From USA Today Bestselling Author Cora Kenborn comes a steamy enemies to lovers romance full of sharp banter, cold revenge, and unexpected twists.Loyalty is the deadliest sinEverything has been one elaborate lie. My name. My identity. My entire existence. Crafted by one man and revealed by another. Brody Harcourt exposed me as a fraud, turning me from a queen into a pariah. Now … a fraud, turning me from a queen into a pariah.
Now there will be hell to pay.
But I’m back for more than revenge. More than blood.
My eye is on the prize.
The Carrera throne.
I’ll win the kingpin’s trust at any cost, even if it means crossing enemy lines with Houston’s political pin-up boy. Brody’s chiseled chest and cocky smirk won’t distract me.
But things don’t always go as planned.
Sometimes a queen has to steal her crown.
And the one man she should never want…
…is the only one she does.
*The Carrera Cartel books are all standalones and can be read out of sequence. However, for maximum enjoyment, it’s recommended that you read them in order.
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LOVED this story HARD!! I want more of Adriana and Brody! The chemistry and magnetism of both these characters was over the top smokin’!! The banter between the two of them is parallel and entertaining, I honestly couldn’t get enough!
~ , ‘ . , . ‘ .~
Brody was not of cartel blood, he was the gringo that had been appointed lieutenant to a cartel king, Valentin Carrera. Brody doesn’t really fit the mold, but he has a darkness that brims just under the surface, trying to balance on that fine line.
Adriana, born under one cartel organization and raised under another, oblivious to her true identity until recently, has a vendetta against the eye-catching Counsellor Brody Harcourt.
Both are damaged and drowning in sins and rivalry, they navigate around the truth, lies, threats and vulnerabilities seeking some sort of salvation and hoping to come out the other side.
Cora Kenborn has certainly brought a befitting conclusion to this trilogy, and I couldn’t be more content with Brody and Adriana’s story. As I said in my first review for , “~ ’ ~”, and the same rings true for . If you’re looking for a story that is richly crafted with detail and loaded with tension and suspense that will take you to a bursting point, then you need to read and get acquainted with the boys in The Carrera Cartel. Just be prepared to read late into the night, you won’t want to put this story down.
4.5*Yin and Yang Stars!
5 PHENOMENAL STARS!!!
When you read one of Cora Kenborn’s books, you become part of the story. Be prepared to get drawn in. She can weave a tale like no other. She goes above and beyond with this last installment of the Carerra Cartel series. Drawn Blue Lines is full of explosive plot twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat and quickly turning the pages. This is, by far, one of THE BEST mafia series I’ve read. While each can be ready as a standalone, you’re going to want to read Val and Mateo’s stories too. You’ll be glad you did.
This book rates as 4.5 hot mess.
Drawn Blue Lines is the third installment in the Carrera Cartel saga about the Counselor and the Princess. Finally, Brody Harcourt, who is one hot mess, gets his story. If you didn’t read the first two books, don’t worry. Cora gives enough background that you can be as confused as the rest of us with twisted, downward spiral that Brody has traveled. I have personally had a love-hate relationship with him through the series and Cora didn’t disappoint with his own personal story.
Brody, previously a Houston ADA, is now a lieutenant for Mexico’s most powerful cartel led by Val Carrera. Holding this position despite having a long standing relationship with said leader’s wife.
Who could imagine that Brody would become involved with Adriana Carrera? Previously known as Marisol Munoz, raised as the daughter of the rival Munoz cartel leader to be its queen, only to tossed aside when it was discovered she was kidnapped during infancy from the Carrera family.
Can Brody redeem and forgive himself so he can love someone? Can Adriana find a home and place to belong after living a life of lies?
Only Cora could imagine all this and bring two characters together that have lost themselves and their way so thoroughly.
Welcome to the the totally twisted world of Brody Harcourt and the Carrera Cartel.
Can I have another scotch, please?
Drawn Blue Lines is the third book in the Career Cartel series by Cora Kenborn and tells the story of Adriana and Brody. Adriana hasn’t had an easy life, far from it. Adriana used to rule an empire until Brody took that all away from her, now she is back for revenge but Brody may be the least of her worries. Brody on the other hand is playing a twisted game. First working as an ADA and then working at the front line of the cartel, but nothing is what it seems and Brody is playing a dangerous game that could get more than him killed.
As this is the third book in the series, most of the main players are in place so you know who people are and what their roles are in the book, but there are some twists and turns that you don’t see coming until it is too late. The dynamics in people’s relationships are interested in this book as sometimes it feels as though they are all out to look after themselves, but there are some acts of selflessness, especially from Adriana.
