Crossing The Lines by M.Q. Barber

A safeword won’t save her from love.

After six months of cavorting in her neighbors’ bed, Alice admits signing the contract to be Henry’s sexual submissive is the best decision she’s ever made. He delivers on his promise to give her sexual satisfaction. But submitting to his dominance alongside his long-term lover shows her the sharp line between sex and love. Henry loves goofy, eager-to-please Jay. Neither man has promised to love her.

Hiding her feelings grows harder every night she spends with them. As they struggle with wounds old and new, her emotional turmoil threatens to shred their arrangement. Is it time to bow out before they show her the door? Or can a triangle be the shape of true love?

CONTENT WARNING: Explicit sex, graphic language, BDSM, bondage, spanking, M/M/F ménage, M/F sex, M/M sex.

I wasn’t aware when I started this book, that there is a book one in this series.  I would recommend that you do read it first so you can go into this part of the story with full knowledge of these characters, BUT, this can be read alone just as well.  The author gives us enough background to keep you focused and engaged with this part of Alice, Jay and Henry’s story.

I love the connection that the three have made.  It was clear this started out as a contract to include Alice in the relationship Henry and Jay had once in a while, but it had become more for all three.  Henry is a Dom, caring, in control, very in tuned to Jay and Alice’s needs, but he is guarded with his emotions.  He freely shows Jay the love that Jay requires but there is something about Alice that keeps him from allowing her the same affection he gives Jay.

Jay reminded me of a sweet little excited puppy, but as we read this book we see why he is so dependent on Henry and his affection and confirmation that he is a good boy. In this book we see what led Jay to need Henry’s protection, why Henry is so patient with Jay and now Alice gets to see that the way to Henry’s heart is to take care of Jay. 

Alice wants to be part of their relationship, but she isn’t sure if there is room for her.  Her love and respect for Henry and Jay prevented her from just asking to be included, nor can she just open up and express her deep need to be loved and cared for by both men.  After making a judgment call to do things her way, she is stripped of that connection and is forced to admit to herself if that need for them is more important than her need to be guarded and independent. 

While the scenes were hot and sensual, there was never a time that love and respect the primary emotion driving them all.  I loved this book, it was written with such respect, dignity and love that the characters were difficult not to just fall in love with.  The writing style was very developed and smooth and led for an enjoyable reading experience.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, I was so invested in this story and the characters, I found it difficult to put the kindle down for real life.  I look forward to more from this author.