Member Reviews
Wow what a good book. Quiet the twists that I didn't expect. I forgot that I had this on my shelf and was happy to read it as I hadn't heard of the author before. Once I started I was like wow what was i ever waiting for.
"Crossing Lines" by Adrienne Giordano is a riveting espionage thriller that seamlessly blends danger, romance, and suspense. Set against the backdrop of a perilous rescue operation gone awry in Venezuela, the novel introduces readers to CIA operative Elizabeth Aiken, a resilient and resourceful woman whose world is turned upside down when her cover is blown.
Giordano weaves a compelling narrative that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from the first page to the last. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable as Elizabeth navigates a treacherous path, hunted by assassins and with a price on her head. The author's attention to detail creates a vivid and immersive world, making it easy to get lost in the story.
The characters, particularly Elizabeth and Shane "Viper" Quinn, are well-developed and layered. Elizabeth is a strong and determined protagonist, fighting not only for survival but also for her identity. Viper, a former Marine turned CIA operative and bar owner, adds complexity to the plot with his reluctance to get involved, despite the undeniable chemistry between him and Elizabeth.
The chemistry between the two protagonists is electric, adding a touch of romance to the intense thriller. Giordano skillfully balances the suspenseful plot with the blossoming relationship, creating a well-rounded and engaging story. The internal conflicts faced by both characters add depth, making them relatable and human.
The pacing of "Crossing Lines" is impeccable, with each chapter building upon the suspense and driving the story forward. The author successfully creates a sense of urgency that propels the reader through the narrative, making it difficult to put the book down.
Adrienne Giordano's writing style is crisp and evocative, capturing the essence of the espionage genre. The dialogue is sharp, and the action scenes are well-choreographed, adding to the overall cinematic feel of the novel.
In conclusion, "Crossing Lines" is a gripping and well-crafted espionage thriller that delivers on both suspense and romance. Adrienne Giordano proves herself as a master storyteller, creating a world that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. Fans of the genre will find themselves thoroughly engrossed in this tale of danger, intrigue, and the power of love in the face of adversity.
OMG, what a start to an explosive (literally, LOL) series!
This book was intense. Honestly--I gasped out loud more than once (though thankfully only one time in public ;)) and that last 20% or so? So. Dang. Stressful. I didn't want to put the book down until I could guarantee that things were going to end well for our heroes...darn life, making me work and stuff...
I loved Shane/Bobby and Faith/Liz, as characters and as a couple. For the longest time, though, it was so hard to see how they could possibly get to a true HEA--Liz especially was going to have to overcome some pretty ingrained habits to figure out how to find a future with someone else--and oh yeah, there's also some pretty heavy duty bad guys out to get them. Ms Giordano did a great job of (starting to) resolve Faith and Shane's personal issues, and goodness, the resolution of the conflict with the baddies? So. Intense! And that final chapter? Gave me all the warm and fuzzy vibes...
I can't wait to see where this series goes--the author gives us some very interesting and complex secondary characters here, and I am *very* interested to see if she gives us a book for one of them especially, though I'm not going to say who or why, because spoilers. If you like twisty and turny romantic suspense with strong (and occasionally slightly insane) characters, give this one a try!
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Great read, finished in 24 hrs. When Liz has to fight her way out of a dirty basement, after her cover is blown. She finds herself o the run. Shane has been in hiding for 2 years. When he’s asked to set Liz up with a new name and a new life, will he risk all he’s succeeded in accomplishing for petite woman?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
Crossing Lines is the first title in the Deep Cover series. I was hooked from the very beginning and all the way through to the end. There's plenty of suspense and action throughout the story to keep you on the edge of your seat.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley, author Adrienne Giordano, and ALG Publishing for giving me a free e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
4 stars
If you are looking for an weekend away, look not further than this book! The characters, storyline, and action had me on the end of my sit! The characters were well developed! I enjoyed getting know them as they try to stay one step ahead! This book had me staying up all night in order to finish this book. Overall, I loved this first book in this series. I would recommend this book to those who love spy/CIA books and movies. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Love it. It was well written and kept my interested through the whole book. The characters were well thought out and interesting. The storyline was edge of the seat, page turner. I recommend it to all. I recieved it as a gift and this is my voluntary review.
There is much action and suspense in this story. Very well written.
Many thanks to ALG Publishing/The Book Whisperer and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Suspense thriller, high octane action!
I'd describe Crossing Lines' genre as suspense thriller rather than crime or mystery. It is set in Chicago, and told alternatively from Liz/ Faith's and Shane's POV in the third person past tense. Adrienne Giordano's telling is immediate, suspenseful.
The following is in the context of my giving this book a solid 4*. The prologue was ironically less impactful for me than the rest of the book. The action and violence felt forced and gratuitous. It lacked a surprise factor or character development or impetus to find out more.
