From USA Today Bestselling Author Cora Kenborn comes a steamy second chance romance full of political intrigue, family betrayal, and shocking blindsides.Love is the deadliest lie.I never meant to start a war.Then I fell for the boy my mother warned me about.A lowlife.A criminal.To me, he was just Matty. To the world, he was Mateo Cortes, soulless killer for the Carrera Cartel.We … Cortes, soulless killer for the Carrera Cartel.
We were the virgin and the villain. The debutante and the devil.
He swore we’d end in ruin. I swore love would conquer all.
I was wrong.
Running saved my life, but now a costly mistake has put it back on the line. Forced out of hiding, I’m given minutes to decide my fate: inmate or informer. The DEA plans to bring down the Carreras by infiltrating their ranks.
I’m the pawn.
Mateo is the target.
Four years ago, I started a war. Now I’m back to end it, and this time I won’t run from the dark.
My devil will come for me.
And God help anyone who gets in his way.
*The Carrera Cartel books are all standalones and can be read out of sequence. However, if you prefer to avoid spoilers, it’s highly recommended that you read them in order.
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This is the first book I have read by this author and it can be read as a stand-alone. That being said as the second book of the series there were some characters that made an appearance from the first book. I’m breaking my own rules and will have to go read the first book (I don’t like reading a series out of order). This is a fantastic book. The chemistry between Mateo and Leighton is scorching! The author does such an outstanding job at really making the readers invested in the character’s lives. I wanted to scream and throw my kindle at the same time. I can’t wait for another installment of this series.
Cora Kenborn ~
Faded Gray Lines ( Carrera Cartel Series Book 2)
Whilst this is book 2 in the Carrera Cartel Series, this book can be read as a stand-alone. Although I would recommend reading Book one (Blurred Red Lines) for the full effect and back story.
Mateo Cortes is one tough motherf$@#ker, the second in command of the feared and notorious Carrera Cartel headed by Val (Valentin) Carrera and this is Mateo’s story and Leighton Harcourt.
Cora Kenborn has certainly excelled and surpassed Book One of this Series, the tone was charged throughout, with many twists and turns making it a captivating and compelling read. The characters were strong and had many different facet to their personalities. Leighton was by far my favourite for her strength and tenacity. It was dark, fast paced, had the elements of danger and right amount of bedroom spice in a book for me as a reader to become fully engrossed in.
I have no problem whatsoever giving this book a very well deserved 5*. Ms. Kenborn created a compelling and enthralling read which has been so worth the wait ! Thoroughly enjoyed!
Omg! What did I just read! I wish I could give this book a 10+ star review! I have been anxiously awaiting this book to come out. Yes, you can read this as a stand-alone, but some of the characters in this book were in Blurred Red Lines, so you might want to check that out as well as it is also an amazing read. But back to FGL, this book is definitely my top read of 2018, hands down, no doubt! The story of Mateo and Leighton blew me away. The chemistry between these too is “off the roof” Hotness! These characters, as described by this author, just jump off the pages at you and I rooted for them throughout this entire book. To be honest, I was pretty much an emotional mess while reading this and, at times, I wanted to throw my Kindle as I became unequivocally invested in these characters and didn’t want this book to end. There are so many facets to this storyline, that I am hoping another book evolves from this. I will not give any spoilers away, just going to say that everyone needs this book in their life. True writing genius. This author is unreal and I look forward to reading more by her.
A-MAZ-ING!!!
Cora does it again in this second installment of the Carrera Cartel series. Cora never ceases to amaze me with her work. Faded Gray Lines surpassed Blurred Red Lines, and I didn’t think that was possible. Mateo & Leighton! OMG the whirlwind of emotions with these two!!! I couldn’t put this book down, as usual with Cora’s work. You don’t necessarily need to read Blurred Red Lines first, to enjoy this one, but I’m sure you probably want too. This series is incredible.
Mateo me robó el corazón con su forma de ser.
Mateo stole my heart with his way of being. He’s just a man so deeply in love with his past that he doesn’t know what to make out of his future as it’s presented to him when he least expects it.
