Up in Smoke (Crossing the Line series Book 2)

This book has the odd distinction of turning my normal review style on its head. I am aware that I tend to be more than a little critical and fairly dry. Which is why it is so very bizarre that I am forced to say that I would have given this book five stars for the dialog alone. Okay, that’s not entirely true…or rather, it isn’t quite specific enough. I’d’ve given it…I *am* giving it five stars for the dirty talk. I cannot tell you how many times I sat, big eyed, mouth agape, muttering “hhhhholy shiiiit” at the numerous utterly filthy things that Connor felt necessary to profess to Erin. I absolutely assure you it is worth the read simply for those bits. The fact that it also contains a well developed cast of characters and an intriguing storyline is just a bonus.

The premise of the story is very much modern day Mod Squad, with our hero and heroine being well acquainted with the wrong side of the law. Connor, an ex-Navy SEAL with anger issues, has spent the last several years playing something of a mob enforcer role. Looking for a way out, he has used this sort of “recruitment” as a much needed change of circumstances. Our heroine Erin, is a tad more complex. A thief by trade, she is an accomplished escape artist who takes pleasure in pyromania. Emotionally stunted from years of childhood abuse, and afflicted with haphephobia (extreme fear of being touched) she is nothing if not erratic.

The romantic relationship between Connor and Erin is gritty, raw, and akin to a hurricane meeting a volcanic eruption. There is just no lead in to their intensity and immediate chemistry. And it is fascinating how their issues both compliment and complicate as they each try not to damage the other further.

Written in dual perspective, this is the second novel in the Crossing the Line series, and does work well as a stand alone title. Though this was the first I’d read of this series, I did not have any trouble following the story—but I do now *very much* want to read the previous book.

**For the sake of full disclosure it must be stated that I received this book, free of charge, from Netgalley and TRSOR Promotions.**

Connor Bannon and Erin O’Dea are thrown together because they are bad. Part of a special group tied to the Chicago Police Department, they are going to work undercover to investigate a crooked politician. That’s kind of ironic given their background. Erin doesn’t want to go to prison – or worse – so while she is grateful for the opportunity, that doesn’t mean her demons have gone away. Connor has his own issues to deal with but suddenly finds himself caring more about Erin’s needs than his own. There is a lot at stake and one misstep could bring it all crashing down.

I didn’t realize this is the second book in this series but it worked well as a standalone. Connor and Erin are two of a group brought together because of their unique abilities. Along with all that skill though are personalities with a lot of jagged edges and personal issues. From the minute they sat down in the meeting room I knew this was going to get interesting. Erin has this brash, in your face persona that is peeled away, layer by layer, to reveal the hurt and vulnerability that lies beneath. She is not a shrinking violet, however, far from it. She knows her own weaknesses but is strong nevertheless. Connor is attracted to her in a way he’s never known but while he’s all about control that is the one thing Erin can never give up. The chemistry and heat between them is off the charts as Connor uses words and actions to prove to Erin he is what she needs. With their pasts shaping them, and sometimes intruding on, their present the conflict and drama is non-stop. I loved this roller coaster of a hot and steamy ride that had me alternately laughing, cheering and getting misty. I have one to catch up on in the series and look forward to more!

**Reviewed for Nerdy Dirty and Flirty**

Review from Abibliophobia Anonymous Book Reviews
3.5 Stars

I was really looking forward to reading this book. Ex-Navy Seal, yes please. I was a little disappointed though. This was an okay read for me. I didn't really connect with the characters, so it fell a little flat to me. This is the first book by Tessa Bailey that I have read, it won't be the last one though. I will read more of her work. After looking at the other reviews, I know I'm in the minority with my opinion, and that's fine. I was provided an ARC for an honest review.

Connor Bannon is an ex-Navy SEAL. He was dishonorably discharged. It takes awhile before the reason comes out. After the SEALs,, he became an enforcer for his cousin's crime ring. This is what has landed him in Chicago working for the police, in this rag tag group of cons and felons. Each have a speciality that they offer to their team. There were some parts of Connor that I liked. He is a dirty talker and he does show kindness towards Erin.