Adriana and Brody’s relationship is certainly toxic though, where they seem to enjoy scheming against each other and they definitely don’t see their relationship growing until it is too late. Adriana’s relationship with her brother Val is interesting to say the least as are her interactions with Eve, but it seems everything comes full circle in the cartel and everyone gets their HEA…somewhat.
If you like hot, intriguing cartel/mafia books with intense characters than this one is for you. I would suggest reading the first two books in this series so that you know who all of the players are and it will help you to figure out what side of the fence you’re standing on.
ARC received for a fair and honest review.
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
This is the 3rd book in this amazing series and can be read as a standalone. This is Adriana and Brody’s story, which has complex character and is intense with a riveting plot. This is a well written story which is flawless, dark, steamy and with angst, secrets, lies, revenge, twists, and off the chart chemistry, which all had me hooked throughout this addictive page turner. I highly recommend this talented authors’ work for all.
Brody was lost in the world he was like a ghost between two worlds not knowing witch one he belong in to he was fighting him self because he wasn’t sure if he was a prosecutor or a member of the Carrera cartel he was so used to being the one that put the guys that commit crimes away and now he is one and he’s still not used to being held to a higher standard because he had to enforce the law not break it now he has to prove to him self that he’s not dammed ever. Adriana had her hole life explode if front of her face she was taught to hate anyone with the last name Carrera and that they need to need killed in till one day she finds out that her whole life was a lie and she had the same name that she was taught to hate and that confused her because she always thought she was someone else and wasn’t sure how to handle it so she put it in a box put a wall around her so no one would see anything but a cold hearted woman that she wanted everyone to believe she was but Brody saw though that and because he thinks he’s dammed he decides to poke at her armor in till it crumbles only at first it was because he hated her for everything she did to him but the feeling was mutual then one day it changed and they no longer hated each other they wanted to save each other from the dark
Holy cow. Where do I begin? I’ve been waiting for Brody’s story and Ms. Kenborn did NOT disappoint. Brody has been a favorite character of mine since Blurred Red Lines. He’s so well written that I didnt want the book to end. The series as a whole have been phenomenal. You have dark, dirt, twist and turns. Something you wont see coming until the very end.
Adriana and her past will break your heart. The things she endured when her “family” betrays her made me want to throat punch them all.
So well written, I couldn’t put it down. I’d give this book more than 5 stars if I could. If you want a well written Mafia series, read these!!
I have several Kenborn books in my library; this is the first I have read! I know starting at the end… It’s okay. Drawn Blue Lines has just caused my other Kenborn books to move up the TBR list! I know it’s cheating, but….. The characters were charismatic! The writing wonderful! The twists and turns, tantalizing! I Am So Happy to have found Ms. Kenborn and Finally Read! Can’t wait to get to my backlist! Thank you Ms. Kenborn for fantastic entertainment in a genre I love!
My oh my, Brody was so worth the wait. Mafia/Cartel books are usually not my go to genre, but this series sucked me right in. Sexy, funny, and a nail biter at times. Cora Kenborn hits it out of the park once again.
Wow! What a way to end this phenomenal series! Drawn Blue Lines is a standalone but I highly recommend reading Blurred Red Lines and Faded Gray Lines. Trust me you don’t want to miss out on Val and Mateo’s stories. Hot! Hot! Hot! This series is action packed and full of twist with steamy alpha characters.
Brody Harcourt was a former DA and now a full time Lieutenant for the Carrera Cartel. Brody is very dedicated and loyal to his boss Val Carrera but things complicated when Adriana Carrera shows up. Since Brody is responsible for ruining Adriana’s world she’s out for blood and revenge. Things get tricky with the undeniable chemistry heats up between them. Will they be able to put the past behind them and trust each other enough to work together to find out who’s trying to bring down Carrera Cartel? Can you really trust a former enemy? Cora Kenborn did an outstanding job pulling you in and making you feel all the feels of each of these characters. This is one book and series you don’t want to miss!
The trilogy is finally complete! I was waiting for this book ever since Blurred Red Lines because I usually like the types of characters like the main male protagonist, Brody Harcourt. We saw how he evolved through the previous two books, although they were more focused on other characters.
Brody started BRL as an assistant attorney at the DA’s office, was in love with Eden and overall, he was on the side of justice. After Eden fell for Val and the boss decided to spare his life although he had all the reasons to kill him off, he started to change and came closer to the underworld like never before. And don’t let me start with Fade Gray Lines. Basically, Brody is the man who always wants to do the right thing but he ends messing everything up and is misunderstood. For this reason, when a big shipment goes missing and money is lost because of it, Brody needs to take care of the situation quickly and show Val that he’s a capable leader of the Houston leg, which still operates in the Caliente Cantina where Eden used to work in BRL.
