Thank you NetGalley and the publisher Azala Press for providing me with an eARC of The Lines We Cross by Rachel Tork in exchange for an honest review. I really appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book.

Unfortunately, I had to DNF at 43%. I really tried to push through, but the lack of communication between the characters made it frustrating to read. The tension between them was well-written, and the little bit of spice I did get to was enjoyable, but overall, the plot just didn’t hold my interest.

That, paired with the pregnancy trope just turned me off completely. I usually don't mind it if there's a valid reason, but I'm so annoyed with Amelia, Rowan's friend, who was being so insensitive with the way she broke the information to Julian.

While she's right to worry and ask Rowan to tell him, she shouldn't butt into the matter this way, completely disregarding her friend's feelings even though she clearly told her to stop.

That was the last straw for me.

Maybe I would have enjoyed this more at a different time, but for the past month and a half that I’ve had this eARC, I’ve struggled to stay engaged. Sadly, this one just wasn’t for me.

I'd rate it around 2 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Azala Press for this e-arc

4.25 stars

Okay from the cover and the premise alone I was so intrigued by this book and what an enjoyable read it was. This was a one day multiple sittings read and I could not put it down unless I had too. This book is a professor x student university romance set in the music department. First off I love the names Rowan and Julian so that was very fun to read with those named characters. I loved the bit of grumpy sunshine we get with both of them while sometimes I felt like Julian was overly harsh and mean, but overtime you see he was just trying to stay in control around Rowan I still didn't love that. I did like how they both caved not their feelings and let go of essentially whatever everyone else thinks when they were able to announce their relationship too the world. I think Rowan is a very strong character who gies through a lot of hardships and grief only to find this great guy who is her teacher and then is thrown a massive curve ball that you think will derail the whole relationship but actually bring the two closer together which I think was beautiful. Loved the suspense by the antagonistic characters loved the shock reveal of who it was that was good. Overall really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend.

Thank you again to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for giving me an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a book where my head felt very critical throughout, but my heart was eating up the vibes. However, the vibes became a little too excessive for me in the second half, and I had a hard time staying with the story.

POTENTIAL MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD

Here’s what I liked:

• 10/10 on the cover. Amazing cover, I truly love it.
• At the beginning, the book gave me The Love Hypothesis vibes, but music edition, yet it was still its own story.
• I ate up the forbidden romance plus accidental pregnancy trope in this instance.

What didn’t work for me:

• I never felt or even understood the MCs connection. I didn’t see a reason for Julian’s instant obsession with Rowan at their initial meeting years prior. When they do meet again, Julian is quite rude and abrasive to her, with no hint of anything else. For me, there was no reason to have a spark between them. In addition, I saw no reason for the antagonist(s) to take such PSYCHOTIC and insane actions – what even were his motivations? He seemed simply like a plot device to push the story forward.
• In addition, a lot of the time the characters acted more like immature high schoolers than grad students with their level of gossiping and bullying. And the worst thing for me was her “best friend” spilling her secret about being pregnant to Julian a DAY after she had just found out. That's not okay in my book.
• There were too many crazy huge plot twists for me. These events were so excessive and unlikely that without a really good reason, I just couldn’t buy it.
• As a mom, it was hard to overlook errors in how pregnancy was written.

In the end, this started off with some strong vibes, but didn’t end up being the story I was expecting, though I believe others will love it, and I hope they give it a try.

You can find my review already up on my Goodreads page, and a review on Instagram coming on Wednesday, January 29.

The Lines We Cross by Rachel Tork tackles important themes of love, identity, and belonging, set against the backdrop of a divided society. The premise is intriguing, following two characters from opposite worlds whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. The story has moments of genuine emotion, and Tork’s writing style is straightforward and accessible, making it an easy read.

While the book addresses meaningful topics, the execution sometimes feels surface-level. The characters, while likable, could have used more depth, and some of their decisions felt inconsistent or rushed. Additionally, the pacing of the story was uneven, with certain parts dragging while others seemed to move too quickly, leaving little room to fully explore the emotional weight of the narrative.

That said, the message at the heart of The Lines We Cross is powerful and relevant, and readers who enjoy socially conscious romance will find moments to connect with. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC. While it wasn’t a standout for me, it’s a decent read with an important message.

This book has an intriguing premise, blending forbidden romance and emotional vulnerability. However, the romance between Rowan and Julian feels rushed, and their chemistry lacks depth. Rowan’s naivety is frustrating at times, and Julian’s internal conflict is underexplored, making key moments less impactful.

