Boiling Point (Crossing the Line)

NO THANKS. This book was awful. This "hero" was despicable. He seduces women, sleeps with them under false pretenses and then cons them out of their savings. One of his cons produces a daughter that he secretly watches at school. Come on. Everything he does is a con. How are we supposed to fall for this guy along with the heroine? No. Just no.

4 Stars

Tessa Bailey is one of my favorite authors and was really looking forward to Boiling Point. Even though Boiling Point is book 3 in the Crossing the Line series it can be read as a standalone.

The attraction that Polly and Austin have is undeniable no matter how hard she tries to fight it. I really enjoyed the interaction and teasing between this family of not so former criminals.

Boiling Point is no exception to the hot scenes that Ms. Bailey likes to create in her stories.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

~ Tessa

Boiling Point is the third book in author Tessa Bailey’s Crossing the Line series; a series I have loved since the first book. Being a huge fan, I am always looking forward to my next Tessa fix and I can tell you that Austin and Polly rocked my world. I loved this story something fierce!
Thrown together in the most unlikely of circumstances, computer hacker whiz Polly and con man extraordinaire Austin are two members of a rag-tag group of bad guys working on the side of good. Both Polly and Austin are drawn to one another with a hidden, immense desire and pull neither one wants to let show. Showing that desire is a weakness neither are willing to show. Both have one hell of a past and, although neither one knows it yet, there’s a connecting thread that tethers them each other. It’s also the thread that will threaten the intense connection they end up developing.
From beginning to end, Polly and Austin will have to navigate some emotional and choppy waters and will have to break down some almost impenetrable walls to give the relationship they’ve found a chance. Will they be able to see the truth of their feelings in a world full of so many lies?
Just when you think Tessa has done it all, she pitches a curveball to the romance genre. In giving Austin a submissive side, she has done just that with Boiling Point. Now, don’t get me wrong. Austin has plenty of machismo and alpha in him. He has been conning for so long and in order to somewhat ease his conscience, at times he needs his partners to inflict pain. Pain he believes he has caused others. Pain he wants to feel himself. It’s his way of attempting to absolve him of his sins. A con man with a heart, if you will. And boy, did I love him for it. He has so many layers to get through until we learn the heart of who he is and who better to peel back those layers than Polly? Polly is a strong, capable heroine and a match for Austin in so many ways. She won’t settle for him going halfway and in her determination to see the real Austin we get to see their relationship blossom into something intense, emotional and hot as hell. These two together burn up the pages like the burning of a sparkler on the Fourth of July. Hot, intense, and burning bright, it is incredible to read. But beyond that, the little admissions from each one of them as their defenses break down had me falling in love with these two and pulling for them to get a happy ending. And don’t even get me started on Austin and his stash of Polly’s tea *dreamy sigh*
Now, I won’t ruin anything for you but get ready for a bumpy ride and be prepared for some white-knuckled, wide-eyed reading. When things start to come together for the plan Polly and Austin are working on it gets intense! But don’t worry too much, Tessa gives another one of her movie worthy endings I was swooning over. So. Damn. Good.
Of course, it was wonderful getting to see the rest of the Crossing the Line crew and I cannot wait for Henrik’s book!
Thank you, Tessa, for another kick ass story!

Having loved the first book in the Crossing the Line series, I was eager to continue (even though I've gone a bit out of order). It took a bit for me to get into this one though. I also really struggled to connect with Austin and Polly. I think it was mainly because they are both so guarded. Austin is an ex-con and is known for being the less serious one of the squad. He can transform himself into a multitude of different personas, so Polly didn't trust him considering what happened to those dear to her involving a con in the past. Once Austin started to actually open up to Polly and be himself and she stopped resisting the inevitable, I found myself liking their interactions much better.

I LOVED seeing the squad though. We don't get a ton of interactions, but the ones we do are just classic. Bowen is as gruff and grumpy as ever while being overprotective of Sera (which was sweet), Connor was stoic, Erin was quirky and fun, and we get a new addition to the team too! I am really looking forward to knowing more about Henrik, especially after that epilogue!

