of this series, but that in no way prepared me for just how good this book was. I loved this book. It was smart, suspenseful, filled with fun, and a couple of seriously kick-butt soldiers (or in James's case...airman.)
I'll admit I have a weakness for military themed books, but the fact this one features scenes where the author has obviously been on Fort Bragg/Pope makes it even better. We lived there for three years and it was so fun to "visit" the base even if Air Force housing has gone to the pits. But enough about my personal aside...back to the review.
This book was amazing.
Not only did this book have a great military premise, but it also had a great story that had nothing to do with the military, but instead focused on James's absolutely dysfunctional family.
James and Beth met in Afghanistan. He had a crush on her for months before he saved her life. The book takes place a year later when the two run across each other again in NC and James convinces Beth to spend a weekend rock-climbing with him. Although she has a pretty strict no-dating rule, she likes him a lot and gives in during a moment of weakness. On the way he gets a phone call and the two end up diverting to his parents house in DC for his sister's wedding...something he was working hard to avoid.
There are lots of books that use the fake girlfriend/fiancee as the basis for the story, but something about the way this one was written really set it apart. James's family is not the norm...his dad is Director of the CIA, where Beth hopes to someday work. Their presence is full of pretense and lies, but it's understandable the more James's parents talk and establish their expectations for their children.
But at the heart of the story and what made it so good were Beth and James. It went beyond them having chemistry. I liked them together. Even when they are just friends, they have a great chemistry and work off each other so well. The dialogue in the book flowed perfectly and felt just so right in what/how things were between the two of them. Yes, they have sexual chemistry too, but their personal chemistry was through the charts too. I could believe in their friendship and the fact that they absolutely could grow old and be happy together for the next 60 years...long after the sexual chemistry diminished. There aren't many books out there that work on that level for me.
And there is action in this book too. I did mention that both these characters are in the military, right? And they aren't just military...they are highly trained, spec ops grade military with all the skills and abilities that entails. And we do get to see them in action. I loved that and how tough they both are...I love the comparison of gunshots...LOL. And then the final scene in the book before the epilogue...PERFECTION. It brought tears to my eyes and I ended the book with a smile on my face. I loved it. Emmy Curtis has a new reader fangirl in me. I can' t wait to read the second full-length book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
October 10, 2015
Beth Garcia is a tough as nails Army Special Forces Sergeant who has just recovered from being shot in Afghanistan 9 months ago. She owns her life to James Walker a man in her unit who carried her to safety and who she had been crushing on secretly. When they meet up again stateside James asks Beth to go rock-climbing with him and she agrees but everything goes wrong when James's sisters are getting threats and they need him to come and help them. James has a bad relationship with his parents and stays away from them even if it means missing his sister's wedding. But the threats change everything and before Beth and James know it they are pretending to be engaged. Will they be able to resist the attraction to each other and stop the person threatening Jame's sisters before it is too late?
I really loved Beth's character. She is very passionate about her job and works hard to do right by the men and women under her command. She is a fierce, passionate, smart, loyal and independent heroine. Beth hasn't had the best luck with men and she doesn't want to get into a relationship. She thinks that relationships can't survive in the military. She has seen so much cheating going on and marriages breaking up that she never wants that to happen to her. But she didn't count on her connection with James. James is from a rich family but defied them and went into the military. James has always had a crush on Beth since he joined her unit. He just wants to do what he loves and his family to respect that. Sweet, Sexy, and a Man in Uniform. James is my kinda hero. I love how James had such a respect for Beth and her dedication to her career. I hate it when the man thinks his career is more important, but James never acted like that. James parents are horrible. All they want is for him to leave the job he loves and get married to a girl that they have chosen. Some of the things his parents say around or to James about Beth are so rude and mean. I hate rich people who think they are better than everyone else. I love how Beth was so excited to be Jame's fake fiancee because his family sounded like a soap opera. James and Beth both have amazing chemistry in and out of the bedroom.I loved the suspense in the story but was happy that the focus was on the romance. I did figure out the criminal very easy, but that didn't take away from the story for me.The sex scenes were steamy hotter then hell set pages on fire hot. That scene in the bathroom with the mirrors was Holy Guacamole Hot.The ending was everything you want at the end of a romance. Emmy Curtis is a very gifted author and can't wait to read more of her books.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Content Rating: Mature 17+