While it’s a quick read with potential, the underdeveloped characters and lack of emotional intensity leave much to be desired.

This book was not what I thought it was going to be. It started off really strongly with the forbidden romance and the yearning and pining. However, it really lost me after that. I found the plot to be unbelievable and some of the writing amateurish. I wanted to like it more than I did.

Rachel Tork’s The Lines We Cross is a beautifully written, emotionally charged romance that explores themes of grief, ambition, and forbidden love. With its slow-burning tension, richly developed characters, and an immersive academic setting, this novel is a poignant and heartfelt journey that will captivate readers from the very first page.

Plot & Emotional Depth
The story follows Rowan Evans, a passionate graduate student at Grandview University’s School of Music, whose carefully laid plans are upended when she discovers that her new advisor is none other than Dr. Julian Lynch—the enigmatic man who once offered her comfort on the anniversary of her sister’s death. What begins as a professional relationship quickly becomes entangled in unspoken feelings and undeniable chemistry, creating a simmering tension that neither of them can ignore.

Julian, a renowned musical prodigy from Scotland, is a man bound by ethics and responsibility, but Rowan’s presence challenges his carefully maintained self-control. Their growing attraction reaches a turning point on a snowy December night, leading to a moment of passion that forces them to confront the boundaries they’ve crossed—and the consequences that follow.

Tork deftly balances the weight of Rowan’s unresolved grief and personal growth with the ethical complexities of their relationship. The novel explores the delicate line between desire and duty, as Rowan and Julian navigate the risks of their forbidden love amidst the pressures of academia and their own emotional baggage.

Characters & Relationships
Rowan is a strong, relatable protagonist, driven by ambition yet haunted by loss. Her journey of healing and self-discovery is compelling, and her dynamic with Julian is both tender and fraught with tension. Julian, for his part, is a complex and layered character—brooding yet compassionate, wrestling with his own vulnerabilities while trying to uphold his professional integrity.

The push-and-pull between them is written with exquisite care, capturing the raw emotion, hesitation, and longing that make their relationship feel authentic and deeply human. Their connection is undeniable, but Tork doesn’t shy away from the very real stakes involved, making their story all the more compelling.

The supporting cast, from Rowan’s friends to faculty members, adds depth to the narrative, offering insight into the academic world and further highlighting the challenges she faces in both love and career.

Writing Style & Atmosphere
Tork’s writing is lyrical and evocative, with a keen attention to emotional detail. The musical setting is woven seamlessly into the narrative, providing a rich backdrop that enhances the novel’s themes of passion, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence. The atmospheric descriptions, from quiet practice rooms to snow-covered campus landscapes, create an immersive experience that pulls readers into Rowan and Julian’s world.

The pacing is steady, allowing the tension to build naturally without feeling rushed. Tork masterfully captures the subtleties of unspoken feelings, stolen glances, and the slow unraveling of self-restraint, making every interaction between Rowan and Julian feel meaningful and electric.

Highlights
• Emotional Resonance: The exploration of grief, ambition, and forbidden love is heartfelt and deeply moving.
• Authentic Romance: The chemistry between Rowan and Julian is intense yet delicately handled, making for a slow-burn romance that feels realistic.
• Atmospheric Setting: The academic world of music is beautifully depicted, adding layers of depth to the story.
• Strong Character Development: Both protagonists undergo meaningful growth, making their journey all the more satisfying.

Final Thoughts
The Lines We Cross is a powerful and emotionally charged romance that lingers long after the final page. Rachel Tork crafts a nuanced and thought-provoking story about love, loss, and the choices we make when faced with impossible circumstances. Fans of slow-burn academic romances with deep emotional stakes will find themselves thoroughly invested in Rowan and Julian’s journey.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
A beautifully written, poignant love story that explores the complexities of ambition, grief, and desire with grace and authenticity.

I am and always will be a sucker for a good Student/Teacher romance, and this one was *chefs kiss* I was instantly drawn into these characters and this world. I learned later that this was supposed to be based on Snape/Lily from Harry Potter and honestly it 100% gave Snape/Lily vibes, in a good way of course.

At the beginning of The Lines we Cross, Julian finds Rowan crying and offers her a handkerchief. Their interaction is brief, but neither can stop thinking about the mysterious stranger from that night. Fast forward three years, they meet again, except this time, he's her music teacher, and any feelings they have for each other are forbidden.

I would recommend this book for anyone who loves:
*Teacher/Student
*Age Gap
*Music
*Forced Proximity
*Surprise Pregnancy
*Will they/Won't they

Favorite Quote: "It was inevitable, no mater what had happened." -Julian

Favorite Character: Amelia. She is SUCH a sweet and supportive best friend.

