When my teammates drag me to a club for my 21st birthday, the last thing on my mind is meeting a new guy. I’m not the kind of girl who gets wrapped up in a stranger on a sweaty dance floor.Except, that’s exactly what happens.Only, the guy isn’t a stranger. He’s Jett Decker, the Olympic track star who has the entire campus buzzing with his transfer to our college. He may have given me his number, … have given me his number, but I won’t use it. I refuse to be distracted by silly things like explosive chemistry. I’ve got my own Olympic dreams to chase.
Turns out, whatever ignited on that dance floor can’t be put out by swimming laps.
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The story touched me on many levels. The drive to succeed, the drive to make family happy, and the loyalty all made Shay real, and I loved how she learned to do what was best. Jett was a wonderful character as he taught Shay to do more for herself. The chemistry between these two was hot and steamy. There were times I had tears in my eyes when their relationship almost derailed. I highly recommend this story. The narration by Stacey Glemboski brought life to these characters, and I enjoyed listening to her tell the tale.
I received a copy of the audiobook as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.
At first, I was hesitant to pick up this book. Most NA novels sometimes have more drama than I like.
But I couldn’t resist this cover or the blurb, and I’m so glad I took a chance!
Yes, there’s drama, but that drama is needed for the storyline, and it’s not over-the-top. It’s just the right amount.
Jett—oh, my goodness—is EVERYTHING. He’s strong. He doesn’t take sh– from anyone. He’s understanding. He knows what he wants, and he goes for it. He is perfect for Shay. He’s just plain perfect and I love, love, LOVE him!
**
“Is this when I’m supposed to ask you about other girls? Because I don’t really think that’s my place.” I try to ask in a light tone, teasing, but the thing is, I really do want to know the answer.
“Why not?”
Really liked Shay and Jett.
Their story is fast paced and a total insta-love.
Everything with them happens is fast and together they are flipping explosive! I couldn’t get enough of them each and every time I came back to this book. I do wish the author had slowed the pace down just a touch so we could bask in their connection but, they are so damn good!
I didn’t really connect with Shay’s twin sister, Kick, she came across as shallow and very self-involved.
The stories conflict was one I saw from a mile away and it got me annoyed that Shay didn’t just put a stop to it immediately but, had she done that we’d have a shorter story.
I enjoyed Ali Dean’s writing it was entertaining and enjoyable. I cannot wait to read Kick’s book, to see her shine, grow and maybe finally connect to her, she’s got a lot of potential.
In the water she feels free away from everything and everyone. She has so much pressure and choices she must make. Then she meets him and get more problems. What is she going to do? What will she choose? Follow her journey and see where it will take her
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Engaging, New Adult, woman-power, sports romance
Shay Spark is a scholarship, competitive swimmer on a university team in the midst of her junior year, and she has Olympic potential. She spends over 20 hours a week swimming, and the title refers to the lines painted on the bottom of the pool delineating competitive lanes that she spends most of her life staring at. Shay has set school records for multiple events, the 100- and 200-yard butterfly in particular. Her goal for the year is to win an individual national championship.
Shay’s fraternal-twin sister, Lydia, nicknamed Kick, has a great deal of athletic potential as well. She is on the same swim team as Shay, but she doesn’t have the same fire in her belly for swimming that Shay does. Kick is not swimming at her full potential both because she thinks she can never truly measure up to Shay no matter how hard she tries, but mainly because Kick is too rebellious to be as dedicated and self-disciplined as Shay.
While Shay’s father is kind to her and supportive of Shay’s swimming, her mother is harshly critical and demanding of Shay. She is a highly successful business executive who wants Shay, who is an A-student, to follow in her footsteps. In that regard, Shay is working on a double major of math and business. Even though everyone else in her life believes in Shay as an athlete, her mother sees competitive swimming as merely a temporary sideline to the really important things in life. She wants Shay to get a prestigious internship in a big city during the coming summer as a vital step toward ultimately achieving a high-paying corporate management career. Shay can understand her mother’s motivation, but Shay knows if she takes the internship route, she will have little time to swim and will get out of shape. Instead, Shay wants to keep training with her outstanding university coach over the summer to improve her Olympic chances during or after her senior year. Unfortunately, because her mother’s oft-repeated, rigorous opinions strike her on a primordial level, they cause Shay to doubt her own passionate desire to make swimming a post-BS-degree, professional goal.
On her 21st birthday, Shay meets Jett Decker, a fellow university student. He is not only a “big man on campus” as a major track star, his local fame has expanded nationally because he has won a silver medal at the Olympics. Jett immediately makes his strong interest in Shay apparent, and before long Shay and Jett are seeing each other exclusively.