Tessa Bailey definitely doesn't hold back with the sexy times, which I always enjoy, but I found myself wishing the romance revolved more around the storyline, instead of vice versa. I wasn't a big fan of the first sexy time mainly because I don't like deception or how Austin orchestrated the whole situation.

It was interesting to see Austin take control when it came to Polly's protection, but when it came to their sexual relationship he was completely submissive to her. It hurt my heart to see why he let her have the control- he is afraid that he doesn't have anything else to offer her and he is afraid he'll lose her once he finally gets her.

The book really picked up for me in the second half, and I definitely want to read Henrik's story and go back and read Connor and Erin's!

Readers know going into a Tessa Bailey story that it’s going to be filled with innuendos, smutty dirty talk (and there is LOTS of it) and very often even dirtier moments between the characters but all finish with a happy ending (no pun intended ). A couple of scenes in this read that had me cringing a bit and that shocked me, but again, you don’t expect anything different in a Tessa Bailey book – there’s going to be shocks and over-the-top filthy conversations/statements between the characters but take some of those out of the equation and Boiling Point by Tessa Bailey, as a whole, was still a good read.

Entertaining with its, at times, comical dialogue and attitudes between the various characters, steamy interludes and a whole lot of shock talk that all combined well and paved the way for the next chapter in the Crossing The Line series.
4 Stars
Review copy kindly received from the Publisher

Seriously Tessa can do no wrong with these books. Writing these reviews is so hard because I dont want to give away any spoilers! Ok back on track. Austin is different than Bowen and Connor, I wouldnt say he's less alpha but he's just wired differently. These books are great because the heroes are very flawed. These are not the white knights that have always fought for right, they are firmly firmly in the gray. They are atoning for their past in a beautiful way. I cant wait for the next!

Tessa Bailey is the absolute master at creating sexy, complex heroes and heroines. I love the power exchange that occurred between the hero and heroine in this story, and how these two damaged people with very dark pasts struggled to redeem themselves and ultimately fought for their love. Super hot and yet emotional. A great read! Plus I loved seeing characters from previous books, and can't wait to see how the disgraced cop wins over the woman he fell in love with after only talking to her once.

Scorching. Sexy as he**. Dirty....oh, so dirty. Arousing. Provocative. There aren't the right words to express how hot this book is. If you've read the author before, then be prepared for even more erotic intensity, more explicitly filthy moments, ...just MORE of everything you've read from her before. This is because Austin and Polly are easily the most well developed, complex characters she's yet written. I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

This can be read as a standalone, although Austin appears in the previous book and we start to get to know him from other's eyes. From the outside he's an arrogant, self righteous jerk who is an expert con artist without any regrets about it. Yes, he's still that person but we learn who he is on the inside too...and that's an insecure man who hides behind whatever mask he's wearing. He's done it so long he's not even sure who the real Austin is anymore. Everyone thinks he's self centered, but he IS capable of loving someone and when he does he loves with his whole being. But the past he's tried so hard to get away from comes back to cause havoc in the new life he's trying to build.

Polly has loads of issues due to her past, the biggest being that she can't stand to be physically touched. It literally feels like it's burning her and sends her into a severe state of panic. That may sound extreme, but when we find out why it becomes more understandable. She's been able to successfully live this way for years until Austin enters the picture. As soon as he walked in to the meeting where they met for the first time she was insanely attracted to him and knew she wanted him. He felt the same way, but her problem with being touched is a huge relationship barrier.

Austin is patient and supportive, and eventually gains her unwavering trust. She opens herself up more to him that she ever has in her whole life. Until both of their secrets are revealed and then it seems like no matter what, someone is going to get hurt. Their faith in one another is tested and they're either going to be stronger after it's all done or they're going to be broken.

The twists and turns in this story kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happens next. Austin continually shocked me with the lengths he went to in order to prove his feelings for Polly. This story has it all- suspense, action, romance...everything you want in a fantastic 5 star read!

Tessa. Bailey. Damn.
If you have not experienced a book written by Tessa Bailey, you haven't lived. I spent most of this book reading with my thighs clenched together because....just read it.

Austin and Polly's story was everything I never knew I wanted and needed.

