I received this book for free from the publisher as a free story in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the publisher as a free story
"Break the Line"
by
Allison Mullinax
contemporary romance in an eARC edition that was published by Fiery Seas Publishing LLC on February 13, 2018 and has 120 pages.
Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks
ISBN: 978-1-946143-43-3 ~ eBook ~ $3.99
ISBN: 978-1-946143-44-0 ~ Paperback ~ $10.99
View the book trailer for “Break the Line”.
Summary:
As a pro-fisherman, Benson Howell’s days are spent on murky lake water, reeling in largemouth bass and winning first place trophies. At twenty-nine, life is easy and carefree. His only job is to stay in the top rankings during the fishing circuit, and keep the sponsors happy. That is, until he meets hot tempered, fiery haired Danni-Rose in small-town Alabama. He has never backed down from anything too big to reel in.
Danni-Rose has spent the past six years of her life burying her past. When Benson Howell literally plows his boat right into her life, armed with simmering anger, she fights the current pulling her closer to him. With a past she can’t let go of, and the sexy fisherman breaking down all her walls, Danni-Rose does everything she can to break the line connecting her to Benson.
Will Danni-Rose be able to let go of the past? Can Benson change her mind about him? Or will they both miss the catch of a lifetime?
About the Book:
A standalone contemporary romance revolving around the guilt-ridden Danni-Rose Walker and professional fisherman Benson Howell, this ARC was sent to me by Fiery Seas Publishing, LLC, via Instafreebie, for an honest review.
My Take
Using a dual first-person point-of-view in the present tense from Danni-Rose’s and Benson’s perspectives, Mullinax has written a sweet, tearful short story in which she does a good job teasing us along about the past tragedy Danni-Rose endured. It’s a great lead-in to the underlying message of the story: boating safety. Mullinax did a great job of weaving this in and pointing out how celebrities can promote positive action in their fields.
The only problem is that “Break the Line” would be better if Mullinax had expanded on it. No, the story is good and complete, but what it lacks is the show, the grabbing at my emotions and pulling me in. Oh, yeah, I do mean that “tearful” bit above, but the story could have been a real sob story.
“Break the Line” needed to develop the love story and not simply tell us their emotions. I still don’t know what caused Benson to fall so hard that he was willing to endure all of Danni-Rose’s cruelties. And why would she fall for him?
That bit from Liza about Danni needing to try? All along it’s been about betrayal , so where did that try come from? As for the gunman being in prison, when Benson was only shot five days ago…pretty fast work for their legal system. I gotta admit this kind of speed is consistent with how the love story went.
That whining over, I did love how Mullinax incorporated Benson’s love of fishing, the metaphors used, and her analogies that really pulled Benson into the story.
”Again, I find myself looking for the balance of giving her just enough room to swim at her own pace, but still keeping the line tight enough so she doesn’t plummet…”
Now, how can you not love a guy with this much empathy?? Danni. Well, Danni is empathetic as well, but she’s also annoying in all her attempts to dodge life. I’d’ve thrown her back what with all her trying to push Benson away.
All in all, a good story…that has lots more potential.
The Characters
Danni-Rose Walker is the state park naturalist, working in the same office as her daddy. Beau is her cream Lab. Daddy, Paul Walker, is the game warden at the state park. Mama is Penny of Penny’s Pies & Pastries (she’s been the town baker for 30 years). Aunt Becky.
Benson Howell is a professional fisherman loaded with endorsements, having the time of his life. Jessie Stanton is his manager. Pop is Benson’s grandfather who gave him his love for fishing.
Dr. Liza James is the town veterinarian and Danni-Rose’s best friend, practically a sister. L.J. is her twin. Jackson is their younger brother. Thomas had been and still wants to be Danni-Rose’s friend.
Gabby Wilson, from high school, has a German shepherd, Bella, and is getting married to Boyd Henderson. Mrs. Hall owns a lot of poodles. Rickey is the lead singer of the band. Mrs Smith is Danni-Rose’s disapproving neighbor. Dr Martin was the shrink. Mrs Watley works at the disability center. Uncle Larry is teaching her son to fish. Randy is Benson’s competition.
The Cover and Title
The cover’s background is a peaceful lake surrounded by trees into which is merged Benson and Danni-Rose with reeds in front of them at the bottom of the cover. Benson’s T-shirt-clad chest faces us while he’s looking to the right into Danni-Rose’s upturned face, her long red hair curling down her back, wearing a deep fuchsia tank top. The author’s name is in white at the bottom while the lake-blue title combines a serif font for the first two words and a line of a font for the last word — quite appropriate *grin*
The title finds Danni-Rose attempting to “Break the Line” between them.
About:
Allison Mullinax
North Alabama native, Allison Mullinax, grew up in the small lake town of Guntersville, Alabama. She discovered the escapism and addiction of writing at an early age. Today she remains a lover of reading, all things outdoors, and spending time with her husband and three daughters.
Connect with the author on the Web:
- Author website
- Goodreads author
