Blurred Lines (Out of Line, #5)

by Jen McLaughlin

[Cocktails and Books]

Blurred Lines by Jen McLaughlin is the fifth installment of the Out of Line Series. I absolutely loved the opener of this book. Riley Stapleton is the only child of a senator. He's in his 30s, a successful lawyer, and engaged to be married. Riley pulls up to his house and he knows his fiancee Sarah is inside with another man on his custom couch after they just mailed out their wedding invites. Riley is furious but resigned. He thought Sarah was a safe choice..clearly not. They were set up by Riley's mother and their families were socially similar. He didn't love Sarah but was hoping it would grow in time. He's bummed out that his planned life has been destroyed, leaves his house, and heads to a bar.

Enter Noelle Brandt. Noelle is an erotic romance author visiting San Diego for a writer's conference and can't take her eyes off the sexy man (Riley) pounding whiskey at the bar. Noelle's backstory is beyond sad and downright traumatic...most recently she lost the love of her life. Noelle finds the sloppy-drunk Riley lingering by the elevator. They start up a conversation and Noelle learns that he can't book a room--the hotel is full. Well, she invites Riley to sleep on the empty bed in her room, rather than have him crash in his car. This behavior completely being out of the ordinary for Noelle but she feels like Riley is safe. Not sure how smart this move is but hey, I am reading a romance novel.

They both swear that nothing's going to happen when they get back to the room. They are both a bit drunk and begin to share some intimate details about each other....one thing leads to another and they end up in bed. Without ruining what happens, Riley does the unthinkable and Noelle is enraged. The banter between the two is absolutely comical.


had what was probably the best two chapter introductions from any book that this reader has read. This book has the most sizzling smexy scenes - By. Far. And the sweetest, smexiest, devilish characters you could ever want to read about!

You could be forgiven for getting absolutely and totally absorbed in this book from the first page. This reader sympathises. ;) Right from the beginning chapter the drama, tension and shenanigans of Riley's chaotic introduction were just laugh out loud, heartbreakingly brilliantly written. Add to the mix Noelle and their first meeting and succeeding interludes and dramas has Blurred Lines being just off the charts astounding reading!

Their hookups are sizzling, their attraction undeniable and seeminly genuine. Both of these characters are easy to love and you understand where both are coming from. The drama that unfolds hooks you in to the end.

I haven't met a Jen McLaughlin book I haven't enjoyed. This one hit the spot.

Reviewed by Candace for Cocktails and Books