Erin O'Dea is in this same group. She has an insta-connection with Connor. One major problem, she hates being touched, it causes her physical pain and panic attacks. And that's just the tip of the iceberg with her issues. I liked how she was feisty. But I felt her overcoming her touch issues was really fast. I know this isn't real and it's a book, but still.

I do wish the book had more about their job, instead of the majority of it being focused on their relationship and Erin's issues. Don't get me wrong, the sex was hot.

Like I said, it isn't a bad read and you should give it a shot. It just wasn't for me. Hopefully the next read of Tessa Bailey's that I read, will be.

Baileys ability to create such strong and relatable characters is astounding. You feel like you know them. Hell, at times, you feel as if they are you. As an avid reader I can tell you, that this, is truly talented writing skill. I find myself bonding to each and every character she creates. Even the secondary character that are to come across as vague have a strong presence and personality.

I really loved how the story line consisted of a group of criminal assisting the police with a case to get more lean sentences. This made for such a fun group of misfits that were trying to do the right thing!!!

And holy sh_t .............. does Tessa Bailey know how to write about some sexual tension. Not only that, but the overall steam factor in this read was off the charts hot. I really liked how the characters in this read had such strong chemistry between them, but they didn’t immediately jump into bed and get it on. Sometimes you read a book, there's an attraction, they get it on, and that seems to be all they do throughout the book. In this read, the couple spent time together and actually got to know each other. I think they were both fighting the attraction for the most part, but I really liked that because it let them build as a couple and kept that "insta-love/lust" feel out of this book. They had a mutual respect for one another. Another thing I really liked about this book, even though at times the hero and heroine had troubled pasts, they were both hilarious. Their banter kept me smiling continuously. Impressive read throughout!!

Connor Bannon, control freak with major anger management issues, connects with Erin O'Dea, self-professed arsonist with extreme claustrophobia. Throw in a supporting cast of mostly ex-cons forced to work as a team under the command of a demanding Chicago PD captain or risk long-term incarceration and the stage is set for a page-turning thriller/steamy manual on the how-to of no-hands sex.

Connor and Erin dominate the story. Their demons and road to healing recovery in the heat of mutual passion, jealousy and eventual trust consume most of the romance novel's 287 pages. The mission that brought them together with seasoned police officer Sera and her over-protective former mob boss husband Bowen, Polly the convicted computer hacker and con-artist Austin serves mainly as a means to help Erin slay her demons. Erin's evil stepfather's relentless and destructive pursuit of her and the trust fund he seeks to control also detracts from the team assignment to take down a corrupt politician

In fairness, this is the first novel I've read by Tessa Bailey, whose storytelling ability I envy as a romance genre writer. The author sets up Crossing the Line #3 in the final pages of "Up in Smoke" with back story foreshadowing Austin's angst as a parent of a daughter he apparently does not know. I'm intrigued to discover more about how Sera and Bowen came to be, likely revealed in Book #1.

That's the very definition of trilogy writing success. I'm hooked and I want more.

The second book in Tessa Bailey’s Crossing the Line series Up in Smoke features ex-Navy Seal Connor Bannon and a pyromaniac Erin O’Dea.

Erin is one mess of trouble. She was a very intriguing character and even though she confused the hell outta me sometimes I wanted to know more and more about her. She’s crazy, feisty and complex but that didn’t leave me not liking her, the crazy in me liked her even more! The potential issues with Erin, left a lot of opportunity to take this book many places, and many places we will go! Connor is a true Alpha male for sure. He’s a dishonorably discharged former Navy Seal who is so masculine, so sexy and super possessive He would do anything to protect someone he cares about.

You can tell from the get go when Erin and Connor met by being in a task force neither really wanted to be in that Erin was about to push every button she could find with Connor. They seem like they are on two opposite sides of the tracks, but that’s far from the truth. While he ATTEMPTS to control his reactions while still letting her play her game a certain fire building within them two that is sure to turn into a 4 alarm blaze. What Erin craves and desires and what this cocky Alpha Connor needs.

