Outside the Lines (On the Run, #1)

by Lisa Desrochers

[Lynn]

4.5 stars

I was a bit apprehensive about the organised crime background of the male protagonist as I began Outside The Lines, but my worries were for nothing. This was a surprisingly enjoyable book which lays a firm foundation for future books in the On The Run series.

Rob Delgado and his siblings have been placed in the backwater town of Port St. Mary, Florida, to rebuild their lives after entering a witness protection programme. He's the family protector and the legal guardian of his youngest brother Sherm. He carries the burden of guilt – wanting to right the wrongs from the past. He's determined to go back and risk his new identity to claim back the only life he knows... to pave the way for his brothers and sisters too. Only he meets a woman unlike any he has met before, who challenges him to open his eyes to what he has and not what he misses.

Adri, a school teacher has her own issues to tend to, mainly her over protective father who doesn't want to let go and allow his daughter to live her own life, in fear he will be left alone. Plus Carl Wilson is Port St. Mary's chief of police! Rob, with his secrets should make Adri keep away from him, but has the opposite effect. With Sherm, Rob's nine year old brother as her pupil, she just can't avoid him. Not that she wants too.

The plot is slow to develop but is necessary for the reader to gain important insight into the protagonists' backgrounds. The author has done a fabulous job crafting well developed characters, especially Rob's as we see him mature and re-think his plans; looking at the broader picture instead seeing things purely from a selfish point of view. As the pace picks up, the plot becomes more suspenseful too. The relationship between Rob and Adri isn't rushed or forced...both are trying to fight off feelings they have for each only to cave in to the sizzling chemistry that can no longer be denied. The other Delgado/Davidson siblings and Adri's best friend Chuck provide entertaining dialogue.

Background information gives us hints as to where the next instalment will take us and I'm looking forward to Over The Line (On the Run #2)

***arc generously received courtesy of the Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley***

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