There was a element of suspense in this book that just elevated it to a whole new level. But even without that - this was a great book.

As we've come to expect from Tessa- the chemistry between her characters is off the chart. But Polly and Austin take it just beyond anything I was expecting. First off- there's some sort of hate that brews between these two that makes sex super hot. But there's also this obvious reverence and affection, especially in Austin's part. We really see that manifest itself in the way he offers himself to Polly.

It's rare for an alpha style male to really give up control to a woman but Austin's past sins make him crave control in a way that only Polly can really satisfy. And let me tell you - that makes for some of the hottest scenes I have ever read.

It's no surprise that I am a fan of Tessa's work. While this book is part of a series- I believe it can stand on its own. So if you have never encountered the steamy writing of Tessa Bailey- feel free to start here. And fans of Tessa- Austin and Polly's story will not disappoint you.

I had a review for this and then accidentally deleted it, so I'm just going to keep this really short because I can't remember everything I had originally said. Basically my main reason for rating this book so low was because I felt no connection with the character. Rather than seeing why they felt the emotions they felt for the other character, we were only told that they had them. It made it hard to see them as a couple, and also hard to me to like them.

Overall, not the best book in the series, but it didn't turn me away from continuing with the books.

Austin has quite the colorful vocabulary, “Polly…”He broke off on a groan. “If you want me hard for your p****, you have to stop jacking me. Otherwise, I’m going to paint the effing wall.” I liked this book. I loved Austin.

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Boiling Point by Tessa Bailey
Book Three of the Crossing the Line series
Publisher: Entangled: Select
Publication Date: January 25, 2016
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

Falling for a con man is the most dangerous game of all…

Con artist Austin Shaw’s been in disguise so long he’s not sure where his fake identities end and he begins. Now that he’s been strong-armed into working for a specialized undercover unit working with the Chicago police—criminals with unique “skills”—the last thing he needs is to risk his iron control. Especially when it comes to a certain stunningly sexy hacker who tempts him with every look of disdain.

Polly Banks will never, ever trust a con man. On the trail of a ruthless crook who destroyed the only family she’s ever known, Polly is unnerved by the shadow who follows her every move. The one who makes her pulse pound and breath short with lust. Austin. He’s infuriating, enigmatic, and pure sex appeal, and she’s determined to resist him.

But an untrustworthy man of disguise can become anyone he wants…including a man that Polly must trust if she’s to escape their dangerous game alive.

What I Liked:

I've had a lot of success with Bailey's books, and this one wasn't a disappointment, despite the three-star rating. There were little things that bothered me, and overall, the book felt like a three-star novel to me. I've not read any of the books in this series, but I think I would be interested in reading the next book (the male protagonist is newly introduced in this novel, and he is intriguing!).

Austin Shaw is one of the best con artists in the business. He can slip from one identity to another, trying to forget who he is and where he came from. He's been working with a crew of fellow criminals, including Polly Banks, who has haunted his dreams and consciousness for six months. Polly has been attracted to Austin - and vice versa - since day one, but she knows better than to tangle with the likes of him. She has an ulterior motive, but Austin seems to figure out her plans faster than she can make them. One steamy encounter leads to more... but can she trust him to help her?

I liked Polly, which surprised me just a bit because I've been struggling with female protagonists in romance novels recently - especially the ones who are trying to run from the male protagonist. Polly is tough as nails and somewhat commanding, but she's also a little uncertain and vulnerable. I like both of her sides, and I like seeing her expose her whole self to Austin.

I liked Austin just as much or more than I liked Polly. He's a complicated man, and a clever, intelligent one, at that. He's more than an attractive, mysterious Brit - he's scarred where none can see, and he is very emotionally detached. He thinks Polly is too good for him and hates himself for wanting her so much, but he never stops wanting her.

The chemistry between these two is off the charts. Bailey always writes REALLY hot books, but this one is probably one of her hotter ones. Austin gives all the reins to Polly, which is new for her. She's never been the "dominant" one before, but Austin gives her that control. I'm not really a fan of books in which the male is more submissive, but I commend Bailey for writing the chemistry and sexual tension (and sex) as well as she did, given the huge reversal of roles.