I loved the characters in this story. These two are unique for sure. The relationship is unique, how it builds equally unique and very intriguing. This fast paced book was a sexy, entertaining read with the right mix of suspense. HOT doesn’t explain this inferno!
4 Stars – Copy provided for Honest review, Shera Book Lovers Obsession

Wow! Just wow! No one does dirty talking alphas quite like Tessa Bailey. This book takes scorching hot to a whole other level!

Up In Smoke follows the story of Erin and Connor. Dishonorably discharged from the Navy SEALS, Connor finds himself working undercover in Chicago, trying to bust criminals. He will soon find that his control will be tested in ways that he’s unprepared for.

Erin is nothing like she appears to be. She always appears to be running and she hates authority. Not to mention, she also has a fear of being confined and always needs to be in control. The last thing she ever dreamed of was being involved with someone who needs control as much as the air he breathes. Will Erin be able to open up and face her fears? Will Erin ever be able to give Connor what he needs? Will the truth of what haunts Erin tear them apart?

You know, I’m just going to keep this review short and sweet. This is one of those books that speaks for it’s self. It’s fast paced. It’s hot. It’s sexy. And it’s got one dirty talking, possessive, dominate, alpha male. The characters are fun and the story line is entertaining. The characters have instant and electric chemistry. I liked that there was lots of sexy times in this book. That being said, I also really enjoyed the suspense and mystery factor to the story.

If you’re looking for a quick, hot, easy read, than look no forward. Tessa Bailey does not disappoint.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via TRSOR Promotions and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*

Lately I’ve been addicted to watching that show on the Food Network, Chopped. Now I know you’re thinking “But this is a book review!” Yes it is but just go with me for a minute. If you’re not familiar with Chopped, it’s a show that tests 3 chefs to their culinary limits and beyond. They give the chefs these extraordinary and abstract ingredients and say “Here! Make the most deliciously salivating meal you’ve ever made. And do it under 30 minutes.”

For me, Tessa Bailey always manages to take the most extraordinary and abstract ingredients and creates the most deliciously captivating story from them. She is the master chef of all things erotically intoxicating!!

Up In Smoke was just a testament to the master chef, aka Tessa Bailey, at work!! If you follow her novels, there were appearances from some past character greats (ie- Derek- the master dirty talker). But if you don’t follow her novels (I’m not sure why but you may want to start!) it can also be read as a standalone.

Right from the beginning the magnetism between the main characters, Connor and Erin, was crazy awesome. I almost, and I stress almost, thought that there was no possible way that this could last throughout the entire story. Boy, oh boy, was I wrong!!! Never doubt Ms. Bailey’s expertise to keep the story hot, suspenseful and fast paced.

I love, love, love reading anything Tessa Bailey. Looking forward to the next succulent meal cooked up by Ms. Bailey.

Happy Reading!!!

I absolutely floooooved “Up in Smoke” by the wonderful and talented Ms. Tessa Bailey. This woman knows how to gives us the right amount of suspense and drama love story that is mixed with some of the hottest sex scenes. Erin and Connor are so opposite that they are right for each other. First we have Erin who’s a runner, I don’t want to get into too much about her past, but it is one that will leave you feeling so deeply for her. I mean she could stand for anyone touching her, damn what she was missing. Then we have Connor, he has to deal with his own ghost. His past his filled with violence and he leaves him with a temper that is so hard to control at times. Now can you imagine these two coming to together? Well they did and it was so beautiful to watch it out plays in front of you. Connor was able to help Erin overcome a past that she was so damn afraid of; she didn’t want to miss out on what Connor would do for her. And then we have Connor, he wanted to show Erin that he could control his temper and stump it down a bit when she’s around him. I mean, two damaged souls coming together to be one whole, repaired soul. I freaking loved it. Then let’s not forget the hot, steamy, melt your panties off, make it wet, sex scenes. I love me a male dominant character with a dirty mouth and boy let me tell you Connor is all those things and more. I cannot wait to see what else Tessa have in store us readers.