Heat Rating: Hot
I really loved Beth's character. She is very passionate about her job and works hard to do right by the men and women under her command. She is a fierce, passionate, smart, loyal and independent heroine. Beth hasn't had the best luck with men and she doesn't want to get into a relationship. She thinks that relationships can't survive in the military. She has seen so much cheating going on and marriages breaking up that she never wants that to happen to her. But she didn't count on her connection with James. James is from a rich family but defied them and went into the military. James has always had a crush on Beth since he joined her unit. He just wants to do what he loves and his family to respect that. Sweet, Sexy, and a Man in Uniform. James is my kinda hero. I love how James had such a respect for Beth and her dedication to her career. I hate it when the man thinks his career is more important, but James never acted like that. James parents are horrible. All they want is for him to leave the job he loves and get married to a girl that they have chosen. Some of the things his parents say around or to James about Beth are so rude and mean. I hate rich people who think they are better than everyone else. I love how Beth was so excited to be Jame's fake fiancee because his family sounded like a soap opera. James and Beth both have amazing chemistry in and out of the bedroom.I loved the suspense in the story but was happy that the focus was on the romance. I did figure out the criminal very easy, but that didn't take away from the story for me.The sex scenes were steamy hotter then hell set pages on fire hot. That scene in the bathroom with the mirrors was Holy Guacamole Hot.The ending was everything you want at the end of a romance. Emmy Curtis is a very gifted author and can't wait to read more of her books.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Content Rating: Mature 17+
Heat Rating: Hot
October 7, 2014
Beth is ready to get back to work after the injury she sustained nine months ago in Afghanistan. She has goals for her life and hanging around her apartment isn't going to get her any closer to them. On the day that she finally gets the all-clear to return to work, she runs into James--the man who saved her. It turns out he received a promotion and has moved to North Carolina. Beth is grateful to James for his actions back in Afghanistan and when he suggest they spend the weekend together, she accepts.
James has never forgotten the Beth. From the moment he met her he has wanted her. Her strength, intelligence and beauty caught his eye way back when they served together and now that he has her run into her he's not letting her go that easily. But his plans are thwarted when his presence is required at his sister's wedding following a string of threatening emails his younger sister received. His only option: take Beth with him and hope everything works out--in both fronts.
I met Beth and James in the prequel novella Dangerous Territory. From the moment I met Beth I knew she was a character I would love to get to know better. She was strong and resilient and held her own in a man's world. Getting to know her in Over the Line only served to increase my admiration of her even at times when I wanted to shake some sense into her. I admired her tenacity, her sense of loyalty and intelligence.
James was also a great character to get to know. He was protective, loyal and caring. He was also honest to a fault and so very clueless when it came to speak his mind about the feelings he harbored for Beth. He also earned a smack upside the head from me a time or two.
Emmy Curtis did a great job in bringing James and Beth's connection to the page. With the use of flirtatious banter, heated looks and honest interactions she established, developed and maintained James and Beth's connection throughout. They had great chemistry but it was those few moments of vulnerability they shared that ultimately sold me on their relationship.
The conflict within the story was easy to figure out but entertaining nonetheless. I did find that everything fell into place a bit too easily in the end to be believable. However, it was well written and interesting enough for me to overlook the execution. It helped that I'd become invested in James and Beth's relationship making everything else secondary for me.
All in all, a hot sexy little read with strong complex characters and a bit of mystery/suspense added into the mix to round it all up.
*I received a copy of this title through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
James has never forgotten the Beth. From the moment he met her he has wanted her. Her strength, intelligence and beauty caught his eye way back when they served together and now that he has her run into her he's not letting her go that easily. But his plans are thwarted when his presence is required at his sister's wedding following a string of threatening emails his younger sister received. His only option: take Beth with him and hope everything works out--in both fronts.
I met Beth and James in the prequel novella Dangerous Territory. From the moment I met Beth I knew she was a character I would love to get to know better. She was strong and resilient and held her own in a man's world. Getting to know her in Over the Line only served to increase my admiration of her even at times when I wanted to shake some sense into her. I admired her tenacity, her sense of loyalty and intelligence.
James was also a great character to get to know. He was protective, loyal and caring. He was also honest to a fault and so very clueless when it came to speak his mind about the feelings he harbored for Beth. He also earned a smack upside the head from me a time or two.