But there’s more. Not only Brody has to deal with this, he also has to face the woman who believes he destroyed her future because he exposed her true identity, Adriana Carrera.
Adriana, who used to be Marison Munoz and that who’s his familiar with this series already knows, is none other than Val’s younger lost sister. You need to read [book:Blurred Red Lines|48639788] to see why she hates Brody’s guts and she’s trying all that she could to make him pay and make his boss pay, of course. But she’s mostly enraged with Brody, because she knows the selfish reason why he outed her to Val.
Adriana is a fallen queen but she’s not easily beat. She lost the Munoz cartel because she was unmasked as a Carrera, which is the rival number 1 of the Munozes, but she doesn’t know how or who is trying to restore the cartel and kicking her out. The man who seems to be behind it all spares her life because he wants her to destroy her own family, and Adriana has no chance but accept to save herself. So she goes to face her demon heads on in Houston, knowing nothing but a name. The person Adriana and Brody are looking for may be hard to track down, but what’s hardest is being together in this quest, since they are enemies and they both need to prove their loyalty to pass Valentin Carrera’s test. Will they be able to destroy the enemies and survive or they will succumb to their own hatred for each other? You need to read to find out.
We met Brody in the first book of this series. He was an attorney and was part of the “justice” team, in fact all he did in the past books were things that tried not to cross the line between his white collar job and his underworld job. Which, obviously, resulted difficult after more than a year of playing for two teams. In his book Brody is confused between his cartel life and his old life as a wealthy kid who was pretty good at his office job and fought against people like Val and Mateo. He copes his confusion with alcohol, and is not refreshing to see, because it never ends well when a person abuses of something and doesn’t know how to control himself. The turning point for Brody can be resolving the problems that he caused in his leg of the cartel, thanks to Adriana’s arrival as well. He sees her as a nuisance because of course she’s mad with him, he exposed her true identity to the world. And he hates her because of what she did in the past and who she represents. Brody should not want to see her even in photo, but maybe Adriana will prove to be the person that he really needs when he doesn’t think he needs her to begin with.
Adriana is like a female Val in some ways. She grew up cartel and in her mind, she thought one day she’d rule the Munoz one, until she’s unmasked as a Carrera. For her it’s a big shock, since the Carreras are sworn enemies with her “family”, so she’s lost. But, since she’s not an hypocrite, she throws Marisol’s life away when she realizes that her old identity died once Brody outed her to the world. But this doesn’t mean that she’s buried her old self: pieces of Marisol come back to haunt her and appear in people from her past that aren’t who they say they are, because how can you begin a new life if you don’t cut ties with your past? The problem with Adriana is that she does have a past as Marisol, but she doesn’t have a past as Adriana, and she’s not sure she’ll have one. The only surviving blood relative she has is Valentin, and he hates her because of what she did to him in the past. Since we’re dealing with cartel world, it’s only natural Val doesn’t trust his sister unless she proves her loyalty to him. Words are useless in cartel, and not even facts and actions prove someone is with someone else 100%.
Brody and Adriana hate each other before they even meet again, but they can’t deny their sexual tension. And we’ll see how their interactions will make them get closer day after day until the point of no return. The question is: will they destroy each other in the process or they will survive the tempest? I can only tell you this book is a bit dark and packed with action and suspense, but you’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel, trust me.
As usual I’m blown away by Cora’s books, because they are full of twists and turns and you can’t know what happens next nor you can’t trust everyone you met through the pages, because tables can turn fast. But one thing is for sure: it will always end well.
So this is for readers who love suspense romance but also people who like enemies to lovers romances filled with action, sarcasm, and hot moments.
Holy Sh!t was Brody & Adriana explosive. Their sexual chemistry was ready to combust.
Adriana was sexy as hell, such a strong wilfull woman who oozed sassy and wit.
Brody, a lieutenant for the Carrera Cartel was true badass. Drawn Blue Lines sets the tone for Brody from Mr. Prosecutor in Law Enforcement who turned rogue to the Cartel side of the tracks.
An Intricate storyline filled with many twists and turns and full of intrigue and plots that had me second guessing throughout.
Although characters from the first two books in this series are present in Drawn Blue Lines they don’t define this book. It can be read as a stand-alone although I would recommend reading the whole series.