Between her commitment to swimming, keeping up her schoolwork, exploring her feelings for Jett, and worrying about Kick, whose self-destructive tendencies with men and booze seem to be spinning out of control, worries about whether her future career should be business or swimming becomes a heavy burden for Shay to bear, to the point that it begins to affect her performance as an athlete.
This New Adult novel, with a strong, capable, intelligent, elite-athlete heroine, is simultaneously a romance novel, a coming-of-age story, and classic women’s fiction.
Shay’s love interest, Jett, is not a typical New Adult romance hero–and thank goodness for that. The vast majority of NA heroes drink like fish and are promiscuous up until they meet the heroine. Jett does not drink or do drugs and he has no problem, before or after connecting with Shay, fending off the advances of the many women who throw themselves at him as a gorgeous, ripped, successful athlete. He also is what is known in the romance genre as a “multicultural” hero who has “light brown skin.” His father is mixed race in that Jett’s paternal grandparents consist of a white grandfather and a black grandmother. Jett’s mother is Puerto Rican. This unincorporated, island territory of the U.S. has an intriguing gene pool which is a mix, across its 400-year history, of Europeans primarily from Spain, Africans (originally brought in, as in the continental U.S., as slaves), and the Taino, who were indigenous aboriginal inhabitants found throughout the Caribbean islands.
What is typical, and expected in the romance genre, is that Jett has a strong, assertive personality. But beyond that basic requirement, there is the added positive extra that Jett is secure enough in his masculinity to respect and support Shay’s strength. Though we occasionally experience Jett’s point of view in this novel, the main point of view through 90% of the book is Shay. The one drawback about the romance, at least for some romance fans, is that this is essentially an “instalove” type of romance.
The core relationship in the novel, which is central to Shay’s coming-of-age growth arc, is her relationship with her powerful, intense mother. Even though, in terms of the on-stage presence of her mother, there are not many actual pages of the novel portraying this crucial relationship, those scenes make a big impact to Shay’s story.
In the tradition of women’s fiction, Shay also has three other important female relationships: her sister, her maternal aunt Coco who is only 14 years older than Shay, and her close friend, roommate and fellow member of the swim team, Beatrice. I enjoyed very much reading about these relationships.
As is the case in all of Ali Dean’s sports-themed novels, the descriptions she offers of athletic training and competitions are extremely authentic and so well written they are riveting to read. I’m a big fan of novels about talented, dedicated female athletes, and Ali Dean writes some of the very best.
In a refreshing change from the incessant, graphic, and often crude sex scenes in most NA romance novels, though Shay and Jett, naturally enough, as adults, have a sexual relationship, their lovemaking scenes are not at all graphic. In fact, there is very little description beyond the undressing and kissing phases of their sexual encounters, and their physical relationship is always tender as well as passionate.
I am happy to report that there is very little swearing in this book, which is a pleasant change from the incessant F-bombs in most NA novels.
The one familiar trope that is so much a part of NA, college-setting romances that is frequently found in this novel are multiple scenes of drunken parties. Fortunately, the drunkenness occurs primarily among subcharacters, and only occasionally is participated in by Shay.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 4 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Setting: 4 stars
Romance Plot: 4 stars
Woman-Power Sports Plot: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
I am a huge fan of audiobooks, so when I had a chance to listen to a new-to-me author, Ali Dean, I jumped at the chance. The Line below is a sports romance between swimmer Shay and track star Jett, both with Olympic aspirations. Their attraction is instant, but with so much going on in each of their lives, do they have a chance to see what they can have together?
Shay and Jett quickly find a rhythm together. Shay is the good girl who follows the rules. She is determined and smart. Jett is strong, resolute, cocky and caring. They hit it off immediately, but nothing ever comes easy! Their journey is full of angst and drama as they find their way together.
Stacey Glemboski did an amazing job brining this story to life. The Line Below was a sports romance with all the feels, angsty, and lots of chemistry!
Happy reading!
This is my first time I’ve read book by Ali Dean. I’m so happy that she gave me a chance to read “The Line Below”. I love the book because New Adult and Sports Romance are my favourite genre of books. Trough this book I’ve learn few things about swimming and that is great. Shay and Jett are a such great couple. I can’t wait to read the next book about Kick !
Shay is a college swimmer who dreams of making it to the Olympics. Jett is a track star who has already has a medal in the Olympic games.
Shay is always so sure of herself in the pool, but outside it is a different story. Jett know what the wants and will stop at nothing to get it.
I loved Shay’s story. She had a lot on her plate, and she was trying to appease everyone. Her journey was that of love and finding her true self.
So why only 3 stars? I felt like the connection between Jett and Shay was lacking. The story has them together a lot, but I just didn’t believe the chemistry. I honestly felt like this was a story solely about Shay and Jett was just along for the ride. It was almost like he was just another one of her really good friends.
