A Journey of Self-Discovery in Crossing the Line
As a longtime fan of hockey romances, I was positively thrilled to dive into Crossing the Line by Kelly Jamieson, a new author for me. From the moment I opened the book, I could tell I was in for a captivating ride—one that not only celebrated the heat of the game but also the intricacies of human emotions. Mabel and Ben drew me in with their distinct dilemmas, and I found myself rooting for their journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
At its core, Crossing the Line is about finding oneself amidst life’s disarray. Mabel, who finds herself crashing on her twin brother’s couch, is in the throes of escaping a toxic and manipulative relationship. Her journey is raw and relatable, filled with moments of sweetness and sorrow that tug at your heartstrings. When she stumbles into her childhood crush, Ben—who, in turn, is navigating the pressure of becoming team captain—their chemistry crackles with tension and possibility. Watching Mabel take strides toward self-love while helping Ben emerge from his introverted shell adds compelling layers to the narrative.
Jamieson’s writing style is engaging, though I did notice some repetitiveness in her phrasing, which detracted from the otherwise smooth pacing. It felt like a minor hiccup in what was otherwise a well-crafted story, but I’m hopeful that revisions will polish this before publication. On a lighter note, the introduction of “pregret” had me chuckling out loud—what a brilliant addition to my vocabulary! It’s these little nuggets of humor, paired with the banter among the secondary characters, that give Crossing the Line its liveliness, reminiscent of Sarah Adams’s works.
However, I must confess that as a hockey fan, I craved more closure regarding the team’s quest for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The narrative invested so much energy into Ben’s growth as a player and leader, but I found myself wanting to know how it all wrapped up on the ice. Yet, that minor unresolved thread didn’t overshadow my enjoyment of Mabel and Ben’s story.
On a more serious note, Jamieson dives into heavier themes of narcissism and the complexities surrounding introversion. Mabel’s struggles illuminate the red flags in relationships, while Ben’s journey highlights the pressure to conform, particularly as an introvert trying to fit into a team environment. I deeply appreciated how Jamieson tackled the complexities of toxic relationships, shedding light on societal perspectives, particularly on women. However, I felt a bit uncomfortable with the notion that Ben’s introversion was something to be “fixed." It’s important to recognize that introversion exists on a spectrum and can be perfectly valid in its own right.
Ultimately, this book has left me with mixed feelings but a heart full of hope. Jamieson has created a world teeming with depth and relatable experiences, not to mention hints of a potential series with characters like Alfie drawing my attention. I’d recommend Crossing the Line to anyone who enjoys heartfelt stories that challenge traditional romance tropes, especially readers looking for a blend of sweet and poignant moments. For me, Mabel and Ben’s journey was a beautiful reminder of the value of resilience, acceptance, and the power of community—elements that resonate far beyond the pages of a hockey romance.