Emmy Curtis did a great job in bringing James and Beth's connection to the page. With the use of flirtatious banter, heated looks and honest interactions she established, developed and maintained James and Beth's connection throughout. They had great chemistry but it was those few moments of vulnerability they shared that ultimately sold me on their relationship.
The conflict within the story was easy to figure out but entertaining nonetheless. I did find that everything fell into place a bit too easily in the end to be believable. However, it was well written and interesting enough for me to overlook the execution. It helped that I'd become invested in James and Beth's relationship making everything else secondary for me.
All in all, a hot sexy little read with strong complex characters and a bit of mystery/suspense added into the mix to round it all up.
*I received a copy of this title through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
October 4, 2014
Over the Line is a good addition to Emmy Curtis’ Alpha Ops series but I have to confess that, as much as I enjoyed it, there was a part of me that was a wee bit disappointed. Let me be clear, Emmy Curtis has in no way written a novel that I wouldn’t recommend. I would; I like her writing style, the humour she injects and the characters she creates. But having been hugely impressed by the prequel novella, I was hoping for more of a military themed read and this was less so as it's set on US soil and focusses around James’ wealthy family, a fake engagement and a prospective stalker.
Dangerous Territory saw Army Sergeant Beth Garcia and James Walker left in a precarious state in Afghanistan following attack. Over The Line reveals what happened and results in them meeting again 12 months later. With an evident mutual attraction, newly promoted Senior Master Sergeant James suggests a weekend date rock-climbing, which ends up actually being a weekend faking their engagement whilst attending his sister’s wedding and being faced with his awful parents. And Beth takes it all like a champ. If she's helping James out, it may as well have benefits.
"How dirty are you?"
"A whole lot. So, so dirty."
I found the first half of the book steady, but it gathered pace in the second half and I thought Beth and James were great together; with a natural chemistry, they were confident around one another and brought heat, banter, fun, fight and some touching moments. Whilst it didn’t hold any great surprises, it still had drama and emotion and was a good romantic read. Plus with the introduction of Harry and Matt (Harry is female by the way) and a snippet of their story, I am looking forward to seeing the path Emmy leads them down.
3.5 stars.
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews.
Copy received courtesy of Forever via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion
Dangerous Territory saw Army Sergeant Beth Garcia and James Walker left in a precarious state in Afghanistan following attack. Over The Line reveals what happened and results in them meeting again 12 months later. With an evident mutual attraction, newly promoted Senior Master Sergeant James suggests a weekend date rock-climbing, which ends up actually being a weekend faking their engagement whilst attending his sister’s wedding and being faced with his awful parents. And Beth takes it all like a champ. If she's helping James out, it may as well have benefits.
"How dirty are you?"
"A whole lot. So, so dirty."
I found the first half of the book steady, but it gathered pace in the second half and I thought Beth and James were great together; with a natural chemistry, they were confident around one another and brought heat, banter, fun, fight and some touching moments. Whilst it didn’t hold any great surprises, it still had drama and emotion and was a good romantic read. Plus with the introduction of Harry and Matt (Harry is female by the way) and a snippet of their story, I am looking forward to seeing the path Emmy leads them down.
3.5 stars.
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews.
Copy received courtesy of Forever via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion
October 17, 2014
This is one of those reads for me that started out with a bang and kind of fizzled out fast. Unfortunately, it was also a first time read of this author. I really wanted to like this book and I was super excited that I had my hands on a special ops love story. These are usually some of my favorite reads. Which makes this review a bit hard for me to write. Hate when I cannot nail down specifically what did not mesh for me. There were no immediate glaring issues, and I truly enjoyed Beth and James’ characters. These two were definitely fun, and as an added bonus, Beth was a kick ass female lead. It is rare for me to say that, so when I first met Beth I was wicked excited to dive in. The opening scene had me enthralled, not sure when or where it went downhill. Over the Line had everything I would normally look for in a 4-5 star rating: it featured some great characters, action and drama, tension, a balanced amount of fight and flight, as well as an HEA. Which leads me to think that what threw me off may have been the author’s writing style. My three star rating came down to the fact that while Over the Line was a quick, easy read, it did not hold my attention for too long or leave me in a rush to get back to it, and to be honest I skimmed pages. After that first action scene, it was hard to stay connected to the characters on a deeper level. Sadly, somewhere along the line, I lost that initial excitement and connection and it became more about finishing the book out of obligation.