I’m not even sure where to start with how epic this book is. My mind is blown! I wish you could give a book more than five stars, because this story deserves so much more. While I know you can read this as a standalone, I recommend reading Blurred Red Lines and Faded Gray Lines first in order to truly understand Brody’s character. I have been waiting for a story all his own, and this author knocked it out of the park! Brody is a complex character, who knows right from wrong, but is loyal to a fault when it comes to his boss, Valentin Carrera and the Carrera family. When Adriana comes into the picture, Brody is unsure how to handle her. There is no doubt, he lusts after her, but everything he knows about her makes him hesitant. And Adriana is definitely a woman you don’t mess with. She is a mysterious, strong character who comes across as completely tough, but as you read, you do sense there is a softness to her as well. Can Brody bring that side out of her? Will she let him get close to her knowing all that he does about her? There is no doubt in my mind that these two belong together, not to mention their chemistry is chart topping! This story has many twists and turns and it is a wild ride that you’ll never want to get off! I am in awe of this authors writing skills, she has a way of making you fall in love with her characters, even the ones you don’t want to! I am a lover of Mafia style stories and this series just proves why! Brody and Adriana’s story is a phenomenal read and I truly believe everyone needs to read their story. They will embed themselves into your very heart and soul.
Love love love
Love Brody Val and Mateo (hes mine)
Brody and Adiana intense emotional broken heart stopping twisted love story
Grabbed my heart
More plz
Love love love this book.. I think I love Brody even more reading this.. It was sexy, heart pounding, funny, nerve wracking. All in all a really great book.. Top read
I have been waiting for this book to come out for awhile. Now I have read the first two in these series and will state that Drawn Blue Lines is a stand alone book. I do suggest that you read the other two books later on as they too are outstanding. Now back to Drawn Blue Lines. Cora Kenborn has baffled me yet again. Her style of writing just gets better and better.
I devoured this phenomenal book the day it landed in my kindle. I had to stop and think about how to tell all of you about this book. This is one of those books that will stay with you for many days after you are finished reading. It grabs you by the heart and just won’t let go. Cora Kenborn is magical as she is able to get the reader’s attention with the opening sentence, run the gauntlet of emotions, before stunning us so completely that we struggle for words when the last page is turned. Adriana and Brody are dynamic characters. Their journey is filled with; lies, secrets, discovery, darkness and hot steamy times. Down this road they must learn to trust and overcome what life throws at them. I am not going to give any details of this book away, because I want everyone to go in blind and get the full impact of the story. I will say that this book is incredibly well written, has amazing character development, a fully developed storyline. A perfect ending for an epic series.
If lies, deceit, deception, steam, back stabbing and Mafia books are your thing, THIS is totally the book for you! Cora does it again with another awesome series.
Adriana Carrera aka Marisol Muñez’s life is one big complication. Raised by a monster she thought she was the daughter of the former slain cartel King. She wants to seek vengeance for her real family… for the lies, decent and betrayal that was bestowed upon her. Brody Harcourt is the way to get that revenge…a pawn so to speak. Brody is a former DA and now the second lieutenant of the Carrera Cartel. Revenge, blackmail, deception & lies, is what you get in this romantic mafia suspense. Adriana and Brody are twisted yet the perfect mix of hate/love. Their push and pull together can spark a fire. This is the third book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone, however I feel it would be helpful to read the first two books in order to understand some of the other characters/backstory. Get ready to enter the carrera cartel world. Told in dual POV
Loved this book! It’s an absolute page-turner that kept me on the edge of my seat. Full of secrets, lies, betrayal, deceit, family, love, enemies, loss, heartbreak, and so much more. Marisol/Adrianna’s life was a lie, a soul shattering one. Stolen and raised by the enemy now twenty four years later she is in a position where she has to make the begged decision of her life, fight for her self or risk her life for the only two remaining blood relatives. Adrianna’s journey isn’t all rainbows and roses but along the way she finds family, I’ve and her true self.
Highly recommended!
Drawn Blue Lines is the final book in the Carrera Cartel Trilogy!! And let me tell you it’s an amazing end to the trilogy! Brody and Adriana’s story is explosive and they are a great match! Cora has out done herself with this story! Adriana comes in like a wrecking ball to Brody’s life! Now mind you Brody is no push over! He comes back swinging just as hard at Adriana! This story has a lot of twists and turns, but that’s one of Cora’s specialties! You never see the end coming! She keeps you on your toes through the whole story! I absolutely love Brody and Adriana! Now mind you Niko and Ava (Darkest Deeds) is my favorite couple! Brody and Adriana almost took the top spot!