Burning the Line by Carmelina Mercurio is a student/teacher forbidden age-gap romance that is the first in The Pleasant Lake series, an ongoing series of interconnected standalones. It’s a sweet, easy-to-read romance that follows Grant and Leighton as they try to navigate their forbidden love.
Leighton Wilford has a wicked crush on her English Lit professor, but she can’t afford the distraction. She’s focused on outrunning her past and graduating college.
Grant Barrett could lose his position, but he can’t stop thinking about his gorgeous student. They’re working hard to keep things professional.
But then Leighton gets the paid internship in the English department that she wanted so badly. Her supervisor? None other than Professor Barrett.
The universe keeps forcing them together, and they’re only human. There’s only so much proximity they can take before the temptation gets the best of them.
Burning the Line features simple, straightforward characters and a fast-paced plot focused entirely on the relationship. The problem is, besides some minor bumps in the road, nothing really happens. There is very little conflict here to speak of.
Grant and Leighton’s attraction is instant. This is undoubtedly a whirlwind affair, and as a result, the book reads like a whirlwind.
But real, true intimacy starts with vulnerability. You need to crack yourself open and let someone love those broken bits. You need to let them show you that they’ll love it all. You need to be willing to have your heart sliced open.
The spice scenes are fun, but I’m not sure how I feel about using words like “scrape” and “mash” in a sexual setting. The rest of it is pretty hot, though, so I’ll let it slide.
This book has a tendency towards the syrupy kind of romance, the over-the-top sweetness that makes your teeth ache.
Burning the Line is cute but utterly predictable. This book isn’t for me, but I can see why some might like it. For my taboo, age-gap moments, I’ll be sticking with my tried and true girl, Q.B. Tyler.
Leave a Reply