Thank you, Grand Central Publishing, for a complimentary copy of Over the Line.
Thank you, Grand Central Publishing, for a complimentary copy of Over the Line.
October 27, 2014
Great story, hot sex, complex characters - fun, fast read that will make your heart race...
check out my complete review over on Romance@Random:
http://romanceatrandom.com/over-the-l...
check out my complete review over on Romance@Random:
http://romanceatrandom.com/over-the-l...
October 7, 2014
Looooooved it. Lots of action and lots of dreamy sexy times! :)))))
December 25, 2015
Beaucoup trop superficiel. Bizarre que l'histoire de Sadie et Simon n'existe pas (ou j'ai mal cherché ?)
February 7, 2018
Surprenant… Voici un romance qui commence superbement bien ! Le prologue est plus que prometteur et laisse penser que ce romantic suspense sera enlevé, chaud bouillant et plein de danger. Je voyais déjà se profiler une excellente note. Et soudain, badabam ! Les deux héros se présentent devant la demeure des Walker, et ce récit se transforme en niaiserie stupide. C’est si rapide et si flagrant que je me suis demandé si je ratais quelque chose. L’aspect militaire disparaît définitivement et nous voici dans un contexte espionnage avec des membres du CIA d’une bêtise sans nom. On se demande même comment cela a pu être jugé publiable tellement c’est peu et mal travaillé. Qui peut croire que cette propriété n’est pas mieux gardée ?
Alors cela se veut être une comédie romantique, mais l’ensemble est poussif. Nos deux héros ne pensent qu’à baiser comme des lapins alors que tout ce petit monde est pris en otage par des pieds nickelés. C’est ennuyeux, et on n’y croit pas. D’accord, les deux héros sont gentils comme tout, mais les autres personnages eux non plus ne tiennent pas la route tant ils semblent superficiels. Cette comédie manque d’intensité. Je veux bien lire un roman « sans prise de tête », mais pas « tête de linotte » !
Alors cela se veut être une comédie romantique, mais l’ensemble est poussif. Nos deux héros ne pensent qu’à baiser comme des lapins alors que tout ce petit monde est pris en otage par des pieds nickelés. C’est ennuyeux, et on n’y croit pas. D’accord, les deux héros sont gentils comme tout, mais les autres personnages eux non plus ne tiennent pas la route tant ils semblent superficiels. Cette comédie manque d’intensité. Je veux bien lire un roman « sans prise de tête », mais pas « tête de linotte » !
February 10, 2018
Bien apprécié ce livre de romance militaire teinté d'humour et de suspense.
December 4, 2019
Review to Follow:
May 21, 2020
Enjoyable read
This is my second Emmy Curtis book and I really enjoyed it, Beth and James are a wonderful characters and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This is my second Emmy Curtis book and I really enjoyed it, Beth and James are a wonderful characters and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Read
December 12, 2020I wasn't engaged by the writing style, characters, or the plot here. DNF and unhauled.
July 12, 2022
Fake dating
Military
Military
October 7, 2014
I was so excited when I found out about Emmy Curtis's new Alpha Ops Series. I was EVEN MORE excited when I read the novella, Dangerous Territory . Needless to say, I was quite relieved when I started reading Over The Line and I was ecstatic Over The Line was shaping up to be even better than DT. Which bodes well for the next book, Pushing the Limit (11/4/14).
After meeting James and Beth briefly, in Dangerous Territory, I was quite intrigued and eager to read this book. I knew pretty early on, that James Walker had carved himself a spot on my Book Boyfriend list. FOR REAL. I have to tell you that I LOVE this guy. He just....totally worked for me. Good googly moogly. Boo-yah.
As for Beth, I really liked her too. Aside from a few decisions she made, she didn't really make me want to shake her. She was tough as hell but she also appreciated that with James she didn't have to be the badass she HAD to be as a special forces soldier. Personally, I identified with Beth. I'm not a girly girl and feeling/acting vulnerable is not my thing. She totally asserted herself sexually with James and WOW, that made for some very memorable sexytimes. Take my word for it, hot flashes were had during the reading of this one.
This is one of those reviews where I'd love to wax poetic over all of the reasons I enjoyed it but I'm not going to. Plain and simple, I enjoy this author's voice and I LOVED this book.
Can't wait for the next book in November!!