Did I mention this book was all kinds of hot? Mmm.

This book had a great ending, which surprised me just a little, because this is a suspense-ish novel. I expected there to be some high stakes and heartbreaking points, but this book was low on the drama. I liked this! And the ending was really great. I loved seeing the changes in both Polly and Austin, to make the ending lovely.

What I Did Not Like:

My biggest thing was how much this book dragged, initially. It took me a while to really dig in. The hook came when the sexual tension practically exploded, which is fine, but it made me a little sad because I wanted the suspense part of the story to hook me too!

My other thing was that I'm not into books with the male being the submissive one. This is more of a preference thing! Austin isn't a "practicing" sub - like, he doesn't walk into this story a sub. He's every inch a dominant, alpha male, but he hands over the reins to Polly because he sees that it's something she wants. And he ends up liking it - but it's more that he wants her to punish him. I'm not into that sort of thing. I think Austin could have been so much hotter of a character if his alpha-male nature could have run free. Towards the three-quarters point of the book, Polly gives back the control. But I wish Austin had it from the start!

The story dragged in the very beginning, and then it hit some other boring-ish points in the middle of the book too. I LOVED the hotter parts of this story, but the suspense/crime part didn't really hook me, sadly.

Would I Recommend It:

I'm a huge Tessa Bailey fan and I would recommend this book if you're a Bailey fan as well. It's a really hot romance novel, but I wouldn't recommend it if you're not into male subs. I loved how Polly was assertive, but I wanted Austin to be the alpha male beast that he so clearly was.

Rating:

3 stars. Definitely a good romance novel, a hot one, but maybe not one entirely for me. Still, I want to read Henrik's book, which is next!

Speak to anyone who reads a Tessa Bailey book and one topic is always at the top of the list: dirty talking men. I haven't read a single book of hers where the men haven't had a certain way with their words which is partly the reason she became a one-click author for that fix after reading the first in her Line of Duty series, alongside the fact they had entertaining storylines and she created great banter between her characters. Boiling Point brings us Austin: dirty-talking British grifter, and Polly: feisty computer-hacker with a dominant streak in the bedroom. This pair have a love/hate relationship, predominantly as Polly does not like con-men. And she has an axe to grind.

"...the biggest con of his life lay in convincing Polly he wasn’t a worthless sh!t bag."

I should have loved this; I'm a sucker for a good hustle and Austin is legendary in his field. But, and I'm beginning to sound like a stuck record saying this, the storyline was traded for sex, it felt unfinished and certain elements forgotten; neglected to make room for the dirty talk, which was overplayed and to be honest, crude.

"Go on and soak me. I earned every drop."
"You have me ready to spill, you dirty little lap dancer."
"I’ve got so much here for you, it’s going to fill this condom and drip down those f***ing legs."

This isn't sexy to me, it's akin to a porno-film. And the fact that it's so off-putting did have an overall impact. There were odd moments I enjoyed; Austin's softer side at times was very sweet, he comes over a Brit in his speech and I liked the switch on the dominant/submissive character traits. I'm sure this will hit the mark for others where it hasn't for me, but lately it seems that Tessa Bailey is relying too heavily on sex and dirty talk to hold her stories together, and that doesn't work for me.

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

This is another fabulous fast paced sizzling romance jam packed with mystery, intrigue, lies and two unlikely lovers!
A con artist and a woman scorned it quite a match!!! Polly is out to seek revenge on the man who destroyed her family. Austin has kept himself well hidden. He has now been strong armed into becoming part of an undercover sting operation to flush out the best of the best criminals that he has come to know in his shady line of business.
Polly would do anything and everything that it takes to make things right in her world and taking down Austin would be the icing on the cake! In a mind plowing chain of events the tables are turned and the man she deems her enemy becomes her savior . The chemistry between them is undeniable and although Polly would like nothing more than to walk away from this man the pull is too strong. Once she gets a small taste of what he has to offer and begins to chip away at his disguise she begins to see him in a whole new light!
Austin may need to bring his A game to protect Polly and show her the man he has kept hidden for so long!!

~~Michele McMullen ~~