Faded Grey Lines doesn’t just tell us the story of Leighton and Mateo. It shows us all their loves brilliance, confusion, and pain as it beautifully pieces together their story in all its raw and chaotic glory set to the backdrop of the deadly cartel way of life.
I completely recommend their story to all Cora Kenborn lovers AND newbies. This book definitely has it all from sweetness to off the charts sizzling heat!
I absolutely loved Faded Gray Lines which is the second book of the Carrera Cartel. This book tells Mateo’s story who we meet in the first book Blurred Red Lines and Leighton. When Leighton finds herself in some trouble she calls upon her brother for help. Once her brother advises her to return home, and lays eyes on Mateo, her life will never be the same again. With a past together and hot chemistry what will the future hold for Leighton and Mateo.
I highly recommend this book to all
There is two sides to every story. In Leighton’s mind four years ago she was abandoned by the man she loved and forced to escape her horrible home life with her mother and stepfather alone. Now four years later, she is unexpectedly confronted by someone from her past as she’s trying desperately to keep her family safe after committing a murder she believes was in self defence.
Four years ago, Mateo was willing to betray a brotherhood for the woman he loved. One last job sent Mateo to prison for a year of his life. The only thing that kept him going was knowing that the woman he loved would be waiting for him, but to his surprise she was nowhere to be found upon his release. Now four years later, the woman he believes left him without a second thought, comes crashing back into his life turning both of their worlds upside down.
Will Leighton and Mateo be able to put the feelings of betrayal and abandonment of the past aside to give themselves a second chance at a future? The road to a happily ever after is filled with twists and turns that will have you second guessing who to trust until the very end. Cora Kenborn knows how to reel you in and keep you on the edge of your seat. I absolutely loved this 5 Star must read!
Phenomenal read! I have been anxiously waiting for this second book in the series. And definitely worth the wait! Blood does not make you family. Trust and loyalty bond you. Mateo and Leighton learn about darkness and light, and the shades between. I was drawn in from the very beginning. A Sexy, Gripping and Twisting story that I couldn’t put down. A must read, fall in LOVE with story!
1/2 STARS
So unlike a lot of other readers, I haven’t read the previous book in this particular series and Know I managed to follow along fairly easily here there were still some instances where I was left feeling a bit out of the loop overall.
So I am going to go out on a limb here and say; though this can be read as a standalone as all the necessary components are present; reading the two books as a series makes more sense to me and would probably make the whole experience here much better overall.
So much did I enjoy this I also will definitely be back-tracking and reading book one in this series at a later date.
So without having anything to measure this against I just really went with my gut for this one and I have got to say “Faded Gray Lines” is one book that I liked a hell of a lot.
I’m not usually a big fan of second chance romances but this one had so much going on that it was exceptionally easy to get sucked right in and lost within its excellent narrative.
This is Leighton and Mateo’s story and almost instantly upon starting I was unable to put it down such addictive reading was this; I was in a surefire race till that finish line
So Leighton has come rushing home to her big brother after events have spiralled out of her hands culminating in an epic fuck up out of all her control.
Big Brother Brody along with the Carrera Cartel is there to assist in cleaning up her mess.
Mateo or Matty as Leighton refers to him is a high up member of said Cartel.
When Mateo and Leighton reconnect its a big ole shock to both parties as neither was expecting the other and this is where our story takes off.
So I really liked Mateo as a character and once he got over his initial spit your dummy out tantrum it wasn’t hard to completely warm to his over the top protective alpha vibe.
He was so understanding of Leighton’s actions even without knowing the reasoning behind it.
And although I did think he was way out of order to be so pissed at Leighton for A not waiting for him and B lieing about her identity; Considering the complete lack of honesty on his part also it was a tad hypocritical and unreasonable in my opinion.
For that matter; How was she even meant to know he had been arrested anyway is the question that should have been on her lips.
But despite the above, I still really liked the fact that once he had gotten over himself he was all about Leighton; totally wearing his heart on his sleeve for all and sundry to see.
Leighton, I liked also but she was a bit dim at times and seemed to be an expert in creating drama that just wasn’t necessary out of sheer pig-headed stubbornness and unnecessary pride.
She also was a bit lone-wolf at times instead of trusting in Mateos care for her.