Giveaway: I have 2 giveaways for you!
1. Emmy's publisher, Forever Yours, (GCP) is offering an e copy of Over The Live via Netgalley. All you have to do is comment below and I'll randomly pick a winner. Please be sure to subscribe to the comments, so you'll know if you won. Just say whatever you want!
2. Emmy has graciously donated to my SSBR Celebration Giveaway! Signed copies of Over The Line! Check it out: SSBR GIVEAWAY.
Purchase OTL: Amazon // Barnes and Noble // Books-A-Million // GooglePlay // iTunes
Dangerous Territory: Goodreads// Amazon // B&N // Kobo // iTunes // GooglePlay
Pushing the Limit: Goodreads //B & N // iTunes // Kobo (11/4/14)
November 27, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ov...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Scott
Over the Line is another installment in the Alpha Ops Line of Romantic-Suspense novels; each its own independent book. It was just the delightful, light and airy distraction that makes a late summers read. Sexy and slick, the twists and turns the novel takes both plot and the characters’ relations to the reader in spades. Meet Beth, a Special Forces operative. From the moment Sergeant James Walker, Tactical Air Support Party, saves her life in Afghanistan, the two star-crossed individuals begin a rollicking road of untamed passion to ultimate love.
The characters are nothing but believable. Beth has supressed her feelings for far too long, focusing on her career, and trying not to stand out as weak in a male dominated field. James though, makes her feel different – he turns her on, melts her, for some strange reason. On the other hand, James is attracted to Beth right away. Purely physical at first, his emotional hit swings right back at him as he begins to fall for the woman behind the tough exterior.
What starts as a simple rock climbing getaway turns into a nightmare for James, as members of his estranged family have been getting disturbing e-mails over the course of his sister’s wedding; and his father, the Director of the CIA and doting mother who want him out of the USAF, into politics and married to a person of the right pedigree. With Beth posing as his fiancée, over the course of the weekend, the two get involved in affairs that lead to love and ultimately treason.
Speaking of affairs, this book holds nothing back. Beth and James’ feelings for each other spiral out of control and the novel just sizzles with sexual tension. There is just enough of it to build up to a climactic moment, and release without it degenerating into blank erotica. The sex scenes are racy and sensual, almost inviting the reader to share in the achingly vivid emotional highs and lows. The writing style is well polished and shines outstandingly here.
The only problem I had was with the interactions between the plot and character development. The plot was interesting enough, and could have been expanded upon quite easily and still read like a contemporary romance. The development of the characters didn’t grow out of the actions taking place in the novel, but rather on their proximity to one another. This could have also been subsumed into the work if the novel wasn’t so focused on getting Beth and James naked as much as possible over the course of two days. However, that’s how most works in this genre operate, so it did not come as much of a surprise.
If racy, suspense filled romances coupled with military precision writing is your game, then you should give this a read. It definitely surprised me.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Scott
Over the Line is another installment in the Alpha Ops Line of Romantic-Suspense novels; each its own independent book. It was just the delightful, light and airy distraction that makes a late summers read. Sexy and slick, the twists and turns the novel takes both plot and the characters’ relations to the reader in spades. Meet Beth, a Special Forces operative. From the moment Sergeant James Walker, Tactical Air Support Party, saves her life in Afghanistan, the two star-crossed individuals begin a rollicking road of untamed passion to ultimate love.
The characters are nothing but believable. Beth has supressed her feelings for far too long, focusing on her career, and trying not to stand out as weak in a male dominated field. James though, makes her feel different – he turns her on, melts her, for some strange reason. On the other hand, James is attracted to Beth right away. Purely physical at first, his emotional hit swings right back at him as he begins to fall for the woman behind the tough exterior.
What starts as a simple rock climbing getaway turns into a nightmare for James, as members of his estranged family have been getting disturbing e-mails over the course of his sister’s wedding; and his father, the Director of the CIA and doting mother who want him out of the USAF, into politics and married to a person of the right pedigree. With Beth posing as his fiancée, over the course of the weekend, the two get involved in affairs that lead to love and ultimately treason.
Speaking of affairs, this book holds nothing back. Beth and James’ feelings for each other spiral out of control and the novel just sizzles with sexual tension. There is just enough of it to build up to a climactic moment, and release without it degenerating into blank erotica. The sex scenes are racy and sensual, almost inviting the reader to share in the achingly vivid emotional highs and lows. The writing style is well polished and shines outstandingly here.
