Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.” —Groucho Marx

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Two Blue Lines by S C Montgomery--A Review


Release day for Two Blue Lines

by SC Montgomery!

It's finally here! Two Blue Lines, SC Montgomery’s first novel in her new Crossing the Lines series, is available for purchase!

Genre: Young Adult

Release Date: October 23rd




Blurb for Two Blue Lines (Crossing the Line, Book #1):

His fear . . . Her secrets . . . Their choice.

What if the only girl you’ve ever loved lied to you?

Lied to everyone?

Those two blue lines changed everything for Reed Young and Melissa Summers. In more ways than one.

And now, he must decide for himself . . .

Man up or walk away?


SC Montgomery has created an emotional tale of first love, difficult choices, and impossible secrets.  A deliciously angsty debut you need to read for yourself.


***Reader Warning*** Two Blue Lines is the emotional, honest story of two teenagers whose lives are about to change forever.  While not glorified, or portrayed in detail, there are themes of sexual assault and teen pregnancy, as well as allusions to teenage drinking and some foul language.  It is all meant to create an honest, relevant novel, but please be aware and read only if you’re comfortable.

Buy at Amazon
Buy at Barnes&Noble

***


Excerpt:

Tears filled her eyes, reflecting the kaleidoscope of colors from the sky above. “I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lost you.”

I scooted over and pulled her close. “Why would you lose me?” Okay, sure, I’d had the fleeting thought of running for the hills, but I’d never leave her. Baby or not. My heart was too fully invested. God, didn’t she realize she was the first girl I’d ever kissed? She was the first person I thought about in the morning, the person I wanted to call when I was happy, when I was bummed . . . Melissa Summers had become my everything since I laid eyes on her in that middle school cafeteria. I couldn’t think of one single solitary thing that could make me leave her now. Besides, I had a responsibility to this baby.

She threw her arms around my neck and her tears soaked through my T-shirt. “What if you decided you hated me or the baby? What if . . . ?” She choked on a sob as I squeezed and shushed her.

“It’s okay, Mel. I’m not leaving you, and I could never hate you. Never. Or the baby. How could I?” I stroked her back as the fireworks popped furiously above us in a resounding finale.

It finally grew quiet, the smoke from the show settling down over the water, people around us mumbling and picking up their chairs. I continued to hold her, my eyes straying to a couple holding hands as they strolled, another not holding hands, not touching, obvious tension shimmering between them as they towed a fussy toddler. My heart ached that I couldn’t do more to ease her. “God, Mel, I love you so much,” I whispered, wishing she’d believe me. Wondering why she’d suddenly doubt. We may be in a heap of trouble, but I never wanted to lose the spark that made us. Even at sixteen, I knew it was special.

She finally pulled back and looked up into my eyes. I used the pad of my thumb to wipe the tears from her cheeks. She simply stared for several moments. We said nothing. I let her look. Maybe she’d find whatever reassurance she was seeking. Then, gently, her eyes slipped down to my mouth. I leaned in and kissed her, giving her all the love, all the promises, all the comfort I had.

And all the hope.

***





SC Montgomery is a self-proclaimed nerd and readaholic.  She has dabbled in telling stories since she was very young by letting her imagination play out with her Barbie dolls and her bestie many a weekend.  She also writes Contemporary adult romance under the pen name Shauna Allen, and it was in one of those novels that the YA bug bit when she wrote in a teenager loosely based on her own son.  Her first story, The Summer of Lettie, was penned as a gift for her mother, but was published with her blessing, and it’s just taken off from there.

SC is married with three teenagers of her own, who give her plenty of inspiration and advice, and are a constant source of laughter and new terminology.  Besides writing, she loves reading, movies, singing and dancing reality shows and going to the beach.

You can sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/RLQQz









Praise for Two Blue Lines:

An emotionally intense story about two teens having to grow up way before their time . . . Hard to put down, this story will stay with you for a long time.
-New York Times bestselling author C.C. Hunter

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

Intense was the first word that came to mind about this official first in the Crossing the Line Series by S C Montgomery.    I can not believe the feelings that coursed through me and caused meto hold my breath as I read Two Blue Lines.   The two main characters, Reed Young and his girlfriend, Melissa Summers were so believable, so realistic and so vulnerable throughout the read.   The most character growth was seen in Reed as he struggled with the thought of becoming a parent at the age of sixteen and eventually reached the point that he yielded to real love.  I do believe the maternal instinct of a female, allows the mom to be to accept the concept of parenthood sooner than the baby's daddy.   

There were many young adult issues brought out in the book and some language, so the book is designed for older teens to read and enjoy and would possibly be helpful to those teens facing the same situations and  decisions.   My favorite part was where Reed admitted all his fears to his dad on the beach and his father credited him for standing up and taking responsibility.   It was at this point the reader witnessed Reed Young maturing and accepting his daddy role, right before our eyes.

I found this read to be sensitive and endearing and highly recommend it to older teens, teachers and parents alike.

I gave this a 5 Wink rating!


Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like. I received a complimentary ARC  from the author or the author’s representatives in exchange for an honest review.

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