I still really enjoyed the story line and am dying to to know more about Kick. I am super excited about her book.
-A copy of this book was generously provided by the author.-
4 1/2 Stars!
I have been meaning to read a book by Ali Dean but for some reason I never got around to it until this one. This was a good read and I will definitely pick up more books by this author.
Shay and Kick are sisters. They are both swimmers. Shay is the one that always tows the line. She’s a great character. She meets Jett. Jett is a huge track star. They have great chemistry. Their relationship starts off strong and fast. Nothing felt off about these two. They are perfect for each other. Of course there are several bumps in the road for them to overcome. I really liked her sister Kick too and I’m hoping she gets a book next.
I was given a copy of “The Line Below” by Ali Dean in exchange for my honest review, and here it is. Let me tell you this is a sport romance, but not what your use to reading. It was nice and refreshing to read that the main female character Shay is the star athlete going for the Olympic swim team that falls for another Olympic track star Jett. The love story between Shay and Jett is hot right of the start and only grows with every challenge they must face together. Theirs a few twists and turns but at the end they find their HEA. If you love sport romance this one is for you.
A well written book with an interesting story line. The characters are strong and the story flows quickly and smoothly. I enjoyed reading this story.
Just ok. It’s hard to like a book when you don’t like a main character.
Shay is a college swimmer at the top of her game. She’s breaking all kinds of records but is bummed that she just can’t make the Olympic team. I like that she is totally focused and comfortable with who she is. Jett is an Olympic track star at the same college. He creeped me out. He sees Shay at a club, dances with her, slips her his number and then leaves. So, okay, he’s cocky, whatever. But when they meet up a week later he instantly says she is his, it’s serious, and that’s that. It was very creepy. I didn’t know if this was going to be some kind of obsession-type story or what. Then it’s revealed he is half black so then I wondered if it was an interracial relationship issue kind of story. I couldn’t figure it out. It was both and neither at the same time. Either way it was just… meh.
I just couldn’t connect with either character or their insta-love. I didn’t really feel their chemistry at all. Shay’s sister is kinda cool, slutty but still cool. About halfway through the book she has kind of a meltdown which is only touched on but we never find out what’s up or what happened to cause it. Frustrating.
Again, just okay for me.
(I received this complimentary copy from Hidden Gems)
I listened to the audible version. Stacey Glemboski performed different voices for different characters well and I liked her narration.
For the story, I appreciated that The Line Below wasn’t entirely a typical relationship misunderstanding drama. I liked how the racial differences were introduced. If the difference in skin color was even mentioned when they initially met, I didn’t notice it. It was a non-issue for the main characters and was only brought up later in the relationship as they interacted with others. The issues themselves seemed stereotypical, but it’s not something that I have first-hand experience with to compare to. Overall I liked the story and would be interested in reading more by Ali Dean.
#AudiobookObsession
Shay, this is a story of her obsession about being the best for collegiate swimming and training for the Olympics. The perfect daughter who wants to please her parents , but at what cost to herself? It’s about her insecurities regarding her relationship, with her boyfriend, Is he with her for the right reasons? or is this concerning something else? it’s about what she really wants to do, but will her parents be disappointed with her plans?
Jett is confident in himself, he knows what he wants when he see it. But can he assure Shay, that he’s with her for the right reasons?
Julian who wants to continue his relationship with Shay , can he win her back?
Kick, has problems of her own. Does her insecurities regarding her sister tear them apart? Shay always thought her sister had it all put together. Why would she be jealous of her?
This is a story of truths, lies, insecurities and finding confidence. its about Shay finally standing up for herself and having the confidence of what matters most in her life.
Ali Dean explores the struggles and commitments to become a collegiate athlete! Showing Shay at her strongest, weakest and most vunerable. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Stacey Glemboski is phenomenal in her narration. Her voices and personalities for each character were spot on! Her ability to transition from one character to the other is flawless. #audiobookobsessionreviewr.
I was excited to read this particular romance book because my son was a competitive swimmer for over a decade, and swimming was our life. For that time, we thought he would swim in college, but he decided to forgo it. However, as we see with Shay, college swimming is its own beast, one my son didn’t want any part of. When teased with the blurb of this book, I knew I had to read it as very few romances are set in this world, and the swimming world is rife with romance.
This book is a love story between Shay, a successful, award-winning swimmer, and Jett, an Olympic silver medalist track and field star. They are both college students, seeking “more” from their sport while pursuing their educations. Jett sees Shay on campus and again at a club where she is celebrating her 21st birthday, and he falls for her. He pursues her, is forward and honest with her, and they begin a relationship fairly quickly. It’s easy when it’s just the two of them. Unfortunately, outside forces threaten to derail their relationship. Will they survive it?