I did find that aspect of her personality a tad annoying.
But I really liked how eventually she embraced her inner monster accepting it for what it was; that I found was so refreshing.
Despite the above, I did really enjoy the dynamic between these two an awful lot.
“Faded Gray Lines” was a fascinating book that managed to hold my attention throughout.
All in all, this turned out to be a pretty good read for me that I’m happy to recommend.
Thank You to the Author for providing me with an ARC copy of “Faded Gray Lines (Carrera Cartel #2)” of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
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FGL is the second book in the Carrera Cartel Mafia series featuring Val Carrera’s second in command Matteo. In the first book, Blurred Red Lines, Matteo was the quiet advisor and get it done type of guy to Val. In FGL he goes states side to clean up a mess involving Brody’s younger sister Leighton. Matteo has no clue until he sees Leighton, that she is the girl from his past that he almost left the Cartel for. The story builds on miscommunication and the two lead characters thinking the other one knows more they do. Along the way Matteo and Leighton find there are friends who are not their friends, family that doesn’t have their best interest in heart and of course a few dead bodies before they get there HEA. This is a Mafia book.
Cora has spun another great story and I can’t get enough of the men in the Carrera Cartel. Her characters become more developed with each book. We get to see the calming effect Eden has on Val and I almost like Brody in FGL, he has grown a backbone. Looking forward to the next installment
Excellent book by such and amazing author
Do you ever read a book so good that you’re not sure you’ll be able to write a proper review? Faded Gray Lines was such a phenomenal read that I feel my words may fall short… Kenborn’s writing is definitely at its peak, she has a way of drawing you into the story and keeping you there for a long time, her characters seep into your soul and consume your thoughts. I love books that make me feel, and you get that with Faded Gray Lines–all the feels.
I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Mateo, him being the underboss to Val. I love an alpha hero and was curious to see how his dominance would play out, Mateo is alpha in every sense of the word. He can bend me over any day. The author did a fantastic job balancing the power of the two men. Mateo is no bitch.
One thing that I love about a Cora Kenborn book is that you know you will get a strong heroine. Leighton is all that, I think I may have feel in love with her too. She was timid and vulnerable, but quick witted and snarky too.
This is the second book in the Carrera Cartel series and can be read as a standalone, but I think you benefit more from reading them in order. This book was plot driven and the character development was insane, I found myself wanting to book a flight. Doesn’t every girl want to be a Cartel Queen? If you’re looking for a original book, with an original storyline you should definitely grab your copy today! Faded Gray Lines surpassed all my expectations, this is by far my favorite book I’ve read this year.
Mateo and Leighton’s story was packed full of sexy hotness, endearing sweetness and the twisted, suspenseful plotlines that readers of the author come to expect. This highly anticipated book two of the Carrera Cartel immediately grabbed my attention and sucked me into their underworld. While this is a stand alone and can be read as such, I do recommend that readers start with book one, Blurred Red Lines, to know more of the other pivotal characters and their roles played.
Faded Gray Lines is the second book in the Carrera Cartel Series. It CAN be read as a standalone novel, but seriously, get Blurred Red Lines, it is so worth the read!
I am going to be honest, after Blurred Red Lines, I wasn’t truly interested in Mateo’s story. I was just hoping to get Brody’s story LOL. However, once I begin a series I am invested and will finish to the very end. Man am I glad that I did! This book was explosive! Just as Blurred Red Lines did, this one just starts with a bang. There are so many twists and turns. You think you have it figured out and then Ms. Kenborn throws something else in there that you didn’t see coming. Ms. Kenborn is one of my favorite go to romantic suspense authors out there. She is able to weave such a fantastic story, with just the right amount of romance and steamy scenes that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
One of the things that I love about this author is the fact that she can take a popular trope and make it seem new again. This book is set in the cartel world as well as being a second chance story.
Faded Gray Lines brings you the story of Mateo and Leighton. Leighton finds herself in some serious trouble and calls her brother Brody for help. He tells her to get back to Houston as fast as he can and to basically wait and he will help her figure everything out. Brody then contacts Valentin Carrera and Mateo Cortes. Val sends Mateo to Houston to figure out what is going on and to help clean up whatever mess is going on.