The only problem I had was with the interactions between the plot and character development. The plot was interesting enough, and could have been expanded upon quite easily and still read like a contemporary romance. The development of the characters didn’t grow out of the actions taking place in the novel, but rather on their proximity to one another. This could have also been subsumed into the work if the novel wasn’t so focused on getting Beth and James naked as much as possible over the course of two days. However, that’s how most works in this genre operate, so it did not come as much of a surprise.
If racy, suspense filled romances coupled with military precision writing is your game, then you should give this a read. It definitely surprised me.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
October 15, 2014
James *sexy as HELL* Walker totally rocked my world in Emmy Curtis's new series Over the Line! He is everything I love in a military hero; Fearless, Alpha, Funny, Sexy, and Rich. Let me start by admitting that I'm a book cover whore. I look at a book cover and make snap decisions about whether or not the book is even worth the effort. When I saw this cover I thought OH MY but then I read the description......and my OH MY was instantly deflated. Thinking been there, read that, I wasn't enthusiastic about starting this one....but I made a promise to myself when I joined NetGalley to review all books that I request so here I went. As you can see by the rating above I LOVED this book.
Individually, Beth and James are both awesome characters. Both are completed dedicated to serving their country, both would risk their lives to save a fellow squad member, and both are fearless when it comes to danger. Together, these two were adorable, snarky, and downright fun. They initially meet while working together in Afghanistan and form a unbreakable bond when James saves Beth's life after she injured during an attack. Once Beth has been safely secured, James is whisked away to continue his duties while Beth is sent home to finish recovering from her injury. It takes 9 long months for the two to cross paths again and both are equally shocked and elated to be in close proximity again.
Emmy Curtis does an excellent job of keeping the story interesting while also straying away from your typical boy meets girl, boy and girl instantly fall in love, and then boy marries girl. Inside, Curtis really plays to Beth's strength and allows James to respect her for her training and not constantly try to protect and shield her. Don't get me wrong, he definitely doesn't want to see her hurt but he also allows Beth to take his back and side when needed.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn about James's family of origin. To say they were straight from an episode of Scandal is an understatement. The Walkers were crazy insane and I won't go into detail because I don't wish to spoil the book for anyone interested in reading it. I really would have like to read more about Beth's hesitance towards forming long-term relationships but the author didn't really do much to explore that fear other than to say her father left when she was very young.
Overall, Over the Line was a really good read. If you like authors such as Cristin Harber, Maya Banks and Cindy Gerard, you will love Emmy Curtis. I'm giving this one 4 Sweltering Keys because I loved it, can't wait to read he next book and....oh yea James was HOT!
Check out more of our reviews at http://diariesof2thickchicks.blogspot...
Individually, Beth and James are both awesome characters. Both are completed dedicated to serving their country, both would risk their lives to save a fellow squad member, and both are fearless when it comes to danger. Together, these two were adorable, snarky, and downright fun. They initially meet while working together in Afghanistan and form a unbreakable bond when James saves Beth's life after she injured during an attack. Once Beth has been safely secured, James is whisked away to continue his duties while Beth is sent home to finish recovering from her injury. It takes 9 long months for the two to cross paths again and both are equally shocked and elated to be in close proximity again.
Emmy Curtis does an excellent job of keeping the story interesting while also straying away from your typical boy meets girl, boy and girl instantly fall in love, and then boy marries girl. Inside, Curtis really plays to Beth's strength and allows James to respect her for her training and not constantly try to protect and shield her. Don't get me wrong, he definitely doesn't want to see her hurt but he also allows Beth to take his back and side when needed.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn about James's family of origin. To say they were straight from an episode of Scandal is an understatement. The Walkers were crazy insane and I won't go into detail because I don't wish to spoil the book for anyone interested in reading it. I really would have like to read more about Beth's hesitance towards forming long-term relationships but the author didn't really do much to explore that fear other than to say her father left when she was very young.
Overall, Over the Line was a really good read. If you like authors such as Cristin Harber, Maya Banks and Cindy Gerard, you will love Emmy Curtis. I'm giving this one 4 Sweltering Keys because I loved it, can't wait to read he next book and....oh yea James was HOT!
Check out more of our reviews at http://diariesof2thickchicks.blogspot...
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