Crossing the Line | Kelly Jamieson

I was ecstatic to be back in Kelly Jameison’s hockey world! Oh how I love how she writes hockey. One of the reasons that I simply adore her books is because they are filled with characters that are not afraid of their feelings, work through them like adults, and are people you genuinely wish you could be friends with. And Crossing the Line was absolutely no different- even though we are on a new team in a new city.  

Let’s start with Mabel.  She has always been viewed as the quirky flighty sibling and friend.  But in reality is very accomplished in her career as a librarian.  She is well educated and has a variety of interests.  She also has a light around her that draws people to her, but that light has been dimmed a little over the last few years.  Fresh out of a toxic relationship she lands on her twin brother, Marek’s couch.  Ben Antonov is living his childhood dream of playing professional hockey with his best friend Marek, or Smitty. However, there is pressure on Ben to be more outgoing and engage with the community more which is not at all in Ben’s wheelhouse.  In addition, his best friend, Marek’s twin, arrives in town crashing on their couch. It brings back all his old feelings he once had for….but something is not right with Mabel and he’s the one that notices. 
I love the history that Mabel and Ben share- and how their perceptions of one another are so different from what the other thinks it is.  These two immediately start to build a friendship and see that the other one has strengths and attributes the other doesn’t have. I really love how Ben was so open and honest about what he sees are his shortcomings, when really those are things that draw most people to him, Mabel included.  Ben has a giant heart and is able to see so much, including how much Mabel is hurting and keeping from those closest to her.  Mabel and Ben give into their romantic feelings and OH MY GOODNESS.  Ben…sweet Jesus this man! The chemistry that this duo have not only between the sheets but outside of them make them such an amazing pair. They truly bring out the best in one another.  If you enjoy a brother’s best friend, throw in hockey, a book loving librarian, with well developed characters this most definitely is the book for you!  Also, if Kelly is a new to you author this is a fantastic place to start but know you will be doing a binge of her other books!