The hurt, anger, frustration, secrets, betrayal, not knowing who to trust made this one of my top reads of this year. I couldn’t put the book down. I had to know what was going to happen, and who was holding all the cards.
If you are looking for a book that will keep you on your toes, scream at your kindle and want to throw it across the room all while having to grab a cold shower because the couple in this book are off the chart hot, Faded Gray lines is the book for you.
Ms. Kenborn is one of the most talented writers I have stumbled upon. Each book of hers that I have read, just gets better and better. The way that she is able to craft a story and the emotions that she is able to get from you for a character is nothing short of amazing. She makes you feel for her characters, makes you yearn for their happily ever after, or for the antagonist to get what is coming from you. I have never cheered so much for a bunch of fictional characters as I did for Leighton and Mateo. I can NOT wait until Book 3 comes out.
I would give this 10 stars if I could. Plot and story were fantastic, flowed extremely well. The character development was on point and I never felt that they were one dimensional. The dialogue was fantastic. Overall, definitely a top read for 2018 and I look forward to many more stories from this author.
Wow! What an amazing book!!! Once I started reading this hot suspenseful action packed book I couldn’t stop. My book hangover was definitely worth it. Faded Gray Lines is a standalone and can be read alone but I highly recommend reading Blurred Red Lines so you can understand the characters better.
Mateo is a tough hot hitman for the Carrera Cartel. He’s a dangerous man you don’t want to cross but he has one weakness that can bring him to his knees. She’s about to make an unexpected visit from the past that will change his life forever.
Leighton is a strong beautiful sassy young woman who seems to find trouble at every turn. When she comes face to face with a handsome man from her past will her life get more complicated?
Meteo and Leighton’s story is anything but easy but this chemistry and passion between them is undeniable. They have both been through a lot of twist and turns along the way. Can their love survive all the challenges that get in the way?
After reading the amazing Blurred Red Lines with Val and Eden I was excited to read Mateo’s story in Faded Gray Lines. I liked Leighton and Mateo’s story and felt like their chemistry and backstory was fiery and compelling!
Leighton and Mateo had an enjoyable story. I loved their connection and the fact that they had such a heated history. I loved how dominant and protective Mateo was. But there were times I was lost amongst all the secrets. I felt like there were so many hidden agendas and secrets that I was lost in the plot at times. My frustration level was also at an all time high at times as I felt that miscommunications and lies could have been cleared up much earlier in the plot.
All in all though, this was great and I look forward to Brody’s story. Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula
Wow I’m blown away this is book 2 but a complete standalone we have Mateo & leighton story! So twisted but holy crap I loved it. Leighton calls her brother when she gets into trouble but what she doesn’t plan is running back into a boy that rocked her world 4 years prior. Secrets always come out! Ahhh can’t wait to read Brody’s book!
AUDIO REVIEW
AUDIO
BOOK
I enjoyed the first book but I loved Mateo so I enjoyed this book. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Leighton in parts but I loved the twists and turns of the book.
I loved the audio, easy listen and I wanted to keep listening till was finished.
Faded Gray Lines is book 2 of the Carrara Cartel, although it could be read on it’s own, I think the series is best read in order. You won’t be totally lost, but you’ll miss the amazing story of Eden and Val.
Leighton, the sister to the not so clean DA we met in book 1, ends up in some trouble. Her brother is too late to save her because she’s approached by the other side and thinks she has no choice but to help them to keep her self safe. When she finally gets to her brother, she learns that he belongs to a world she once held a piece of in her heart.
Mateo, left hand to the big boss man, one of the trusted is put in charge of keeping an eye on a girl and to his surprise, she was his girl not too long ago.
Second chance love in the world of the cartel. We get snippets into Eden and Val’s world which has been turned upside down in a good way.
The narrators, Aaron Shedlock and Sarah Puckett did a phenomenal job, especially with accents and speaking Spanish.
Audio ARC provided by Pink Flamingo Productions and I decided to leave an honest review.
This book is edgy and very dark, it is still sexy and all the feels a good dark romance book should be. I really enjoyed it!