Over the Line | Book Review, Guest Post + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

In this high-stakes romantic suspense novel where tensions mount on both sides of the border, bestselling author Kelly Irvin explores what happens when the past explodes against the present and the only person you can turn to is the one who broke your heart.

When a college student dies at Gabriella’s feet after muttering her brother’s name, vicious gun smugglers believe she knows too much. And they’re determined to make sure she suffers the same fate. With no one else to turn to, Gabriella reunites with her former fiancé, homicide detective Eli Cavazos, to investigate the dead man’s murder and her brother’s disappearance.

In a desperate race against time, Gabriella and Eli are determined to clear her brother and find him before the gun smugglers can kill them both. Bit by bit, they tear away the masks worn by men masquerading as law-abiding citizens. No one can be trusted.

Working as a team forces Gabriella and Eli to face the problems that ended their relationship. She realizes she’s the one who needs to learn to forgive, but Eli must also learn to trust her with his secrets.

This ragtag team must fight a powerful ring of criminals protected by the very institutions that should prosecute them in an all-out battle that may cost them their lives.

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: June 11, 2019

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MY REVIEW

Another high-stakes suspense from Kelly Irvin, Over the Line starts with a bang, quickly delving into gun smuggling, a brother’s disappearance, and a broken romance.

When a young man dies on her doorstep, Gabriella Benoit becomes caught in quite a bit of danger, somehow connected to her brother, and the only person to whom she can turn for help is her ex-fiance, homicide detective Eli Cavazos. As the pair determines to find the truth—behind what’s currently happening, as well as what broke them apart—the danger provides a number of twists and turns, even pulling Gabby’s sister and reporter-friend into it all.

Over the Line definitely delivers its promised suspense. It’s hard to know what will happen next, but it’s an exciting ride, to be sure. Still, because of all this excitement, the backstory between Gabby and Eli becomes drawn out and ill-paced, so their ending feels rushed and not entirely genuine (at least, it did to me). These characters intrigued me—and I rooted for them—but I would have appreciated just a tad more from them throughout the story.

Nevertheless, Over the Line is an interesting story and could be just the book fans of romantic suspense are looking to read right now.

★★★.5

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelly Irvin is the bestselling author of the Every Amish Season and Amish of Bee County series. The Beekeeper's Son received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, who called it a “beautifully woven masterpiece.” The two-time Carol Award finalist is a former newspaper reporter and retired public relations professional. Kelly lives in Texas with her husband, photographer Tim Irvin. They have two children, two grandchildren, and two cats. In her spare time, she likes to read books by her favorite authors. 

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GUEST POST FROM THE AUTHOR

Over the Line by Kelly Irvin turns the heat up on suspense with a setting in Laredo, Texas. Here’s a spicy chili to pair with the book while you’re reading.

3 lbs. round steak, chopped

3 lbs. chuck roast, chopped

6 T. vegetable oil

6 T. chili Powder

6 T. cumin

6 garlic cloves minced

2 whole onions, chopped

1 T. oregano

2 T. paprika

2 T. cider vinegar

4 ounces green chilies, diced

14 oz. stewed tomatoes (one can)

1 T. Tabasco sauce

2 T. cornmeal

3 c. beef broth

Brown meat in oil. Pepper to taste. Drain oil from meat, add chili pepper, cumin, garlic, and onion. Cook for 30 to 45 minutes. Stir often.

Add oregano, paprika, vinegar, 2 c. broth, green chilies, stewed tomatoes, and Tabasco sauce. Simmer 30 to 45 minutes. Stir often.

Dissolve cornmeal in one cup of beef broth. Pour into chili. Simmer another 30 minutes, stirring often. (Chili is done when meat is tender.)

Serves 8.

(adapted from 1979 World’s Fair Chili Recipe)

Kelly’s Note: My husband loves his chili with saltine crackers. I like Fritos. We all agree that chili should NOT have beans in it. My mom always made homemade cinnamon rolls to have for dessert when she made her chili. Hmmm. That sounds good. I’m off to the kitchen! Enjoy!

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate her tour, Kelly is giving away the grand prize of a copy of her book. Enter below, and be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra enemies into the giveaway.

TOUR SCHEDULE

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