About the Book

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.

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"Over the Line" by Kelly Irvin is a novel that keeps you reading from the first sentence to the end. It is filled with suspense and surprises. This story is about second chances. But, it is more about learning to forgive and trust.

On a fun side, a reader might learn some Spanish. There are a few Spanish words in the story and there is a glossary at the front of the book and it was fun to flip back to it why reading.

I am really glad that the author never wrote swear words in the story even through there was plenty of violence and mentions that these words were said. I wish more authors would do that.

At times, while reading "Over the Line" I felt like I was missing the background information on why Gabriella and Eli were no longer dating. I understand the circumstances that surrounded the breakup, but perhaps the author could have written a first book to give us background on the characters. I just felt like this book would have been better as the second in a series. Don't let my opinion about having a series prevent you from reading the book. It is an exciting story that will keep you guessing who to trust and not trust. While I enjoyed the relationship between Natalie and another main character, I am hoping for a follow up book to explore their relationship more.

I think the story does a good job of describing that gun trafficking is a major problem that is done by many that has no idea of how wrong it is and the damage it can do and that once you are in you it is hard to get out and might end up killed if you try to get out.

I was really shocked at who was involved, and I even knew who one of the bad guys was going to turn out to be, but I WAS SO WRONG!

I think my favorite part of this book is the ending! Now, don't read the ending until you read the rest of the book first. If you do read this book, I don't think you will be disappointed.

I received a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit.

About the Author

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!