Review: Cross the Line by Simone Soltani
I was eagerly anticipating the release of Cross the Line, and while I had high hopes for this debut novel, my feelings are mixed. Simone Soltani has crafted a well-written story, but it ultimately felt like a lot of vibes with not enough stakes to fully draw me in.
The novel follows Willow and Dev, childhood acquaintances brought together again by circumstance. Dev, who is Willow’s brother Oakley’s best friend, offers her a job as his social media manager to help repair his tarnished image. The story is filled with beloved tropes like brother’s best friend, forced proximity, and sports romance, with the added layers of a South Asian MMC, Black FMC, and chronic illness representation.
The relationship between Willow and Dev is undeniably sweet, and their interactions are often adorable. I appreciated how they both supported each other, with Dev’s humor shining through their dialogue. The bond they share, strengthened by years of history, felt genuine, and I found myself rooting for their happy ending. However, the extensive pining between the two often came off as whiny, which made it hard for me to stay fully invested in their romance.
Willow, with her caring and supportive nature, was easy to like, and Dev’s treatment of her was equally endearing. I particularly enjoyed the thoughtful portrayal of Willow’s hypermobility and the insight into the world of Formula 1 racing—both topics were handled with care and taught me something new.
I did listen to the audiobook. While I enjoyed Nerissa Bradley’s performance, I struggled with Vikas Adam’s performance as Dev. His voice lacked emotion and feeling.
That said, it took me some time to connect with the characters, and even then, I found the overall progression of their relationship a bit underwhelming. While there was no third-act breakup (which I usually appreciate), the dark moment was predictable and lacked the emotional punch I look for in a good romance.
The side characters added some fun to the story, but they couldn’t quite elevate my overall enjoyment. Cross the Line has its merits, especially for a debut, but it didn’t fully capture my heart. It’s a cute read but one that may leave you wanting more.