Tessa Bailey is one of my must-read authors. And, having loved Risking it All I had fairly high expectations for Up in Smoke

This is where my inner conflict starts because whilst I enjoyed it, I’m somewhat torn over Connor and Erin’s story.

As a seasoned reader of Tessa’s work, I know that when I pick up one of her books I’m going to be greeted with a man with a delightfully dirty mouth, a feisty lady driving him crazy and a substantial amount of mutual pleasure between said couple. She has a formula and it generally works and whilst Connor and Erin brought all the above by the bucket load, I can’t help but feel this overshadowed what could have been a winning story.

"Kiss me. Just...don't touch me, okay?"
"Jesus. You've got the wrong guy for that sweetheart."

Erin wasn’t the character I was expecting. With confidence, fight and fire (no pun intended even though the girl is a pyromaniac), she has a recognised psychological condition brought on by a traumatic life-event. Yet it felt underplayed; I know this isn’t real-life, but the speed and ease at which she overcame her fears was just a little too unbelievable and the deeper issue was drowned out amongst all the foreplay and sex. I never thought I would hear myself saying this, but it was simply too much and much of what I wanted to see from this story and this team of ex-cons seemed to dissipate amongst the passion.

"Look what you do to my body, Erin. It only wants to please yours. Tell me how I can do that. Tell me how to make you better, because I'm just as lost as you are."

But there's no denying Connor and Erin were good together, I just struggled to become invested in them. And it was lovely to see how past favourites were doing; Bowen made me smile, I still love Sera, you will never get a grumble out of me where Derek Tyler is concerned and I continue to very much like the dynamic of the group. I just would've liked a little more focus on the action/undercover side of the storyline.

But, onwards and upwards as I am looking forward to Austin and Polly’s book. An intriguing master-of-disguise and a hacker? Should be interesting.

Copy received courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I read it in one sitting.

The suspense was good and the romance hot. The hero, Connor is a protective and brooding alpha who falls hard for Erin, the heroine who is a pyromaniac. While there is a sizzling chemistry between them, because of what happened to Erin as a child, she cannot stand to be touched. However Connor did not let that stop him from being with her. With his help, Erin slowly overcomes her aversion to touch and learns to control her need to light things up. The sexy times are numerous and hot.

I did not read any of the other stories in this series but I was able to easily follow and enjoy the storyline. Because I enjoyed this book I will be reading others in the series.

3 - ”Proceed with caution.” Stars

I finished this book a couple of weeks ago, and before writing my review I have made myself step back and take a little time to think about what I want to say.

Firstly I want to reiterate that normally I am a huge fan of Tessa’s books, no one quite matches her when it comes to strong, dominant, dirty-talking, alpha males… But in a way that is also the main problem that I had with Up in Smoke, because although Connor is all those things, there isn’t really anything that made him stand out from any of Tessa’s other strong, dominant, dirty-talking, alpha males.

The issues that Erin is dealing with are what should have given the book it’s originality, and at the beginning of the her and Connor’s story, I had high hopes of Tessa offering up an extremely emotive and thought provoking, but still sexy read, especially as this trope essentially took away one of the main strengths her male characters have in their efforts to ‘woo’ the women they are after. And in that vein it started well, but unfortunately it all fell to the wayside pretty quickly as soon as insta-everything took over and Erin decided she was horny…

”I’ll make you beg for my ......... hands on you…”
”You’re welcome to try.”

I know this is a work of fiction, and I am not expecting everything to be medically or mentally correct, but I feel that glossing over a pretty serious condition rather than exploring it didn’t do the book on the whole any favors, I was looking forward to it being a deeper and more emotional story for this couple, and in the beginning it was, but it was quickly lost in amongst Connor’s almost unreasonable over-protectiveness, and Erin’s quick recovery around him, after struggling for years previously.

This isn’t a bad book, and it isn’t a bad story, the writing is of Tessa’s usual high quality, and I know I will be in the minority with my feelings about Up in Smoke, and I am alright with that, I have high expectations of this author, and rightly so, she is one of my ’go-to’ authors when I am looking for a fictional guy to get my knicker elastic in a twist. For me this book is a bit of a wasted opportunity in the fact it could have been so much more, and stood out on its own if the usual route to sexual fulfillment had not been so swiftly taken on this occasion.

