Celebrate Lit / July 13, 2019

Over The Line

Over the Line

Celebrate Lit Book Tour

About the Book Over The Line

Book: Over the Line

Author: Kelly Irvin

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 11, 2019

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.

Click here to grab your copy.

My Thoughts on Over the Line:

I wasn’t sure what to think of this book at first. It seemed to be slow. I wasn’t sure I was going to connect with the characters. But the more I read the more I wanted to read and the more invested in the story I became. This is one of those books where I say to give it two or three chapters before you decide it’s not for you.

Gabriella is a baker. She specializes in desserts. I could definitely be her best friend as I love to bake! But unlike her, I also like to eat the treats I bake when I’m stressed out.

Eli has a history and a past that he’s not willing to share with anyone. Not even his once fiancee Gabriella. That’s why they’re no longer engaged. Or at least that’s what she says. He has a different theory.

But right now the only thing that matters is keeping her safe after a man dies in front of her after saying her name. Was he trying to tell her something? Where is her brother? Is he in danger? Is she in danger?

Gabriella has another sister Natalie who is in a wheelchair. Natalie has two children. Gabriella blames herself for Natalie being in a wheelchair and with her being a widow. She shoulders all the blame internally and tries to make it better at every turn.

Natalie just wants freedom. She wants to be herself without everyone just seeing her chair.

Maybe they’ll both get a second chance. But first, they have to find their brother Jake. Well, maybe first they have to stay alive. Someone knows where Jake is and someone wants something that they don’t have.

Lots of actions and lots of characters in this story. Occasionally I had to go back to figure out which character we were talking about. The characters are relatable. Writing is clear and clean, easy to read, flows well. A good read that I recommend.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

About the Author Over the Line

Kelly Irvin is the bestselling author of the Every Amish Season and Amish of Bee County series. The Beekeepers 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. Visit her online at KellyIrvin.com; Instagram: kelly_irvin; Facebook: Kelly.Irvin.Author; Twitter: @Kelly_S_Irvin.

More from Kelly

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.

(adapted from 1979 World’s Fair Chili Recipe)

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
Pepper to taste
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.

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!