Red Lined (For Puck’s Sake Book 12) by Crea Reitan – review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 12, 2025

Maybe you can order love online…

Julian

I’ve spent a short lifetime learning that what people say they want is rarely what they actually want. What I hope for is a relationship where both of us feel comfortable together. I think I finally find what I’m looking for in a mail order bride.

Then he shows up. While I’m surprised, it doesn’t take long for me to understand that he’s everything I need and all I’ve ever wanted. But then he’s gone and I’m not sure what to do.

Arush

I make a deal with my father: The next time I return home, it’ll be with my husband. Otherwise, he’ll arrange my marriage. I agree because I’m sure that the man in the profile is perfect. I embark on a journey that takes me half way around the world to fall in love. Things don’t go as I hoped at first. Falling in love takes more time than I planned.

But then my sister is in a car accident and my father summons me back to India. Julian… he just lets me go. Now I’m bound to accept the man my father chooses for me.

This is a LGɃTQɪA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

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REVIEW: “Red Lined” is a great addition to the “For Puck’s Sake” series, exploring the intricacies of love, cultural expectations, and personal growth.

The story revolves around Julian and Arush, two characters navigating their desires against societal pressures and familial obligations.

Julian’s character was interesting, with his introspective nature, revealing a yearning for a genuine connection. His decision to seek a mail-order bride stems from a quest for comfort and understanding.

The way he grapples with emotions when Arush unexpectedly departs creates a compelling tension that drives the story forward. He’s an absolute sweetheart who I’d been curious about since “Final Breakaway”, so I’m really happy he got his story.

Despite his initial shock at not getting a mail order bride, rather a “male order one”, Julian takes it all in his stride and steps up. He does everything he can to make Arush feel comfortable. He learns to cook the dishes Arush likes and learns about his culture. Arush in turn throws himself into supporting Julian in his life (hockey) he learns all about it. These two were just so cute together. 🥰

But my heart just melts when Arush would wait at the door for Julian to come home “sigh”.

Arush, on the other hand, embarks on a journey that initially seems straightforward. His agreement to find a husband to thwart his father’s plans sets the stage for a cross cultural exploration of love. However, his experience emphasizes the complexity of falling in love, challenging initial assumptions and revealing the depth of emotions that develop over time.

The plot takes a poignant turn with the unexpected car accident involving Arush’s sister, leading to a heart wrenching choice between personal desires and familial duty. This emotional conflict adds depth to the storyline. Let me tell you, I was crying buckets!

Crea Reitan skillfully crafts a story filled with rich character development and vivid settings. The writing strikes a balance between humor, longing, and tension, making it a captivating read.

Overall, “Red Lined” is a heartfelt exploration of love’s complexities, cultural obligations, and the journey of self discovery. It resonates with anyone who has ever faced the challenge of balancing personal happiness with the expectations of family and society.

This is a low spice book, it focuses on emotional development rather than the bedroom activities, but because it’s such a beautiful story, I didn’t miss nor need those scenes.

This book is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance who appreciate layered storytelling and diverse perspectives.

After “Shiver”, this one has been one a favourite that I’m going to be reading again and again.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Shiver
Starting Line
Lucky Shot
The Crease
Wingman Score
Coach Stare Down
Stick Lessons
The Defending Goal
Just Winging It
Neutral Zone Trap
Final Breakaway

Copy supplied for review

🦋 Reviewed by Julie B

 

 

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

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