'They’d come a long way in such a short space of time.'

Disguised in Danger is the next book due in January 2016, and I look forward to seeing where Tessa takes Austin and Polly and this series in general next.

ARC generously provided by Entangled, in exchange for the above honest review.

Chicago PD Captain, Derek Tyler, has put together a crime fighting team of ex cons. They all have their skills, talents, and reasons for taking the job.

This installment introduces the team, but focuses on Connor Bannon and Erin O'Dea. Connor is an ex Navy Seal and previous street enforcer in his cousin's underground crime ring. He likes control, facts, and has anger issues.

Erin is wild card and is an escape artist and pyromaniac. She seems feisty and tough, but underneath is fearful, anxious, and broken. She has some serious issues with people touching her or being trapped in any way.

Connor and Erin instantly challenge each other but also seem to be able to both understand each other and have a calming influence. Both are usually detached. Her touch both excites and soothes him while she can't stand to be touched or confined. He likes control and order and she is chaos. He is dominant and she does not like being subdued. He has bursts of anger while she likes to play with fire. Their connection is strong, their attraction for each other is intense, but their personal needs seem to be in total conflict to the other's at times. These two were so damaged, making things tentative and requiring baby steps, but at the same time some parts of their new relationship formed quickly.

It was definite insta-lust, inata-protectiveness, and insta-attachment. It was like they met and just became completely immersed in each other's lives and issues. The tension came more from her personal issues that he needed and wanted to help her with. And also him needing to deal with his own over-protectiveness, control and anger issues. It all came to down to developing trust and a sense of security. Sometimes her issues were a little hard to wrap my head around and it may have affected my enjoyment of the story. And some things seemed to be resolved a bit quickly.

This is about two people trying to help heal the damaged parts of each other while giving hope and a sense of empowerment to conquer demons, trust, and move on. It gave us a new cast of quirky characters like Austin, the master of disguises, and Polly, the hacker, while also bringing back old friends like Derek and Ginger (Protecting What's His) and Bowen and Sera (Risking it All). This is a new group of ex con/cop crime fighters who use their particular talents for a purpose. I enjoyed seeing the team come together and start to gel. They had to start figuring out how to work together in order to complete their first assignment. The next book up is Disguised in Danger and I am looking forward to more with Austin and Polly.

*ARC provided by Publisher

Up in Smoke is the second full-length book in Tessa Bailey’s Crossing the Line series with Entangled Select and it features ex-Navy Seal Connor Bannon and fire addict and arsonist, Erin O’Dea.

Erin O’Dea is one seriously troubled woman. Even her issues have issues, and yet, I found myself liking her despite the confusion she caused me. She’s a fascinating, intriguing character, and one I was desperate to know more about because I wanted to know who she is at her core. What makes her tick. What makes her so afraid. She’s such a unique character, and even as crazy as I found her at times, the psychology enthusiast in me wanted to know the particulars about her, the whys.

From the start, readers are aware that Erin is attracted to fire and when she first meets Connor, he’s like one big, fast-building, explosive flame to her. She pushes him, testing his reactions and his control, but he lets her call the shots, and he quiets the crazy in her head. He’s every bit the man she needs right now, just as she’s every bit the woman that Connor needs.

This story was so interesting to me! The characters are just so distinct and real, almost larger than life. They light up the page and and make every kernel of information about them a necessity to readers. Erin and Connor are two characters unlike any other I’ve ever read, and their relationship is as unique to them as they are to themselves and each other. I seriously loved them both, and I loved the journey they took in this book. They fought for every single romantic step they built together, and each obstacle they faced fit who they are as individuals so well. This story flowed, and it completely, thoroughly entertained.

If you’ve never read Tessa Bailey’s work before, you need to read Up in Smoke. The way she draws her characters is an amazing thing to witness, and her stories, like her heroes and heroines, are always unforgettable. And hot. Extremely, mind-meltingly hot.

