Crossing the Line

Ryan Hess escapes his abusive stepfather and flees to Mexico, hoping to train with a former famous boxer. He doesn't want to draw any attention to himself, but that changes when he runs into Dalila Sandoval.

Dalila Sandoval is the daughter of one of the wealthiest lawyers in Mexico. She plans on studying to become a doctor, but all that changes when she runs into Ryan.

Sparks fly between these two. They both try to fight the chemistry. When trouble comes, will their love be enough to survive?

What worked: I love Simone Elkeles's writing and the intensity of characters. Readers can feel the chemistry ignite right on the pages. You can't help but want these characters to put their differences aside and just be together! Seriously, kiss the girl already!!!

In Crossing the Line that same chemistry is there. Ryan is the 'bad' boy from a small Texas border town and Dalila is the privileged daughter of a wealthy Mexican lawyer. But that doesn't stop the possibility of a romance blossoming between the two.

This is Elkeles strength. Her ability to take two characters and have readers care and want them to be together.

The Spanish italicized throughout the novel at time took me out of an otherwise engaging story.

Ryan's abusive family background helps soften his otherwise tough exterior. I could see how Dalila would be attracted to him. Dalila's love of her family and her pain of losing her brother Lucas give added dept to her character and she doesn't come across as the 'spoiled rich daughter'. I especially liked the birthday scene where she feels more like a caged prisoner among her father's wealthy clients and their families. The magnetic pull of Ryan is felt here too, after she finds out he's been hired as a bodyguard.

The ending is bittersweet, but works. Make sure to have some tissue on hand!

Engaging tale of two unlikely people who despite obstacles are still drawn together and where love might be the biggest hope of all.