My introduction to Adrienne Giordano, Crossing Lines follows a romantic thread and the undercover life of a young, recently exited CIA operative, Liz/ Faith. Always on the run. Always in hiding, with few possessions, and always looking over your shoulder, expecting a bullet to finish you off.
The CIA dumps its agent, Liz, after she's taken hostage by one of the Venezuelan drug cartels that are backed by the president. She manages to escape after dispatching the Venezuelan president's son and his mafia friend. A mighty achievement for a slim woman. That's in the prologue.
A colleague int CIA, Sullivan, or Sully, puts Liz in touch with 3 ex CIA agents, who help her establish a new identity as Faith and find accommodation and get a job. Primary among them is Shane. Big, lovable and strong Shane, the love interest. The most likeable character in the book.
As they keep their head down while Faith tries to establish a new life in Chicago, someone is one step ahead of her. She's being stalked. Attempts are made on her life. Things get serious when Shane's life and livelihood are threatened. It's clear a person in their group is giving the Venezuelan president her whereabouts. But who? There's such a small cohort that I figured out the snitch midway through. However, though there was no surprise in the reveal, the story was still tense and page turning.
While falling in love, Shane and Faith hatch a plan to get revenge. Faith however, calling herself the queen of the pivot, has never been part of a team. She tends to go rogue, which sometimes annoys Shane, sometimes scares him for her safety.
High stakes, thrills, mad, bad guys, gang cartels, a country's president - it's pretty wide and focused at the same time. The CIA action and the gang stuff reads like it could happen. There's a sweet romantic touch.
Thanks to ALG Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Summer Hollywood Blockbuster + LMN movie = Crossing Lines
The book is fast, fun, entertainment. Elizabeth Aiken government operative is left to save herself, her very existence hangs in the balance. Using guile and self reliance she escapes returning to the U.S. reaching out to Shane Quinn for help. Shane a former operative has kept his head down after being disavowed by the C.I.A living under an alias. The book is non stop action as the duo along with help from allies go head to head with danger. Amidst it all Liz and Shane find themselves drawn to one another despite their precarious situation.
All in all a good read, though Liz had some questionable moments (hence the LMN reference). Looking forward to reading what comes next.
3.5 stars! Loved all the twists and turns in Crossing Lines. The book was truly a page turner and I read it in three sittings! Although it wasn't a 5 star for me because I never felt quite connected to the characters or the romance.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Crossing Lines
This was a great story about a secret agent, gone undercover, escaping the enemy and having to create a new identity for herself. She relocates with the help of another agent Shane who has made a new life for himself. And then all of a sudden they are on the run, someone has been made. Faith decides she is going to take down the leader of the Russian mob, she no longer wants to live in fear, Shane won't let her do this alone. They work out their dangerous plan.
Well written on the edge of your seat novel. I really enjoyed this read and would read more novels by Adrienne Giordano
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. This one about Shane and Faith and struggles to get away from danger put in their path. Plenty of action and characters to keep you turning the pages to get to the end.
Great characters, suspense, and unexpected twists. Really keeps you wondering what will happen next. I highly recommend this book and will add Ms. Giordano to my favorite author list.
This book is just as good as the last one I read from this author. It took me a while to get through but even so, I savored every word. The characters were well written. The story line was filled with intrigue, mystery, and a bit of romance in there. Well done story!
Crossing Lines is a story about agency operatives who were discovered and discarded from their roles and sent back to civilian life with new identities. There's a lot of action, a very good plot, an incredible woman, and three friends who hold each others' backs. But there are also lies, deceit, crime and difficult decisions to be made in order to protect the lives they have in the civilian world. Will they be able to keep their true identities undercover? This is a fast-paced and easy-to-read romance/thriller that kept me entertained for a while.
I downloaded a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
A suspense/romance/thriller with excellent writing and nail biting action scenes. It has an addictive back story involving Faith and Shane, ex-agents that have new identities and are now running from a South American drug lord/bad guy. There is adventure, intrigue and plenty of fights, blood, murder, explosions and action. Who can they trust? The romance is very slow burn and fits the story perfectly. When it comes to the handful of sex scenes, they are tasteful, nicely written, without being too graphic, and don't overtake the story - which I liked, as they didn't seem contrived. I'm now wanting to read more books by this author, as this is the first one I've read. My thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the uncorrected eARC in return for my opinion. 4.5 stars for great entertainment!
Action, action, action with a twist near the end. 3 Agents are hiding in Chicago for a few years after a mission ends badly. When they are asked to help another agent go under cover they don't agree on how or if to help her. Liz/Faith is not a team player. She does her own thing without planning. The book follows the unfolding action as a leak has her on the run. There is even a budding romance. I found myself up til the wee hours finishing this one. Good story.
Crossing Lines captured my attention from the first page. There was never a dull moment in Shane and Liz's action-packed adventure and there was always a question of who could be trusted. This is a great start to the series and I look forward to the next Deep Cover novel.
Wow, I was on the edge of my seat all the way through. This author always writes fast paced page turning stories and this one is no different. You must read this book.