Connor Bannon and Erin O'Dea

An ex-Navy Seal/organized crime enforcer and an escape artist/pyromaniac

A man who is self disciplined and controlled; a woman who can't be confined or touched

An electric connection that refuses to be denied despite their respective issues.

A couple with an array of personal demons

Connor and Erin's criminal backgrounds allow them to fight their demons and will also allow them to start a new life as long as they use their skills to bring down other criminals for the Chicago PD.

Up in Smoke is the second book in Tessa Bailey's Crossing the Line series, and just like its predecessor, it includes a possessive alpha male hero who would do anything to protect his woman and a feisty heroine who asserts her independence and overcomes her struggles.

Connor and Erin's attraction is instantaneous, but the relationship they form is anything but normal due to Erin's inability to be touched. But despite Erin's issues, Connor is steadfast in caring for and protecting her, and they seem to comfort and free each other from their demons just by simply being together. It's not an easy relationship due to exterior circumstances and the risks that surround their new lifestyle, and Erin definitely tests Connor's control numerous times, but only Connor can heal Erin and allow her to feel the extent of his feelings through the power of touch and only Erin can soothe the beast inside Connor and his need for destruction.

I'll admit it took a bit to get into this one and truly understand Connor's need for Erin because, for a while, it felt like Connor was more frustrated and out of control than anything else, but once their back stories were given, the comfort and freedom they found in each other made more sense. I still would have liked a bit more insight into Connor's struggles and how Erin truly soothed him, but as I continued reading their story and witnessed Connor's drive to ensure Erin's protection and prove his want and need for her, I couldn't help but fall in love with this couple and feel for Erin's situation both before and during the story.

Up in Smoke is an intriguing and sexy read that will have readers swooning over Connor and rooting for Erin to not allow her demons to control her and find the comfort and freedom in Connor that she needs and deserves. Erin is in no way a weak heroine, but she's stronger with Connor by her side; he soothes her in a way that no one else can, and with everything that she had to endure, she needs him in her corner.

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

4 poison apples

The instant lust and attraction was sooo amazing! Loved it. I felt the sexual tension and I eagerly gobble it up. Connor and Erin were such great characters. Both tortured and driven with such believable conflicts. I was immediately drawn to both of them, and I held on for the entire ride.

I will admit I thought at some times Connor was too possessive and controlling, but after awhile it started to work for me.

The dirty talking was as usual scorching and provocative.

Good installation to series.

What a fantastic book!! This book was hot & emotional. Connor & Erin were amazing characters and together they were explosive. Erin was feisty & strong & loved being rebellious. Connor was quiet, calm & controlled. Well until he met Erin. She pushed him and it would work. Their sexual tension towards each other was HOT!! This book had me on the edge of my seat almost throughout the whole book! Together they held secret but they also healed each other. I absolutely loved this book!

Tessa Bailey was put on my reading radar when Goodreads recommended her “Line of Duty” series to me. I really enjoyed how much heat and hilarity Tessa was able to weave into her stories. With this latest series, “Crossing the Line“, she continues to show what’s made her a rising star in the romance world.

“Up in Smoke” is the second in the “Crossing the Line” series but it can be read as a standalone.
Full review here: https://theavidbooknerd.wordpress.com/2015/07/02/up-in-smoke-by-tessa-bailey/

Who knew that not touching could burn up my Kindle! Tessa always brings the heat, but Up in Smoke showcases the best plot in the her catalog.

Gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review, see more reviews at shamelessbookclub.com

These characters were just odd. Weird in every way. The heroine was damaged and I think her sad past and background seemed to take over the story. It was less a romance than a recovery process with a lot of strange sex thrown in. I get that the point of this series are misfit characters finding each other and falling in love/lust, but I think TB went too far with these characters. Toning down the background and its influence on the characters might have made them both more believable, especially the heroine.

Just finished ...5 star read...
Love everything Tessa Bailey writes...a band of misfit criminals band together to work undercover to bust other criminals...this romance centers on Connor & Erin....scorching hot...funny with a bit of intrigue...it's the Crossing the Line series #2...Stand Alone...going back to read Risking It All #1...