Thank you to Netgally for a copy of this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

While I do like forbidden romances, I am not a huge fan of insta-love so it took away from the tension that you would normally expect with forbidden elements. It was a good read overall, the characters did have chemistry that made me root for them to be happy together after all the trauma they went through.

This was a wild ride—guaranteed to be an entertaining read,—but that’s it. The drama was super unhinged and, frankly, way too much at times. It felt like I was reading fan fiction and I am past that time.

The book definitely had its moments. I enjoyed the writing and the exploration of deeper themes. The main characters were complex, and even the supporting characters had strong, distinct personalities and meaningful relationships. However, the forbidden love trope was a major letdown. The guilt surrounding it didn’t feel substantial, and everyone just seemed to accept the situation way too easily because he “really loved her.” Okay, but it’s still against the rules! And there were zero consequences? Seriously, no punishment at all?

Also, let’s talk about the pregnancy. That twist was completely unexpected. I’ll admit, at first I was so disappointed I considered not finishing the ARC, but I pushed through. It turned out kind of okay, though it’s definitely not my favorite plot device, and it impacted my overall opinion of the book. On the bright side, I liked how their love continued to grow afterward, except for the rushed marriage. With all the drama packed into this book, the author could’ve saved some for this big milestone instead of brushing past it.

And Ethan! From the start, I got bad vibes from him and suspected he was the bad guy. But I never understood why he hated her so much that he wanted her dead. Was he a psychopath? Was it really just because he wanted her and couldn’t have her? But if that’s the case, why didn’t he even try to talk to her? So many questions and not enough answers.

My rating for this book is 3 stars. With more polished storytelling, I think this author has a lot of potential and a bright future ahead. Best of luck to her and everyone involved!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.

This was DELICIOUS! i thought the tension was built really well and i was hooked from the start. each of the characters had a very fleshed out personality and story. Thank you for the arc!

The cover of the book instantly drew me to this one, and I love a good forbidden relationship - this time between student (graduate) and teacher. After meeting a stranger on the anniversary of her sister's death, Rowan discovers that this stranger is her new advisor at Grandview University, Dr Julian Lynch. While Tork's writing is easy to connect with read, the unexpected pregnancy threw me off (I didn't realise it was in this book, and it's not my favourite to read about). Some plot points felt unnecessary and just for shock effect - I wanted more of these two together, connecting and evolving their relationship to really understand each other. I feel like the book really shines in those moments.

Overall, it didn't fully hit the mark for me but was still overall enjoyable. Thank you to Azala Press and Rachel Tork for the review copy, all opinions are my own.

1⭐️ dnf - I haven’t dnf’d a book in so long but this one was just not doing it for me

first of all it was super insta lovey. like first kiss at 15% kind of insta lovey. which sometimes i can power through but then she said she was falling for him at 36% and that’s just not for me. im truly a slow burn girly at heart so that’s totally on me.

second of all i was unaware this was accidental pregnancy which is also usually not for me. especially when it feels like the baby forces the couple together and in this instance since it was teacher-student you can see how it forced them together since they wouldn’t have been a couple if they just carried on.

lastly i just didn’t connect with the characters or their relationship. not even the side characters. like why did her friend not even let rowan tell julian herself? ugh. wasn’t feeling this one but it could definitely be for other people

Julian is effin' hot. Every time he called her Evans, I died.

That aside, the plot had lot of promise but things between them escalated wayyy too fast in every aspect. I wish there was more depth; like the writing style, though!

This story was heartbreaking, there were so many life punches happening at the same time that makes you wonder how the main characters kept going on. However, at the end you understand how the people in your life or the risks you take by being vulnerable towards others it’s the key to free or keep you shut out from life.

Rowan Evans is an independent and talented musician who is hold down by her fear to face her past grieves. She decides to finish her masters in great university following a brilliant tutor who unfortunately at the last moment needed to be replaced by another apparently brilliant but unknown tutor to her or though she thought.

Dr. Julian Lynch is a brilliant musician and great professor just hired to replace a brilliant tutor at a very good university. He is a handsome and serious person who lets very few people if any within his walls. He carries the memory of a sad girl he encountered years ago while trying to console her during a sunset. The connection between them is something he’d never forgotten.

This book was filled with lovely, complex, and very sick and mean characters. The plot is far from just a lovely or funny romcom. It touches heavy topics such as parental abandonment, death, attempted murder, love obsession, among other topics. At the end, there is a HEA in working process as it should be. No cliff hangers but an option to tell another character story in a following book.