I’d love to say that this story is a love story between Jett and Shay. Yet, the primary love story is a love story between Shay and swimming. Jett and Shay’s relationship is fairly “cut and dry.” It’s Shay’s struggle with accepting her want to pursue professional swimming beyond college that is the crux of this story. At the beginning of the story, she barely misses out on making the Olympic team, and this failure haunts her. Even more, swimming is her first love. There is very little else that she would give up for swimming. As such, she wants to make it a career, but parental expectations keep her from admitting her “true love.” It is Jett who inspires her to consider the decision. I don’t want to tell you what she chooses, but this is a romance with a HEA.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. Both Shay and Jett are likable, and their love is fairly easy. Yes, there is some strife and a little bit of romantic suspense in this story, but it will make you feel good in the end. I’m looking forward to reading Shay’s sister’s story in the next book in this series.
Ali Dean the author and Stacey Glemboski narrator are both new to me, and have to say I enjoyed both.
This is a New Adult college sports romance with strong characters that have a competitive edge. In addition to a few twists and turns along the way made for a interesting storyline.
Reviewed for Audiobook Obsession
I’m not normally into sports romances, but I really enjoyed this book.
I liked Jett a lot, he was protective, without being an overbearing alpha. Shay on the other hand either needed to grow a backbone or if she actually had one needed to stop letting everyone else speak for her. It absolutely drove me crazy that she let her sister talk her into doing whatever she wanted like Shay didn’t have opinions and a mind of her own. And don’t get me started on the sister. I was happy when Shay finally decided to figure her stuff out on her own instead of letting anyone else dictate her life for her.
Both Jett & Shay are on college sports teams. Jett runs track and has already medalled in the olympics, while Shay is a swimmer who didn’t qualify at the olympic trials. They meet for the first time at Shay and her twins birthday party at a club. Jett dances with her, gives her his number, and disappears hoping she will call. They meet again a week later outside of a concert and the relationship takes off from there. Along the way they deal with Shay’s ex friends with benefits, Jett’s friend & sisters dislike of Shay being too much like his ex, Shay’s insecurities about their relationship, etc.
#AudiobookObsession
AudiobookObsession
Great NA Sports Romance! Great Audible Listen
The Line Below
By: Ali Dean
Narrated by: Stacey Glemboski
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it is original and well written. It grabbed my attention right from the start and held it to the very end. The storylines and characters are interesting and well developed. I adored Shay and her twin sister Lydia, aka Kick. I thought they had a great relationship and while they are close they are still coming in to their own and learning what they want in life. I thought it was great they had their own personalities. While there was sibling rivalry it did not stop them from looking out for each other. Also love the poem Kick wrote for Shay and what it meant to Shay. While out partying for their 21st Birthday a tall dark hunk of a man heads her way and asks her to dance. After their hot dance he gives her his number and leaves. Kick informs her who he was, Jett Decker, Olympic medalist in track. I really liked Jett, he was a nice guy who has his act together. Shay had a causal relationship with Julian Reed, another swimmer whom she had known for years. As soon as Shay shows interest in another guy he decides he wants to make more of their relationship. A lot of things go down, there is lots of drama, a bit of angst, some twists, suspense and some nice romance. I felt bad for Shay’s insecurities and pressure from her parents but Shay is smart and has a good head on her shoulders and knows the choices she needs to make. I am looking forward to Kick’s story and I hope to hear more about Shay too. Ali Dean, thank you for this great story, I loved that the storylines were a perfect balance of sports and romance, as well as new adult, showing some of the challenges & emotions they face.
I listened to the Audible edition, Stacey Glemboski is a wonderful narrator and voice performer. She brings the characters to life, gives each their own voice and personality. Her performance reflects the emotions of the characters and she adds a nice dramatic flair in all the right places which enhances the story another level. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Stacey Glemboski, thank you for this great listen.
As a former competitive swimmer (though not nearly on the same level as the Spark sisters), reading The Line Below was refreshing, exhilarating, and nostalgic for me. I could smell the chlorine and feel the tension and action of every meet and practice. Ali Dean dis a superb job of describing every detail of what it’s like to compete as a swimmer and I really enjoyed the fact that the sport and the romance held almost equal weight in the story. I also loved that the male lead, Jet, is a POC and that the issues that can come with an interracial relationship were addressed from both sides, but they did not overshadow the plot. I also really enjoyed the added level of suspense and tension we get from Shay’s “ex.” Overall, this was a very good book with many layers and it kept me engaged from beginning to end. In fact, I finished the audiobook in one sitting! 4 out of 5 wine glasses.
Captivating sports, filled with emotions and drama romance story. Strong characters. It is well-written, I enjoyed reading. It was a pleasure to review.