I’m grateful to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC, this was the kind of book that after reading it, the story keeps coming back in flashes.

3.75 ⭐️! 🌶️🌶️!

I was immediately drawn into this book and read the first 40% or so without taking a break. I love forbidden relationship/student teacher romances and the angst and tension between the FMC Rowan and MMC Julian was hitting. One of my favorite books is Dark Notes by Pam Godwin, and this gave similar vibes for sure. We love a tortured musician!

I felt like the accidental pregnancy discovery scenes could have been drawn out a bit more, and it would have been nice to have some more insight into Rowan’s mind while going thru that.

One of the major moments in the book seemingly came out of nowhere and I felt kind of removed from the storyline after that point. I was still invested in the characters’ relationship, though, and wanted to see it through! I thought the characters, including the supporting one’s, were all really well written and Amelia had me laughing out loud several times. In general, I really enjoyed the writing and the story and it was very easy to follow. I’m hoping that Lena is getting a story next, because my god I can only imagine the tension and passion!

In all, I did enjoy this book and would recommend to anyone that enjoys a forbidden romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Azala Press for the eARC of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review after reading.

The Lines We Cross by Rachel Tork is a romance novel that begins with a compelling premise but delivers a mixed experience. The story follows Rowan Evans, who, on the anniversary of her sister’s death, encounters a stranger offering comfort. Three years later, as a graduate student at Grandview University’s School of Music, she discovers that her new advisor, Dr. Julian Lynch, is that very stranger. Their ensuing relationship is marked by forbidden attraction and complex dynamics.

The novel’s initial chapters are engaging, with well-developed characters and a strong emotional pull. However, as the plot progresses, it introduces tropes and twists that may not appeal to all readers. Some plot developments feel abrupt, and certain conflicts are resolved too quickly, which can disrupt the narrative flow. Despite these issues, Tork’s writing style is commendable, and the chemistry between the protagonists is palpable. While the book has its shortcomings, it remains a solid romance that fans of the genre might appreciate.

I was so excited to read this book, the premises and the setting were promising. Unfortunately, I couldn't connect to the story and DNFed at 52%

I just wasn't into it. I didn't feel any connection to the characters. i think the characters themselves have very little connection to each other honestly. I really tried to finish it but just couldn't keep reading . It fell flat. The story lacked depth.

4⭐
2.5🌶️
Tropes/Themes: age gap, teacher/student, forbidden relationship, hurt/comfort, healing, musician MCs, Snape/Lily vibes, soulmate.
Dual POV 3rd person

So first of all I’m putting trigger warnings at the bottom to avoid spoilers, because this book has some themes that might not be for everyone.

And I want to note for any authors reading this who include people doing medical imaging in their stories….we are not technicians, we are technologists. 🫶

The first note I wrote down when I started reading this was “is this Snape/Hermione fan fic?”. Turns out I was close, because reading about it afterwards, I found the author wrote that it’s supposed to be a Snape and Lily vibe. It’s not bad, just kinda impressed that I was close to being right lol.

I got sucked into the book pretty quickly and loved the first half of it or so. The angst and chemistry was so delicious and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the drama to drop. It gave me literal anxiety similar to what I felt when reading June First (IYKYK). And then the ball dropped and the hits just kept hitting and then…..it was resolved with a significant amount of the book left to read. It’s like it dropped off almost completely and went into a really long wrap up so I wish the writer had switched up some of the order of events to keep my attention after the major stuff happened.

To be clear I was still invested in the story but I had to push myself a little bit to finish. I also wish there had been more backstory/more time spent on their families and on him being Scottish. I genuinely didn’t know he was or that he had an accent until maybe halfway in? My other complaint is the way the MCs kept using the same thing to prove their love to each other- it got repetitive. I get why it would be necessary in a forbidden romance/teacher and student relationship but I think it could’ve been done in a different way.

That last line though, before the epilogue? Absolute perfection 😩😍

Trigger warnings below
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Sibling death, SA, trapped in a fire/getting burnt, gun violence, accidental pregnancy, discussion of pregnancy loss, hospitalizations

I did enjoy this book! It had me hooked from the beginning! It was definitely a powerful read with some beautiful moments🫶🏻 although I did feel like the characters truly didnt have enough time to connect and get to know eachother before the (surprise) happend. I did still enjoy It and I will definitely read more work from Rachel In the future! Thanks to Netgalley Rachel Tork and Azala Press for letting me read this ARC Review